History & Museums

Kenosha is a community rich with history and culture.

Four Historic Districts:

The Library Park, Third Avenue, and Civic Center historic districts are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while Pearl Street is listed as a locally designated historic district. 

Five Museums:

Within a one-mile radius in Downtown Kenosha, near the Lake Michigan shore, sit five museums to educate, entertain, and inspire residents and visitors. Did you know The Civil War Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, and Kenosha Public Museum are Smithsonian Institution Affiliates? Or that the Kenosha History Center preserves Kenosha’s automotive and industrial heritage? Did you know there is a seasonal maritime museum here in Kenosha? It’s called the Southport Light Station Museum.

Historic Venues:

Whether you’re cheering at baseball games at Historic Simmons Field, which was built in 1920, or at bicycle races at the Washington Park Velodrome, which was built in 1927, you’ll get a feel for the pride that Kenosha takes in preserving its history. Enjoy community theatre at Rhode Center for the Arts – the opera house was originally built in 1891, while the current building was constructed in 1927. And then there’s Franks Diner: six horses pulled the eatery to its current location in 1926. It's the oldest continuously operating lunch car diner in the U.S.

There are many more historic buildings to visit as well.

 

In an extra nod to nostalgia, ride aboard an authentic Electric Streetcar or the seasonal Lakefront Trolley.

the story behind
Our Wallace Fountain

the story behind
Our Civil War Museum

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Arts & Culture

Celebrating Kenosha’s Museums

  • 5 minute read

In honor of International Museum Day (May 18), I share with you information about Kenosha’s...

Arts & Culture

Tourism Week Free Days May 7-13

  • 2 minute read

Who wants something FREE??? Visit Kenosha and some of its partners are offering Tourism Week Free...

Family-Friendly

Plan Spring Break in Kenosha

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Where are you going for Spring Break? If your answer is Kenosha, then let’s get the party...

Arts & Culture

Giving Tuesday

  • 2 minute read

The National Day of Giving takes place the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. Please consider...

Downtown Kenosha

I Spy Fun at Kenosha’s Museums

  • 3 minute read

Kenosha has not one, not two, but FIVE museums that are fun and informative for all ages. Three...

Lakefront

Seven Styles of R&R in Kenosha

  • 3 minute read

Looking for some good ole relaxation time while in Kenosha? There are countless ways to make...

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Historical Tours in Kenosha

  • 3 minute read

There is an abundance of history to be appreciated in the Kenosha Area. Anyone interested in...

About Kenosha

Our Lake Michigan shoreline is one of our most popular features, with...

History

An early group of Native Americans originally named Kenosha, Wisconsin...

Our Communities

Kenosha County encompasses the City of Kenosha along with 11 villages...