25 Things To Do In Kenosha, Wisconsin This Summer

Kenosha is a Wisconsin Harbor Town, an urban downtown, and a rural countryside in one destination in the far southeast corner of the state. We welcome you to explore Kenosha County from coast to coast — from our Great Lake to many inland lakes. 

Did you know that nearly 90 percent of Kenosha County’s shore is publicly accessible with beaches, parks, bike paths, marinas, and festival places? There are numerous on-the-water and on-the-land activities to enjoy at the lake. Further from the lake, there is an award-winning renaissance fair that’s open nine weekends each summer. As well as ziplining, fishing, car racing, and more to enjoy!

Here are 25 things to put on your must-experience list when you visit Kenosha this summer:

1. Enjoy the sunrise over Lake Michigan.

2. Stroll through Sculpture Walk – HarborPark to see 10 sculptures up close and personal – plus even more works of art.

3. Rent duck-themed pedal boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards to use in the harbor from the Kenosha Community Sailing Center.

4. Catch your lunch from Lake Michigan. Book an outing with the Kenosha Charter Boat Association> There are many inland lakes to fish at as well.

5. Catch a baseball game at the historic Simmons Field - root for the Kenosha Kingfish.

6. Climb a lighthouse and tour a maritime museum at the Southport Light Station Museum.

7. Enjoy an excursion on Lake Michigan with Sail Away Charters.

8. Have your own kayak? Use the Lake Michigan Water Trail or Fox River Water Trail.

9. Relax on a beach! There are five FREE beaches along Lake Michigan in Kenosha – including one on Simmons Island!

10. “See the elephant” as a 360-degree movie puts you in the middle of the Civil War at The Civil War Museum. Stop next door to see a towering mammoth at the Kenosha Public Museum.

11. All aboard! Ride an authentic Electric Streetcar through Downtown Kenosha and along the harbor.        

12. Enjoy a pedal bike party with Lakeshore Pedal Tours.

13. Experience what’s Made in Kenosha. See cars on display from a 108-year history of automobile manufacturing and engine assembly in Kenosha at the Kenosha History Center.

14. Bring your bicycles! There are more than 150 miles of dedicated bike lanes and signed routes in Kenosha County. Learn More>

15. Soar among the trees at an aerial adventure park – Boundless Adventures. Axe throwing is also available here!

16. Go back a few centuries at the immersive Bristol Renaissance Faire.

17. Get your 10,000 steps in at a nature sanctuary, state recreation area, or park.

18. Reach for the stars! Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum has the largest public-serving telescope in southeastern Wisconsin. Various programs are held here.

19. Head to the car races! Wilmot Raceway is a 3/8-mile clay, semi-banked oval.

20. Watch bicycle races at the oldest operating velodrome in the country – the Washington Park Velodrome.

21. Bring your golf clubs to spend the morning at Brighton Dale Links, Petrifying Springs Golf Course, or Washington Park Municipal Golf Course. View Golf Courses>

22. We have more than one disc golf course here as well! Learn More>

23. You’ll find fresh produce, prepared foods, live music, and more at Kenosha Public Market and Kenosha HarborMarket on Saturdays. 

24. Enjoy a free outdoor concert in a park. It’s a tradition here. At least eight concert series take place across Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings!

25. You can’t go home without some cheese curds and other cheese staples! Stop at Mars Cheese Castle, Brat Stop, or Tenuta’s Delicatessen.