30 Awesome Things To Do In Kenosha

1. The Mars Cheese Castle Is Legendary

This eye-popping joint is just like it sounds: a castle-style building filled with cheese and cheese products like the locally famous cheese curds. You can also pick up sausages, various sundries and even a variety of gifts such as the popular Wisconsin cheese head hats. Do yourself a huge favor and try the jalapeno cheese curds, they are are a unique, spicy treat.

2. It Has Its Very Own Jurassic Park…

…Minus the constant threat of ending up a dino’s dinner, of course. The Dinosaur Discovery Museum, which focuses exclusively on the link between birds and meat-eating dinosaurs, has an on-site paleontology laboratory operated through the Carthage College Institute of Paleontology. It’s a good time 65 million years in the making.

3. It’s The Wurst! And That’s A Good Thing

The Brat Stop has been the destination for brat lovers for many decades. Also a transit hub, this outpost serves as an inter-city bus stop for those traveling between Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. So grab a bite before your flight.

4. History Comes Alive In Kenosha

Sure to thrill any history buff, the Civil War Museum hosts live reenactments but with the added twist of being from the often overlooked Midwestern perspective. Performed from personal stories and narrative texts, the theater program provides tons of entertainment while educating. There are also displays, special exhibitions and enough additional programming to satisfy any history lover.

5. Fun With Fossils

When you’re done taking in Civil War history, head across the street to the Kenosha Public Museum. This free museum houses the largest, most complete Mammoth skeleton found in North America—which was discovered right here in Kenosha County. When it comes to fossils, everything is bigger in Wisconsin. Take that Texas.

6. In An Italian-Dominated Town Tenuta’s Delicatessen Is Boss

Just thinking of this this well-trafficked salumeria will make your mouth water. With an array of Italian deli offerings, high-quality Italian grocery items and a remarkable selection of pastries, candy, cigars, and even empty cigar boxes, it’s a one stop shop for all your old world needs. Tenuta’s homemade meatball hero with provolone cheese is the bomb!

7. It’s A Total Drag… Race, That Is

Get all revved up for the Great Lakes Dragaway, which has the distinction of being the the oldest continuously operating drag racing facility in the world. Get fast and furious at their Real Street Drags event night or kick it into overgear with their Nitrous Street Brawl classes.

8. The Iced Anise Cookies At Paielli’s Are Like Snack Crack

This family-run Italian bakery has been in operation since 1925. The retail store serves local residents while regional and national wholesale is the business’s bread and butter. Paielli’s deliciously dense iced anise cookies are hands-down the best around, and once you start popping these flavorful treats, it’s hard to stop.

9. Get Petrified At The Petrifying Springs Park

Bordering the Pike River, this popular park lies on the northwest edge of the city and boasts over 10 miles of wooded trails along with an 18-hole golf course. The 360-acre park isn’t actually petrified, but the lime residue that emerges after rainfalls was once thought to be petrified rock. Oh and it’s probably haunted. Rumor has it that it’s the site of an ancient Native American burial ground and visitors have claimed to see spectral visitors. Spooky!

10. It’s Where Stars Are Born

Think Kenosha is the furthest thing from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, think again because this Wisconsin city is responsible for producing plenty of of A-listers. “Citizen Kane” was released in 1941, “Happy Days” dominated the small screen in the 1970s, “Hill Street Blues” redefined TV drama in the 1980s, and “The Avengers” hit the big screen in 2012. All of these starred recognizable celebs from Kenosha, including Mark Ruffalo, Daniel J. Travanti, Al Molinaro, and, of course, the late, great Orson Welles.

11. Happy Trails—Bicycling In Kenosha Is A Breeze

Forget four wheels, the best way to take in the beauty of Kenosha and the surrounding area is on two. Running from the Illinois state line to the south end of city proper, the Kenosha County Bike Trail continues due north and picks up again near 35th Street. It then continues onto the County Bike Trail that leads directly to the Racine County line, and offers great views of the country, critters and communities in the area.

12. Have The Best Breakfast Of Your Life At Frank’s Diner

The oldest continuously operating lunch car diner in the U.S., Franks Diner is also a registered historical landmark. Definitely try Frank’s famous (or is that infamous?) “Garbage Plate” with ham, sausage, hash browns, eggs, onions, green peppers, jalapeños, and American cheese. Yummo!

13. It’s A Bright Beacon On The Great Lakes

Lighthouse lovers ahoy! Step back in time at the Southport Light Station Museum, located on Simmons Island. This restored lighthouse was first constructed in 1866 and stands 55 feet tall. It served as a navigation tower until 1906, when Pierhead Lighthouse replaced it. Today visitors can take in a panoramic view of the Lake Michigan shoreline from its top floor, explore exhibits about local shipwrecks and learn all about the light keeper lifestyle.

14. Spoil Your Dinner At The Jelly Belly Visitors Center

Life in sweeter in Kenosha thanks to this popular destination. The Jelly Belly Visitors Center offers daily tours of the candy factory, complete with a free ride on the Jelly Belly Express, an indoor train that loops around the warehouse. Visitors come away with free samples of the sweet confections, too.

15. Make Tracks At Washington Park Velodrome

Washington Park includes the oldest operating velodrome in the United States (circa 1927) and the Kenosha Velodrome Association regularly sponsors American Track Cycling sanctioned races. For those looking to get in on the action, join in on the fun each Monday when the track opens up to riders who want to learn to ride the velodrome.

16. Andrea’s Will Smoke You Out

In 2011 Andrea’s gift shop celebrated it’s 100th year of operation—and with good reason. Andrea’s is Kenosha’s quintessential mom and pop shop. Quaint, crafty merchandise, including one-of-a kind handmade gifts and hand-blown glass Christmas ornaments, are augmented by Jack’s Cafe, a soda fountain and luncheonette serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Perhaps best of all, Andrea’s is also widely known for the large variety of cigars in its very well stocked walk-in humidor.

17. Why Rent A Tux When You Can Have The Cow For Free?

OK yeah, that’s one heck of a mixed metaphor but when it comes to Mike Bjorn’s Fine Clothing and Museum only a mixed metaphor will do. An institution in downtown Kenosha, Bjorn’s shop is bursting full of new and used formal and novelty wear at cut-rate prices. Clientele includes folks looking for formal garb for weddings and proms as well as musical groups seeking kool-kat costumes.

18. European Marketplace, Midwestern-Style

Get a taste of the old world at Kenosha’s Harbor Market. This open-air farmers market takes place on the lakefront during the summer months. Over 120 vendors peddle their locally sourced products, including meats, cheeses, artisan baked goods, arts and crafts, and prepared foods. Live entertainment and chef demos are on order as well.

19. It’s A Winter Playland

In other parts of the country a snowstorm is a reason to stay home, but in Kenosha there is just too much fun to be had when the world turns white and sparkly! Winter sports are, of course, popular in a city where temperatures begin to drop in October and reach record lows during the winter months. Head to nearby Wilmot Mountain to get your ski, tube or snowboard on and then end the night at the Lodge Bar to warm up with a few “Shot Skis.”

20. There Are Plenty Of Fish In The… Lake

When the weather warms up in Kenosha it’s time to head to the lake. The Kenosha Charter Boat Association offers individual and group trips for salmon and trout fishing. Spearing fish (by handheld spear or spear gun) is also sport in Kenosha. “Rough fish” (less desirable than anglers) such as white bass, striped yellow bass, rock bass, crappie, bluegill, perch, sunfish, and bullheads are all fair game during spearing season.

21. It’s A Premium Shopping Mecca

If you prefer indoor sports, ah, I mean competitive discount shopping, then Kenosha’s Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets will become your playground. Composed of 90 designer and name brand stores, this massive outdoor mall provides shoppers with 25–65 percent discounts every day.

22. Exploring Historical Downtown K-Town Makes For A Great Day

Formerly a bustling center of manufacturing, Kenosha was home to American Motors Company, Jockey International, and many other original brands. But the city has undergone a massive makeover and downtown is now home to a variety of small mom and pop storefront businesses, eateries, cafes, spas, and a host of historical sites and museums. The “new” downtown Kenosha is a case study of social progress and commercial revitalization and is packed with fun ways to enjoy the day.

23. Kenosha Does Public Transit With Class And Sass

When you’re cruising around the “new” downtown, hop aboard the Kenosha Electric Railway Streetcar. These highly popular trolleys connect all of Harbor Park and other parts of the downtown area. Being able to get around by public transport in a suburban city with a dominating car culture is both convenient and refreshing.

24. Soak In Some Culture At The Kemper Center

Once a girl’s boarding school with the motto of “Fight the Good Fight,” the Kemper Center is a rich artistic and historical resource for local residents and visitors alike. Sitting on the grounds of a 17-acre county park overlooking Lake Michigan, Kemper Center features a conference center, a historic chapel, a Civil War-era mansion, and a fine art gallery. It’s also a gorgeous place to get hitched!

25. Channel Your Inner Tree Hugger

Want to commune with nature? There’s no prettier place than Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum. This gorgeous preserve sits on 40 acres and provides all-ages an environmental education. The site also has two miles of trails and boasts picturesque prairies, gardens, and a meadow, all bordering on the Pike River Valley. Be sure to keep an eye out for local birds and critters.

26. It’s A Great Place To Expand Your Mind

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is a dynamic, diverse educational destination. Parkside is also a vital part of the broader Kenosha community—with a foreign film series, staged readings by the theater department, and is a sponsor of the Adventures in Lifelong Learning (ALL) group for seniors and their friends.

27. Kenosha Knows How To Throw A Summer Festival

Nearly 30,000 people attend Kenosha’s Taste of Wisconsin festival every year, and with good reason. The Lake Michigan shore is transformed into a celebration of all things tasty in the state. You’ll be hard pressed not to over-indulge in the massive variety of tasty local food and drinks while you take in the dozens of musical guests. On second thought, go for it! After all, what else is a festival for?

28. Get The Best Brain Freeze Of Your Life At Scoops

Located inside the historic Orpheum Theatre, Scoops Ice Cream & Candy is so delicious Kenoshans have voted it “Best Ice Cream in Kenosha County” three years running. But really, how good could it be? Let’s put it this way, Scoops is so tempting it’s going to give your sweet tooth a sweet tooth.

29. Make It A Deluxe At The Spot Drive-In

Waitrons take orders and serve you grub at your car window. What could possibly be more convenient? The classic cheeseburger and fries is a great accompaniment to a frosty mug of The Spot’s very own homemade root beer.

30. End Your Day At Sazzy B

After a long day of exploring everything Kenosha has to offer, put the cherry on top with a meal and a cocktail (or three) at Sazzy B. This self-described sassy and jazzy (I see what they did there) restaurant and bar features gourmet food and top-shelf cocktails all in a bistro setting. And there’s live music four nights a week. It’s also a great spot for weekend brunch. The Orange Rosemary French Toast is fantastic and the Bloody Mary’s are killer.