Kenosha, Wisconsin has a rich history and they’ve showcased it in the best ways possible. They have a large variety of museums for history lovers to enjoy and ways for individuals and families to learn about the past years of Kenosha. Check out some of the highlights.
Thanks to the Kenosha Convention & Visitors Bureau for hosting us on our visit to Kenosha and the museums. All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic and our own. For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab.
Climb the Southport Lighthouse
Cross the bridge from downtown Kenosha to Simmons Island and visit the Southport Lighthouse & Museum. The Museum is always free and has great displays not only about the renovation of the lighthouse keepers house (the museum), but also the lighthouse itself, how it works, and the stories of many shipwrecks in Lake Michigan. The displays are fantastic and the museum volunteers are a wealth of knowledge.
Once you’ve made your way through the museum, pay the small fee, and learn about the history of the lighthouse itself, plus receive some lighthouse education from the tour guide. Then, climb to the top of the Southport Lighthouse. The views from the top are worth it! You can see so much of Kenosha as well as Lake Michigan. Make sure to take your time and take it all in!
Explore the Kenosha Public Museum
I didn’t know what to expect before heading into the Kenosha Public Museum, but I’ll be honest that I anticipated a few displays about the history of Kenosha and people we knew nothing about. Boy was I wrong?! This place is pretty dang cool. The Kenosha Public Museum features various displays about the animals, early settlers, and more!
The highlight of the museum is definitely the Mammoth display. Back in 1992 and 1994, the remains of Mammoths were discovered in Kenosha County! Learn about their excavation along with how their age has been determined (and how old they really are)! See the remains up close and enjoy all the exhibits surrounding them.
The Museum also features several rooms on display of art! You can simply admire it, or purchase it! Along with the animals from the area, you can learn about the early settlers of the area and how the lake impacted them! Did I mention that the museum is FREE?! You can’t beat that!
Step Back in Time at the Civil War Museum
Most people know that I am a closet history nerd, especially American History, so the Civil War Museum was an instant “must” on my list and I wasn’t disappointed. For less than $10 per person, the Civil War Museum not only includes what seems like endless displays, but also a movie in the round.
“Seeing the Elephant” is a 360 degree movie that tells the viewers about the soldiers of the Kenosha area, what they experienced, and how it impacted them. The movie is great and viewing in the 360 degree experience definitely adds something unique to it.
The displays depict so much of the Civil War, including soldier life, the impact of racism on the area and our country, along with the after affects of the war on soldiers even after the fighting was over.
We spent a considerable amount of time at the museum making sure we saw every square inch of it. T and I commented frequently that we thought it was an unreal museum. We were blown away to find this quality of museum in Kenosha, WI.
Ride the Electric Streetcar
The history of Electric Streetcars date back to 1903 and since 2000, they have been home in the Kenosha. This community features seven of the 1951 cars! For only $1, jump on board for a ride! The streetcars make a 2 mile loop from the harbor to the Metra Station through downtown and back to the harbor.
The ride is so pleasurable that we stayed on it for two “rounds”! You can see a great amount of the city and it’s a great way to rest your legs.
Head to the Kenosha History Center
The final stop on your historical trip through Kenosha should be the Kenosha History Center. This museum focuses on the history of Kenosha itself, the people, and industries of the area. It’s got great displays showcasing all of these things, but our favorite is definitely the Rambler Gallery.
This display represents the history of AMC (American Motors Corporation) and impact of them and the Rambler to the Kenosha area! T definitely enjoyed reminiscing about his friends that had Rambler’s “back in the day”. The cars are showcased so well. They also do a great job of featuring the importance of AMC in the area.
This free museum is definitely worth a stop!
History Abounds in Kenosha
When planning your trip to Kenosha, don’t miss out on these great historical stops! You’ll learn a lot about the area, but also the Midwest as well!
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Looks like a great place to visit with a lot of great activities to enjoy. Thanks for sharing a new to me place!
It is a great place! We loved it!!!