If you are looking for an easy day trip or weekend trip, look no further than Kenosha, Wisconsin. Believe me, there’s more to the area than the outlets and the Jelly Belly Warehouse (although those are fun, too!) Here are 10 reasons to convince you to visit our friendly neighbor to the north.
Avoid the question, “Are we there yet?”
Kenosha is conveniently located right over the Illinois/Wisconsin border. You can even make an adventure out of it by taking the Metra train.
Make it an educational outing.
With five museums all located close by, you’ll end up learning a thing or two, whether it’s about dinosaurs, wooly mammoths, how the Midwestern states contributed to the Civil War, lighthouses or Kenosha’s history.
Choo Choo!
Love trains? Kids will get a kick out of eating at Choo Choo Charlie’s which is located inside a Metra station. The mascot, Charlie, is available for pictures from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the weekends.
Take a ride on a vintage streetcar.
The two-mile loop passes by the downtown area and is a fun way to get to three of the museums and Choo Choo Charlie’s.
Spend time at a playground of your dreams.
The new 15,000 square foot all-accessible Dream Playground features a rubber surface, a wheelchair swing, a unique round swing and more! It was built with love from more than 3,000 volunteers.
It’s budget-friendly.
Fun doesn’t always mean breaking the bank. Check out Visit Kenosha’s 101 ways to enjoy Kenosha in the Spring/Summer. Every idea comes in at less than $10.
Doughnuts and chicken go together.
Find out why when you visit Mike’s Donuts and Chicken. Such a cool vibe! Don’t leave without trying their Maple Bacon Donuts.
Explore cool shops.
Take a stroll downtown and you’ll find tons of cute shops. Love unique menswear? Stop by Mike’s Bjorn. Love refurbished furniture and décor? Lulu Birds is adorable.
See lighthouses.
If you’re enamored with lighthouses like I am, make sure to visit the Southport Lighthouse and climb the 72 steps to the top. The red North Pier Lighthouse is privately owned but still makes for great pictures.
Enjoy fun family-friendly events
Watch and fly beautiful kites for Outta Sight Kite Flight Kite (June 2-3). Enjoy a sweet Jelly Belly Carnival (June 28-July 1). Party like 1599 and head to the Bristol Renaissance Fair (July-September).
This article has been updated with the most recent information. It was originally published on May 10, 2017.
