The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kenosha, Wisconsin Now
BY TRIPVEEL EDITORIAL STAFF | October 2019
Nestled along the picturesque southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan—Kenosha, Wisconsin is home to lighthouses, a vibrant downtown shopping district, significant museums, a cutting-edge culinary scene and well preserved historic districts. From the magnificent shore of Lake Michigan to the rural countryside, you’ll fall in love with the friendly faces of Kenosha and its welcoming sense of place.
Image courtesy of Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
1. THE HIKING
With beautiful views of Lake Michigan, Chiwaukee Prairie and Kenosha Sand Dunes (a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service) offer a network of scenic trails that meander through one of the largest and most diverse prairie lands in Wisconsin. With more than 75 species of birds and 400 species of plants, the coastal wetland is a protected area formed more than 13,000 years ago when Lake Michigan receded.
The Wisconsin Department of Tourism ranks Kenosha Sand Dunes and its surrounding prairie number one on a list of scenic natural wonders in Kenosha County.
Image courtesy of Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Unfortunately, the sand dunes are eroding at an alarming rate due to high water levels in Lake Michigan and luckily a local team is looking at new solutions to the old problem of erosion.
2. THE ART
Seemingly never-ending, it’s quite difficult to not find a captivating street mural throughout downtown Kenosha. Here, the public art scene is a force to be reckoned with and is constantly making new strokes—literally.
For a step-by-step guide of Kenosha, Wisconsin’s street murals, click here or click on an image above.
3. THE COCKTAILS
With a next level culinary scene, Sazzy B is Kenosha, Wisconsin’s best location for innovative cuisine and deliciously creative, handcrafted cocktails. After viewing street murals across downtown Kenosha, stop in for your artisanal cocktail fix and try “Barkeep's Word,” concocted with Jovan mezcal, Luxardo maraschino liqueur, Green Chartreuse and fresh squeezed lime or if you prefer a bit of smoke (maple to be exact), indulge in an “End of Shift” with Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition, Carpano Classic Vermouth and Aztec chocolate bitters.
Led by Executive Chef Danielle Weybright, Sazzy B focuses on avant-garde dishes that still maintain Midwestern integrity. Taking influence from all around the globe, the dishes defy expectations and are constantly evolving. With a regular changing menu, seasonal favorites include Roasted Beets and Halloumi with pistachios, balsamic tahini and orange zest, a tantalizing Autumn Stracciatella with apricot jam, slab bacon, balsamic reduction, pecans, tarragon and sage or savor the Red Snapper Crudo with shallot, charred lemon, micro basil and flake salt.
If your sweet tooth is calling your name, treat yourself to an Apple Cider Float with vanilla bean ice cream, sparkling apple cider, caramel and cinnamon. Hungry yet? We are.
4. THE GARDENS
Inspired by a grove of native hawthorn trees growing along the Pike River, as well as lilacs, Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is the place to be for peace and relaxation—with an arboretum, historic buildings and nature trails, including The Old Indian Trail, that wind through the woods and prairies of the Pike River Valley.
Hawthorn Hollow also boasts a restored prairie, perennial gardens, a butterfly garden and a dwarf conifer collection. Admission is free to the public.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
Also known as the “mansion” district of Kenosha, Third Avenue Historic District (on the register of National Register of Historic Places) features large, stylish period revival homes built along Lake Michigan during the early 20th century. The 1890s had brought great prosperity to Kenosha, Wisconsin with Simmons Manufacturing, the Bain Wagon Works, N. R. Allen & Sons Tannery, Chicago Brass Company and Pettit Malting Company.
Image courtesy of Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Many of the homes in the district were designed by regionally important architects. On the grounds of The Kemper Center, you’ll discover the Durkee Mansion, a circa 1861 Italianate Victorian—once home to United States Senator Charles Durkee. For a walking guide of the Third Avenue Historic District, click here.
Ready to book your Kenosha, Wisconsin vacation?
