Racine and Kenosha are nestled along the Lake Michigan shoreline south of Milwaukee. The two towns are just 10 miles apart and the drive between them follows the coastline. If you've never explored these two towns, you're missing out on some gorgeous scenery, interesting history, and quaint, small-town experiences.
This trip is jam-packed, so you may have to pick and choose which parts appeal to you most, but there's so much to do and see, it's hard to leave anything out! If you're ready to hitch a ride on the best day trip in Wisconsin, then we have the perfect itinerary for you to choose. Pack a bag, gather the family, and get ready for a day trip that will rival all others.
Start at the Windpoint Lighthouse, built in 1880. It's one of the tallest lighthouses in the Great Lakes. The grounds are always open but tours are available for $10 on the first Sunday of the month from June to October
Next, stop in at the Racine Zoo. In the fall and winter, admission is just $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. In spring and summer, it's $8.00 for adults, $6.00 for children. The zoo is on 28 acres along the Lake Michigan coast and has more than 100 species of animals.
Just south from there is North Beach - one of Parents Magazine's top 10 family-friendly beaches and USA Today's 51 greatest American beaches. Enjoy the wide, sandy beach, check out the water or fly a kite.
From there, take a short, 1.5 mile tour inland to the O & H Bakery store on Douglas Ave to stock up on some of the best pastry you can find anywhere.
Head back to the shore to check out the gorgeous, bright red breakwater light. Take the time to walk all the way down the viewing platform and look north to see Windpoint's light shining back at you.
The old pier light at Racine Wisconsin, with the Wind Point light in the distance.
Another detour that's worth your time is Frank's Diner. Just a mile past where you're headed next, Frank's is only open until 1:30 pm Monday-Saturday and 12:30 pm on Sunday. But the small diner is well worth it. They've been serving up some of the best greasy spoon breakfasts in Wisconsin for more than 80 years.
The next stop is Southport Lighthouse, built in 1867 in the area's distinctive cream city brick.
Open May through October Thurs.-Sat. 10 -4 and Sun. 12-4, the keeper's house has been turned into a maritime museum which is free. Climbing the lighthouse tower is $10 for adults, $5 for children.
The next stop is the Kenosha Harbor. There are multiple signal and breakwater lights along the coast here.
Plan to hop on the Electric Streetcar Circulator. The restored trolley cars take a two-mile loop through HarborPark, the downtown business district, two historic districts and the shoreline. Rides are $1 for adults, $0.50 for children.
Back at the Harbor are three museums - the Kenosha Public Museum, the Civil War Museum, and the Dinosaur Discovery Museum. The only admission is to the Fiery Trial exhibit at the Civil War Museum, which is $9 for adults and free for children accompanying adults.
Have you explored the Racine and Kenosha areas of southeast Wisconsin? Where else do you love to see and explore there and do you think it's the best day trip in Wisconsin? Share with us your thoughts and favorite places in the comments section!
Looking for more Wisconsin day trip ideas? Check out These 14 Unique Day Trips In Wisconsin Are An Absolute Must-Do
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