City Town Info

Racine, WI


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Racine, Wisconsin

Introduction to Racine, Wisconsin

Racine is situated near Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River in Racine County. The headquarters of the prominent Johnson Wax company is located in the city. Their building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The town has one of the largest populations of Danes in North America and is well known for its Danish pastry.

History

Around 1700, French explorers were the first group of non-natives to arrive in the region. They established a trading post which grew into a settlement along Lake Michigan. Racine translates from the French as "root." In 1832 settlers from upstate New York arrived and the population significantly increased. Before the Civil War began, Racine was recognized as being against slavery. A large number of slaves utilizing the Underground Railroad passed through the city. A vast amount of immigrants arrived after the Civil War was over and the large influx of newcomers continued all the way up to the First World War. The immigration included a substantial number of African-Americans. Beginning with the founding of Racine, factories were prominent for the economy. During the late 1800's the harbor was important to the shipping industry. Car manufacturing was located in the city during the early stages of the industry.

Attractions

  • The Wind Point Lighthouse is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Historic Horlick Field.
  • S.C. Johnson and Son Administration Building and Research Tower is part of the National Register of Historic Places.
  • Racine Zoological Gardens.
  • Reefpoint Marina and Festival Hall offers excellent views of the shoreline and numerous festivals.
  • Racine Art Museum.
  • Wustum Art Museum.
  • Lakefront Trolleys offers rides in the historic downtown area.
  • Mound Cemetery features historic native burial mounds.
  • Racine Heritage Museum.
  • Harborfest is a popular music festival.

Activities

Lake Michigan provides opportunities for a variety of activities and offers beautiful vistas. Numerous parks and trails are situated along the Root River. The Lighthouse Run, the dragon boat races and a professional volleyball tournament provide entertainment. Excellent fishing opportunities are located at Horlick Dam, Island Park and Lincoln Park. The Root River is popular for fishing, hiking and kayaking. Quarry Lake Park is a popular place for swimming. Formerly a limestone quarry, it had been converted into one of the best outdoor swimming locations in the Midwest. The River Bend Nature Center, situated along the Root River offers an extensive amount of trails. The Big Fish Bash is a notable fishing tournament and festival.

Higher Education

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Gateway Technical College are located in the area.

High Points

Racine strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Wisconsin):

CategoryTrophy
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)
Top 1%trophyRacine Racial Diversity
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)
Top 2%trophyRacine Public Transportation Use

Comparative Profile of Racine, WI

Comparing Racine to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Wisconsin (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Racial Diversity910
Children Under 5 Years Old99
Male Share of the Population66
Senior Citizens53
Female Share of the Population55
Well-Paid Single Men54
Age of the Population42

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size58
Portion of People Married31

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
People in Middle Class or Better43
People Above Poverty41
Median Family Income44
College Educated Adults36

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work87
Short Commute Times87
Public Transportation Use710
Working at Home22

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents84
People Living Alone76
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals69
Affordability of Property Taxes44
Seasonal and Vacation Housing33
Housing Recently Built22

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime51
Low Property Crime31

Detailed pages on related topics: Racine collegesRacine travelRacine mortgages and property.

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Additional Details

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Racine hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.
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Historic Racine

photo

Root River rapids between 1880 and 1899

Select a photo to view (Source):

Root River rapids between 1880 and 1899

Racine (Root River rapids, old cement mills) between 1880 and 1899

Main St. c1899.

Additional Resources


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