Introduction to Kenosha, Wisconsin
Kenosha is situated along the shoreline of Lake Michigan in Kenosha County. It's recognized as a suburban bedroom community and is 32 miles away from Milwaukee. Tourism is a significant factor for the economy. Abbott Laboratories is one of the largest employers.
History
Prehistoric settlements go back to the era of the Wisconsin glaciation. The Paleo Indians arrived approximately 13,500 years ago. The local rivers provided the various Indian tribes with plenty of fish. During the early 1830's the first non-natives arrived. In 1836 the small community was known as Pike. It became a prominent shipping port for the Great Lakes and was renamed Southport. During the early portion of the 20th century Kenosha was part of the automobile industry. Between 1902 and 1988 millions of automobiles were produced in the city. The 1920s and the 1930s saw the arrival of a vast number of Italian, Polish, German and Irish immigrants.
Attractions
- Library Park is included in the National Register of Historic Places
- The Civic Center Historic District
- Kenosha History Center offers exhibits regarding the Indian tribes and the early non-native settlers
- John McCaffary House
- Third Avenue is included in the National Register of Historic Places
- Kenosha Public Museum features a wooly mammoth skeleton, ice age and fine arts exhibits
- Manor House
- Dinosaur Discovery Museum
- Washington Park Clubhouse
- Kenosha Transit Carhouse features PCC streetcars
Entertainment
The Kenosha Pops Concert Band performances and the Peanut Butter and Jam Concert Series are popular with residents and tourists. The city is home to the Kenosha Symphony Orchestra. During the summer, several jazz concerts are featured. The Bristol Renaissance Faire includes a vast number of costumed performers and a large number of shops and stages. The Kenosha Harbor Market offers live entertainment, a variety of food and artwork. The Kenosha Velodrome Association provides American Bike Racing events.
Activities
Golfing enthusiasts enjoy the numerous championship gold courses. The Dairyland Greyhound Park & Simulcast Center features greyhound racing. The Electric Streetcar Circulator provides scenic tours of Lake Michigan, Harbor Park, a couple of historic districts and the downtown area on restored electric streetcars. Prime Outlets at Pleasant Prairie is a popular location for shoppers.
The shoreline of Lake Michigan is a popular destination for residents and tourists. The city offers enjoyable parks including Alford, Anderson, Bristol Woods, Kennedy and Old Settlers. Lake Andrea is enjoyed for swimming, fishing and boating. The scenic Pike Bike Trail is available for hiking and bicycle riding and provides opportunities to see three National Register Historic Districts, a couple of historic lighthouses and Lake Michigan. The nearby Pringle Nature Center, Richard Bong State Recreation Area and Silver Lake Park are popular for outdoor activities.
Higher Education
Carthage College, the University of Wisconsin-Parkside and Gateway Technical College are located in Kenosha.
