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
Flickr James Jordan
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.
Flickr/Johnathan Noechel-Shunn
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.
Flickr/Daniel Orth
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.
Facebook/O&H
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.
Flickr/Carl Vizzone
The old pier light at Racine Wisconsin, with the Wind Point light in the distance.
Flickr/James Jordan

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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.
Flickr/Fuzzy Gerdes
The next stop is Southport Lighthouse, built in 1867 in the area's distinctive cream city brick.
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft
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.
Flickr/Tom Gill
The next stop is the Kenosha Harbor. There are multiple signal and breakwater lights along the coast here.
Flickr Bob Voors
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.
Flickr/Richie Diesterheft
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.
Flickr/Jim Trottler

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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Best Day Trip In Wisconsin

Marisa Roman | February 29, 2020

Are there any other unique things to do in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is one of those weird and wonderful states that often get overlooked when it comes to travel. Just because it gets colder than cold up in the north doesn’t mean there aren’t a ton of reasons to still visit. In fact, there are plenty of unique things to do in Wisconsin that can round out a perfect trip to the state. For example, did you know you could feed giraffes crackers at the new Green Bay zoo? How about zip-lining through Wisconsin Dells? Check out this list of 10 unique things you can do in Wisconsin.

What are the most popular and best places to visit in Wisconsin?

If you’re heading to Wisconsin for the first time, then it might be best to stick to the more popular places within the state, in order to get the true tourist experience. For example, everyone will tell you that Milwaukee will be a city that should be a must on your list. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Milwaukee Art Museum! Or if you’re looking for an incredible waterpark experience, then you have to try Wisconsin Dells. It is actually called the "Waterpark Capital of the World.” For more of the best places to visit in Wisconsin, click here.

Are there other day trips that make up the best destinations in Wisconsin?

Believe it or not, some of the best destinations in Wisconsin can end up being visited with small day trips. No matter the season, you can check out a few day trips and plan a new way to explore Wisconsin. From dining with a view to taking a canyon hike, day trips end up being a simple way to explore the state without having to cram too much into the experience. Check out these 19 day trips in Wisconsin for more information.

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