When we think of Wisconsin coastal towns, we tend to default to those along Door County or Lake Superior, but there’s actually a really great hidden gem of a spot south of Milwaukee. Racine has a blue collar reputation, but they’re home to one of the best beaches in the country and a whole lot of other things to keep you busy on a weekend away.
Racine has about 75,000 residents, making it the fifth biggest city in the state. It's one of the most affordable places to live in the country and thanks to its location where the Root River meets Lake Michigan, it's been a place with inhabitants for a very long time. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, sample some great food or get out and explore, there's plenty to keep you busy here.
No visit to Racine is complete without a visit to 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. It's so tropical and comfortable here you'll forget that you're in Wisconsin.
Located at 100 Kewaunee St, Racine, WI 53403.
Get more information about the beach here.
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Just north of the beach you'll find Wind Point Light House, 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. It's a beautiful spot that juts out in to the lake and you get a great view in both directions up the coast from here.
When you get hungry from all the exploring, take a break and get a snack from one of Racine's amazing kringle bakeries. The Olesen Family opened their first bakery in 1949, using recipes from their Danish grandfather. In its fourth generation, this family-owned bakery continues to create some of the best pastries in Wisconsin.
Read more about O&H Danish Bakery kringle here. Visit one of O&H Danish Bakery’s five locations:
1841 Douglas Avenue, Racine
4006 Durand Avenue, Racine
5910 Washington Avenue, Racine
717 South Sylvania Avenue, Sturtevant
9540 South 27th Street, Oak Creek
SC Johnson is headquartered in Racine and part of their campus was designed and built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Tours of the buildings are free, though you should sign up ahead of time to secure your spot. The Administration Building opened in 1939, followed by the Research Tower in 1950. Today, both are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright's S.C. Johnson company buildings and get information on tours here.
SC Johnson tours begin at The Golden Rondelle Theater, at 1525 Howe Street, Racine, Wisconsin, 53403
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After SC Johnson, head over to Wingspread, a homestead complex for the Johnson family also designed by Wright. Just five miles from the SCJ complex, the home was completed in 1939, the name reflects its four wings that spread out from a central core living space. Wright called Wingspread "the last of the Prairie houses," and its 14,000-square-foot footprint makes it the largest of the Prairie homes as well.
Learn more about Wingspread and get information on tours here.
Located at 33 E 4 Mile Rd, Racine, WI 53402.
For dinner, head to Wells Brothers Pizza, a place that's said to have one of the best pizza pies in the country. Opened way back in 1921, Well Brothers was founded by Dominic and James Wells. The pizza has been made the same way, in this same building, ever since.
Read more about Wells Brothers Pizza here.
Wells Brothers Pizza is located at 2148 Mead St, Racine, 53403.
You could do worse than spending the day at the Racine Zoo. The zoo is on 28 acres along the Lake Michigan coast and has more than 100 species of animals. 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.
For all the information about the Racine Zoo, visit their website here.
Located at 2131 N Main St, Racine, WI 53402.
Perfect for the family, this spot is just a year old, but already flourishing with a wide array of craft beer and soda. Parents will love the interesting beers and there's also Root Beer, Sasparilla, Raspberry and Ginger Ale on tap. Located on Main Street, just across from the harbor, this place is convenient and delicious.
