BKtravels
Downtown Kenosha has so much potential, which is why it's so sad that it's in the state that it's in. Stores are closed, buildings are empty. I really hope this can improve. I think it could be amazing with a little elbow grease and, er, money. They are trying to improve it, though, and there are lots of outdoor activities during the summer (the Harbor Market is a must) but since half our year is bitter, frickin' cold it would be nice to have more shopping available. There are a few very nice restaurants (Wine Knot, Sazzy B's, Frank's Diner to name some) but otherwise downtown Kenosha is dead.
JesseWhite
The lakefront walking trails in downtown Kenosha allow you to encounter some wonderful views of Lake Michigan. Though it was cold and windy in January, it was still an enjoyable experience to stand on the banks of this great lake.
ralphn311
Easy access from Metra station, Trolley is a fun activity for the little ones. Beautiful lakefront and lots of restaurants, bars and small shops. S. J Crystal's Menswear is a Kenosha staple. Stop in there and see Lou, its the last of the "Old School" men's tailor shops where you can be treated like a VIP and have your suit custom ordered and fitted. Then stop at Mike Bjorns Fine Clothing and Museum for the wildest selection of ties in town.
JoAnnA467
Nice downtown area. Some cute shops and plenty of parking while we were there. Clean and some unique restaurants. The view of the lake is nice.
DawnaLeighW
Kenosha is truly a beautiful city. Although the city has almost 100,000 residents, it feels like a small town on the lake. There are few stoplights (more 4 way stops), lovely older homes,museums, and quaint shops and restaurants . Bicycling is encouraged, and bike paths are available on most main streets. Families stroll the harbor and marina area, as well as the beach. Fishing is permitted on the piers and along the waterways. Sailing and kite flying were also observed. Flowers and sculptures decorated both the main streets and the park areas. It was simply a beautiful place.
eramos78
You would love the view and experience in Kenosha lake. The area was very clean, is good for family with kids, couples etc.
steelchess77
There's plenty to do in downtown Kenosha. It's especially a nice place to visit during the summer. The 4th of July is nice, while watching the fireworks over the harbor. Downtown Kenosha also has an abundance of free parking. You may also see the streetcar trolleys which go around and around throughout the day.If you like to drink, downtown Kenosha is the place for you. Two breweries, plus many, many bars located in just a few block area. Downtown Kenosha also has several types of restaurants to choose from. My three favorites, in no particular order are Captain Mike's burgers, Frank's Diner, and Kaiser's. But please, go check for yourself and see what you like. Downtown Kenosha also has a couple of nice beaches to visit during the summer time. Don't forget about the music in the park which is held on particular weekdays throughout the summer. Downtown Kenosha occasionally has the Tall Ships as well. I remember last year that downtown Kenosha had the Taste of Wisconsin also. Don't forget about the museums which are located on the harbor. There's also a magazine which is created by the Kenosha Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. They do an excellent job of listing the weekly events throughout the year. You can find more information online at visitkenosha.com or pick up a magazine in the local restaurants and stores.Last but not least, there's a new baseball team in town. They're called the Kenosha Kingfish. Located just south of downtown Kenosha, on Sheridan Rd., the team is made up of collegiate baseball players, looking to play summer league baseball competitively. Their season starts May 31, and is very affordable.My only regret is the downtown does have many storefronts which remain unoccupied. It has been this way for several years, and I don't know why. That's about my biggest and only regret.
oaktoncc
Downtown Kenosha, by the lake is beautiful and has many places to visit (waterfront, museums, lighthouse). The trolly is a nice bonus.
watercolorist
There are real pleasures in Downtown Kenosha.....the Harbor front is pleasant and the Museums are wonderful. The Public Museum and the Civil War Museum are really exceptional. The Farmers Market in the summer is crowded on Saturdays and brim filled with good foods. Kenosha also has some good restaurants if you know where to look, but overall, the Downtown looks shabby and needs to continue to spruce up.
sueinkeno
Like the little engine that could, the downtown area of Kenosha keeps trying. Hopefully, this summer will help revitalize our downtown area. There are excellent shops downtown and they deserve credit for staying the course.
222cyndif
Everyone must take a trip to downtown Kenosha, especially on a Summer Saturday. There is tons going on and the best part is the breeze off the lake, watching the boats come in the harbor, and eating good food at the Farmer's Market... Always something going on in the downtown area in the summertime...
wivoyager
Downton Kenosha offers a beautiful view of Lake Michigan, lighthouses, museums, unique shops and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants in easy walking distance. My friend and I met there for a Sunday afternoon. The electric rail is a fun ride and hard to beat at $1 each. We opted for the day-long $2.50 pass, but ended up only riding once. The 72-step climb up the lighthouse connected to the historical museum was something different. We found a buy-one-get-one coupon on line. Otherwise it's $10 each for the climb. There are several unique restaurants and shops. We spent a leisurely 4 hours, but one could easily spend a day if you take in a couple of the museums. On the way out of town I stopped at Tenuta's, which has a huge wine selection. The temptation of all the Italian specialty items was too much. Several went home with me.
DG917
Downtown Kenosha is a eclectic mix of what it wants to be, what it used to be and what it is. From relatively new condominiums and town houses to abandoned, burned out, empty buildings (some for twenty years plus) Kenosha is searching. Downtown has potential for a great evening out but there are no standout clubs, no regular entertainment centers and a lot of places that close at 5 pm. There are no "Destinations"There is a water front that should be dynamic and exciting but it remains just a water front with some great fishing.Parking is often problematic; pizza and beer are the mainstays from any number of places to eat. Those that would try to move upscale seem busy but a little out of place. The nook and specialty shops do abound but they seem to be spendy for most of their narrow offerings.Downtown Kenosha is evolving it is still very much a reflection of a community from the past it needs to throw away the mirror get up on something tall and look forward.
Jane36207
We went to Scoops for ice cream. The person who waited on us was very friendly. The ice cream was creamy and delicious..
ChicagoTexas
In the past 10 years, the city of Kenosha has really invested in the downtown/harbor area. Condos were erected near the museums, restaurants and coffee shops are thriving, and during the summer there is always some free musical or festival event going in the open, grassy areas. The fact that downtown is also by Lake Michigan means you can take a long stroll or bike ride along the lake shore path that surrounds the marina, parks and a beach. Plenty of bars, yet also very family-friendly area with places for kids to play or dock your boat. You'll also find plenty of free parking, the Kenosha Public Museum, which is impressively nice and something you'd expect of a bigger city; the Civil War Museum and opposite the lake, the Natural History Museum with dinosaur specimens, all also family-friendly. A cheap trolley ride lets you take it all in and will save you walking time across this expansive area. On Saturdays, the harbor hosts one of the largest farmers markets in the Northern IL/southeast WI corner. Tons of produce vendors, artists, craftsmen and musicians. Goes from 9 am to 2 pm. A must!So pack a picnic or get lunch there, everything from hot dogs at Trolley Dogs, fabulous burgers at Capt Mike's or al fresco dinner at Wine Knot, relax with coffee at Common Grounds overlooking the Kenosha yacht club. I have reviews for most of those spots. Oh and on July 4th, this is totally the place for fireworks, far less crowded than Chicago, but a spectacular show.So if your notion of Kenosha was "hick" get over it. This is still a biker haven, which only adds to the non-stuffy character of Kenosha which is a great alternative to the Chicago lake front any day.