Racine Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in southeastern Wisconsin, Racine is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a rich history. Known for its picturesque location on the shores of Lake Michigan, Racine is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and art lovers alike.

One of the main highlights of Racine is its stunning lakefront. With miles of sandy beaches, scenic parks, and a marina, it is the perfect place to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy water activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can also take a stroll along the Racine North Beach Promenade, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and the city skyline.

For those interested in history, Racine has a wealth of fascinating attractions to explore. The Wind Point Lighthouse, built in 1880, is a historic landmark that offers guided tours and magnificent views of Lake Michigan. The Racine Heritage Museum showcases the city's rich industrial past, with exhibits on the famous Racine Belle, a luxurious steamboat that once cruised the Great Lakes.

Art enthusiasts will also find plenty to discover in Racine. The Racine Art Museum houses a diverse collection of contemporary crafts, including ceramics, glass, and fiber art. The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread is a stunning architectural gem designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, and it hosts art exhibits and events throughout the year.

Racine is also known for its vibrant local food scene. From upscale restaurants to casual cafes, visitors can indulge in a wide range of culinary delights. The city is particularly famous for its Danish kringle, a sweet pastry that can be found in numerous bakeries and cafes.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Racine also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. The Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Celebration is a must-see, with colorful floats, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display. The Racine County Fair is another popular event, featuring agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment.

Alternative names: Population: 77.7 thous.Area: 18.68 mi²Elevation: 610 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°43'42"N, 87°47'4"W

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WisconsinUnited States

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Racine Top Attractions

Racine Attractions - What to See and Explore

Racine offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Racine Zoo, St. Luke's, Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station, Wingspread. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

28-acre lakefront zoo
Racine Zoo
The Racine Zoological Gardens, or Racine Zoo, is a zoo situated on 28 acres on the shore of Lake Michigan in Racine, Wisconsin. The zoo is operated by the Racine Zoological Society, a non-profit organization.
Church • Gothic Revival architecture
St. Luke's
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Chapel, Guildhall, and Rectory is a historic church complex in Racine, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 for its architectural significance. St.
Lighthouse • The Lower First Ward
Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station
The Racine Harbor Lighthouse and Life Saving Station is a complex of navigation aids begun by the U.S. government in the 1860s near the harbor of Racine, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

Museum • Historical place • Architecture
Wingspread
Wingspread, also known as the Herbert F. Johnson House, is a historic house in Wind Point, Wisconsin. It was built in 1938–39 to a design by Frank Lloyd Wright for Herbert Fisk Johnson Jr. then the president of S.C.
Museum • History museum
Racine Heritage Museum
The Racine Heritage Museum is a historical museum building and former Carnegie library, located at 701 S. Main St. in downtown Racine, Wisconsin.
Church
Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church
Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, also known as Mount Pleasant Church, is an architecturally and historically significant church in Racine, Wisconsin. It was designed by Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin-based architect Helmut Ajango with Gene LaMuro. Nicknamed the Spaceship Church, it is located at 1700 South Green Bay Road and was built in 1975.
Concerts and shows • Auditorium • Theater
Golden Rondelle
The Golden Rondelle Theater is a historic theater currently located in the administration complex of S. C. Johnson & Son in Racine, Wisconsin. Featuring a radical design, the theater was originally part of the 1964-65 World's Fair before being moved to Racine.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a historic church at 716 College Avenue in Racine, Wisconsin, United States. It was built in 1852 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was designed by Lucas Bradley.
42°46'52"N • 87°45'30"W
Wind Point Lighthouse
Beach • Park • Lighthouse
Lighthouse
Wind Point Light
Wind Point Lighthouse is a lighthouse located at the north end of Racine Harbor in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. It is in the village of Wind Point, Wisconsin, on Lighthouse Road, next to the Shoop Park golf course. The lighthouse stands 108 feet tall.
42°42'48"N • 87°47'28"W
Johnson Wax Headquarters
Johnson Wax Headquarters is the world headquarters and administration building of S. C. Johnson & Son in Racine, Wisconsin. Designed by American architect Frank Lloyd Wright for the company's president, Herbert F.
42°43'35"N • 87°46'59"W
Badger Building
The Badger Building, or M. Tidyman Building, is a historic office building in downtown Racine, Wisconsin. It is an example of Prairie style architecture, and was designed by prominent Racine architect Edmund Bailey Funston.
Museum • Architecture • Art museum
R|A|M Racine Art Museum
The Racine Art Museum and RAM's Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts are located in Racine, Wisconsin, U.S. The museum holds the largest and most significant contemporary craft collection in North America, with more than 9,500 objects from nationally and internationally recognized artists.
42°43'26"N • 87°46'59"W
Veterans Center
Museum • Downtown Racine
42°43'37"N • 87°47'1"W
Kaiser's
The Kaiser's building is a historic building in downtown Racine, Wisconsin. The longtime home of Maurice and Helen Kaiser's men's clothes store, the two-story building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places primarily for its Art Deco facade, which was redesigned by Frank J.
42°44'29"N • 87°48'45"W
Wustum Chas A Museum of Fine Arts
Museum • Art museum
42°45'55"N • 87°49'34"W
RiverBend Nature Center
Park
42°43'35"N • 87°46'52"W
Memorial Hall
Memorial Hall is a convention and meeting hall built in 1924–25 in downtown Racine, Wisconsin. It is operated by the Racine Civic Center. It was given to the city as a gift by William Horlick, the original patent holder of malted milk. The hall has played host to Barack Obama, John McCain, and others.
42°44'16"N • 87°47'20"W
No. 4 Engine House
No. 4 Engine House is a historic fire station building in Racine, Wisconsin, built in 1888 in a High Victorian Italianate style. It is located in the north-central part of the city, at the corner of Lincoln Street and Barker Street. The cream brick building, designed by W.F.

Day trips

Racine – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Racine, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Milwaukee Art Museum (Milwaukee), Milwaukee Public Museum (Milwaukee), Chicago Botanic Garden (Glencoe).

22 milesN
A-list art in an architectural landmark
Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Art Museum, an architectural landmark and cultural beacon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to the arts. This striking museum, known for its expansive collection and innovative design, draws visitors from around the...
23 milesN
Museum, History museum, Natural history museum
Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee
The Milwaukee Public Museum stands as a beacon of knowledge and exploration in the heart of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This revered institution offers a window into the natural and cultural worlds, with extensive collections that span across various fields of study...
40 milesS
Extensive gardens and nature preserves
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
Nestled in the charming city of Glencoe, Illinois, the Chicago Botanic Garden stands as a verdant oasis in the heart of Cook County. This expansive garden is not just a feast for the eyes with its lush landscapes and colorful blooms but also serves as a museum of...
36 milesSW
History museum, Museum
Bess Bower Dunn Museum, Wauconda
Bess Bower Dunn Museum, formerly known as the Lake County Discovery Museum, is an interactive museum of history, art, and popular culture located in Libertyville, Illinois. The museum was established in 1976 in Wauconda, IL and sited in Lakewood Forest Preserve as part of the larger Lake County Forest Preserve District.
22 milesN
Shopping, Flea market, Market
Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin's largest city, the Milwaukee Public Market is a vibrant fresh food emporium that has become a beloved institution for both locals and tourists alike. This bustling marketplace, located in the historic Third Ward neighborhood, offers...

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Best Time To Visit Racine

Learn when is the best time to travel to Racine weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in April, June, July, August and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Racine?

The top attractions to visit in Racine are:

What is the best time to visit Racine?

July and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.