Racine County Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide to Racine County including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and local culture. Plan your trip to Racine County with ease.


Introduction to Racine County

Welcome to Racine County, a charming county located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin. Racine County is known for its natural beauty, historical attractions, and lively culture. The county is home to several museums, parks, and scenic trails that offer countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family vacation or seeking an adventure-packed trip, Racine County has something to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Racine County

  • Wind Point Lighthouse
  • Racine Zoo
  • Racine Art Museum
  • North Beach Park
  • River Bend Nature Center
  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s SC Johnson Headquarters
  • Kringle Town USA
  • Racine Heritage Museum
  • Reef Point Marina
  • Racine Symphony Orchestra

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff or enjoy learning about new cultures, you’ll love the museums and historical attractions in Racine County. The county is known for its rich history, showcasing different cultures and their stories in unique ways.

Some of the must-visit museums and historical places in Racine County include:

  • Racine Art Museum: A must-visit for art lovers, the Racine Art Museum features contemporary crafts and artworks from artists all over the world.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s SC Johnson Headquarters: This renowned Frank Lloyd Wright designed building offers tours showcasing his masterful design and the company history.

  • Racine Heritage Museum: Explore the history of Racine County and its people through interactive exhibits and displays at the Racine Heritage Museum.

Natural Attractions of Racine County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Racine County is home to several beautiful parks, scenic trails, and natural attractions that can be appreciated by individuals of all ages. Here are some of the natural attractions to explore while visiting Racine County:

  • North Beach Park: A spacious park featuring a sandy beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan.

  • River Bend Nature Center: This 78-acre nature preserve offers several trails to explore, including the Root River Trail, which boasts beautiful views of the water and natural wildlife.

  • Racine Zoo: The Racine Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and monkeys. Be sure to catch one of the feeding or training demonstrations while you are there.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Racine County

For outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the beautiful scenery of Racine County, several hiking and biking routes are available. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk or go for a challenging bike ride, Racine County offers plenty of options.

Some of the hiking and biking routes in Racine County include:

  • Racine County Bike Trail
  • Pike Bike Trail
  • Cliffside Park Hiking Trail
  • Caledonia-Mt Pleasant Memorial Park

Best Things to Do in Racine County: Activities and Tours

Racine County offers ample activities to do and tours to take, making it an ideal place to visit. From nature walks to brewery tours, you’ll find a variety of activities in the county that will interest you.

Here are some of the best things to do in Racine County:

  • Take a tour of the Racine Brewing Company and enjoy a variety of craft beer.
  • Visit the Racine Zoo to see exotic animals and learn about conservation efforts.
  • Take a scenic bike ride along the Pike Bike Trail or the Racine County Bike Trail.
  • Visit Kringle Town USA to try the famous Danish pastry and bring some home as a souvenir.

Week-Long Itinerary for Racine County

Here is an itinerary for a week-long visit to Racine County:

Day 1: Visit Racine Heritage Museum and explore the History of Racine County.

Day 2: Take a tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed SC Johnson Headquarters.

Day 3: Spend the day at North Beach Park, enjoy the beach, and have a picnic.

Day 4: Go for a scenic hike at River Bend Nature Center and enjoy the natural wildlife view.

Day 5: Visit a local brewery for a tour and taste some great beer.

Day 6: Take a bike ride along the Pike Bike Trail / Racine County Bike Trail.

Day 7: Visit Kringle Town USA to try the traditional Danish pastry before heading back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Racine County

Racine County has a vibrant food and drink scene, offering a diverse range of cuisines and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages while you’re in Racine County:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Danish Kringle: A flaky and delicious pastry originating from Denmark. You can find this pastry in all the bakeries in Kringle town USA.

  • Bratwurst: Delicious German-style sausages that are a Wisconsin staple, you can find bratwurst in several local restaurants in Racine County.

  • Fish Fry: Wisconsin loves its fish fry, especially fried cod or perch enjoyed at local restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Wisconsin is known for its craft beers, and Racine County has some of the best breweries with a wide variety of beer flavors to choose from.

  • Bloody Mary: Wisconsin is also known for its unique Bloody Mary’s, with an array of snack options like cheese curds and bacon.

Where to Stay in Racine County

Racine County offers various options for accommodation that cater to different preferences. Whether you want to stay in a luxurious hotel or a budget-friendly hostel, Racine County offers it all.

Here are some recommended options for your stay in Racine County:

  • Delta Hotel by Marriott Racine: A luxurious hotel equipped with a pool, fitness center, and restaurant.

  • Lochnaiar Inn: A charming bed-and-breakfast located in Wind Point overlooking Lake Michigan.

  • Real Racine Rest Stop: A budget-friendly and comfortable option with hostels available for stay.

What to Buy in Racine County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Racine County has several souvenirs and local products to bring home and share with friends and family. Some of the must-buy items from Racine County include:

  • Danish Kringle: Made exclusively in Racine County, this pastry is a famous souvenir that people prefer to take back home.

  • Root Beer: Racine County is famous for its root beer’s legacy. You can find several must-try options in local bars and restaurants.

  • Cheese: Purchase some local Wisconsin Cheese to savor some great Wisconsin flavors back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Racine County

Racine County has a rich culture rooted in its history and natural surroundings. The county is home to several cultural festivals throughout the year that showcase the diversity and unique traditions of the area.

Best Time to Visit Racine County

The best time to visit Racine County is during the summers from June to August, where there are several festivals and events going on. However, if you are interested in outdoor activities, fall (September to November) is the perfect time to visit when the weather is mild, and the foliage is beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Racine County

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Racine County:

Do:

  • Try the Danish Kringle and Beer as they’re the city’s symbolic items.

  • Be aware of the wild animals you encounter and do not feed them.

  • Visit the farmers’ markets in Racine County to buy some local produce.

Don’t:

  • Litter and abide by the park rules and regulations

  • Walk across the railroad tracks as it’s illegal.

  • Hesitate to ask locals for help, the people are friendly and welcoming.

Safety and Health

Racine County is generally a safe and friendly place to visit, but it’s always important to take necessary precautions and stay safe:

Safety in Racine County

  • Always take care and precautions while hiking and biking on the trails.

  • Be aware of your surroundings when leaving the accommodation.

  • Avoid carrying a lot of cash when travelling.

Health in Racine County

Make sure you carry your personal medication.

Getting to Racine County: Transportation Options and Logistics

Racine County is accessible from several modes of transportation, including air, road, and rail.

Airports Near Racine County

The nearest airports to Racine County include General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee and Chicago O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

Bus Stations Near Racine County

  • Greyhound bus lines and Badger Bus line serve Racine County

Other Options

  • Car rental is available near the airport with popular operators like Avis, Hertz, Enterprise offering services.

How to Get Around in Racine County

Racine County can be explored by personal transportation, taxi, bus, or bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Racine County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Racine County is surrounded by several beautiful destinations, offering exciting excursions for those who have extra travel time. Some recommended destinations to visit include Milwaukee, Lake Geneva, and Chicago.

Conclusion

Racine County offers an exciting vacation experience with a variety of activities, natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history lover, or wine taster, Racine County has something to offer for everyone. Plan your trip to Racine County and make unforgettable memories!



    Racine