The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Kenosha, WI: 10 Things You Must Experience
*Thank you to Visit Kenosha for hosting me. All photos were taken by myself, Sara Broers, and the opinions are mine and nobody else’s.
A solo road trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, is the ultimate Midwest getaway. I experienced several things in Kenosha as a solo traveler and I challenge you to do the same. The community is warm, welcoming, and offers experiences you will want to share with your friends. These are some of my favorite things to do when visiting Kenosha, Wisconsin. I hope you will plan a visit now and experience it for yourself.
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Breakfast In Kenosha At Anna’s On The Lake
Anna’s On The Lake
5159 6th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-455-7264
Anna’s On The Lake was within walking distance of my hotel in Kenosha, a three minute walk. As soon as I walked in, the aroma of a fresh, hot breakfast hit me fast. The breakfast menu was short and sweet- and my breakfast sandwich (The Lil’ Guy) was mouth-watering.
I can still taste the savory sausage and delicious cheese that was served on a toasty english muffin. I also enjoyed a cup of hot tea as I observed patrons coming in and out, with breakfast in hand.
Lake-side seating is available, and on a warm, sunny day, this is where I would be. I also appreciated the local decor throughout the establishment, as it reminded me that I was eating breakfast on Lake Michigan.
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Lunch At Church And Market
701 56th St
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-455-7585
I opened the door at Church and Market and quickly realized I was in for a fantastic lunch experience. The decor blew me away. From the bar to the seating throughout the restaurant. The patio views, a grilled chicken sandwich, and hand-cut fries = the ultimate lunch setup!
A fun surprise was that the Kenosha Streetcar ran right below where I was seated. A relaxing lunch with a view is what I found at Church and Market.
Civil War Museum- The Upper Midwest Experience
5400 1st Ave
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-653-4141
The Civil War Museum in Kenosha focuses on the Upper Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. In my opinion, a must experience for everyone who visits is to see the film, “Seeing The Elephant.” Plan to stand to view the film, as it’s a 360 experience. There were kids as young as 8 viewing the film when I was there, and they did fine with the experience. It is raw and real.
Plan a good two hours to stroll through the museum, as there is a lot to see and read. The animatronics are well done. A fun exhibit is a train that you can sit next to a passenger, who starts talking- animatronics done well!
I found myself moving from seat to seat, curious about each passenger’s story. Before you leave, swing into the Veterans Memorial Gallery, which is a reflection on the people who served through several wars, with the most recent being The Gulf Wars and Afghanistan.
There is a fee to visit, which does include the film.
Take A Ride On The Kenosha Streetcar
The Kenosha Streetcar travels a 2-mile loop that passes several museums and dining options. It also travels along Lake Michigan, giving riders an incredible view of one of the Great Lakes. I cannot believe this was the first time I had hopped on the Kenosha Streetcar.
On a couple of other visits to Kenosha I was so busy doing other things, I did not have time to ride it. I highly recommend hopping on the electric streetcar as soon as you arrive in Kenosha. The loop gives you a great perspective of the Downtown and Lakeshore area.
Visit The Mars Cheese Castle
2800 W Frontage Rd
Kenosha, WI 53144
855-352-6277
I had heard of the Mars Cheese Castle and did not understand what it was all about, until I visited. It’s quirky, cheesy, and fun.
It’s also a fun place to enjoy all things Wisconsin, from beer, cheese, sweatshirts, cutlery, and Wisconsin popcorn- this attraction has it all! You can even enjoy ice cream and a grilled cheese sandwich from the restaurant on-site.
Shop At Jockey For Underwear
5500 6th Ave #200
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-654-5737
In 2026, Jockey International is celebrating 150 years in Kenosha. A visit to the Jockey Outlet Store Downtown is a fun stop. Grab your favorite undies, t-shirts, shorts, pajamas, and other undergarments.
It’s located in the Downtown area, one block from where you can board the streetcar.
Explore Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum
880 Green Bay Rd
Kenosha, WI 53144
262-552-8196
I fell in love with the Hawthorn Hollow Nature Sanctuary & Arboretum as soon as I drove in. With free admission; it makes it easy to visit at different times throughout the year. I love the smell of pine, the sight of flowers beginning to bloom, and people enjoying the experience. There’s something about a sense of quiet and calm when I visit an arboretum. And then there’s also the fact that the historical buildings on-site are well maintained, which is not always the case when visiting any place with historical buildings. The one-room school house is also worth a visit in itself.
On the day I visited, a group of artists were drawing with watercolors. They were loving their time in nature and embracing art. There are so many unique things to do here. I easily could have spent the entire afternoon tucked away inside the wildlife blind. Between the lively ducks paddling by and the cozy chorus of bullfrogs, it was such a highlight of my day.
Dinosaur Discovery Museum
5608 10th Ave
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-653-4450
The Dinosaur Discovery Museum has one of the largest dinosaur displays I have seen. As soon as you walk in, it’s a jaw-dropping experience. I could see how my grandkids, ages 6 & 7, would love this attraction.
There were little coats for kids to wear to “practice” digging for dinosaur bones. As I walked up the steps to the entrance, I noticed the Kenosha Street Car had a stop less than one block away.
Grab Baked Goods From Oliver’s Bakery
3526 Roosevelt Rd
Kenosha, WI 53142
262-652-3984
Oliver’s Bakery won me over as soon as I walked through the doors. The freshly baked goods were in the case, along with Oliver’s Bakery Kringles. The list of Kringle flavors was LONG!
For 70 years, they have been known as Kenosha’s hometown bakery. The cakes looked delicious, along with everything in the bakery cases. I walked out with a handful of pastries to enjoy and they did not disappoint.
Dine & Shop At Coopers Uptown In Kenosha
2401 60th St
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-653-3775
I stepped into Coopers Uptown and was blown away by the fun diner setting. It took me about five minutes to place my breakfast order, The Classic, which included two eggs done my way, roasted potatoes, bacon, and toast – the perfect breakfast was about to be served. While my order was being prepared, I had time to shop and explore this fun place.
The walk-in humidor was something I had never seen until I set foot in Coopers Uptown. If you are a cigar-loving person, this is your place! My breakfast arrived, and I was loving every moment of my time here. The staff was friendly, and I found some fun specialty pens to bring home with me, along with a hat that says, “Kenosha.”
Stay At A Lakefront Hotel In Kenosha: Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside
5125 6th Ave.
Kenosha, WI 53140
262-658-3281
Kenosha has one lakefront hotel and I had the opportunity to experience all it had to offer. The Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside in Kenosha, Wisconsin, will quickly win you over. I had a view of Lake Michigan from my window and all the comforts of home. I also enjoyed the fitness center while I was there.
A solo road trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, proves that you don’t need a group to have an unforgettable getaway. From stepping onboard a vintage streetcar to savoring fresh local bakery treats, exploring world-class museums, and unwinding along the peaceful shores of Lake Michigan, Kenosha welcomes solo travelers with open arms and endless charm. You won’t have to look far and wide for fun, as it’s all right in front of you.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend road trip or taking time to recharge at your own pace, this lakefront community offers a welcoming atmosphere, friendly faces, and experiences you’ll be talking about long after you head home. Pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to create your own Kenosha adventure, and thank me later.
