Like most cities in the United States, Racine is a tourist delight with many attractions for you, no matter the reason for your trip.
Racine is located in the southeastern part of Wisconsin, United States. It is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and is part of the Milwaukee metropolitan area.
It has a population of around 78,000 people and covers an area of around 37 square miles. The city is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and beautiful natural setting along the lake.
Racine is home to various cultural and recreational attractions, including museums, parks, and festivals. Some popular attractions in the city include the Racine Art Museum, the Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, the Racine Heritage Museum, and the Racine Zoo.
The city also has several parks and beaches along the lake, such as North Beach and Zoo Beach, which offer swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities. Racine also has a vibrant arts scene, with various theater, music, and dance performances throughout the year.
Racine is also known for its industrial heritage, as the city was once a major center for manufacturing, particularly in the fields of machinery, tools, and transportation equipment. It is home to several manufacturing and industrial companies and a growing service sector.
Let’s explore the numerous things to do in Racine (WI) together.
Fun Things to Do in Racine (WI)
1. Go on the Carriage House Pedal Tour
Explore the city of Racine, Wisconsin, differently on the carriage house pedal. Join one of our Mixed tours or organize your private pub crawl with your friends or your significant other on Carriage House Pedal Tours’ 16-passenger party bike.
Go on a tour around Racine while enjoying a drink or more.
The ride takes you through popular spots, including Racine zoo, if they are open when you’re passing. This ride is perfect for your reunions and date nights.
2. Go Kayaking on the Root River
The Root River is approximately 72 miles long and is a tributary of Lake Michigan. It is known for its excellent trout fishing and is stocked with brown, rainbow, and brook trout by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The river is home to various fish species, including bass, panfish, and catfish.
The Root River is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, with several rental businesses and outfitters located along the river.
Things to Do in Racine (WI) at Night
1. Visit the Wind Point Lighthouse
The Wind Point Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the village of Wind Point, Wisconsin, which is part of the city of Racine.
The Lighthouse was built in 1880 and is still an active aid to navigation. It stands 108 feet tall, making it the tallest Lighthouse on the Great Lakes and the fourth tallest in the United States. The light is visible for 18 nautical miles.
The Lighthouse is open for tours during summer, and the grounds are open year-round. Visitors can climb to the top of the Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
In addition, the lighthouse keeper’s quarters is now a museum with exhibits about the history of the Lighthouse and the life of the lighthouse keepers. The museum features artifacts and photographs from the Lighthouse’s past, including equipment and tools used by the lighthouse keepers.
Wind Point Lighthouse is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike and is a great place to experience the history and natural beauty of the area.
The Lighthouse has a hall for different events, including weddings.
2. Watch Local Artiste Perform at Racine Theatre Guild
The Racine Theatre Guild is a community theater organization based in Racine, Wisconsin. The organization produces a variety of plays, musicals, and other performances throughout the year.
The Guild is one of the oldest community theater groups in the country and has a long history of producing high-quality productions.
Volunteers run the organization and rely on the community’s support to put on their shows. The Racine Theatre Guild is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide a creative outlet for residents and entertain and educate audiences.
The group aims to bring live theater to the community and provide a venue for local actors, directors, and other theater enthusiasts to showcase their talents.
RTG annually offers a season of eight main-stage plays and musicals, Racine Children’s Theatre, Jean’s Jazz Series, Comedy Tonight, Signature Spotlight Concert Series, theatre trips to Chicago and New York City, theatre classes for kids and adults, daytime performances and workshops for schools, and more.
3. Visit the Abandoned Haunted House Complex
Abandoned Haunted House Complex has the best-haunted houses in Wisconsin. It is located 30 minutes north of Chicago, IL, or 15 minutes south of Milwaukee, WI.
Abandoned Haunted House Complex has three different Haunted Houses. Abandoned is designed to your senses in multiple ways to ensure everyone has a great time.
The first house is the Ambush Haunted House. It is an intense startle-scare haunted house with loud noises, actors popping out of unexpected places, good lighting, and engulfing scene effects.
The second house is the Hysteria Haunted House. It focuses interactions on your senses and mind. Visual and audio scares are interspersed, as well as confusion, illusion, and misdirection. Nothing is as it seems in this house.
The third house is the stalker haunted house. Your mind plays tricks on you as the scenes engulf you.
The estimated time to walk through these houses is 20 minutes.
Things to Do in Racine (WI) For Couples
1. Have Drinks at Dewey’s Restaurant and Sportsbar
What better way to bond with your significant other than watching your favorite team play over drinks?
Dewey offers a variety of hall settings with different sitting capacities. You can go to the main floor banquet room for a more intimate time with your partner.
You can use the second-floor banquet room for your intimate family moments.
Dewey also allows you to watch your favorite sports and eat a tasty meal simultaneously.
2. Spend Time Together at Reef Point Marina
Reef Point Marina in Racine, WI, is a great location for couples who enjoy boating and the great outdoors.
The marina offers a peaceful and scenic environment for couples to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan.
The marina’s location on the shore of Lake Michigan provides easy access to the lake for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
The marina also offers amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a playground for children, which couples can enjoy. There are also picnic areas available for couples to enjoy a meal together.
The marina’s ship store sells snacks and beverages, which can be enjoyed while sitting on the pier and watching the boats come and go.
Overall, Reef Point Marina in Racine, WI, is a great location for couples who enjoy boating, the great outdoors, and spending time together.
3. Go to Cliffside Park
Cliffside Park in Racine, WI, is a beautiful park that offers various activities for couples. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.
One of the park’s main attractions is the Cliffside Nature Preserve, which offers hiking trails and a lookout point that provides breathtaking views of the lake.
The park also has a playground, basketball courts, and picnic areas where couples can enjoy a meal together while enjoying the beautiful views.
Cliffside Park also has a large beach area where couples can enjoy swimming in the lake or sunbathing on the beach. The beach is also great for couples to enjoy a romantic stroll along the shore or watch the sunset over the lake.
Cliffside Park also offers recreational activities like; fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding rentals. The park is also home to the Racine Art Museum, which features contemporary art, craft and design exhibitions, and educational programs.
Overall, Cliffside Park in Racine, WI, is a great location for couples who enjoy nature, the great outdoors, and spending time together.
Things to Do in Racine (WI) For Kids
1. Visit Racine Zoo
The Racine Zoo is a small zoo in Racine that features a variety of animals from around the world. The Zoo is home to over 200 animals, representing over 100 different species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
Some popular animal exhibits include animals from the African Savanna, which features zebras, giraffes, and ostriches; the Great Cats of the World exhibit, which has lions and tigers; and the Tropical Rainforest, which has monkeys and parrots.
The Zoo also has a Children’s Zoo, which features interactive exhibits, a petting zoo, and a playground. Additionally, the Zoo offers a variety of educational programs such as guided tours, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours.
The Zoo offers a variety of activities and programs, and visitors can spend hours exploring the different exhibits and learning about the animals.
2. Play Games at Br8kout Escape Room
Br8kout Escape Room in Racine, WI, is an interactive and fun experience for the entire family. Players are locked in a themed room to solve puzzles and riddles to escape within a set time limit.
Br8kout Escape Room offers themed rooms, such as a prison escape, a haunted house, and a spy mission, that can be tailored to different age groups and skill levels. These rooms are designed to be challenging yet age-appropriate for kids.
Playing an escape room is a great way for kids to work together as a team, develop problem-solving skills, and have fun. It’s also a great activity for every member of the family to do together.
It’s important to check with the venue for the minimum age requirement, as some rooms might require a certain level of maturity.
Br8kout Escape Room in Racine, WI, is a fun and educational activity for kids and families. It’s a great way for kids to use their problem-solving skills and work together as a team while having fun.
3. Visit Racine North Beach
Racine North Beach is a beach in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. It is a popular spot for families, offering a playground, beach volleyball courts, and a concession stand for snacks and drinks.
The beach also has a swimming area with a buoyed-off swimming area for children and a designated area for water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing.
Additionally, the beach provides lifeguards during the summer months to ensure the safety of visitors.
Kids enjoy activities at Racine North beach, like; swimming, playing on the playground, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball.
Indoor Activities to Do in Racine (WI) For Adults
1. Take a Dance Class at Dance Art Center
The Dance Art Center (DAC) is a dance studio in Racine, Wisconsin that provides dance classes for children and adults. They offer a wide range of dance styles, including ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, and lyrical.
The studio also provides classes for competitive dance teams and special events such as recitals and competitions.
The Dance Art Center is known for its experienced and qualified instructors dedicated to helping students of all ages and skill levels improve their technique and develop a love for dance.
2. Spend Time at Racine Art Museum
The Racine Art Museum (RAM) is located in Racine, Wisconsin, USA. It is a museum that features contemporary and traditional art, craft, and design from around the world, focusing on works by artists from Wisconsin and the Midwest.
The museum has a collection of over 8,500 objects, including ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, and wood, as well as paintings, drawings, and prints.
RAM is known for its collection of contemporary Japanese ceramics, one of the world’s largest and most important.
The museum offers a variety of exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and tours.
3. Tour Round The Racine Heritage Museum
The Racine Heritage Museum is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and promote the history and culture of Racine and the surrounding area.
The museum is located in the historic former Racine County Courthouse, a beautiful and well-preserved building that dates back to the 19th century.
Inside, the museum features a variety of exhibits and displays that highlight the area’s history. The exhibits include artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that explore the industry’s history, transportation, and daily life in Racine.
The museum features special exhibitions on specific topics, such as the history of local businesses, important figures in Racine’s history, and cultural events.
The museum offers various educational programs and events for people of all ages, including tours, lectures, and workshops. Additionally, the museum has a reference library and archives for researchers.
Romantic Things to Do in Racine (WI)
1. Go to the Marcus Renaissance Cinema
The Marcus Renaissance Cinema in Racine, Wisconsin, is a movie theater that offers couples a romantic and upscale movie-going experience. The theater features luxury seats that recline, and some have footrests.
It has a bar and lounge area where couples can enjoy drinks and snacks before or after the movie.
Additionally, the theater offers special events such as “Date Night” packages, where couples can enjoy a movie and a meal at a nearby restaurant.
The Marcus Renaissance Cinema has a variety of films on its schedule, including new releases and independent films, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
2. Visit Apple Holler
Apple Holler is a farm-to-table restaurant and orchard located in Racine, Wisconsin. It is a perfect place for couples to enjoy a romantic evening out.
The restaurant serves farm-fresh meals with ingredients grown on their orchards, including apples, berries, and vegetables. They also have a bakery that serves homemade pies, cakes, and pastries.
The orchard also offers a variety of activities for couples, such as apple picking, hayrides, and tours of the orchard. They also have a cider and winery where you can taste their homemade cider and wines.
The farm also has a gift shop to buy fresh produce, jams, jellies, and other items. Apple Holler is a great place for a romantic and unique experience for couples.
3. Go Skydiving at Skydiving Midwest Centre
Skydiving Midwest Center, located in Racine, Wisconsin, offers a thrilling and unique experience for couples looking for an adrenaline rush.
The center offers tandem skydiving, where couples can jump together while attached to a certified instructor.
The experience includes a brief training session, and then the couple will board the plane and ascend to a height of around 14,000 feet before jumping out of the plane and freefalling for about 60 seconds.
After the freefall, the parachute will open, and the couple will enjoy a peaceful and scenic ride back down to the ground.
Skydiving Midwest Center offers videography and photography services to capture the couple’s experience. It is a great way for couples to bond and make memories together.
Free Things to Do in Racine (WI)
1. Visit Racine Arboretum
The Racine Arboretum is a 100-acre botanical garden located at 1401 Goold Street, Racine, Wisconsin. It was established in 1978 and is open to the public free of charge.
The Arboretum is home to over 1,800 varieties of plants, including trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses.
It has several different gardens, including a rose garden, a wildflower garden, and a butterfly garden. The Arboretum also features a lake, walking paths, and a playground.
The Arboretum hosts a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, such as guided tours, gardening classes, and nature walks.
This garden also provides educational resources and materials for schools and other groups. The Arboretum is open year-round, with seasonal hours. It is great for nature lovers, gardeners, and families looking for a fun and outdoor educational experience.
2. Go Window Shopping at Hot Glass Shop Racine
Hot Shop Glass is a glass studio and gallery in Racine, Wisconsin. It is a working studio where glass art is created and also serves as a gallery for displaying the work of local and regional glass artists.
The studio offers classes, workshops, and events for people of all ages and skill levels to learn about glass art, from beginners to experienced artists.
They have a team of experienced glassblowers and artists that work in the studio and also host visiting artist workshops and residency programs.
Visitors can watch the glassblowing process through large windows and purchase one-of-a-kind glass art pieces in the gallery.
3. Take an Evening Stroll Down Downtown Racine
Downtown Racine is the central business district of Racine, Wisconsin. It is home to various businesses, including shops, restaurants, and offices.
The area is known for its historic architecture, with many buildings dating back to the 19th century.
The downtown area is home to several annual events and festivals, including the Racine Art Walk, which features local artists and musicians, and the Taste of Racine, which showcases the diverse food scene.
Downtown Racine is also home to several cultural institutions, such as the Racine Civic Centre and the Racine Theatre Guild. The Racine Arts Council also has its office downtown.
The downtown area is home to several parks, such as Monument Square, which features a Civil War memorial, and the Racine Zoo, a popular attraction for families.
Cheap Things to Do in Racine (WI)
1. Visit The Eco-Justice Center
The Eco-Justice Center is a nonprofit organization in Racine, Wisconsin, that promotes environmental sustainability and social justice.
They work to educate and engage the community on issues related to climate change, renewable energy, sustainable living, and environmental racism.
They also provide resources and support for community members to take action on these issues. Some of their programs include solar community projects, sustainable gardening, food systems, and environmental education for youth.
2. Visit Racine Farmers Market
The Racine Farmers Market is a weekly event on Saturdays from May to October. It features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts.
The market is located at Main St and 5th St intersection and is open from 8 am to 2 pm. It is a great place to find locally-sourced and seasonal produce and meet and support local farmers and artisans.
The market offers live music and special events throughout the season. The market is a great way to spend a Saturday morning in Racine, WI, and support local businesses.
Cool Things to Do in Racine (WI)
1. Watch Drag Racing at Great Lakes Dragaway
Great Lakes Dragaway is a popular destination for drag racing enthusiasts in the Midwest. The dragstrip is a quarter-mile long and is made of concrete. It has state-of-the-art timing and lighting systems and a seating capacity for up to 10,000 spectators.
The facility also includes a large pit area for race teams to work on their vehicles and a concessions stand that offers food and drinks.
The dragaway offers a variety of events throughout the year, including weekly test-and-tune sessions, street legal nights, and bracket racing series.
These events are open to professional and amateur racers, and a wide range of vehicles, from cars to trucks, motorcycles, and even tractors, are welcome.
The facility hosts large events such as the Muscle Car Shootout and the World Series of Pro Mod.
Great Lakes Dragaway is considered a historic dragstrip in the United States, as it was founded in 1951 and is one of the country’s oldest and most historic dragstrips.
They host many events like car shows, swap meets, and concerts with famous bands and artists.
2. Have a Picnic at Petrifying Springs Park
Petrifying Springs Park is a public park located in the city of Kenosha, Wisconsin, near Racine. The park features a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, a playground, picnic areas, and a large spring-fed swimming pool.
The park is also home to the historic Petrification Well, a limestone formation created by the petrification of a small stream over many years.
The well is considered a natural wonder and is open to the public for viewing. The park also features a pavilion, a playground, and a playground for the children.
The park is open year-round and is free to the public. It’s a great spot for a family day, picnic, hike, or swim in a hot summer.
Conclusion
Wouldn’t you love to have a vacation in a city like Racine that promises lots of fun and excitement?
From green parks where you can relax to cinemas for some movies, and escape rooms to thrill you, don’t miss all these and more.
Make our checklist of things to do in Racine (WI) your guide, and be sure to have the time of your life!
Take that trip today, and remember to share your experiences with us via the comment section. Happy travels!
