Frequently Asked Questions
What is Racine County, Wisconsin, known for?
Racine County is known for Danish Kringle pastry (Racine County is known as the Kringle Capital of America), Frank Lloyd Wright architecture (SC Johnson Administration Building, Research Tower, and Wingspread), Wind Point Lighthouse (the oldest and tallest working lighthouse on Lake Michigan), Racine Art Museum (the largest contemporary craft collection in North America), and agriculture and industry (Case IH agricultural equipment; SC Johnson household products including Windex, Ziploc, Glade, Raid, Pledge, and Scrubbing Bubbles; Dremel tools; InSinkErator instant hot water dispensers and food waste disposal systems; Twin Disc transmissions for marine and heavy duty equipment; Hamilton Beach small electric household appliances; Western Publishing – Little Golden Books; Mitchell wagon and automobile; and Horlicks Malted Milk).
Can I tour Frank Lloyd Wright buildings in Racine County, Wisconsin?
Yes. Tours of the SC Johnson Administration Building and Research Tower are available for groups of 20 or more. Tours of The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread home are available when conferences are not in session. Visit this page to schedule a walking tour of these buildings.
Is there a lighthouse in Racine County, Wisconsin?
Yes! Racine County is home to the Wind Point Lighthouse in Wind Point, Wisconsin. Built in 1880 at 108 feet tall, the Wind Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest and tallest working lighthouses on Lake Michigan. Open tower climbs are held on the first Sunday from June through October.
Are there any beaches in Racine County, Wisconsin?
Yes! Racine County has two beaches, North Beach and Zoo Beach. North Beach was Wisconsin’s first beach to be designated as a Certified Blue Wave clean beach by the National Clean Beaches Coalition. North Beach has 50 acres of pristine sand and blue water located a few blocks from Downtown Racine and is ADA accessible. North Beach has lifeguards on duty daily from the first week of June through the last week of August. Zoo Beach is directly north of North Beach and adjacent to the Racine Zoo. There are no lifeguards at Zoo Beach, so swimming is at your own risk.
How far (in miles and time) is Racine County, Wisconsin, from Milwaukee and Chicago?
Racine County is approximately 25 miles south of Milwaukee (approximately 40-minute drive time) and approximately 60 miles north of Chicago (approximately 90 to 120-minute drive time). Interstate 94 conveniently links Racine County with Milwaukee to the west and Chicago to the east.
What are the closest airports to Racine County, Wisconsin?
Batten International Airport in Racine, Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago are the closest airports to Racine County. Learn more about how to get to Racine County here.
Can you take a bus or train to Racine County, Wisconsin, from Milwaukee or Chicago?
Yes. Coach USA operates shuttles to and from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. Greyhound Agency inside the Metra Station in Kenosha has daily connecting bus service to Racine County. The Amtrak has daily train service to Sturtevant (Racine County).
Are there dog / pet friendly hotels in Racine County, Wisconsin?
Yes. Visit this page for a list of dog / pet friendly hotels in Racine County.
Are there breweries, wineries, or distilleries in Racine County, Wisconsin?
Yes. Visit this page for a list of the breweries, wineries, and distilleries in Racine County.
What famous people are from Racine County, Wisconsin?
Famous people from Racine County include Dr. Laurel Clark (NASA astronaut and United States Navy captain), Caron Butler (former two-time NBA All-Star), Duane Kuiper (former MLB infielder), Cory Everson (six-time Ms. Olympia winner), Jim Chones (former NBA center), Norm Nelson (champion stock car racer), Sonja Henning (WNBA basketball player), Tony Romo (former NFL quarterback), Fredric March (1930s and 1940s Hollywood actor and winner of two Academy Awards), Ellen Corby (Hollywood actress best known as Grandma Walton on the TV show The Waltons), Barbara McNair (singer, and theater, television, and film actress), Kristin Bauer van Straten (Hollywood actress known for roles in True Blood and Once Upon a Time), Joyce Carlson (artist and deisgner for Walt Disney Studios’ animated films and theme park attractions), and Paul Harris (founder of Rotary International).
Where is the Racine County Visitor Center located?
The Racine County Visitor Center is located at 14015 Washington Avenue, Sturtevant, Wisconsin, 53177. The visitor center is located just west of the I-94 / Hwy 20 interchange.