The End Of The Line Is Just The Beginning Of An Exciting Adventure In Kenosha

Kenosha, WI  (July 25, 2011) – A day (or more) of adventure awaits you at the end of Metra’s Union Pacific North line. Whether looking to travel the economic way this summer, or for a fun family excursion by train, get on board and travel north of the state line to Kenosha, Wisconsin. You’ll step off in Downtown Kenosha, where Lake Michigan is just blocks away and a host of attractions, restaurants, and shops await you. Many are located on the Electric Streetcar line.

Authentic electric streetcars travel a two-mile loop around downtown, along the Lake Michigan shore, and to the Metra station. While an attraction in and of itself, the streetcar also serves as a convenient, inexpensive, pollution-free mode of transportation. Each ride costs merely fifty cents for ages 12 and under, and a dollar for ages 13 and over. An all day pass costs $2.50.

In addition to (or in lieu of) hopping on the streetcar, Downtown Kenosha is a very walkable destination. Walk to the Dinosaur Discovery Museum to see the largest collection of meat-eating theropods in the nation. Explore the contributions of the Upper Middle West to the Civil War at the Civil War Museum. Don’t miss the poignant Veterans Memorial Gallery! Next door, celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Kenosha Public Museum, a natural science and fine arts museum. See the woolly mammoths excavated right here in Kenosha County! Exit the west doors of either the Civil War Museum or Kenosha Public Museum on Saturdays in the summer and you are in the heart of the bustling European-style mixed market called Kenosha HarborMarket. Exit the east doors for a fantastic view of our Great Lake - Lake Michigan.

Kenosha’s harbor is beautiful, with a winding lakefront promenade for you to stroll on. Beaches, parks, gardens, sculptures, two marinas and two lighthouses line the harbor. Dine at Harborside Common Grounds, Boat House Pub & Eatery, Lighthouse Bistro, or Ashling on the Lough for a lakefront view. There are many more restaurants, cafes, diners, coffee shops, and pubs to choose from, as well as two must-visit ice cream/candy shops: Sandy’s Popper and Scoops! Ice Cream. You won’t leave Downtown Kenosha hungry!

You can make room for a shopping bag or two on the train, right? One-of-a-kind, locally owned shops abound. Shop for classic toys for all ages at Heim’s Downtown Toy Store. Sit, relax, and paint with the family at Alpaca Art Pottery Painting. Come in for a soothing massage at Equinox – The Body and Soul Boutique. Express yourself with paper at Paperazzi. Art galleries, with unique hand-made artwork for sale, include the Pollard Gallery, KAAleidoscope Art Gallery, and Lemon Street Gallery.

Bring your bicycle along and bike to the Kenosha History Center and Southport Light Station Museum on Simmons Island. You can also bike through four National Register Historic Districts – be sure to pause outside the historic Kemper Center. Bike along scenic Lake Michigan, around the Washington Park Velodrome - the oldest operating track in the country - or on the 10.2-mile Pike Bike Trail through Kenosha County. (Contact METRA for bicycle policy.)

Time your visit around a Kenosha event! Ride here for Taste of Wisconsin™ (July 29-31) or Grill Games (August 27) – two lakefront food festivals, which also feature live music. Enjoy the HarborPark Jazz & Blues Festival (August 20) or check out classic car beauties at the 8th Annual Kenosha Classic Cruise-In (September 3). Visit the Second Saturday of the month to take advantage of livemusic, art exhibitions, special discounts, entertainment and more at participating Downtown businesses.

There’s no need to worry about gas prices when you ride with Metra! Take advantage of the $7 Weekend Pass with unlimited rides on both Saturday and Sunday. Visit on Saturday, and return on Sunday at no further cost to continue exploring Kenosha!

Climb aboard the Union Pacific North line this summer, and head north until you hear Last Stop: Kenosha! For the Metra schedule, visit www.metrarail.com. For more information about the Kenosha Area, including a 2011 Kenosha Area Visitors Guide, log on to www.KenoshaCVB.com or call the Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (262) 654-7307 or (800) 654-7309. The Visitors Guide is also available by visiting a Kenosha Area Visitor Information Center. The I-94 location is at I-94 & Hwy. 165 East Exit 347, while the Downtown Kenosha location is at 812 - 56th St. Follow us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook to receive updates about events, specials, and more.
 
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