Tall Ships Niña and Pinta Open for Tours in Kenosha Starting August 30

Kenosha, WI (August 26, 2011) - It’s always an exciting occasion when tall ships grace the Kenosha harbor with their presence. On Tuesday, August 30, the Pinta and the Niña, replica Columbus ships, will open for tours in Kenosha. The ships will be docked near the Kenosha Yacht Club (5130 4th Ave.) until their departure early Monday morning September 12.  The ships will be open every day, August 30 through September 11, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for walk-aboard, self-guided tours.

The Niña was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built. The Pinta was recently built in Brazil to accompany the Niña on all of her travels. She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel.  Historians consider the caravel the “Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century”. Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced sailing museum for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the caravel, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world.

The admission fee (covers entrance on both ships) is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $6 for ages 5 - 16 . Children 4 and under are free. No reservations are necessary. Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30-minute guided tour with a crew member should call (787) 672-2152 (minimum of 15 people). Visit www.thenina.com for more information about the ships.

While here, enjoy other attractions at Kenosha’s Lake Michigan shore. On Saturday and Sunday, climb the 1866 Southport Lighthouse and tour the Southport Light Station Museum. Shop at Kenosha HarborMarket on Saturday (9am-2pm). Book a charter fishing trip with the Kenosha Charter Boat Association. Enjoy an incredible view of our Great Lake from the Electric Streeetcar, Kenosha Public Museum, or Civil War Museum!

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.

#####