Racine, WI, USA

Racine is a city in the state of Wisconsin, USA. It is located in Racine County, along the banks of the Root River, approximately 25 miles south of Milwaukee. Incorporated as a city on August 8, 1848, Racine serves as the county seat and enjoys a great location on the shores of Lake Michigan. The city is known by several nicknames, including the Belle City of the Lakes and Kringleville.

Racine is both a tourist destination and an important economic center. It is home to major companies such as Modine Manufacturing, S. C. Johnson & Son, and InSinkErator. The Johnson Wax Headquarters, designed by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, serves as the global headquarters of S. C. Johnson & Son. This iconic building was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on December 27, 1974, and is also designated as a U.S. National Historic Landmark.

The city features numerous historic landmarks, particularly within the Old Main Street Historic District. Covering 17 acres, the district includes notable structures such as the Thomas P. Hardy House, the YMCA Building, the Badger Building, the George Murray House, St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, and the Eli R. Cooley House.

Racine is served by Batten International Airport, located approximately 2 miles northwest of the city.

Top Attractions in Racine

• The Chicago & North Western Railway Racine Depot, located at 1402 Liberty Street (42.7303649, -87.7979508), is a historic train station built in the early 20th century. The depot closed on April 30, 1971, and features Georgian Revival architecture. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 10, 1980.
• The Racine Art Museum, located at 441 Main Street (42.7282473, -87.7827755), is one of the city’s major cultural attractions. Founded on November 16, 1941, it houses North America’s largest collection of contemporary craft.
• Wind Point Lighthouse (42.7812369, -87.7585407) stands at the northern tip of Racine Harbor. Rising 108 feet, it has been in continuous operation since first being lit in 1880 and is recognized as one of the oldest active lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984.

Other notable points of interest in Racine include RAM’s Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, Racine North Beach, Quarry Lake Park, and Johnson Park Golf Course.