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Racine is a lakefront city of about 77,000 people on the shore of Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin, between Milwaukee and Chicago. Known for its Danish heritage and as the home of SC Johnson, it is famous for the kringle, a flaky oval pastry sold in local bakeries, and for important buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The SC Johnson headquarters, with its striking Administration Building and Research Tower by Wright, offers free tours, and Wind Point Lighthouse, one of the oldest and tallest active lighthouses on the Great Lakes, stands just north of town. Downtown along Main Street and Sixth Street has shops, restaurants and the Racine Art Museum, known for its contemporary craft collection.
The lakefront is the city's best feature, with North Beach, a sandy, award-winning beach, plus Pershing Park, Samuel Myers Park and the harbor marina. The Root River winds through the city with parks like Island Park and Cedar Bend, and the Racine Zoo sits right on the lake.
Downtown museum with one of the largest collections of contemporary craft in North America, showing ceramics, glass, jewelry, fibers and wood in a sleek building on Main Street. Exhibits change often. Allow an hour or two; check opening days, as it is closed some weekdays.
History museum in the city's former Carnegie library building on Main Street, telling the story of Racine's inventors, industries and immigrant communities, from malted milk to garden tractors. It is small and well done; check limited opening hours before going.
Art center in a historic farmhouse surrounded by formal gardens on the northwest side of Racine, part of the Racine Art Museum. It shows regional artists and hosts art classes. Admission is free, and the gardens are pleasant for a short walk in summer.
Frank Lloyd Wright designed this 1939 office building and its 1950 Research Tower for the SC Johnson company, famous for the forest of lily-pad columns in the Great Workroom. Free guided tours run on the company campus; book online in advance, as they fill up.
Large Prairie-style house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1939 for Herbert F. Johnson, set on a wooded estate in Wind Point north of Racine. Its central living area has a tall chimney and a glass-ringed roof. Visits are by guided tour only, booked through SC Johnson.
Tall white lighthouse built in 1880 on a point just north of Racine, one of the oldest and tallest working lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The grounds are open for walks along the lakeshore; tower climbs are offered on select days, so check the schedule.
Wide sandy beach on Lake Michigan just north of the harbor, with lifeguards in summer, volleyball courts and a large wooden playground called Kids Cove. It has earned Blue Wave recognition for clean water. Parking is free; arrive early on hot weekends.
Small lakefront park near downtown Racine with a sandy beach, a dog-friendly section and paths along Lake Michigan. It is a quiet alternative to North Beach and close to downtown restaurants. Swimming conditions vary, so check posted water quality notices.
River that winds through Racine to Lake Michigan, followed by the Root River Pathway and dotted with parks. In spring and fall, anglers come for runs of trout and salmon below the Horlick Dam. Walk the pathway near the harbor or visit the river center in summer.
Family-run bakery founded in 1949 that is the best-known maker of Racine kringle, the flaky oval Danish pastry that is Wisconsin's official state pastry. Flavors range from pecan and raspberry to seasonal specials. Buy one to share, or ship some home from the store.
Lakefront downtown along Main and Sixth Streets with restored 19th-century buildings, galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and the harbor marina nearby. Summer brings festivals and outdoor dining. Park in a city ramp and walk to the art museum and the lakefront.
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