Overview
Racine is a city of 77,000 people (2019) in Southeast Wisconsin along Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Root River. It is the county seat of Racine County.
6 sights · 3 things to do · 17 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Racine
Racine Art Museum
An art museum that features local artists and traveling exhibitions. The building was designed to be accessible for all persons, including those with special mobility needs.
Johnson Wax Headquarters
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Racine Zoological Gardens
A 32-acre zoo on Lake Michigan. Often has seasonal special events.
Reefpoint Marina and Festival Hall
Riverwalk with beautiful shoreline views. During the summer months, many festivals with music and fireworks on weekends.
Wind Point Lighthouse
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are available, check their website for the seasonal hours.
Wustum Art Museum
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 17°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Apr. (climate data from nearby Milwaukee)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 16 mi away (major hub). Directions
- ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago — 52 mi away (major hub). Directions
Coach USA Airport Express service is available to O'Hare International Airport and Milwaukee from the Petro Station/Iron Skillet on I-94 and Hwy. 20. There are fourteen runs to O'Hare and Midway airports 365 days a year. Limited weekday connections are available using Belle Urban System route 20 leaving the Racine Transit Center on the 1400 block of State Street at 6:20AM, 7:10AM, 4:10PM, and 5:10PM. Coach USA Airport Express tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or a local travel agent.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $112–$165 a night (typical $165), from 3 listed prices.
- Typical meal: about $9 per person at listed restaurants.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$140, mid-range ~$220, comfortable ~$280.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Racine Art Museum, Seven Keys to Escape, Reefpoint Marina and Festival Hall
- Lunch Salute
- Afternoon Racine Zoological Gardens, Wind Point Lighthouse
- Dinner Sticky Rice
- Evening Taste of Soul Bar & Grill 262
Day 2
- Morning Johnson Wax Headquarters, SC Johnson Community Aquatic Center
- Lunch Bendtsen's Bakery
- Afternoon Wustum Art Museum
- Dinner Blue Bear
- Evening McAuliffe's Pub
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
If you don't want to go outside your comfort zone, there are several chain restaurants in the area of the Regency Mall such as Applebee's & Taco Bell (2521 S Green Bay Rd), Red Lobster (2800 S Green Bay Rd), and Texas Roadhouse (6228 Durand Ave). Most of Racine's best restaurants are located in downtown Racine or in the seedier parts of town. The majority of these restaurants have some kind of metered parking, so bring change or be prepared to use the city's parking mobile app.
Racine is famous for its Danish pastry called Kringle. There are several bakeries that offer this flaky, sweet delight but the most notable (and perhaps most authentic) is O&H Danish Bakery.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By bus
Coach USA Airport Express service is available to O'Hare International Airport and Milwaukee from the Petro Station/Iron Skillet on I-94 and Hwy. 20. There are fourteen runs to O'Hare and Midway airports 365 days a year. Limited weekday connections are available using Belle Urban System route 20 leaving the Racine Transit Center on the 1400 block of State Street at 6:20AM, 7:10AM, 4:10PM, and 5:10PM. Coach USA Airport Express tickets can be purchased from the bus driver or a local travel agent.
By plane
Racine has a small city airport, and is close to Milwaukee Mitchell International and Chicago O'Hare.
By train
- Route stopping at Sturtevant:
- Hiawatha has 6 to 7 daily round trips between Milwaukee Downtown Intermodal Station and Chicago with stops along the way at Milwaukee Airport-Trains station, Sturtevant (7 miles west of Racine), and Glenview. Taking this train offers the quickest travel time from Chicago, power outlets at your seat, a quiet car, and snack & beverage service.
Get around
By bus
Racine has a bus system (Ryde Racine) with fares from $0-2 depending on age and time of day. Exact change is required. Day passes can be purchased for about $4. Routes with times and up-to-date fares can be found on the website.
By car
Most parking on the main streets, especially in the downtown area, are metered. In the event you do not have spare change or need more than 2 hours of parking time, Racine has a phone app to pay the meter fare that even has a handy alarm notification when you are approaching the end of your time. All the information you need for the app is found on the meter itself. Metered parking becomes free parking before 8am and after 6pm, or anytime if you have a handicap license plate or tag on display.
From December 1 to April 1, alternate side parking is in effect for non-metered roadside parking between 2AM and 6AM. Vehicles must park on the even-numbered address side of the street on an even-numbered calendar day; and on the odd-numbered side of the street on an odd-numbered day. You will get ticketed if you don't observe the rules. Racine police have been known to wait beside a parked car at 1:55AM to slap a ticket on it once 2AM rolls around.
See
See Reefpoint Marina and Festival Hall
Riverwalk with beautiful shoreline views. During the summer months, many festivals with music and fireworks on weekends.
See Wustum Art Museum
Do
Lighthouse Run, pro volleyball tournament, dragonboat races, many lakefront activities during the summer months.
Do First Fridays
Local businesses in the downtown area host an event on the first Friday of the month. The main road through downtown is blocked off and turned into a pedestrian zone. In addition to the shop's sidewalk sales, there is live music in Monument Square and often stores will have a musician or band playing in front of them. You can gain free admission to the downtown's museums. Food trucks and the nearby restaurants have specials or promotions. Visit their website to see the band line-up, specials, and whether any special activities or demonstrations have been scheduled.
Do Seven Keys to Escape
An escape room with rotating themes. Check the website to see the current theme as the room's scenarios and puzzles change fairly regularly. You'll be part of a group of 7 to figure out the room's puzzles and escape. Recommended for ages 13 and up to get the full experience. Booking at least a day in advance is required and can be done via their website or by phone. Takes about 60 minutes.
Buy
Most chain shopping can be found on Highway 31, between Durand and 21st street. Of note, there is a Barnes & Noble, a TJ Maxx, and a Best Buy. More interesting are the shops found in Racine's downtown, on Main street.
Shop Hot Shop Glass
Gallery sells glass works from local artists ranging from beautiful ornaments to sculptures and vases. You can also watch as people make glass creations. Offers introductory glass workshops for beginners priced around $65. Classes fill quickly and may need a reservation months in advance.
Eat
If you don't want to go outside your comfort zone, there are several chain restaurants in the area of the Regency Mall such as Applebee's & Taco Bell (2521 S Green Bay Rd), Red Lobster (2800 S Green Bay Rd), and Texas Roadhouse (6228 Durand Ave). Most of Racine's best restaurants are located in downtown Racine or in the seedier parts of town. The majority of these restaurants have some kind of metered parking, so bring change or be prepared to use the city's parking mobile app.
Eat 911 Tacos (Nine Juan Juan Tacos)
Food truck with friendly and welcoming owner and staff. The menu is limited: there are a few selections of meat, you decide if you want it American or Authentic style, and whether it will be a taco, burrito, or chimichanga. Occasionally there are tamales available in limited quantities. The salsa and chips are made to order.
Eat Asiana
Korean fusion food. Service can be very slow. There's usually only two people working: a waitress and a chef (usually the owner). Expect to spend at least a half hour waiting for food. It is absolutely worth the wait, however.
Eat Blue Bear
Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients. There is a selection of gluten-free items that actually taste good. The interior is tiny with very little seating.
Eat The Dish
A non-franchise fast casual restaurant/café that serves south-east Wisconsin comfort food such as soups, pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. In addition to the large dining area, there is outdoor seating and an enclosed patio that they open the windows to during warm weather.
Eat Hobnob Restaurant
An upscale supper club that features a long wine list. It has been open since 1954 and is situated right on Lake Michigan. It's best known for steak and seafood.
Eat Jose's Blue Sombrero
Serves Mexican food with an American hipster twist. They serve great margaritas. This place is always very busy. There are no reservations, but you can call ahead to reserve your place in line. If you aren't there when they call your name, someone else will get your table.
Eat Kabab and Grill
Tiny and cramped, this small place serves Pakistani style dishes. The mutton is fantastic. It's best to order takeout. Only bar seating available. Food is served cafeteria style: you approach the counter and then point at the food you would like to eat. Combinations are offered of various meats and side dishes. Very friendly staff will assist in providing a sample of any dish you would like to try before you eat.
Eat Kewpee Sandwich Shop
A burger joint that has been in business since the 1920s. The interior is decorated with kewpee dolls from across the decades and the dining area has a retro feel. Everything is cash only. There is limited unmetered parking, so bring change.
Eat Olde Madrid
Serves Spanish tapas and has a bar. The dishes are slightly smaller than sharing size but you are encouraged to purchase several so everyone gets a taste. The interior isn't quite "date worthy": it's a bit old and seems unkempt, the walls are a bright orange, and there's a large piece of cloth that covers the front of the restaurant to prevent the draft from seeping in. The food is really delicious and has combinations of flavors that would be quite unusual for palates accustomed to American fare.
Eat Salute
A casual Italian restaurant the serves pizza and pasta. The atmosphere is welcoming. This place has been in business for many years and is very consistent in the quality of their menu items.
Eat Sticky Rice
This Thai restaurant has an excellent lunch menu. Their quick service makes them popular around lunch time for business folk. The hot Thai green tea is fantastic on a cold winter's day. The Volcano chicken and green curry are two dishes popular with the locals. Spiciness of meals can be adjusted according to taste. Please note that the spiciness seems to be increased on an exponential and not linear scale like most restaurant's star systems work. They have a cozy, clean, café inspired atmosphere. All parking is metered, so remember to bring change.
Eat Taqueria Arandas (Arandas)
Located in a rougher part of town and in a very worn building, this taqueria serves some of the very best and authentic Mexican food. There is limited parking on the side of the building but most people park on the street.
Eat Wells Bros. Italian Restaurant
Offers some of the best Midwestern-style thin crust pizza in southeastern Wisconsin. Wells Bros. was named one of the top ten pizzerias in the United States in a book written by two food critics. It is also the oldest standing pizzeria in Racine.
Eat Infusino's Pizzeria
Racine-style deep dish pizza and more traditional Italian fare.
Kringle
Racine is famous for its Danish pastry called Kringle. There are several bakeries that offer this flaky, sweet delight but the most notable (and perhaps most authentic) is O&H Danish Bakery.
Drink
Drink Taste of Soul Bar & Grill 262
Drinks and entertainment and soul food.
Drink McAuliffe's Pub
Bar and live music venue.
Sleep
Stay Lochnaiar Inn
This Tudor style house was built in 1915 and has 6 rooms. Lochnaiar means "on the water" in Gaelic and the building sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Free WIFI and breakfast included. Pets permitted with an upcharge.
Stay safe
There are several neighborhoods in the east and north-east areas of Racine that are run-down or depressed and have a high violent crime rate. Most of the crime is local-on-local or gang-on-gang related so you are unlikely to be a target. You don't need to fear driving through these parts of town, but stick to the main streets and don't dawdle after sundown. Racine crime obeys invisible barriers certain streets create. A "safe" street could be a block away from an "unsafe" area. Anywhere west of West Boulevard, the downtown area while businesses are open, and two blocks from the lake's shore is ok. Anywhere west of Lathrop is sketchy but probably safe. Parks and neighborhoods near the root river should be avoided. Use common sense. If the area looks sketchy it probably isn't a place you should be and probably doesn't have anything a tourist would be interested in anyway.
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