Kenosha residents and visitors will have a rare opportunity on Saturday, Nov. 7, to explore more than 50 notable sites across the city at no cost. The inaugural Keys to Kenosha event offers a self‑guided tour of architectural landmarks, historic buildings, civic spaces and hidden gems, all open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What the tour includes
Participants can wander at their own pace using an interactive story map and site guide available at keystokenosha.com. Highlights range from the historic Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library and the Civic Center Historic District to newer additions such as the Kenosha Innovation Center and the Karrick Apartments.
A centerpiece of the tour is the newly restored Ceremonial Courtroom inside the historic Kenosha County Courthouse. County Executive Samantha Kerkman encouraged the public to visit, noting the courtroom’s “beautiful new form.” The space will host two performances of an original musical composition celebrating the courthouse’s history, scheduled for noon and 1 p.m.
Community partners and sponsors
The event is organized by the City of Kenosha in partnership with Visit Kenosha, Kenosha County and dozens of private and public‑sector venues. Primary sponsors include Jockey International, Partners in Design Architects, Snap‑on Incorporated and Uline. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism also contributed a Joint Effort Marketing Grant.
“It’s very simply a self‑guided tour of architectural sites, historic sites, civic buildings, educational buildings, sacred places,” said Kenosha City Development Director Tim Casey, who spearheaded the effort. “It really serves to elevate people’s awareness of their surroundings, the built environment. It’s educational, and I think it also contributes to civic pride.”
Mayor David Bogdala echoed that sentiment, adding, “Whether it’s a historic landmark, a local business or a hidden gem you’ve passed countless times, this event invites residents and visitors to experience Kenosha from an entirely new perspective. I’m proud of the partnerships that have brought this inaugural celebration to life, and I look forward to welcoming everyone as we open doors, celebrate our heritage and showcase everything that makes Kenosha a remarkable place to live, work and visit.”
Unique experiences on the day
Visitors can also ride the city’s rubber‑wheeled trolley to tour the Kenosha Area Transit bus garage from the inside. The downtown streetcar will run a free loop connecting several sites throughout the day, providing an easy and historic way to move between stops.
Mark Molinaro Jr., a Principal Architect with Partners in Design, said the event highlights how the city has grown. “For me and my company to be able to support the effort, having been here for more than three decades helping to shape the built environment here, it is really a unique opportunity for us, and we’re really excited to be involved. This is just the next step of getting people engaged in the community and understanding the opportunities that we have here.”
How to participate
No registration is required. Attendees simply arrive at any of the participating sites during the 10 a.m.‑4 p.m. window and follow the map or mobile guide. A blog showcasing featured sites is also available on the event website.
Keys to Kenosha offers a family‑friendly way to discover the city’s rich past and thriving present, reinforcing civic pride and encouraging residents to support local businesses and historic preservation efforts.
Original reporting: Kenosha.com — read the source article.
