KENOSHA, Wis. — A new citywide event will give residents and visitors rare, behind-the-scenes access to some of Kenosha’s most interesting and often inaccessible spaces, as officials announced the launch of “Keys to Kenosha,” a self-guided architectural and cultural tour set for Saturday, Nov. 7.
The inaugural event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature more than 50 locations across the Kenosha area, ranging from historic landmarks and civic buildings to businesses, schools, and creative spaces.
Unlike traditional guided tours, Keys to Kenosha is designed as a flexible, self-paced experience. Attendees can choose which sites to visit and in what order, with no admission fee or required registration. Some locations may offer scheduled tours or activities, but most will be open for casual exploration throughout the day.
Organizers say the event was inspired by similar programs in larger cities like Milwaukee and Chicago and is intended to highlight Kenosha’s unique architecture, culture, and history.
Mayor David Bogdala called the event an opportunity to experience the city in a new way, pointing to Kenosha’s “distinctive architecture and a story to tell on every block.”
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman said the county is partnering in the effort, with sites such as the historic Kenosha County Courthouse and the new Kenosha County Human Services Building among those expected to be featured.
The event will include a wide variety of locations spanning multiple categories, including arts and cultural spaces, educational institutions, historic sites, religious buildings, and manufacturing facilities.
A site list included in event materials shows participating locations such as the Civil War Museum, Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Carthage College, Kenosha Public Museum, Gateway Technical College campuses, and numerous local businesses and churches, offering a broad cross-section of the community.
Organizers say the goal is to attract a wide audience, including history enthusiasts, architecture fans, families, and curious locals looking to explore new parts of the city.
The event is supported by major local sponsors including Jockey International, Snap-on, Uline, and Partners in Design Architects, with additional support from Visit Kenosha and local partners.
More details, including site-specific information and tour options, are expected to be released in the coming months through the event’s website.
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2 Responses
Hi Mayor McCheese 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Lou Rugani is the brightest gem of them all! He’s one of Kenosha’s greatest historians, if not the greatest! It would be nice if he took a role in this too!