Kenosha and Other Points Westward

Day 4

Today’s planned schedule was full of activities. A couple of museums, coffee of course, and a cruise.

When we were in Kenosha in 2022 for the American Motors Car show (see Kenosha Homecoming), the Kenosha History Museum was on the list to see but it was too busy or we were too busy. Now I’d get the chance to learn all about the origins of my antique cars (see 1966 AMC Marlin).

American Motors (or some version) manufactured cars exclusively in Kenosha from 1916 to 1990. Part of the museum is dedicated to the history of the auto manufacturer

I learned that the Marlin was an attempt to compete with the Big 3 and it didn’t work. In 1965, Rambler, soon to be AMC, was so strapped for cash that they only produced enough Marlins to supply dealerships with just a few cars, relying on the public to place orders. Meanwhile, you could visit a Ford dealership with a hundred Mustangs on the lot and drive one home that day. The Marlin died a quiet death in 1967.

*The display area was not very large but it was jam-packed with information and pictures*

*A movie car used by James Bond. Anyone remember which movie? And who was along for the ride?*

There is also a Yesteryear Gallery with displays of early settlements of the Kenosha area. Admission and parking is free. They do accept donations. Check the hours before going but it’s certainly worth a look.

Adjacent to the car museum was another cool building and museum we just had to check out. The Southport Light Station. Built in 1866, it guided ships into the harbor until 1906.

The small house museum is free but there is a fee to climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse. If you don’t mind heights and small stairs, then this tour is for you.

*The Fresnel lens used in at the top of the tower*

*What a beautiful view of Lake Michigan*

*You had to crawl up the last few steps to the landing. Coming down, we were instructed to walk backwards until we cleared the platform. Tackled those stairs like a champ!*

We decided it was time for a mid-morning break so we headed into downtown Kenosha to the Buzz Cafe. The coffee shop was branded with the bee theme but we were there for the caffeine ‘buzz’.

I had the house blend, Mary had the cold brew.

Good coffee and classic ambience. (Photo: visitkenosha.com)

We had a little time so we made a short drive to the Kenosha Civil War Museum. Like most, there were numerous displays that often centered on Wisconsin’s contribution to the war.

*This was a very interesting set up. When you sat down, the ‘train’ started moving through the country side, the view passing by the windows. Spooky yet somehow relaxing.*

If history is your thing, then I highly recommend a visit. There is an admission fee.

Our final event of the day was a 45 minute drive out to Lake Geneva WI for a cruise on the lake. It took us a little to find a parking spot that was reasonably close to the dock. Geneva Lake is over 5400 acres is quite the tourist draw. We had a short walk and boarded the Walworth, a fine tour ship if there ever was one.

*Here we go. Cue the Theme From Gilligan’s Island.*

It was actually a very nice day for a cruise. We got quite the views of wealthy houses.

*I can’t remember the details of this house but it was both breathtaking and sad. The wealthy family no longer owns it and it has fallen into disrepair.*

The tour was narrated by several young ladies working their way through school. Judging from the tips they got, I’d say it’s a well-paying gig.

The Walworth is also known as the U.S. Mail Boat. Each morning during the first tour, the boat delivers mail to boxes on the dock. We weren’t witness to this but the mail is delivered and picked up in a very interesting way.