A view of the lake front at Racine, Wisconsin

Racine, Wisconsin

Racine is a small city situated in Racine County in the US State of Wisconsin. The city is situated at the opening of the Root River on the shores of Lake Michigan, approximately 112km to the north of Chicago and 35km to the south of Milwaukee. Racine blends a city environment with coastal charm. The north beach in Racine was the first certified blue wave clean beach in Wisconsin. Racine has a long history of manufacturing and industrial innovation, which is shown in the presence of multinational corporations such as SC Johnson, Modine, InSinkErator, Twin Disc, and many others. 

Geography And Climate Of Racine

Old Coast Guard Station in Racine, Wisconsin
Old Coast Guard Station in Racine, Wisconsin, along the Root River in the harbor of the Great Lake Michigan. 

Racine covers a total area of 48.38 sq. km, of which 40.09 sq. km is occupied by land, and 8.29 sq. km is covered by water. Racine experiences a warm continental climate, where the summers are hot; the winters are cold, snowy, and windy; and the weather is partially cloudy all year. The temperature normally ranges from 18°F to 81°F throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below -0°F or rising over 90°F. The ideal time to visit Racine for warm-weather activities is from late June to mid-September.

Brief History Of Racine

The bridge over the Root River in Racine, Wisconsin
The bridge over the Root River in Racine, Wisconsin. 

Native Americans inhabited the present-day Racine area for thousands of years. In November 1674, Father Jacques Marquette and his assistants became the first Europeans to camp at the mouth of the Root River and visit the present-day Racine County. The Yankees from New York and New England came to the Racine area following the Blackhawk war. After Wisconsin became a part of the Union, Racine was incorporated as a city in 1848. The first high school opened in 1853, and the first college, Racine College, opened in 1852. Over the years, Racine became famous for its exports, including wheat, flour, beef, and pork, to the eastern markets.

The Population And Economy Of Racine

View of a city street in Racine, Wisconsin
View of a city street in Racine, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Nejdet Duzen / Shutterstock.com

As per the latest US Census, Racine has a population of 77,125 inhabitants, of which 50.6% are females, and 49.4% are males. In terms of age distribution, 6.9% were under 5 years old, 28% were under 18 years old, and 12.8% were above 65 years. The majority of the population is White at 63.9%, followed by 22.7% black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 22.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% American Indian, and 7.5% belong to two or more races. The median household income was $44,346, and the per capita income in the past 12 months was $22,837. About 20.7% live in poverty in Racine. 

Attractions In Racine

Racine Art Museum

The Racine Art Museum pedal floats racing through the parade in Racine, Wisconsin.
The Racine Art Museum pedal race through the parade in Racine, Wisconsin. Editorial credit: Tony Savino / Shutterstock.com

Established in 1941, Racine Art Museum has the most extensive collection of contemporary crafts in the nation. A wide variety of arts in the galleries are found at all different times, and exhibitions on average change three times a year. Moreover, the art museum has some great activities for children. Hence, all ages can have fun while visiting Racine Art Museum.

Charles A Wustum Museum of Fine Arts

Just down the road from the Racine Art Museum is a peaceful retreat perfect for those looking for inspiration. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Wustum museum is a local community arts campus; it is the sister campus of the Racine Art Museum. Composed of 13 acres of grounds, the museum offers programs for children and adults. The museum also encourages people to use the grounds to have picnics or take a walk in the beautiful gardens.

Apple Holler Restaurant and Country Store

Apple Holler's restaurant and Country store is open all year-round. Apples in the restaurant are used in every possible way: to prepare apple pancakes, apple fritters, apple butter barbecue sauce, and other meals. The restaurant adds to the agricultural experience in Racine because it can feature the items that it is growing on its own farm.

Racine is a beautiful historical city in the state of Wisconsin. It is also a safe place for families to visit. Racine hosts several festivals and parades during the summer, which liven up the city and make it a popular tourist destination.

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