SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN - Wisconsin - page 163

Across the channel next to gorgeous Southport Lighthouse is the Kenosha History
Center (220 51st Pl., 262/654-5770, www.kenoshahistorycenter.org , 10am-4:30pm Tues.-
Fri., 10am-4pm Sat., noon-4pm Sun., free). The main museum here focuses fascinatingly
on the crucial role transportation—specifically auto manufacturing—played in the history
of the city. A renovated lighthouse keeper's residence is nearby. Lighthouse tours ($10) are
available weekends only, mid-May-October.
Library Park District
The Library Park District, between 59th and 62nd Streets and 6th Avenue and Sheridan
Road, was once the site of homes on the Underground Railroad, which are now marked by
a plaque. Visitors can view the birthplace of Orson Welles at 6116 7th Avenue.
3rd Avenue District
East of the Library Park District and fronting the lake between 61st and 66th Streets, the
3rd Avenue District is the most popular historic stroll, featuring most of the ornate man-
sions of the wealthy early-20th-century citizens.
Kemper Center (6501 3rd Ave., 262/657-6005, www.kempercenter.com , open week-
ends,free)isacomplexofhistoricalstructuresthatsitsinsideoneofsevengorgeouscounty
parks. This park, the largest at 18 acres, is the only one in the nation listed in its entirety on
the National Register of Historic Places. The Gothic revival and Italianate antebellum hall
was originally a school for girls. Its grounds include an arboretum with more than 100 spe-
ciesofflora(includingmorethan100typesofrosesandaflowerandherbgardendesigned
for those without sight). One mansion is open to the public 1pm-4pm Saturday-Sunday
March-October. Also in the park is the impressive French Tudor Anderson Arts Center
(121 66th St., 1pm-4pm Tues.-Sun., free).
Civic Center District
Northwest of the Library Park District, roughly between 55th and 58th Streets and 8th and
11th Avenues, the Civic Center District during the late 19th century was the first district
to undergo massive experimental civic rejuvenation. Even the post office is a neoclassical
revival gem.
Possibly the favorite museum in town is the kid (of all ages)-friendly Dinosaur Dis-
covery Center (5608 10th Ave., 262/653-4460, www.dinosaurdiscoverymuseum.org ,
noon-5pm Tues.-Sun., free). The usual fab hands-on stuff make it fun; this author loves the
on-site working paleontology lab.