About Kenosha, Wisconsin:
Founded in 1835 (originally Pike Creek, then Southport). Incorporated and renamed Kenosha in 1850; the name comes from a Potawatomi/Chippewa term meaning “place of the pike” (or pickerel/trout). It grew as a Great Lakes port and manufacturing center, especially known for automotive production (Rambler, Nash, American Motors/AMC, and later Chrysler engines) through much of the 20th century. The economy has since diversified into manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, and distribution.
The 2020 census showed a population of 99,986 and recent estimates place it about the same, making it Wisconsin’s fourth-largest city (after Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay). The broader Kenosha County metro area has roughly 168,000–169,000 residents.
The city is headquarters of Snap-on and Jockey International and home to major employers including Amazon, Uline, and others. Higher education includes University of Wisconsin–Parkside, Carthage College, and Gateway Technical College.
Kenosha is known as a “Wisconsin Harbor Town” with extensive public Lake Michigan shoreline (over 12 miles of largely accessible lakefront), beaches, parks, marinas, fishing (especially trout and salmon), boating, and sailing. The city has a a revitalized downtown with shops, restaurants, public art, galleries, and events plus a restored electric streetcar system in the downtown HarborPark area.
There several museums: Kenosha Public Museum, Civil War Museum (focusing on the Upper Midwest’s role), Dinosaur Discovery Museum, Kenosha History Center, and seasonal Southport Light Station, a museum (with a climbable lighthouse).
It offers a mix of small-city charm, industrial heritage, and lake access while serving as a more affordable option relative to the Chicago metro area.
Catholic places of interest in Kenosha, Wisconsin:
Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church
2223 51st St, Kenosha, WI 53140
+1 (262) 652-1844
Visit the official website of Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Kinosha, Wisconsin.
Traveling to Kenosha, Wisconsin:
Kenosha sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan, located roughly 32 miles (51 km) south of Milwaukee and 50 miles (80 km) north of Chicago via Interstate 94 (I-94) and has significant cultural and economic connections to both cities. It forms part of the Chicago–Naperville combined statistical area and has strong economic and cultural ties to both cities.
By plane:
The nearest commercial airport is General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee is 28 miles distant, followed by Chicago O’Hare International Airport (44 miles) and Chicago Midway International Airport (66 miles).
By train: The METRA train travels to and from Chicago on the Union Pacific North line. You can purchase METRA tickets on the train or on your smartphone. The METRA train station is located at 5414-13th Avenue, Kenosha.
By bus: Buses from Chicago, IL to Kenosha take a bit less than one hour. Usually, there are 16 buses operating per day including direct routes.
By car: Interstate 94.