The Kenosha Public Museum will be closed on Friday, April 18, and Sunday, April 20 for the Easter holidays.
Welcome to the Civil War Museum
The Civil War Museum is like no other Civil War museum in the country. The Museum focuses on the Civil War from the perspective of the people of the seven states of the upper middle west: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
These seven states sent over one million men to serve in the Union army while providing much of the food and raw materials necessary for the northern states to carry on the war. Through the use of personal stories and narratives, the Museum also explores how the Civil War impacted the people on the Western home front before, during, and after the war by connecting the prewar causes to the postwar effects.
The Upper Middle West Experience
The history of the Civil War is alive at Kenosha’s Civil War Museum. See the sights, hear the stories, experience the drama in the heart of the mid-west. Though no battles were fought in this region, it played a vital role by providing troops and supplies to the cause. Our 360 degree film, “Seeing the Elephant” offers a one of a kind expereince that you won’t forget.
Letters and Diaries
Books
Photographs
Medal of Honor
Soldiers Represented
A Different View On The Civil War
A day at The Civil War Museum offers a look into how the Civil War affected not only the ones fighting it, but the ones on the home front. To gain an even more complete experience, we offer guided tours. They are perfect for school trips, community groups, or anyone who wants to get the most out of their visit.
Resource Center
Open Wednesdays – Fridays, 11:00am – 4:00pm, Saturdays 10:00am – 4:00pm, and Sunday 12:00pm – 4:00pm.
Theater Program
Who better to tell the stories of the people who were touched by the Civil War or slavery than the individuals themselves?
Professional actors and actresses portray authentic historical figures with scripts based on firsthand accounts written by the individuals themselves: Caroline Quarlls, or Cordelia Harvey.
Theater performances are 30 to 45 minutes in length and include a brief question-and-answer session. Performers are always available after the performance to meet the public.
Would you like to share your talents, research, and knowledge? We are seeking reenacting groups and individuals to supplement the Museum’s interpretation and programming. Past military and civilian interpretations have included:
- Recruiting and enlistment rallies
- Infantry drill and camp life
- Artillery demonstrations
- Weaving and sewing
- Sharpshooting and marksmanship
- Cavalry training and drill
- Political rallies
- Medical and nursing demonstrations
- Period cooking and food ways
Reenactor Participation Application
Weapons Rules Agreement
Reenactor Participant Waiver and Release
On-site Performance
Our actors and educators can travel to your school or site for a live program. This can be done in a space as small as an individual classroom or as large as an auditorium.
Virtual Performance
Using an online platform like Zoom or Google Meet, the museum can broadcast a live performance directly from the museum to your class or organization.
The essence of both outreach programs remain the same as a museum-based program. Theater performances are 30 to 45 minutes in length and include a brief question-and-answer session.
Whichever option best fits your class or organization, please plan on scheduling a performance one month in advance. For pricing and other information, please contact us.
Shop the Museum Store
The Civil War Museum’s store has a great selection of unique Civil War reproduction collectibles, books, souvenirs, music, more. When you make a purchase in the museum gift shop, you are giving back to the community by helping support the museum’s mission.
Visit the Civil War Museum
Hours
| Sunday | CLOSED - EASTER |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 10am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 10am - 5pm |
| Friday | CLOSED - GOOD FRIDAY |
| Saturday | 10am - 5pm |
Closed Holidays:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
Fees
Admission for Fiery Trial Exhibit
Adults (18+) –$15
Senior Citizens (65+) –$12
Military and Veterans –$12
Youth (12-17) –$8
Friends of the Museums members – Free
Youth 11 and under accompanied by an adult – Free
Due to the size of our museums and exhibits, groups of 25 or more people are required to coordinate their visit with our Education Services Coordinator. If your group is not on the museum calendar upon arrival, you may be asked to visit later in the day, or on a different date. Please call 262-653-4424 to coordinate your group’s visit.
Parking
Free parking for 230 vehicles is available on First Avenue, directly east of the Museum.
Museum Map
Accessibility
The Museum is handicap accessible and visitors are welcome to bring their own wheelchair, walker, or other device. The Museum has one wheelchair that may be checked out for use during your visit. Stop at the front desk for more information.
Directions
Whether you’re traveling by car, train, or trolley, visiting the Museums is a breeze! Located right on Kenosha’s scenic lakefront, we’re just a short drive from major cities—only 60 miles from Chicago and 35 miles from Milwaukee.
From the North:
Take I-94 to WI-158/52nd Street (Exit 342). Travel East toward Lake Michigan approximately 7 miles. Turn right on 6th Avenue. Turn left on 54th Street. Turn Right on First Avenue.
From the South:
Take I-94 to WI-158/52nd Street (Exit 342). Travel East toward Lake Michigan approximately 7 miles. Turn right on 6th Avenue. Turn left on 54th Street. Turn Right on First Avenue.
From the West:
Travel east on WI-158 to 6th Avenue. Turn right on 6th Avenue. Turn left on 54th Street. Turn right on First Avenue.
ACCESS BY LAKEFRONT TROLLEY
The City of Kenosha’s Lakefront Trolley operates a route from Parkside University on the city’s north side, through downtown, and south to Kemper Center. The trolley stops near the Civil War Museum and Kenosha Public Museum (Stop #42). Visit Kenosha.org for fare and schedule details.
ACCESS BY KENOSHA AREA TRANSIT
The Museums are just a five-minute walk from the Kenosha Area Transit Center downtown (Stop #1234). Visit KenoshaTransit.com for routes, schedules, and fare information.
ACCESS BY METRA
Kenosha is the northernmost stop on the Metra Rail System, serving the Chicago area and Northeastern Illinois. The Civil War Museum is a ten-minute walk from the train station, or take advantage of the downtown Electric Streetcar for direct access from the train station to all three museums. Visit Metra.com for fare and schedule details.
