- Attraction: Simmons Island Beach
- Location: 5001 Simmons Island Dr, Kenosha, WI 53140
- Industry: Beach
- Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/listing/simmons-island-park-and-beach/372/
Picture this: a sprawling Lake Michigan beach where history meets modern recreation, complete with two fascinating lighthouses and a Tudor Revival beach house from 1934.
Simmons Island Beach in Kenosha serves as the city’s premier lakefront destination, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and maritime heritage that’s been drawing families for generations.
What sets this beach apart from typical Great Lakes destinations is its remarkable combination of wide sandy shores, historic structures, and an impressive array of activities all within walking distance of downtown Kenosha.
The beach on Simmons Island is the biggest and most popular beach in the area, with ample access to parking, restrooms and easy connections to downtown Kenosha’s bars and restaurants, making this an ideal choice for those looking for a fun place to spend a whole day with minimal planning needed.
Land for Simmons Island Park was donated in 1916 by industrialist Zalmon G. Simmons, and the historic beach house was constructed in the 1930s as part of a Works Progress Administration project.
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Keep Exploring →Beach Activities & Attractions
The Sandy Shoreline: You’ll find plenty of space to spread out on the relatively wide, sandy beach that offers stunning views across Lake Michigan. There’s ample room to set up your own volleyball net, have a picnic, or simply relax while taking in the lake views. The water temperature stays refreshingly cool even on hot summer days, making it perfect for wading and splashing around.
Lighthouse Photography: The beach provides exceptional photo opportunities with not one, but two historic lighthouses. A boardwalk on the beach connects beachgoers to the pier where you can take photos by the North Pier Lighthouse.
The North Pier Lighthouse, sometimes called the Pierhead Lighthouse, was built in 1906 and stands 50 feet tall. The 1866 Southport Lighthouse offers tours where you can climb 72 steps to the top for panoramic views of the harbor area, and on clear days, you can see all the way to Chicago.
Pike Bike Trail Access: The paved Pike Bike Trail runs right by the beach, connecting Simmons Island to other parts of Kenosha’s trail network. You can easily bike to the beach or continue your ride along the scenic lakefront route that showcases the area’s natural beauty.
Family-Friendly Features: There are playgrounds both near the beach and in the park area, plus an open-air picnic pavilion perfect for larger gatherings. The beach has become increasingly accessible with portable mobility mats placed daily on the sand to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.
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Discover MoreThe Historic Beach House Experience
1934 Tudor Revival Architecture: The seasonal Kenosha Beach House operates out of a stunning 1934 Tudor Revival building that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Originally built as a bath house, the building’s distinctive appearance and historic significance make it a destination in itself.
Beer Garden With Lake Views: The on-site beer garden on the south side of the building serves beer and beverages for ages 21 and over, with picnic tables and chairs offering gorgeous views of Lake Michigan. You’ll love sipping a cold drink while watching boats cruise across the lake and enjoying the refreshing lake breeze.
Food & Concessions: The Beach House offers delicious concession foods and healthier grab-and-go options like hummus and cheese sticks, plus refreshments including water and soda. The menu focuses on classic beach fare that hits the spot after a day in the sun.
Retail & Rentals: The facility doubles as a gift shop and convenience store, selling beach essentials like sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, and beach toys, plus fun gifts and Kenosha-themed gear. On-site rentals include bikes and beach games, making it easy to enjoy various activities without bringing your own equipment.
Atmosphere & Setting
Lakefront Serenity: The beach offers a peaceful retreat along Lake Michigan’s shores with scenic views that stretch to the horizon. You’ll find calm waters and beautiful rocks scattered along the sand, creating a picturesque setting for relaxation. The combination of open water views and distant Chicago skyline creates an impressive backdrop for your beach day.
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Keep Exploring →Island-Like Feel: Simmons Island is actually a peninsula located just a few blocks from downtown Kenosha, but it feels like a separate destination with its own unique character. The historic buildings and maritime atmosphere transport you to a bygone era while still offering modern conveniences.
Event Space: The beach regularly hosts family entertainment including volleyball tournaments, live music performances, beach bonfire nights, and special seasonal events. You might catch everything from exercise classes to cultural celebrations during your visit.
Maritime Heritage: The area includes a marina where charter fishing boats are based, plus opportunities for sailing lessons and rentals of kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats. The working harbor adds authentic maritime character that enhances the overall experience.
Other Considerations
Free Access & Parking: The beach is completely free to access and parking is also free, making it an affordable family destination. This makes it easy to visit multiple times during your stay in Kenosha without worrying about accumulating fees.
No Lifeguards: The beach is not staffed with lifeguards, so you’ll need to supervise children carefully and swim at your own risk. The generally calm Lake Michigan waters here are suitable for families, but caution is always advised around any natural body of water.
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Discover MoreSeasonal Operations: The Beach House operates seasonally with rental, concession, and retail hours from 10am-8pm, while the beer garden is open 12pm-10pm. The facility typically opens around Memorial Day weekend and operates through the summer months, with operations dependent on weather conditions.
Downtown Proximity: You won’t go hungry while lounging on the beach since downtown Kenosha is so close, offering abundant local dining and shopping choices as well as art galleries, entertainment venues, and museums. When you visit Simmons Island, you can expect to make it an all-day excursion that combines beach time with urban exploration.
Best Times to Visit: Plan your visit during weekdays or early in the day on weekends for the most spacious experience. Summer offers the fullest range of activities and amenities, while shoulder seasons provide a more peaceful atmosphere for those seeking tranquility.
Simmons Island Beach
📍 5001 Simmons Island Dr, Kenosha, WI 53140
