Wilson - Kenosha, WI Area Guide

The area around Wilson was settled by pioneers from New York and New England in the 1830s. The land was used for its agricultural potential and slowly urbanized with industrial expansion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Farms still exist outside the city limits, but most residents work in Milwaukee, Chicago or locally in southeastern Wisconsin.

The Lemon Street Gallery is a free nonprofit art gallery that features local artists in a variety of mediums. The gallery hosts classes for stained glass, painting, clay workshops and much more. Guests are encouraged to visit Wednesdays through Saturdays.

The Dinosaur Discovery Museum explores the link between the beasts of the past and birds of today. Visitors can see actual dinosaur fossil bones, learn about expeditions and explore our prehistoric past. The museum does not charge for admission but requests donations at the door.

The many dining options of Wilson can be found on 52nd Street. Mexican restaurants and Italian pizzerias satisfy the appetites of local patrons. Late night bars can be found on the same strip. Ron's Place is a popular hangout for burgers and long islands. Coins Sports Bar provides a fun venue for socializing, watching professional sports, playing darts, pool and seeing live bands.

Valeo's Pizza honors a long-held family tradition of creating the best pizza possible. Come in for a $6 lunch, baked cheesy bread, homemade lasagna or for a special treat have the spinach stuffed crust pizza.

When patrons want excellent Korean dishes and friendly service they visit Soon's Sushi Cafe. This family-owned establishment makes their own sushi rolls, along with award winning Asian cuisine. Begin your meal with miso soup before having the chicken naggi maki or the Hibachi steak and shrimp.

The best hot and cold cut sandwiches can always be found at Mac's Deli. You'll love the Pastrami bomber. For a cold cut, order the American sub in 6-, 9- or 18-inch lengths. Mac's makes party subs and caters with decorative culinary creations for your special event.

The city grid is laid out nicely for vehicles. Highway 158 connects commuters to Highway 31, 32 and Interstate 94 further to the west. Kenosha's widespread public transit system stretches north to University of Wisconsin-Parkside, west to Interstate 94 and south to the bottom boundaries of the city. Wilson residents can't rely on Uber or taxi cabs to get them where they need to go, but they do have safe streets for walking and biking, although don't expect to see bike lanes. City roads are accompanied by sidewalks and crosswalks at major intersections.

Additionally, Wilson residents are connected to Chicago via Metra's Union Pacific North Line. Trains carry commuters to the Ogilvie Transportation Center and all points in between.

Curbside parking is free in the Wilson neighborhood.

Endee, Limpert and Hobbs Park are small neighborhood parks with playgrounds. Endee Park has a baseball diamond, Limbert a basketball court and Hobbs a walking path. The 29-acre Washington Park on Washington and 22nd Street houses a skate park, an outdoor velodrome, tennis and basketball courts, reservable picnic areas, a swimming pool and public golf course. This is the place for exercise-minded residents. Leashed dogs may accompany their owners on the premises.

Outdoor parks are free for the use of all residents and visitors. Reserving pavilions can be done with city hall and requires a service and use fee. Residents looking for off-leash dog parks can purchase an annual or daily-use dog tag for the Warren Close Bark Park, located inside KD Park, in nearby Twin Lakes. The park operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily.

The Sesquicentennial Bandshell hosts live bands from the region every summer and fall. Residents are welcome to bring blankets, picnics and lawn chairs for the special events. Residents should check with their parks department for specific dates and times.

Families looking for wintertime fun can take part in Wisconsin's Winter Free Fishing Weekend. Local residents can ice fish on any Wisconsin lake for free without the use of a fishing permit or trout stamp. Kenosha County's inland lakes are excellent for walleye, pan fish and bass.

The cost of living in the Wilson neighborhood is 17 percent lower than Chicago's average, and three percent higher than Milwaukee's average. Going to Chicago via Metra cost $8.25 per one-way trip. Local bus far costs $1.75 per ride or $50 for a monthly pass.

A one-bedroom residence averages at $545 per month. Gasoline prices run 10 percent lower than the national average; a draft beer typically costs $4 per glass and $2 during happy hour.

Shopping centers can be easily found on 52nd and 60th Streets. Most boutiques are found closer to downtown Kenosha. Joy's Boutique on 52nd Street dresses and accessorizes women in high fashion. Joy's Boutique stocks apparel in sizes small to 3X, jewelry, purses, shoes and more. Equinox, The Body & Soul Boutique, helps you disconnect and plug in to inner peace with facials, warm stone, Swedish and deep tissue massages. Their licensed massage therapists know how to help their clients relax in this fast-paced and highly demanding society. A Supermercado Los Corrales and Piggly Wiggly serve the local residents with their grocery store needs. Half a dozen farmers' markets operate near Wilson. Kenosha's parks district hosts markets at Baker, Columbus, Lincoln and Union Park. The Kenosha Harbor Market is the area's most popular market with hundreds of visitors weekly. Shop for fresh, locally grown produce, works of art by local artisans and ready-made meals, and enjoy live music while you shop.