Children's Museums

Civil War Museum

Name: Civil War Museum
Address: 5400 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140, Kenosha, WI, US
Telephone: (262) 653-4141
Rating: 4.6

★★★★☆ 4.6 (696 reviews)

📍 5400 1st Ave, Kenosha, WI 53140

📞 (262) 653-4141

🌐 museums.kenosha.org/civil-war-museum

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	10 AM–5 PM
Tuesday	10 AM–5 PM
Wednesday	10 AM–5 PM
Thursday	10 AM–5 PM
Friday	10 AM–5 PM
Saturday	10 AM–5 PM
Sunday	12–5 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Civil War Museum

Exhibits focusing on local soldiers. Museum spotlighting Civil War soldiers from the upper Midwest region through relics & exhibits. Features a unique 360-degree immersive film experience called 'Seeing the Elephant' that provides an innovative perspective on Civil War history. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 696 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: History Museum
Focus: Civil War from Upper Midwest perspective
Best For: All ages, school groups, community organizations
Highlights: 360-degree film 'Seeing the Elephant', theater programs with historical actors, guided tours
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $12, Youth 12-17 $8, Under 12 free with adult

💡 Did You Know?

⭐Features a unique 360-degree immersive film experience called 'Seeing the Elephant' that provides an innovative perspective on Civil War history
⭐Presents Civil War history from the perspective of seven upper Midwest states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin), highlighting the regional importance of the upper Midwest to preserving the Union
⭐Offers interactive reenactor participation programs including infantry drill, artillery demonstrations, cavalry training, and period cooking demonstrations, allowing visitors to engage with living history
⭐Features a theater program with professional actors portraying historical figures, complemented by 30-45 minute performances with Q&A sessions available for groups
⭐Located on scenic Kenosha lakefront directly on Lake Michigan with free parking for 230 vehicles and accessible via multiple public transit options including the Lakefront Trolley and Metra Rail

💬 What Visitors Say

💬Plan for 4+ hours to fully experience the museum. Visitors report spending four hours without completing all exhibits, so allocate extra time to appreciate the storytelling and artifacts without rushing.
💡Don't miss the interactive 'sitting passenger' experience where mannequins tell personal stories about their lives during the Civil War—this is highlighted as the coolest feature by visitors.
💬Children 11 and under get free admission with a paying adult, making it an economical family outing. Groups of 25+ should contact the Education Services Coordinator in advance for special rates and coordination.
💡Book guided tours or reenactor participation programs (infantry drill, artillery demonstrations, medical demonstrations) at least one month in advance for the best experience, especially for school groups.
💡Combine your visit with the scenic lakefront location—use the Lakefront Trolley (Stop #42) for easy access and enjoy the Lake Michigan views. Free parking for 230 vehicles is available directly east of the museum.