Racine

by The Linguist

Racine, Wisconsin

Racine, Wisconsin is a city located along the shores of Lake Michigan in southeastern Wisconsin. With a population of around 77,000 as of the 2020 US Census, it is the 5th largest city in Wisconsin.

History

Racine was founded in 1834 by Captain Gilbert Knapp, who purchased the land from the Chippewa Indians. The city was named after the French word for “root”, due to the Root River which flows through it. Racine developed into an industrial and manufacturing center in the late 19th century. Key industries included S.C. Johnson & Son, J.I. Case, and Modine Manufacturing Company. Racine is also known for its Danish heritage, evident in local bakeries and festivals like KringleFest.

For more on Racine’s history, visit the Racine Public Library at 75 7th Street, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 636-9170.

Economy

Today, manufacturing remains an important part of Racine’s economy. Major employers include S.C. Johnson & Son (household products) at 1525 Howe Street Racine, WI 53403, (262) 260-2111, CNH Industrial (agricultural equipment) at 700 State St, Racine, WI 53404, (262) 636-6011, and Modine Manufacturing Company (thermal management systems) at 1500 DeKoven Ave, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 636-1200.

Other major industries include healthcare and education. Top employers include Ascension All Saints Hospital at 3801 Spring St, Racine, WI 53405, (262) 687-4011 and Racine Unified School District at 3109 Mt Pleasant St, Racine, WI 53404, (262) 635-5600.

For more on Racine’s economy, visit the Racine County Economic Development Corporation at 2320 Renaissance Blvd #101, Sturtevant, WI 53177, (262) 898-7400.

Attractions

Some of Racine’s top attractions include:

  • Racine Art Museum – Contemporary craft and artwork, located at 441 Main Street, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 638-8300
  • Racine Zoo – Home to over 150 animals, located at 2131 N Main Street, Racine, WI 53402, (262) 636-9189
  • Lake Michigan – Miles of beaches and waterfront along Lake Michigan for swimming, boating, and recreation
  • Festival Hall – Performing arts center located at 5 Fifth Street, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 633-4218

For more on things to do and see in Racine, visit the Real Racine tourism website at 14015 Washington Ave, Sturtevant, WI 53177, (262) 884-6400.

Landmarks

Some of Racine’s most notable landmarks include:

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Racine is provided by the Belle Urban System, which operates 14 bus routes throughout the city. The Belle Urban System hub is located at 1400 S Marquette St, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 619-2282.

County Information

Racine is located in Racine County. The Racine County government website can be found here. The Racine County Courthouse address is 730 Wisconsin Ave, Racine, WI 53403, (262) 636-3121.

School Districts

Racine is served by the Racine Unified School District, which operates 21 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 6 high schools. The Racine Unified School District central office is located at 3109 Mt Pleasant St, Racine, WI 53404, (262) 635-5600.

In addition, several private schools operate in the area, including:

Local Resources

Some other useful local resources include: