The Civil War Museum in Kenosha is a surprisingly good historical museum. Also known as The War of the Rebellion (as the North called it) is memorializes the conflict thru the lens of the Union states. This museum pays particular respect to the Midwest states that fought for the North. It consists of 2 floors with the bottom floor being the main museum and special exhibits located upstairs. The dioramas and exhibits in the museum were all well done and had very good documentation. There is also a short movie shown every hour in the middle of the museum. This museum is constructed in the round so make sure as you go around it, you see every section. I would budget 2 hours to see it all. There is an admission fee and a gift shop along with plenty of free parking. read more

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I have a passing interest in the Civil War and I wasn't sure whether I'd enjoy it, but I did like it. Mannequin alert: there is an abundance of mannequins and dioramas inside. When you reach proximity to some of them, a recording will play. They didn't move around (so it's not too bad if you don't like dolls or mannequins or animatronics). Staff were calm and helpful and made it enjoyable. Highlights include an immersive 360 degree movie in the center of the museum that plays at the top of the hour (every hour? Not sure): it's somewhat intense and full of drama, but it's only 10 minutes long. It's called Seeing the Elephant. Another is a train car (at the start of the war) where you sit next to mannequins and they tell you their tales of being turned away for service, their hopes for a good outcome of the war, and the like. Yet another is the paddle boat at the end of the war, where the tales of the mannequins are more grim and the massive human cost of war (assassination, instability, death and dismemberment) pervades. The whole of the main exhibit is from the perspective of the Midwest, so it's rah-rah Wisconsin, Ohio, etc. It's unique. I don't know if everyone would like this, but the 2024 admission to the main gallery was $9 ($5 for residents), and I thought it was well worth it. I'd recommend it, even if I might not necessarily return anytime soon. read more

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Took a trip here around Christmas and stopped in because it was a very cold day. Didn't expect much, but spent almost two hours in here. Lots of good stuff and was pretty entertaining. Pleasantly surprised. read more

We decided to checkout this museum when we were looking for something to do in Kenosha. The cost of admission is reasonable even for non residents. It will take you 1-2 hours on average to explore depending on how much time you spend on each exhibit. We went on a Tuesday so it wasn't crowded at all. We pretty much has the place to ourselves and a couple other people. It was a very educational experience and worth a visit. read more

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As a docent in a Milwaukee museum, I was impressed by the interactive experiences used by this museum. A highlight was sitting next to passengers in the train car who chatted about their lives, e.g., an escaped slave and barber who was planning to cut the hair of Union soldiers. A real problem is the centrally located film that plays every hour-on-the-hour in the middle of all the exhibits. Then to try to find your way back into the chronology of pre-war, war and post-war life in the Midwest is confusing. The concept is clever, but it doesn't work out well. It's probably worth $9 given what it cost to design and build the place, and the charge for a guide would make the experience exorbitant. It's probably best to follow the lit arrows on the floor and complete the tour-- and then see the film. The attendant at the door should probably suggest this. read more

I recently donated several Civil War artifacts to this museum. The is staff is extremely helpful and professional. I can't wait to visit in person. read more

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We stopped shortly after the museum reopening and had a wonderful experience. The staff was very friendly and provided us with touring info. They also have social distancing policies and hand sanitizer stations. The exhibits are amazing and many of them i interactive. Displays from wars and battles after the civil war as well. The top floor has a walk out balcony with tables so you can pack you own lunch! read more

Civil War Museum - All aboard! - Museums Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

The layout of the museum itself is a little confusing, I definitely walked past a few things more than once trying to make my way around. But the museum itself is neat for a local civil war museum. I like the 360 degree screen they have with a video narrated by Bill Curtis and produced I think by the same people that make those Ken Burns PBS specials. The video, like the museum, can be a little overwhelming with everything going on all around you. I did really like though the scenes that was one continuous shot all around, making it seem like you were there. The second floor has a WWI vs Civil war exhibit that goes through the similarities and differences. It also has a cannon. And a library with some interactive aspects that the staff member went through with us including dressing up in a hoop skirt. Lots of information and displays. As well as a veterans memorial with uniforms and items from wars and campaigns through the present. Definitely worth a stop if you're into history! read more

Nice museum, well laid out, clean and modern. Thought the price was a bit high and no discount for military veterans.

Great experience, kids love it, the 360 degree movie a must see. nice gift shop, very educational experience for young and old.

I was fortunate to eventually return to the "Middle West" Civil War Museum. Now almost (a few pieces in between are under construction) the entire Fiery Trail exhibit has been completed. I was pretty pleased with how it all turned out. You could tell that it was themed more for the kids than anyone else. The themes and decorations were well done (as long as you don't knock on them and hear that they're hollow). A good amount of history is shared and many donated antiques are at every corner. I especially liked the center of the Trail with a large room filled with antiques and a huge PowerPoint interactive map projected on the wall. Ah yes...I can't forget the chance to step into a train that has flat screen TVs at the windows that make you feel like you are moving onward. I was a bit spooked out because wherever you step there are motion detectors that turn on the hundreds of mannequins' voices. The kids love it, I'll tell you that much. I also figured entrance fees would come about to pay for all these new town additions. Well the Civil War Museum Fiery Trail exhibit is the first at $5 for each adults. Bullocks! Oh and be sure to get a map as you enter because the Fiery Trail is like a huge maze within. read more

As far as American history goes, the Civil War era isn't my strongest area when it comes to knowledge, but this museum did a fair job of giving you a brief history lesson. The museum is larger then one might think, and use the map, there's plenty of displays and areas to get lost in. Besides the film they present, which is done in a standing 360 degree theatre, there's a part where you are on a train and each individual statue gives you his or her story. Yea, the statues are kind of creepy, and they are spread around the entire museum, but hey! All for the sake of learning. There are two Morse code areas that, I'm sure, are linked up, but I couldn't figure it out. Upstairs I was able to play dress up with in their more hands on learning area. The attendant seemed bored since there wasn't many people in that day, so we had a few moments laugh putting me into some hoop skirt thing and bonnet. If you're in the area, sure, it's a great stop. It was a good place for us to kill time while in Kenosha. read more

We enjoyed our visit very much. My wife and I enjoy history in any form, and we both found this very informative and educational. The exhibit dedicated to American service members was tastefully done and respectful, and unique. The bronze statues of US military members throughout history chatting around the campfire was touching, especially the civil war soldier pouring a cup of coffee for a Vitenam vet. For me it illustrated the bond that all members of our nation's military have, regardless of when they served and fought. I'd like to add that we also saw the "KKK exhibit" an earlier poster commented on when he gave the museum 1 star. To that person who felt it was in bad taste, I would respectfully disagree. If he felt uncomfortable seeing it, then that's a good thing. That part of our nation's history SHOULD make you uncomfortable, and it SHOULD be on display to remind all of us of the past, lest we repeat it. read more

I am on the fence with this one. There were good and bad things about the museum. The museum was beautiful on the inside and on the outside. It wasn't a dingy 'local' museum in an old house where the rooms were dead silent and the floors creaked with every step. I had the same feeling here that I did at the Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield Illinois. It felt new, it felt modern, it wasn't just display cases, the train car was something new I hadn't seen done in a museum before. The museum is one large exhibit taking you from the 1850s, to reconstruction. I didn't see any large galleries covering specific battles. If you are looking for specific information on a battle or two, i would suggest visiting the battlefield while you still can. Overall the museum felt like it was missing something, or maybe I expected more... I don't know. I felt it was worth the $7 admission and was a nice way to spend part of my afternoon but I do not see a return trip in my future, unless a new exhibit was available to see. read more

This is a wonderful museum! Lots of neat items from during the Civil War times, mannequins that "talk" and give you an idea of how life was back in the day, and Cindy was very nice and helpful when it came to the main exhibit! read more

I called about an hour before arriving (with a group of 20) and Peggy was so accommodating and hospitable. I truly appreciate the generosity she provided us, and the attention she paid to our group. Our veterans enjoyed themselves; and we joked about how many times we got lost. Ah, the more fun the merrier! We will return! read more

I admit it. I'm a Civil War reenactor. Sergeant, Company E, 6th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry of the famous Iron Brigade. Of course, I love this place. I finally took my wife to this museum. She's a Texas gal; and has been trying to cultivate an interest in the Civil War. She was really impressed with the place; and enjoyed the exibits. The in-the-round theatre shows a 360 degree panoramic movie called "Seeing the Elephant". It is loosely based on the Battle of Brawner's Farm. It is an intense and moving presentation. When it was over my wife was tearing up. As a matter of fact, I have noticed that most people are misty eyed after watching this movie. Me, too, tough guy that I am. There is a research library. If you are a Civil War buff this place is a must for you. If you are not, it is still a very interesting place to spend a couple of hours. This is a top-of-the-line museum. Kenosha should be proud. Make sure you take the time. You will be impressed. read more

Civil War Museum - Calicoboy - Museums Near Me - Kenosha, Wisconsin

Having just "fattened-up" at Frank's Diner, it was time to try and walk all that food off. Actually, we had planned to visit the Civil War Museum all along. Armed with a Living Social 2-4-1 offer, and camera in hand, we soon arrived . This is a "Tale of Two Museums." First when we arrived, the lady at the ticket counter didn't really know what she was looking at. I had to tell her the certificate was for two admissions. Finally she said,"let me stamp your hands." When asked where we could get a map, she directed us over to the entrance to "The Fiery Trial." Here a second woman gave us the two-sided Museum Guide. When I asked her about "The Fiery Trial," which featured nine different Civil War exhibits and the newly featured "Seeing The Elephant" surround video, I was told that it was $7 to enter. So we headed for the nearby Veterans Memorial Hall and its salute to our military history. With my friend Gary not only a veteran but a Civil War buff, we then headed upstairs to see the special exhibit on the concurrent battles of Gettysburg and Vicksburg. Then what? Was this all there was except for the archives and a large field cannon to take a picture? Returning to get our jackets, I walked over to the ticket counter and asked the woman if there was anything else included with the $7 non-resident ($5 for residents) admission? She asked if we had seen "The Fiery Trial." "We didn't want to have to pay additional," I responded to which she said, "Oh no, that is why I stamped your hand." Overhearing the conversation, a young volunteer led us to the entry past the same woman who had earlier told us it was $7 to enter. Thank you sir! Excellent and worth the seven dollars I tell you! Having played the base drum in Wisconsin's 1st Brigade Band for two years, I could almost hear the tunes in the air. Excellent displays, great photo ops and "Seeing The Elephant," the surround video turned a mediocre experience into a very rewarding one. We just hope the Museum properly trains its staff better. This was a fascinating experience almost wasted!!! read more

Did they add things to this since July? It was empty when I was there with my disapointed child.(me too). I will have to go back to check it out..right now I am wondering why they continue to cover our view of the lake from every possible angle! Hopefully it will be more fun next time.That last review seemed a little over kill to me..sorry..no offense..its not that great at the museum... read more

Disappointed like everything else in Kenosha, WI Posters are nice, but not if you have to pay for them.

Educational museum that delves into how the Midwest impacted the Civil War. Admission to the museum is donation-based; however, there is a charge for the 360 degree movie and exceptional exhibits featuring Civil War artifacts. It is well worth the charge. There is a gallery (currently featuring civil rights - summer, 2019) and research library on the 2nd floor. Plan on spending some time here if you study and read the exhibits. Great for a Civil War enthusiast. Young children will probably get bored rather quickly. read more

This architecturally beautiful and new museum houses an exhibition that helps the visitor imagine what life was like in the Midwest during the Civil War years. It focuses on the many volunteers from Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin who left the "Northwest Territory" to join the Union Army, and their families and small towns left behind. There's plenty to see, yet it's not so big as to be overwhelming. I found it educational and entertaining. If you want to see a battlefield, go to Gettysburg; if you want to see and hear some cleverly-told, interactive, personal stories, I recommend you go to Kenosha. Just as valuable as the exhibit area is the help you can find in the museum's library. A volunteer there helped us search for information on our ancestor who served in the Civil War. They have a nice collection of books, maps, and other resources for research housed in a very comfortable room. Children's books, puzzles, and other activities can keep school-aged children occupied, too. read more

This is my favorite place to go in Kenosha and helped me learn that there is so much to do in Kenosha. Have always been a history buff and regularly come here for events, presentations or just to visit when nearby. Everyone is super friendly and being a member of all three museums there is no entry fee and I get discounts for events. Would definitely recommend it to people who are in town. The $9 may seem a little high but really with all the information they have in there it can easily be made into a full day's visit which really makes the entrance fee pretty cheap compared to other museums in Chicago/Milwaukee that may have less. read more

I love the Civil War so I was really excited to visit this museum and I was not disappointed. Even though it is pretty small and doesn't take too long to tour, if you really read everything it could take a few hours and there are a few other fun museums in Kenosha to combine it with for a day trip. I visited on a snowy Saturday morning and I think I was the only visitor! The staff were very nice and explained the exhibit and gave me a map when I arrived. I enjoyed seeing artifacts and reading the history and learned a lot about the Midwestern contribution to the Civil War. The museum aide insisted I stay for the 10 minute 3D movie showing (which I was of course the only person at) and I thought it was a really cool concept but not too exciting. At $9 for an adult, it is obviously more expensive than the other museums in town, which are all free, but the museum is well kept I thought it was worth it. read more

This is a wonderful museum. The exhibits are done very well and I love that they focus on the people of the Civil War, not just the battles. The architecture is breathtaking and the price is nominal. It's $5 for City residents and $7 for non-City, but children 15 and under are always free. Parking is free too - can't get any better than this! read more

My family had a private tour with Cindy and had wonderful time. The museum is thoughtfully designed and our guide was approachable and knew a ton! It was a fun and fascinating experience that I highly recommend for anyone with even a vague interest in the Civil War. read more

The museum was not that bad it was actually really good. and it is ok small kids. don't think I don't think small kids really enjoy the museum movie. There is not a lot of hands on at this museum. read more

Great museum for both children and adults. The central 360 degree movie on the reasons individual soldiers went to war was great. My kids enjoyed the numerous talking mannequins a lot. It is in a beautiful location on the waterfront. It is definitely worth a day trip from Chicago. read more

This is a very well done museum. From life before the war, to after the war, and beyond. Very interactive. Lots of artifacts. Every civil war buffs dream. read more