Kenosha’s Historic Kemper Center & Durkee Mansion

Kemper Center/​Durkee Mansion is a great Kenosha landmark. This building can be rented out for weddings and parties. There is a large field that can be used for soccer or football. There is also a ‘U’ shaped pier that has seats to enjoy the view of Lake Michigan from. I remember about 15 years ago that this place was hardly crowded on the 4^th of July. But nowadays people mob this place on July 4^th to see the fireworks. (so thats just a warning)
Another event to check out at this location is the «Ice Cream Social» when the Kenosha Bands have their fundraiser.
A couple years ago the building was sand blasted making it look VERY nice. Before it was cleaned it looked like a haunted house. Perhaps it still is! There is supposedly a ghost of a nun who died when she fell down the spiral stairs in the observatory. Another one was of a schoolgirl who threw herself off the roof. Again, those are just the ghost stories that come with a building of this age.
There is a lot of Kenosha history here.

The Durkee Mansion is definitely a great place to visit if you enjoy architecture and history. U.S./Wisconsin Senator Durkee led an interesting history for his family and leave the gorgeous mansion behind for us to enjoy today. The British/​Victorian décor makes it all come alive. If you’re a ghost hunter, look for the headless nun that is thought to look out the windows of the connecting Kemper Center (which you cannot enter unless you’re with an event). It is free and you can always give a donation if you enjoy your time. Definitely be sure to check out this review for pictures of the mansion’s interior. Also be aware that the mansion’s visitation hours are limited to Saturday and Sunday between 1 and 4 pm and is volunteer run.