County of Kenosha

This is a little known area of the world that can easily slip into obscurity, but there is more here than meets the eye. Yes — it is, in part, nothing more than a typical northern-​mid-​western county with a central town (Kenosha) that sits alone in the vast northern stretch of farmlands and woods. But Kenosha is so much more — because of the Italian Mob — the great expansion into the north-​woods, — and the NAZI’s.
Kenosha was once the northern enclave of Al Capone’s mafia empire. Dozens of high level mobsters moved here and set up brothels, and gambling halls. It was like the Hampton’s of Chicago — wealth — fun — drugs — sex — and booze.
Kenosha was also once a center for German Nationalist sympathizers — before WW2 — when American Germans had had the right and even the duty to support their father-​land. Of course, this led to huge groups of pro-​NAZI activists as Hitler rose to power. And one can still see it in the the many groups of WW2 re-​in-​actors here, or even the shops that buy and sell NAZI «memorabilia», both within Kenosha and without.
But mostly Kenosha is the quintessential modern Wisconsin village, based on farming and industry.
Come here to see the lake — enjoy the German food — visit the various festivals nearby — drink Wisconsin beers — go to Mar’s Cheese Castle — and play mini-​golf.
This is «non-​Southern», «non-​redneck» «white America» at its purest.
And don’t forget the Bristol Renaissance Faire every summer. Or the many Harley Davidson events.
Again — this is a real part of America at its least mingled.

Every year I walk in here and pay my taxes… writing that check makes me want to give this place 1 star but the ladies behind the counter are so sweet and deserve 5 stars. I’m sure they have to deal with mad people who also give them a list of complaints. Also there is never a line here which is amazing. In downtown Chicago this process would take me 45 minutes… in Kenosha I’m out the door in 4.5 seconds.
If you are going to pay your property taxes the counter is located directly to the left of the door. I remember years ago I walked past the counter and became the lost guy wandering around the building! Today I saw a lady walk in with her payment and do exactly what I did years ago! She recovered quickly because the staff put up a huge neon pink 8.5×11 sign that said, «Pay Taxes Here!» I needed that sign years ago.
As you are leaving I highly recommend you check out the museum pieces located on the South side of the door. Great pieces of history in Kenosha: an ice cutter from the lakes and one of the first road pavers. It is great to see how far technology has come.