Kenosha Tall Ships: Climbing Aboard and Exploring

Kenosha Tall Ships Invites Exploring and Climbing Aboard Tall Ships

**Disclosure: I did receive tickets to Kenosha Tall Ships to bring you information about this event as well as details of my experience. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

From the minute I learned that tall ships would be sailing to port in Kenosha for Kenosha Tall Ships, I knew that I wanted to be part of the experience. I cannot think of a better celebration of our incredible Great Lakes! I really did not expect how amazingly beautiful these ships are up close. Truly breathtaking!

Tall Ships docked in Kenosha.

During Kenosha Tall Ships, visitors enjoy unique perspectives of each of five vessels by climbing aboard and even climbing below deck on a few. I was not prepared for the aesthetically beautiful nature of the elements of the ships including the masts, sails, ropes, pulleys, bells, wheels and much more.

Looking up on the U.S. Brig Niagara

Take in All Sorts of Interesting Perspectives:

Looking through one window, we actually caught a kayaker traveling by! Just beauty everywhere!

Spying a kayaker from a window on the U.S. Brig Niagara!

Down below the S/V Denis Sullivan, we viewed navigation implements.

Navigation equipment on  S/V Denis Sullivan

On board, walking along the dock and more so much to see!
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Stunning perspective of the mast of the Bluenose II!

Perspectives ignite wonder in so many ways! This is a sail from the Bluenose II sailing from Nova Scotia. The Bluenose II had an accompanying trailer with more information about the original Bluenose and Bluenose II. Definitely don't skip the trailer!

The brilliant Canadian flag flying on the Bluenose II!

Another interesting aside especially for children -- discovering the flags of each ship like the Canadian flag flying on the Bluenose II!

Captain's Wheel on the Bluenose II

While boarding the Bluenose II, I could admire the Pride of Baltimore II. I love the variety of views you can enjoy during Kenosha Tall Ships if you can just pause a bit and be in the moment. Beauty all around!

Gazing at the Pride of Baltimore II while boarding Bluenose II.

After the Bluenose II, we boarded the Pride of Baltimore II which was pretty sleek.

Great view of the Baltimore II in Kenosha.

The Baroque Picton Castle was certainly a favorite with some of the sails draped so slightly. Visitors will be amazed by the many ports Baroque Picton Castle has sailed to and plans to sail to throughout the world. Plus, the ship has its own ship cat if you are lucky enough to see him!

A walk aboard the Baroque Picton Castle is quite the treat. Be sure to look up and enjoy the maze of sails, masts and ropes:

Beautiful maze of ropes, masts and sails on the Baroque Picton Castle.

Be sure to take in all of the views of these magnificent ships while they are in harbor!

Kenosha Tall Ships adds extra merriment and adventure to the harbor!

You really cannot get better weather than this weekend for the Kenosha Tall Ships Festival! There are two more days to enjoy the majestic ships August 3 and 4, 2019.

Tall ships and other vessels enjoying a spectacular day in Kenosha's harbor

The sail-a-way ships are sailing from Simmons Island. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view of the five ships docked on the South Side of the harbor for ship boarding. This is always where we wandered through the Pike River Rendezvous and you can climb the Southport Lighthouse for $5 during the festival. It is amazing how calm the ships looked from this angle! I certainly know they were a-buzz from the other side of the harbor!

The S/V Denis Sullivan and U.S. Brig Niagara

From Simmon's Island is where Kenosha's own Red Witch is ready for sailings! She is joined by the Appledore IV.

Red Witch waiting for another sailing.

Kenosha Tall Ships delighted and intrigued us during our family adventure. The festival gives such a one-of-a-kind experience of being able to climb aboard multiple vessels as well as the ability to ask crew questions of each. The adjoining festival and encampments add to the overall experience. Kenosha's harbor is stunning and the perfect spot for a summer adventure. If you are thinking about about adventuring to Kenosha Tall Ships this weekend, see my previous post Tall Ships Are Sailing into Kenosha August 1-4, 2019 for more details on times and ticketing options.

The Rest of the Fest:

• Vendors with a variety of wares including art, apparel, jewelry and more gave the feel that you were disembarking from ships into port.
• Explore the Pike River Rendezvous and the U.S.S. Minnesota Naval Encampment to experience unique historical perspectives from interpreters. There also are period wares for purchase at the Pike River Rendezvous.
• Plenty of food options abound within the festival. There also are options nearby including one of my favorites, Common Grounds!
• There is a museum tent with educational fun for kids.