Location: Lake Geneva
Top Things to do in Lake Geneva
10 Things to do Good for Kids in Lake Geneva That You Shouldn't Miss
Take a long deep breath and kiss your stresses good-bye: this lovely, year-round resort town offers a laid-back atmosphere that lets you slowly unwind. Beach buffs can don their swimsuits and head for one of several beaches on seven-mile-long Geneva Lake, which also offers a plethora of water sports. Leisurely cruises on restored historic yachts and replicas of paddle wheel steamers carry passengers past stately lakefront summer mansions, including some Victorian estates. Landlubbers can take a self-guided hike around the perimeter of the lake, which stretches some 21 miles. Laid-back, however, doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do. Choose from museums, a water park for younger kids, the world's largest refracting telescope at Yerkes Observatory, entertainment at the Belfry Music Theatre or greyhound racing. Winter is even quieter but no less filled with fun. Head to The Mountain Top, a popular family ski spot, or choose from horseback riding, skating, ice boating, hayrides or sleigh rides. Whatever time of year you go, Lake Geneva will charm you.
Restaurants in Lake Geneva
1. Lake Geneva Ghost Walks
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Haunted history walking tour of downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Hear the real paranormal experiences, real ghost stories, Indian legends, and that gave this beautiful town its unique history.
2. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 837 reviews
The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features world-class magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining 60 minute performance. Located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI. Open year-round, reserve your tickets today to witness this incredible show.
Reviewed By gabrielew994
Me and my daughters first magic show.We loved the whole show,I highly recommend going,it is so worth it and its only 1 mile from Lake Geneva.Great show!!I want to go again in the near future.
3. Geneva Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
Get this straight: The city is Lake Geneva, the lake is Geneva Lake. Hop aboard a classic yacht for a cruise around the second deepest lake in Wisconsin (135 feet deep and 21 miles around) which is the focal point of a popular resort area also known as "the Newport of the West."
Reviewed By GraysonCampbell - Chicago, United States
Lake Geneva is a quaint little european town located just north and outside of Chicago (in Wisconsin) and as the name suggest it is all about the lake here. There is not much to do here other than boating. No other MASS entertainment offered. So must love water and probably should plan to bring your own or pre-rent a boat to ensure you get one. There is a nice walking trail along the lake that passes through the back yards of people houses you cannot afford. For a small town there are lots of places to dine. One more thing, the lake-front is perhaps 90% filled with homes, so keep that in mind - there is limited space on Lake Geneva for enjoyment.
4. Geneva Lake Museum of History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By N4697UTjohnf
Terrific layout for a community museum. You will pleasantly surprised at all the attractions that are available. The museum highlights begin with an exhibit from 1831 and goes through the 1990s. Have you ever seen a real Stage Coach up close?, How about a one room schoolhouse? Do you know what a mail boat is? Look in the law office, why does a typewriter in there have a duplicate set of letters...Just fascinating. Children will enjoy because they can get up close and see. There are do docents available and more that eager to give you deeper insight to displays. The museum is located just in town, free parking. There is an admission charge that is very reasonable and has senior, military, student discounts. Easily spend 2 hours without even blinking. Would highly recommend if in the area.
5. Lake Geneva Cruise Line
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,118 reviews
For the True Lake Geneva Experience, you have to get on the water! Beautiful estates, mansions and natural scenery that only be viewed from the lake unfold through a descriptive and insightful narrated tour or provide the backdrop for an unforgettable party or wedding celebration. With 8 boats that hold from 2 to 225, Lake Geneva Cruise Line is one of the areas premier attractions - including the World Famous Mailboat Tour. As seen on the Travel Channel, CBS News, and the Today Show; it is the only marine mail delivery of its type in the nation as the mailperson leaps onto the pier, places the mail in the mailbox and jumps back aboard the boat. The catch is - THE BOAT NEVER STOPS MOVING! Other tours include the Geneva Bay and Full Lake Tour, Ice Cream Social Tour, the unique Black Point Tour, Cocktail Cruises and delicious meal tours including Lunch, Brunch and Dinner Cruises. All tours offer a narration about the history of the lake as well as beautiful views from comfortable boats.
6. Paradise Miniature Golf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Paradise Golf Park is an exciting, challenging, 18-hole miniature golf course developed on beautifully landscaped grounds with exquisite cascading waterfalls and is located just two blocks from downtown Lake Geneva.
Reviewed By WisTrippers - Wisconsin, United States
Throwback mini-golf course which is fantastic for younger kids, people without mad mini golf skills, or people that just want to get out for some relaxing fun. Course is nicely maintained and just challenging enough. The staff is very friendly and I feel like the prices were very reasonable. They have parking but it is not that long of a walk from downtown on a nice day.
7. Marina Bay Boat Rentals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By marksO6047KU
What a great day. Our family of 5 booked a 25 foot Pontoon boat with tube on a Friday, 8/7/20. Everything went great. We were able to reserve a boat the day before what was a perfect sunny day with minimal wind. The check in process went well, and as they recommended, we got there 20 minutes before reservation time. Before 10am, there was plenty of parking right next to the dock @ $2/hr. The staff went over the boat operations with us, and we enjoyed a beautiful day. The 25 foot boat had plenty of power to easily entertain teenagers on the tube and was easy to drive with minimal experience. The boat was clean and operated well, and the lake was warm. Total cost (boat, tube, tax) was $580 for 3 hours...well worth it for the fun. We will definitely go back next summer, probably for a 4 hour rental.
8. Safari Lake Geneva
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Back by popular demand, it's a social distancing safari where you can experience Safari Lake Geneva’s game reserves from the comfort of your own vehicle! Enhance your interaction with these amazing animals by purchasing a bucket of grain to feed them from your window or sunroof. Plus, you can drive through as many times as you like! There’s nothing like it in Chicagoland and you’ll soon discover why this is the place everyone is talking about! Online reservations.
Reviewed By M2160ZBkatherinec - Crystal Lake, United States
me and my bf took my son to the safari..it was our first time there..we enjoyed it alot..alot of the animals were sweet except for the ostrich and zebra..the lady wasn't kidding to watch out for the ostriches. We went around a few times until the feed was gone. More animals kept coming out each time. My son loved it so much we hope to come back again for the wagon ride if open next year. The lady at the front gate was very nice and helpful. Thanks so much for the 2 extra buckets, was very kind of u! I definitely recommend checking this place out.
9. Riviera Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 170 reviews
Public beach on Lake Geneva popular with swimmers, sunbathers, hikers and boaters.
Reviewed By 866TaylorB - Chicago, United States
Riviera Beach is a popular destination for children and teenagers during the summer. Located on Wrigley Drive in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, it is near the Geneva Lake Shore Path and the Riviera Ballroom and within walking distance of downtown Lake Geneva's restaurants and shops. It is a place to swim, relax and picnic. But the main attraction is the Riviera, a marina and mixed-use meeting hall on the shore of Lake Geneva, adjacent to Riviera Beach, that was built in 1932 to fill a need for a recreational facility in the fast rising resort town. The Italian Renaissance structure, located at 810 Wrigley Drive, was once described as "the most intact historic building associated with transportation in the Geneva Lake area" and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. From the 1930s to the 1950s, the ballroom hosts such renowned swing and jazz bandleaders as Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Lawrence Welk, Lionel Hampton, Xavier Cugat and Harry James. Vocalists who performed at the Riviera included Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Dean Martin, Perry Como, Nat King Cole, Lena Horne,Peggy Lee and Mel Torme. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Riviera rebranded itself as a discotheque, attracting the Village People, Chaka Khan, Donna Summer, Gloria Gaynor and the Ritchie family. Today, it remains a popular site for concerts, corporate events, meetings, parties and special occasions.
10. Timber Ridge Waterpark
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By JimPanky - Chicago Southland, United States
This is literally my favorite place. So much to do. I would live here if I could. I have been here 3 times and will keep coming back when I can afford it. From the slides to the lazy river to the hot tubs to the staff, everything is perfect.
