Location: Lake Geneva
Top Things to do in Lake Geneva
10 Things to do 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. 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.
2. Geneva Lake Shore Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
This lovely 21-mile walking path, around Geneva Lake, takes pedestrians by impressive homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods. A two-mile swath on the West End offers a manageable stroll, lovely views, and passes landmarks such as the Abbey Resort and Fontana Spa and popular local eateries like Chuck's.
Reviewed By Steamboat50 - Waukesha, United States
Walking around the entire lake has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Last weekend my girlfriend and I decided to do the walk. It was a beautiful September day, about 70 degrees. We started and 8:45am and finished the walk at 4:30. I was a little nervous as I was hearing anything from 22-28 miles around the lake from different people. Well I am happy to say that it is exactly 21.4 miles. At least that is what I got on my watch. We did it in 7 1/2 hours but we only took two bathroom stops and I will say we walked at a decent pace. The furthest I had ever walked prior to this was nine miles so I was a bit leery that I could even finish this. I am happy to say that it was a very enjoyable walk. It is mainly all flat with a few house steps in between. You are walking right by the water the majority of the walk. At one stretch you went on the road for a very short time. The views are incredible and my friend talked the entire time so the time went by fairly quick. I was afraid to stop for lunch and relax a bit but now that I know what it is like, I would probably stop for a nice lunch next times. There are supposed to be five bathrooms around the lake and we only came across three and used two of them. Make sure to have a good pair of walking shoes on or hiking boots. A good pair of socks is a good idea as well. Dress according to the weather and bring a small backpack with granola bars, fruit and water. Then again if you stop for lunch, you probably would not need that. I enjoyed it so much I am doing it again this weekend. It is a great challenge and an accomplishment to be proud of.
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. Black Point Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
This mansion was once the summer estate of 19th-century beer magnate Conrad Seipp.
Reviewed By mommaz4
We took the Black Point Tour on a lovely summer day and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our party of 4 included 2 moms with our 2 college-age daughters. The boat ride to the mansion was a special treat because we heard all about the estates on the lake and the history of beautiful Geneva Lake. Our boat captain and crew were very knowledgable and entertaining, and we enjoyed having lunch on our return trip (we packed our own but you can pre-order when you book your tickets) along with beverages (alcohol and not) that are sold on the boat. Our tour guide of the Seipp home and grounds was delightful, and we enjoyed buying Seipp beer and other mementos at the gift shop to take home. I highly encourage you to take this tour!
6. Geneva Lake Distilling + Studio Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Located on the Fashionable Upper East Side of Lake Geneva, Studio Winery + Geneva Lake Distilling is Lake Geneva's first and only winery or distillery where we produce all of our wine & spirits. Enjoy a wine or spirits tasting, glass or bottle of our wine, or sip on a handcrafted cocktail made with our premium spirits. Local beer, light bites, gift shop, patio, live music, and art workshops also available. Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5-9. Reservations not necessary for tastings unless you are with a group of 7 or greater, or if you would like a seated tasting led by one of our knowledgeable staff. See our website for details.
Reviewed By txnewi - Milwaukee, United States
Found the place on a short weekend away. Art, Wine and Music, what else do you need. Was a little disappointed the distillery add was not ready yet, even though the website said so. Great atmosphere, great art, great wine. Would come back.
7. Lake Geneva - Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 276cats - Fond du Lac, United States
Lady working the visitors center was very friendly and helpful in helping us select possible places to see and things to do in the area. Great place to start your visit in Lake Geneva, mostly if you're a first time visitor as we are.
8. 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.
9. Big Foot Beach State Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 128 reviews
A favorite with families and nature enthusiasts, this 271-acre park on the shore of Lake Geneva, offers wooded campsites, a sand beach and plenty of picnic areas.
Reviewed By WilliamN2213 - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
We are solely State Park campers. The RV site we had was larger than most parks we camp at. There was a large grassy area and the grass was mowed. Land in Lake Geneva is extremely expensive. We took a boat tour that said $7k for one foot of lake frontage! I guess I appreciated that there is a state park there. We spent most of our time exploring the whole area. There is a beautiful beach downtown that we didn't mind paying for. The state park beach was closed but there were boats parked all along the beach that were enjoying it. The park is located next to a high school and a city neighborhood. We also ended up finding the lake path that goes past the estates and we really enjoyed it. Some complained about mosquitoes. This is Wisconsin and there will be mosquitoes. They weren't bad. I will definitely go back there. The campsites are some of the best I have ever seen! Paying for a campsite is way cheaper than staying in the upscale hotels.
10. Ice Castles
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By LMPeterson145
Really appreciated all the work and maintenance that goes into creating these structures. Great for kids and adults. Snow caves, igloos, fountains and slides. Night is the best time to go to see with the lights. About 30-45 minutes to experience. Didn't find the walks to be too slick, but good tread shoes are needed. Tickets sell out fast and if weather allows the event will be extended. Site manager told us that they run sprinklers at night and the castles keep getting larger. Definitely worth a day trip or overnight to see once.
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