Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Travel Guide

Lake Geneva, known as the “Hamptons of Chicago” and the “Newport of the Midwest,” is one of the best small towns in Wisconsin. One of three main communities on Geneva Lake, this posh yet approachable resort town is famous for its Gilded Age estates built by notable Chicago families. It also has a world-renowned observatory, a winding 21-mile shore path around the lake, a famous mail boat cruise, and many independent eateries.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan a trip to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

A former Playboy Club, the recently renovated Grand Geneva draws inspiration from native Wisconsinite Frank Lloyd Wright’s signature architectural approach. This grand resort boasts 358 guest rooms and over 60,000 square feet of meeting and event space on 1,300 rolling, hilly acres outside town. Three onsite restaurants, a ski hill, and a golf course round out the amenities. One of Travel + Leisure’s best Midwest resorts for a fall getaway, this AAA Four-Diamond operation is an excellent base for exploring Lake Geneva any time of year. 

Maxwell Mansion

Mere blocks from downtown Lake Geneva, this boutique property has two distinct vibes: the lovingly restored historic mansion and the equestrian-chic Carriage House and Stables. Maxwell’s has six rooms in the main mansion, 14 in the carriage house, and seven suites and one standard room in the stables. A heated outdoor pool and three distinct watering holes — a speakeasy, a craft cocktail bar, and a seasonal outdoor tiki bar — set this unique spot apart from typical chain hotels.

According to Barb Krause, publisher of At The Lake Magazine, a quarterly print publication about the Geneva Lake area, “Maxwell’s owners, Luke and Monica, have a wealth of hospitality experience, and it shows in their creative décor and special events.” Krause suggests ordering a specialty cocktail at the Apothecary Bar and listening to live music. “There are so many cozy corners in the mansion and around the property to sit and have a conversation,” she adds.

The Abbey Resort

In the enclave of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, The Abbey is billed as the only full-service lakeside accommodation. “The Abbey has undergone a beautiful renovation, and the property shines from its lakefront location,” Krause says. “You can easily walk to nearby shops and restaurants in the village of Fontana.”

With 334 guest rooms, including suites and villas, accommodations can meet your needs no matter who you travel with. Grand Geneva Resort and Spa concierge Sarah Hill notes that the 35,000-square-foot Avani Spa is particularly excellent. Other amenities include two full-service eateries, a coffee shop and bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a cinema and entertainment center, bikes you can borrow, and marina access.

Lake Lawn Resort

In the greater Lake Geneva area, find Lake Lawn Resort. “Lake Lawn Resort is a great place to spend the weekend, with a beautiful setting on Delavan Lake. There’s quite a bit to do: You can golf, get a treatment at the spa, and take a boat ride. Plus, there’s a newly designed restaurant, 1878, with lake views,” Krause shares. Lake Lawn’s 250 acres include two miles of Delavan Lake shoreline and 271 guest rooms with a balcony or patio. 

Best Things to Do 

Geneva Lake Short Path

One of Geneva Lake’s main attractions is the public walking path. Krause explains that “the Shore Path is an amazing piece of living history. The path encircles the entire lake and is nearly 22 miles around, so most people walk just a portion of it at a time.”

You can see historic turn-of-the-century estates up close and modern new homes. “You walk through the lakefront yards of these homes. We don’t know of any other lake in the United States with this type of public access,” Krause says. 

Black Point Estate and Gardens 

“Set on the highest natural point of Geneva Lake, Black Point Estate is a historic house museum on the lake’s southern shore,” Hill says. The previous owners donated this summer residence to the state of Wisconsin for public enjoyment, and it’s now recognized for its architectural significance on the National Historic Register. You can only access the Queen Anne-style home via Geneva Cruise Line’s 3.5-hour private tour.

Yerkes Observatory

Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics, is one of the country’s most important ground-based observatories. And it almost became condos. Thankfully, a group of dedicated locals and summer residents intervened to save the storied structure from demolition.

Krause expands: “Yerkes Observatory is housed in a grand, historic building with beautiful architecture … we are so grateful that it has been saved from the wrecking ball and development, and now open to the public for tours and events. Einstein was here! I’ve been on the tour a few times, and I love seeing the telescope and hearing about our local contribution to astronomic discoveries.” 

Mail Boat Run

Geneva Lake is one of only a handful of places in the U.S. that still offers mail service by boat. Join the 2.5-hour Mail Boat Run for an iconic area activity. The boat traverses the lake and makes about 50 mail drops.

“I’ve been on the mail boat tour several times. It looks so challenging to jump on and off the piers! But it’s a lot of fun to watch, and the residents get into it, too, waiting on the pier with kids or their dogs,” Krause says. “Between stops, the mail jumper tells you about our lakefront history.” It’s only offered in the summer from June 15 through Sept. 15, so plan your visit accordingly.

Big Foot Beach State Park

This 271-acre state park boasts five miles of hiking trails, a family campground, a picnic area, a swimming beach, and a playground. For excellent fishing, visit the on-site lagoon, a replica of Geneva Lake.

It’s a special spot for Krause. “We originally moved to Lake Geneva because my dad became superintendent at Big Foot Beach. So we grew up enjoying the park as a family, taking walks, grilling out, and learning to cross-country ski in the winter,” she says. “Today, I take walks through the park with friends. Visitors love the open areas for big picnics, just across the street from the beach.” 

Geneva Lake

One of Wisconsin’s largest and deepest inland lakes, Geneva Lake is renowned for its cleanliness and gorgeous aquamarine hue — take advantage of it if you visit in the summer. Clearwater Outdoor offers kayak and standup paddleboard rentals. Hill suggests renting a motorboat, too. ​”It’s a pretty large lake, about 5,000 acres, so renting a boat allows you to see more than paddling can. People love to rent pontoons, especially families,” she says.

Golf 

The Lake Geneva area is a golfer’s delight. The two most notable spots are the Grand Geneva, which has two courses, and the Geneva National, which has three courses (one is reserved for members). If you can’t swing a tee time at these elite courses, plenty of other options exist. 

Best Restaurants

Oakfire Pizza

Oakfire Pizza is a must-visit for its wood-fired pizzas and inventive pasta. “I love Oakfire Pizza — the rustic décor, lake views, and the open floor plan. The bartenders craft creative cocktails, and we always share cheese curds, salad, and pizza,” says Krause.

Sopra 

Helmed by Chef Simon Cumming, Sopra in Lake Geneva embraces Italian-American influences and seasonal products. “This is our top fine dining option right now. The food is fantastic, very eclectic,” Hill says.

Simple Food Group Café, Market, and Bakery 

“Simple Café is perfect for breakfast or brunch. It’s our go-to when we have guests from out of town because there’s something for every foodie and dietary restriction, and the menu changes seasonally,” says Krause. The cafe focuses on artisan products from southeastern Wisconsin producers.

Pier 290 

Located on the Williams Bay side of the lake, Pier 290 provides an outdoor bar, sandy beach, fire pits, and a beautiful backdrop for a waterfront meal. “One of my favorite spots is Pier 290, the only restaurant directly on Geneva Lake. And it’s actually built next to the working shipyard of Gage Marine, which just celebrated its 150th anniversary on the lake,” Hill says.

Krause agrees: “Pier 290 is our special occasion destination, and by that, I mean birthdays, good days at work, or just a random Wednesday. We prefer the outdoor and tented seating, even in the winter. They have live music nearly every weekend, and the gift shop is not to be missed.”

Best Time to Visit

Though there’s reason to visit Lake Geneva year-round, the traditional summer season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) is the most popular as the weather is warm and kids are out of school. But if you don’t have to worry about school schedules, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer mild weather and more affordable prices. The Geneva Lakes Boat Show at the Abbey, a showcase of vintage and classic boats from around the country, is popular in the fall.

Winter is also a special time to visit. According to Hill, “​Our busiest weekend of the year, and one of the most fun, is Winterfest weekend.” Every year, during the first week of February, Lake Geneva hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. “Teams fly in from all over the country, and they craft these massive, massive forms [in] downtown Lake Geneva … it is just a hoot,” Hill says.

The snowy season also allows for Nordic skiing, downhill skiing, ice fishing, and ice boating, when sailboats on metal runners glide on the frozen lake. “Hanging out at Chuck’s on a Saturday afternoon in the winter to watch ice boats is a rite of passage,” Hill says. 

How to Get There

Lake Geneva is 80 miles from Chicago and 40 miles from Milwaukee. If you’re flying in from outside the region, O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) are your best bets, though MKE is preferable — it’s closer to Lake Geneva and you’ll encounter less traffic than if you drive from Illinois.

How to Get Around

The Lake Geneva area doesn’t have public transportation, so you need a car. Rent a vehicle at MKE or O’Hare. Milwaukee earns convenience points for an on-site rental car operation, while O’Hare provides free, 24-hour shuttle service to the rental car parking structure.