First time in Lake Geneva or a seasoned regular who just can’t stay away? Either way, we’ve put together a handy checklist of all the must-do experiences that make this lakeside gem the go-to getaway—year after year. Let the lake-loving begin!
1. The Historic Geneva Lake Shore Path
One of the most iconic ways to experience the charm and history of Geneva Lake is by hitting the famous Shore Path—a scenic walk that’s as stunning as it is storied. At 21 miles, it’s best to break up your walk into segments so you can slow down and soak in the million-dollar views of the estates built after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 by the likes of Chicago’s rich and famous, including the Wrigleys, Maytags and Schwinns. These summer “cottages” will take your breath away and you’ll get to walk through the front yards of them all. Enjoy the lush garden views to one side and the tranquil water views to the other as sailboats and excursion boats glide across the crystal-clear waters.
2. A Classic Lake Cruise
For a front-row seat to lakefront history (with a splash of adventure), hop aboard one of the area’s iconic boat tours—there’s no better way to take in the stories, sights, and surprises along the shoreline. The narrated boat tours by Lake Geneva Cruise Line give you the history of all those magnificent mansions that rim the shoreline. Enjoy one of their evening dinner cruises or catch the famous U.S. Mailboat Tour, where daring mail “jumpers” deliver letters to lakeside piers without the boat ever stopping. Also add to your lake cruise checklist a tour of Delavan Lake aboard the double-decker Lake Lawn Queen. (Did you know there are five Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes on Delavan Lake?)
3. The Thrill of the Lakes
There are plenty of opportunities for water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, sailing, and wake surfing. Gage Marine’s Wake Experience even includes private lessons. Gordy’s Marine also has great boats to practice wake boarding and wake surfing, with pilots who are experienced coaches for these watersports. If paddling is more your pace, consider stand-up paddleboard and kayak rentals from Clear Water Outdoor.
4. A Day at the Beach
A summer vacation to Lake Geneva wouldn't be complete without a day at the beach. Geneva Lake offers four great beach options to meet all of you sun seeking needs! The sugar sand and lapping waves that define Riviera Beach on Geneva Lake are irresistible to both children and grown-ups! Steps away from the historic Riviera Ballroom building that houses great snack options for beach goers and access to the Lake Geneva Cruise Line boats, you are sure to have a grand day. For a beach day a little more relaxed but just as fun try the Fontana Beach, situated on the West end of the lake and steps from the famed Abbey Resort, or the Williams Bay Beach tucked between Fontana and Lake Geneva across from the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy. For a laid-back beach day with plenty of space to spread out, Big Foot Beach State Park offers a scenic shoreline, shaded picnic areas, and easy access to swimming and sunbathing along the shores of Geneva Lake.
5. Magic
A safari. Dancing horses. Magic shows. Yes, we listed three attractions with this one, but they all fall under the category of “magical things to do that will make you feel like a kid.” The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre is home to illusionist Tristan Crist, who’s known for his large-scale illusions performed up close and personal. Safari Lake Geneva is a wildlife preserve that’s home to animals from around the world roaming free while visitors traverse the grounds “safely caged” in their cars. The marquee show at The Dancing Horses Theatre is full of pageantry, music and a cast of performers (both horses and trainers) in exquisite costumes.
6. Lakeview Dining
With three lakes in the area — Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake and Lake Como — the lakeview dining options are plentiful. A table upstairs at Oakfire provides exceptional views of Geneva Lake, and for a truly lakeside dining experience on Geneva Lake grab a window seat at the Oak & Oar restaurant at The Geneva Inn, or an Adirondack chair around the fire pit right on the beach at Pier 290. A seat on the beach deck at Mars Resort or the deck at The Getaway on Lake Como gives you amazing views of all the activity on Lake Como, and a table on the deck at the Lookout Bar & Eatery at Lake Lawn Resort is a great option for checking out the beautiful Delavan Lake.
7. A Walk Through the Flora and Fauna
The Lake Geneva area offers plenty of local parks and nature trails highlighting our beautiful natural scenery. The hidden gem in Williams Bay, Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy, reveals rolling creeks, mirror-like ponds and lush colors to satisfy the senses. Stroll the boardwalk that hovers above the wetland or walk the trails that crisscross the 231 acres of forests and prairie. The Geneva Lake Conservancy is another organization dedicated to the preservation of environmentally sensitive lands, tending to five preserves, including the Helen Rohner Children’s Fishing Park. The family-friendly Linn Nature Park offers half- and 2-mile trails surrounding ponds, bridges and historic silos. For those who love to explore off the beaten path, White River Park in the Town of Linn offers peaceful hiking trails, wildlife watching, and scenic views along the winding White River—perfect for a quiet nature escape just minutes from the lake.
8. A Ride in the Clouds
Soar above the treetops and take in breathtaking, panoramic views of Lake Geneva with a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride from Lake Geneva Balloon Company. As the lake glistens below and the sky comes alive with color, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the region from a whole new perspective. It’s no wonder U.S. News & World Report named it one of the “18 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the World” in 2021—right alongside bucket-list destinations like Tanzania, Turkey, Switzerland, France, and Italy.
9. Legendary Golf
Golfers are spoiled for choice in the Lake Geneva area. Two 18-hole courses at Grand Geneva Resort, The Brute and The Highlands, present the kind of challenge golf enthusiasts relish, thanks to the contributions of original designers Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye. Beyond this resort, you’ll find even more variety—from the scenic fairways of Hawk’s View Golf Club to the laid-back charm of the Evergreen Golf Club courses. For lakeside beauty with every swing, Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort and Abbey Springs offer a memorable round along the shorelines of Delavan Lake and Geneva Lake. Whether you're playing for the challenge or the views, Lake Geneva is a hole-in-one destination for golfers.
10. Stargazing
Considered the birthplace of modern astrophysics, Yerkes Observatory nearly defies description, with its ornately carved entrance, three domes — including the Great Dome housing the world’s largest refracting telescope — and tree-lined grounds born from plans by the famous landscape architectural firm of Frederick Law Olmsted. A valiant preservation effort of the 1897 observatory is now completed and once again is open to the public for academic pursuits and tours.