Summer is in full swing, and there's nothing quite like indulging in some delicious and refreshing sweet treats to beat the heat. If you're in the Lake Geneva area, you're in luck - there is a great selection of amazing spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. Here are the best places to cool down with a sweet icy treat during these hot summer days.
Ice Cream Experiences
Kilwins | 772 W. Main St., Lake Geneva
Just a short stroll from the lakefront, Kilwins is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Famous for their fudge and caramel apples, Kilwins also boasts an impressive ice cream selection. The rich, creamy texture of their ice cream paired with the inviting aroma of freshly made waffle cones is an experience in itself. Be sure to try their Sea-Salt Caramel ice cream, a perfect blend of sweet and salty.
The Original Rainbow Cone | 393 Edwards Blvd., Lake Geneva
New to Lake Geneva, this Chicago favorite brings some tasty and classic treats to the area. Their signature sliced Rainbow Cone that has five unique flavors has been served in the Chicago area since 1926. You’ll find other unique flavor combinations and some classic favorites too, including sundaes, shakes, and ice cream cakes.
Something Sweet | 235 Broad St., Lake Geneva
If you are looking for a place that has it all, look no further. This local favorite offers hand-dipped and soft serve ice cream, plus fun smoothies and other frozen treats. Your sweet tooth will be completely satisfied in this downtown haven. Along with their frozen treats they have a full selection of nostalgic and novelty candies, gourmet chocolates, and fudge. Stop in while you are shopping to get an afternoon jolt of sweet and sugary goodness!
The Chocolate Factory | 703 W. Main St., Lake Geneva
Nothing against vanilla, but their signature flavors are anything but. With bursts of berries, gobs of nutty goodness, ribbons of sweetness, and oodles of originality & old-time favorites, they’ve got it licked! Enjoy this Wisconsin-made creamy, dreamy treat in cups, cones, sundaes, and take-home pints and quarts.
Blue Heaven Ice Cream | 105 W Main St., Fontana-On-Geneva Lake
Blue Heaven is a little piece of ice cream heaven located just off beautiful Geneva Lake. They have 24 flavors of hand-dipped super-premium ice cream from Wisconsin favorites Chocolate Shoppe and Purple Door, paired with specialty cones like Chocolate Chip & Pretzel. Cool off under their umbrellas on the patio, or in the Adirondack chairs on the lawn.
Ice Cream Social Cruise with the Lake Geneva Cruise Line
For a truly unique and memory-making ice cream experience be sure to book a cruise on the Ice Cream Social Cruise with the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. You and your family can enjoy a tasty sundae while getting a tour of the beautiful lake and learning a little about the history of Geneva Lake.
Along the Geneva Lake Shore Path between Williams Bay and Fontana you'll likely walk in front of this 115 year old camp established to help under-resourced children experience a wonderful week during the summer on Geneva Lake. If you happen to be walking by at the right time you can stop into their Refectory for a scoop of ice cream or a cold beverage. It's a great place to rest on your feet and grab a sweet summer treat to help support their purpose. The Refectory is open to visitors from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm daily during the summer.
Pedal & Cup | 1722 State Road 120 North, Springfield
Situated along the Wisconsin State White River Bike Trail just outside of Lake Geneva, this bike rental shop also offers bikers a sweet treat when they are done pedaling along the trails. Stop into the old historic train depot for an ice cream treat, smoothie, or a cold drink.
Culvers | 151 N. Wells St., Lake Geneva
What trip to Wisconsin would be complete without a quick stop at Culvers! This Wisconsin born chain is known for their creamy and delicious custard creations. Be sure to stop in on your way into or out of town to get a real taste of Wisconsin goodness!
Frozen Treats & Fun Summer Drinks
Going Bananas | 812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva | Inside the Riviera Building
Located in the Riviera building next to the beach, this local favorite offers made to order, custom chocolate dipped frozen bananas. You can get your banana dipped and covered with some great toppings and tasty drizzles. We think enjoying a cold treat while lounging on the sandy shores of Geneva Lake is a quintessential summer experience in Lake Geneva.
Teeko's Acai Bowls | 647 W. Main St., Suite 100, Lake Geneva
Come experience superfood in every delicious bite! Açaí is a small, dark purple berry from Brazil that resembles a blueberry but is so much more! All bowls and smoothies are made with the freshest fruit and other delicious, healthy ingredients. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and obviously dessert!
Summer Moon Coffee | 80 E. Geneva Square, Lake Geneva
This locally owned Lake Geneva coffee shop is known for its unique Oak Roasted Coffee and signature sweet cream Moon Milk. In addition to their unique coffee they offer a wide variety of specialty beverage like fruit refreshers, blended coffee drinks, coffee milk shakes, frozen hot chocolate, and frozen lemonades.
Inspired Coffee | 883 W. Main St., Lake Geneva
This local favorite coffee shop with a purpose offers some great caffeinated and frosty treats. Inspired is dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live with greater purpose and achieve their individual best. The staff at Inspired Coffee are wonderful and they love serving up cold brews, fruit refreshers, shaken teas, and sweet frozen frappes. Stop in for your daily smile and a sweet summer beverage!
Malini Bikini Shave Ice | 112 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva
Malini Bikini serves authentic Hawaiian Shave Ice, a finely-shaved, fluffy cloud of ice topped with traditional snow cone syrups in a wide variety of flavors. Enjoy a new, refreshing, dairy-free tasty treat that brings a little piece of Hawaii to a joy-filled day on the beach. Stop by Malini Bikini this summer for a fun cooling tropical treat!
Grand Central at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa | 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva
Located in the lobby of The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, this unassuming little café offers up some tasty treats. There's ice cream and freshly baked pastries to tempt your sweet tooth any time of the day. They also serve Starbucks coffee and have a great selection of frozen coffee drinks, smoothies, and teas.
Trader Jack's Gift Shop at the Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark | 7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva
If you find yourself enjoying a fun day at the waterpark at Timber Ridge, be sure to stop into this fun shop and fill up on sweet summer treats! They've got a Wisconsin Favorite, Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream and a great selection of gourmet sodas that are sure to cool you off! Plus, check out their new Candy Cave where you can indulge your childhood candy dreams.
Even More Indulgent Sweet Treats . . .
As long as we are talking about sweet treats, here are a few more options that can make your trip to Lake Geneva a sugary fun experience!
- Stop into the Lake Geneva Pie Company for pies, cookies, and other sweet baked goods.
- Visit Lorelei Bittner’s Bakery for hand-made donuts, Danish, pastries, and cakes.
- Drop into the Simple Bakery & Market for indulgent breakfast sweets, gourmet cupcakes and cookies, and specialty baked goods.
- Pop over to Four Brothers Handcrafted Chocolates in Fontana. This sister store to Blue Heaven Ice Cream offers hand-made chocolates and candies.
- Stop into Sub-Zero Candy, located downtown in The Market of Lake Geneva, for a wide selection of freeze-dried candy and sweets.
Lake Geneva’s summer treats are as diverse as they are delicious. Whether you’re craving a classic ice cream cone, a healthy smoothie, or a gourmet dessert, you're sure to find the perfect summer sweet to satisfy every craving. So next time you find yourself in the Lake Geneva area, be sure to check out these fantastic spots and make your summer a little sweeter.