There’s no doubt your visit to the Lake Geneva region will include days packed with fun attractions, adventure, shopping and more. But as evening approaches, this destination takes on a whole new feel that beckons you to slow your pace, look up, and embrace the calm beauty of a fiery sunset or star-filled sky. Here are a few ideas to make the most of Lake Geneva’s dusk and later pursuits.
Classic Sunset Cruises
Being out on the water is enchanting by day and even more magical by night. Which is where Lake Geneva Cruise Lines’ Cocktail Cruise comes in. This two-hour excursion for those 21+ is the perfect way to end the day, complete with a colorful sunset, live entertainment and refreshing cocktails. There’s also a Fireworks Cruise on the final Sunday of the annual Venetian Festival in August, providing a special vantage point for a most spectacular light show in the sky. Over on Delavan Lake, there is a Sunset Wine Tour aboard the Lake Lawn Queen for adults 21+ and a Sunset Lake Tour for the whole family.
Alfresco Dining & Sipping Under the Setting Sun
Picture yourself dining alfresco, lingering over great food and great conversation as the setting sun gives way to starry skies. Alfresco dining spots are plentiful in Lake Geneva. The Grandview Restaurant at The Geneva Inn lives up to its name with an expansive patio and panoramic views over Geneva Lake. Also try Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar with sidewalk and patio seating just steps from the lake. Popeye’s on Lake Geneva and Oakfire are two more downtown dining spots with outdoor seating in the same vicinity.
At PIER 290 in Williams Bay, relax after dinner as you take in the view from a beach chair, toes in the sand. Café Calamari, also in Williams Bay, has charming patio dining. Meanwhile, Mars Resort, a classic Wisconsin supper club and The Getaway on Lake Como both offer wonderful views of Lake Como from their decks, and the beach. The lakeside resorts, including The Abbey Resort on Geneva Lake and Lake Lawn Resort on Delavan Lake, are also wonderful nighttime destinations for dining or gathering around a fire pit for cocktails with friends.
Be sure to check out some of the local breweries, distilleries, and wineries while you are in town. Nothing ends the perfect summer day than a cold beer or cocktail with friends while enjoying the night air. Topsy Turvey is a local brewery with great seasonal brews and a fun outdoor patio with a lot of opportunities for people watching. For a more intimate setting check out the backyard patio at the Geneva Tap House. With over 50 regional and local beverages on tap, live music, and a tucked away outdoor space you won’t find a better place to end the night.
Stargazing at Yerkes Observatory
The historic Yerkes Observatory, once again open to the public, is a remarkable local treasure. It’s home to the world’s largest refracting telescope, and the birthplace of astrophysics, a branch of science that uses the principles of physics to understand the makeup of celestial bodies.
Science giants including Albert Einstein, Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman and Carl Sagan have walked the hallowed halls of this 1897 architectural wonder and ascended the stairs to the giant domes where the telescopes are housed. Now you can enjoy special stargazing events throughout the year with opportunities to explore the night sky and ponder the cosmos.
Unique Nighttime Excursions
Summer nights in Lake Geneva come alive with the sound of music, creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable evenings. From live bands at lakeside restaurants to outdoor concerts in the park, there's a rhythm for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can relax with a drink while listening to acoustic sets with local musicians on a patio, dance under the stars at a vibrant festival, or catch a nationally known cover band performing on a local stage. Nothing is better when you are looking for a night of fun or a great first date than musical encounters! The Lake Geneva area boasts some of the best venues to add wonderful soundtracks to your nigh time adventures!
If you are up for a little mystery and local lore then grab a spot on one of the Lake Geneva Ghost Walks, local haunted history walking tours of beautiful Lake Geneva. Hear the real ghost stories, lake legends, Native American folklore, and the history of the downtown. Public tours are available on the weekends from Memorial Day until Halloween. Private group tours are available by request.
Lake Geneva has a couple of favorite Speakeasy’s, a fun and quirky holdover from the prohibition era, that will take you back in time. The Speakeasy at the Maxwell Mansion is a subterranean space full of prohibition era atmosphere and fun craft cocktails. You’ll have to know the password to be let in, but it is worth staying up late to get in on the fun. The Boiler Room Speakeasy is a great weekend stop for a fun night of dancing, cocktails, and connection. Located in the Historic Baker House, a beautifully preserved lakeside mansion with a great story, this is a favorite stop for group celebrations.
If your idea of fun after dark comes with a little competition, we have you covered! Check out Lake Geneva Billiards for a great evening out with friends shooting pool and relaxing in this new addition to downtown Lake Geneva. They even offer a High Rollers Suite for private parties that includes a pool table, poker table, lounge area, slot machines, and bar area for a fun celebration night! Or, book yourself a time slot at LG Axe Throwing a beautiful new indoor space with 6 axe throwing lanes, beer, wine and great food in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva. Here you and your friends can relax and connect while you take turns trying to hit the bullseye to see who has the best aim. The Lake Geneva Clue Room, open until 10pm daily, offers groups a chance to try their hand at escaping from one of their perfectly curated escape rooms. Choose from something a little scary or a room that takes you back in time.
Lake Geneva’s picturesque waterfront, illuminated by the glow of streetlights and moonlit reflections off the lake, sets the perfect backdrop for evening strolls and romantic dinners, and the bustling nightlife scene ensures a dynamic experience well into the night. Whether you're looking to unwind with a glass of wine at a cozy bistro, dance the night away, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the lake under the stars, Lake Geneva's nighttime activities promise memorable experiences for all.