Embrace the Olympic spirit this summer in Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva transforms into a vibrant hub of sports and games each summer, echoing the global excitement of the Olympics. From thrilling water sports to spirited billiards competitions, scrappy Pickle Ball tournaments, and fun family beach games, you’ll find the perfect blend of recreation, fun, and celebration. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking for some fun in the sun, Lake Geneva's summer games promise an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of the Olympic spirit right in the heart of the Midwest.
Olympic History Found in Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva is well known for its beautiful golf courses and the pristine waters of Geneva Lake. It is these two beloved tourist attractions that have given Lake Geneva some Olympic history. This amazing summer haven is the home of the late Harry C. “Buddy” Melges Jr. He was a Gold (1972) and Bronze (1964) Olympic medalist in sailing and member of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. His family has a long history of sailing expertise, and they still sail the waters of Geneva Lake today.
Go back a little further in history and you'll find Nathaniel 'Nat' Ford-Moore III, grandson of Columbia University president Nathaniel Moore. Nat Moore lived in Lake Geneva and was a member of the Lake Geneva Country Club where he played golf as a member of the Western Golf Association. He represented Lake Geneva well by playing on the gold medal winning 1904 US Olympic golf team. Grab your clubs and spend time on one of the beautiful courses around Lake Geneva like a true Olympian.
Outdoor Summer Games and Activities
Water sports are king during the summer in Lake Geneva. Fun fact, you can try your hand at many of the Olympic water sports right on Geneva Lake! Avid swimmer? We’ve got miles and miles of lake for you to swim, you’ll find folks doing laps in Buttons Bay at Bigfoot Beach State Park and many locals challenge themselves with a swim across the narrows of the lake each summer. Maybe you want the help of a vessel while on the water? You can rent paddleboards and kayaks from Clearwater Outdoors for a more leisurely adventure on the water. And, if you want to play like a true Olympian on the lake you can learn to ski or windsurf while you are vacationing this summer with a class at Gordy's Lakefront Marine in Fontana-on-Geneva Lake.
Maybe your idea of fun and games doesn’t include water? No problem, you’ll find plenty of activities on solid ground in Lake Geneva too! Gather your friends for a rousing game of beach volleyball on one of the three public beaches around the lake, head to one of the local parks for a pop-up soccer match or grab your besties and head to Paradise Golf Park or the local disc golf course for a fun afternoon of competition. Who says golf has to be played with clubs and little white balls anyway? You’ll find the disc golf course located next to Dunn Field where you can also play a quick basketball game, test your skills at the skate park, and bring fido along for a fun romp in the dog park.
Get a birds-eye view of the area high up in the trees and enjoy the beautiful area landscapes while taking on some challenging and fun adventures at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures. You'll find mountain biking and hiking trails, ropes courses, climbing walls, and of course ziplining. Grab your friends and family and make it a competitive afternoon of challenging games you won't forget!
Fancy yourself being the next Serena Williams or Andre Agassi? You’ll find open outdoor tennis courts at Dunn Field and Maple Park, just be sure to bring your own racket and balls. Residents and visitors alike are also lucky to have the use of the competition quality facility at Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickle Ball Center. At this newest addition to the activities in Lake Geneva, you can get out of the hot sun and play a tennis or pickle ball match with your traveling companions or sign up for a few lessons.
Taking the Games Indoors
Summer games are all about enjoying the sunny and warm days, but you can take a break from the mid-day heat and still have a little competitive fun inside during the summer. Even on a rainy day you can spend some time competing like an Olympian in the Lake Geneva area! You can spend an afternoon testing your climbing skills in the Well Spa at Grand Geneva Resort, or just a short drive from Lake Geneva to Burlington at Climb @ the Loop. They offer courses for every skill level and make a great activity for getting those kiddos to climb away some pent-up energy.
While these next sports and activities might not be on the official Olympic competition list, we think they are worthy of adding to your summer games! Grab your favorite cue stick and head downtown to Lake Geneva Billiards for a little eight ball, tunes, and an afternoon becoming the next pool hall king or queen. They even have a private room with amazing views of the lake you can book for a private billiards competition (or party)! Looking for an activity to sharpen your target skills? Book your travel group some time at LG Axe Throwing to see who has their sights on the bullseye. Or, head over to the Lake Geneva Lanes for a few raucous games of bowling with your buddies.
As the sun sets over Lake Geneva, the echoes of laughter and the thrill of friendly competition linger in the air, reminding us of the timeless joy found in fun summer games. Whether you're racing across the beach, paddling through the water, or cheering from the sidelines, the spirit of the Olympics lives on in each of us this summer!