
First time visiting Lake Geneva? We've gathered a few visitor-recommended experiences you’ll want to put on your itinerary (in no particular order). Check out this list of the top 10 experiences not to miss on your first excursion to Lake Geneva!
1. Classic Lake Cruises
Uncover the history of all those magnificent mansions surrounding Geneva Lake on a Lake Geneva Cruise Line narrated boat tour. There’s also evening dinner cruises and the famous U.S. mailboat tour with mail “jumpers” delivering the mail to piers with the boat never slowing down. Add to your cruise checklist a tour aboard the Lake Lawn Queen and spot Delavan Lake’s five Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes.
2. The Geneva Lake Shore Path
Spanning 21 continuous miles around the lake, this public pathway lets you soak in the million-dollar views of the estates built by famous families like the Wrigleys, Maytags and Schwinns. Grab your favorite hiking buddies, some good shoes, and a camera for a fun day enjoying the beautiful Geneva Lake scenery.
3. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre
Fun for all ages and home to award winning illusionist Tristan Crist, this must-see show includes Vegas style magic, comedy and mind blowing illusions. Experience magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining performance featuring award-winning performers year-round at the Tristan Crist Magic Theater.
4. Yerkes Observatory
Yerkes is considered the birthplace of modern astrophysics. A virtual who’s who of astronomy has surveyed space through the world’s largest refracting telescope here. Today, this historic architectural gem offers public tours, stargazing events and an arboretum. 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.
5. Safari Lake Geneva
Just a short drive from Lake Geneva is Safari Lake Geneva, an unforgettable animal adventure that the whole family will enjoy! This unique drive-through family-owned wildlife preserve and conservation park is home to animals from around the world roaming free while visitors traverse the grounds safely “caged” in their cars.
6. The Dancing Horses Theatre
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, it’s a favorite of kids and adults alike. Experience an amazing, breath taking, inspiring – and a must see, one of a kind performance that you will want to return to again and again!
7. A Day at the Beach
A summer vacation to Lake Geneva wouldn't be complete without a day at the beach. Geneva Lake offers three great beach options to meet all of you sun seeking needs! The sugary sand and lapping waves that define the trio of beaches on Geneva Lake — Riviera Beach, Fontana Beach and Williams Bay Beach — are a summer must.
8. A Bird's-Eye View
Soar through the clouds on a sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride courtesy of the Lake Geneva Balloon Company. In 2021, U.S. News & World Report named Lake Geneva Balloon Company one of the “18 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides in the World,” alongside other notable offerings in Tanzania, Turkey, Switzerland, France and Italy. For something a little closer to the ground, traverse the treetops at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures for unparalleled views of the Lake Geneva countryside. Offering Zipline tours, High Ropes Excursions, and a Climbing Tower, Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures has high flying experiences for everyone!
9. The Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy
A peaceful hike through this hidden jewel reveals rolling creeks, mirror-like ponds and lush colors to satisfy the senses. This sprawling conservancy boasts 231 acres of natural area with 4 miles of trails and an observation tower. The property includes two streams, woodlands, wetlands, large prairie, sedge and wet meadows. Stroll the boardwalk that hovers above the wetland, or walk the trails that cover the beautiful acres of forests and prairie. Admission is free.
10. Legendary Golf
With 10 courses across six properties, golfers are spoiled for choice in the Lake Geneva area. Enjoy challenging courses designed by golf legends including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold
Palmer and Lee Trevino. Explore here for more golf courses>.