Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Best Things to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin


Today I want to invite you to take a tour through Lake Geneva. Spring fed and crystal clear, Geneva Lake is gorgeous in any season. This beautiful  town has plenty of options for fun, both on or in the water. It did not take long to fall in love with this spot!  The options for activities are endless, so I've rounded up my favorites.

The Top 5 Summer Activities in Lake Geneva

BEACH ACTIVITIES

There are 4 beaches: Lake Geneva, Big Foot Beach State Park, Fontana and Williams Bay.  Lake Geneva was the only beach I had time to visit. It was so lovely and has all the ambience and fun of any California beach.

Boating, paddle boarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and several options for cruise tours await you.  Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers chartered cruises around the lake to view the many mansions and an evening dinner cruise.  Boats, Jet Ski,  and Paddleboards are available to rent. 

For all the yoga fiends, you can  take a class to do stand up paddleboard yoga, ha think I will pass on that! I would end upside down on my head most likely!  Lake Geneva charges a cover fee to use the beach-  $7.00 per person.



SHOPPING

Downtown Lake Geneva is a destination for one-of-a-kind shops, and specialty stores. Whether you are hunting for the latest fashion trend, unique piece of art, or home furnishings, the streets are alive with boutiques galore.

A fashion shop must see is "ShoShoo."  I had a hard time controlling the shopping urge in this store!  The shoes are very fun and whimsical. You'll find all your favorite brands such as Converse, Mia Report, Lucky Brand, UGG  and more.


GOLF

Lake Geneva is home to some of Wisconsin's best golf courses. It became a golf destination back in the 80's. The Geneva National Gulf Club offers 3 eighteen hole courses, that were designed by legendary golfers.  The "Arnold Palmer" course is everyone's favorite, as it winds through the beautiful rolling hills at Geneva National Resort. There is a golfing option for every level of player.


DINING

The area restaurants are known for serving cuisine made from fresh, local sourced ingredients. Dining options are many which include:
  • Breakfast and lunch venues located downtown
  • Dinner options range from intimate bistros to outdoor seating
  • Fine dining can be found a different resorts nestled around the lake
Pier 290 in Williams Bay is one you shouldn't miss. The president of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line was the mastermind behind this happy eating venue. A 100 year old marina was transformed into the only restaurant in the area, that sits right on the water.

It was constructed and refurbished with materials from around the lake. The pier offers stunning lake views, the atmosphere of a modern museum, fresh cocktails and an outdoor fire pit.  I didn't make it to this restaurant, but it's on the bucket list for next time!

ENTERTAINMENT

If you love to take in a performance while on vacation, there are great options for this as well. 
  • There is a summer concert series with a lakeside view. 
  • The Fireside Theater is a very popular choice for Broadway style entertainment.
  • The Lake Geneva symphony orchestra is a community of volunteers, that perform 3 classical concerts per year.
  • The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features magic, comedy, and illusions type entertainment.
I wish I could've spent more than one day at this lovely resort town, 6 hours just wasn't enough to even scratch the surface . If you have a favorite lake or beach town , please share in the comments!


Would you like to comment?

  1. What a gorgeous little town! Looks like a fun weekend idea x

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    1. Thank you for stopping by here, yes a super fun weekend spot , lots to keep you busy if you wanted to stay a week!

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  2. I have heard about Lake Geneva, but have never been. Thanks for the summary on what there is and what to do!

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    1. Hey World Traveler! I heard of it a long time ago and forgot until Christy asked If I wanted to go, fell in love with it! I hope you and Susie have a great time in Paris, and I'll see you soon Here in Wa, or in BC next month!

      Valerie

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  3. Oh I am also a Canadian living in the states, but I live in Wisconsin like two hours away from Geneva and it's on my to do list for summer!! So it's so nice to read all about it!! I didn't know about the per person fee so that's good!! I can't wait to try paddle boarding!!

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    1. Yah Angela..so glad someone can use this info to help with your stay there...enjoy it and have a blast! What part of Canada are you from? How cool you live close to this little gem of a place!

      xo
      Valerie

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  4. These photos are gorgeous! Looks like so much fun :)

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    1. Thank you so much Annie, it was a lovely place and tons of fun , happy weekend to you!

      Valerie

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  5. Oh Lake Geneva looks wonderful! I live pretty close and have yet to visit! I'm looking forward to it, thank you for sharing. And have a great time in CA!

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    1. Thank you so much Ashleigh, you need to go! I hear you though..its the same with me here in Seattle, never been to the San Juan Islands and they are such a beautiful spot...hope to go someday soon! Enjoy your summer!

      Valerie

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  6. I live about an hour away from Lake Geneva! How nice to see someone do a blog post about it! We go there a few times a year, it really is a cute area!

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    1. Wow Kim...lucky you! I envy you ..ha ha...yay it is so close for you, I loved it, maybe you will discover something new next time! Happy 4th!!

      Valerie
      xo

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  7. I've heard of Lake Geneva, but I've never been there, looks like a really nice place to spend some time in the summer!

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    1. It was my first time...it is a lovely summer spot, thank for stopping by Rachel!

      Valerie

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  8. I love posts like this! I've never been, but I love to learn about hidden gems in different cities. Great post.

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    1. Thank you Cate..I am the same..love to stumble upon the hidden gems..blogging is such a great way to see stuff we never would otherwise!! Have a great summer!

      xo
      Valerie

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  9. What a beautiful vacay spot! I hope you ladies had the best time!

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    1. Thank you Adriana,

      It was very beautiful, wish I could've stayed a week, I hope your weekend is great and thanks so much for all the help..you rock!!

      Valerie

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  10. I have never been to Wisconsin, but Lake Geneva looks absolutely lovely!

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    1. It was my first time, and I fell In love with all the summer fun here, it was such a lovely town...want to stay a whole week next time!

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  11. Love small towns like this! I didn't know this place existed. So awesome!

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    1. Thank you Janna.I heard of it many years ago, but forgot til I found myself there.. Ha ha..hope your weekend was great !

      Valerie

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  12. I've never heard of this place. Your pictures are very nice.

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  13. This looks like such a beautiful and fun place to visit! I've never spent time in Wisconsin but have lots of family from there. You're definitely making me want to plan a summer trip to Lake Geneva tho!

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    1. Thanks for visiting..I hope you can go sometime...so much beauty there!

      Valerie

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  14. Looks like an absolutely wonderful time!!! <3

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  15. Looks like a great place to have some summer fun.

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