Named the #2 Best Lake in America for 2024 by USA Today, Lake Geneva is an often overlooked region of southeastern Wisconsin that offers visitors pristine waters and beautiful shoreline.
With its blend of art, outdoor recreation, and fine dining with over 60 unique eateries, Lake Geneva is sometimes referred to as the “Hamptons of Chicago” or the “Newport of the Midwest.”
“Offering year-round appeal, it’s no wonder our readers chose Lake Geneva as one of the best lakes in the United States,” said Maggie Tyner, editor of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. I am. “In the summer, the lake is crowded with swimmers and sun seekers, while in the winter you can enjoy ice boating and ice fishing.”
Located just 64 miles from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva became famous as a lakeside retreat for Chicago’s wealthy families during the Gilded Age. Because of our central location, many people from Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, and Minnesota can drive or fly to Milwaukee and Chicago airports.
One of Lake Geneva’s three major communities, this area exudes small-town charm, yet is home to luxurious full-service resorts and fine dining.
The Wrigleys, Drakes, Schwinns, and Chapins are among the many families who own luxurious summer homes on the lake. Along the 34-mile Shore Path along the lake, you can see these historic homes while walking along the lake’s front lawn. My house is nearby.
“The Lake Geneva Path is our treasure and a place rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Where else can you walk 34 miles through the gardens of a spectacular estate to experience living history? ” said Stephanie Klett, President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva.
“There’s a spring-fed lake on one side and a wonderful mansion on the other. This is a place where you can dream big.”
Outdoor adventure is trending
Participation in outdoor recreation increased by 4.1% last year to 175.8 million participants. Summer 2024 Viator research lists outdoor excursions like kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and lake cruises as some of the most popular travel experiences.
This summer, Gov. Tony Evers publicly credited outdoor recreational opportunities for contributing to Wisconsin’s record visitor numbers.
Spread over 5,000 acres of crystal blue water, Lake Geneva is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. However, the region’s weather conditions are variable, so recreational stores need to be flexible. One such outdoor store, Clear Water Outdoor, offers stand-up paddle board and kayak rentals in the summer, and cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals in the winter.
“We are lucky in Wisconsin because we have so many lakes, trails, and state parks,” says Sean P. Payne, owner of Clear Water Outdoors. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment.”
Hiking is the top outdoor activity for Gen Z and Millennials, with 81% of young consumers saying they prefer traveling closer to nature. In addition to 34 miles of short paths, nearby Kishwauketo Nature Preserve has more than 6 miles of trails across 231 acres.
Closer to town, Big Foot Beach State Park offers 5 miles of hiking trails, family campgrounds, picnic areas, swimming beaches, and playgrounds. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the park’s trails.
view from the lake
Lake Geneva is one of the few places in the United States where mail carriers still deliver mail by boat. From June 15th to September 15th, book an iconic 2.5-hour mail boat tour to experience this unique mail delivery experience.
Watch as mail jumpers hop off the pier and hand it off to families waiting nearby. Between stops, you’ll learn about the historic homes that line Lake Geneva.
This year, Santa Cruz will run from November 29th to December 29th. Living up to its name, the event begins with a stroll through the Christmas Tree Festival, where children send their wish lists directly to Santa. Then set off on a Christmas cruise aboard a ship decorated with holiday lights. Finally, visit Santa at his lakeside hideout to read your child’s name from his “lovely list.”
luxury resort
Named one of the best Midwest resorts for a fall vacation by Travel & Leisure, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa features 348 guest rooms on 1,300 acres just outside downtown.
Grand Geneva, which opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club, is a luxurious retreat for visitors to the area. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired hotel features two championship golf courses and a ski lounge designed to resemble two intertwined snowflakes.
Mountain Top at Grand Geneva is designed for year-round fun and features 21 downhill ski slopes, as well as an outdoor pool.
“The Mountain Top’s mission is to provide an unforgettable winter experience for all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned skiers,” said Skip Harles, Managing Director of Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Masu. With available classes, events, and special discounts, we make your sport easy, fun, and easy. ”
If skiing isn’t your thing, it’s a short trolley ride to Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, which boasts a 50,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor water park.
Great for any visit to Lake Geneva
While the most popular time to visit Lake Geneva is during the traditional summer season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there are reasons to visit here year-round.
The spring and fall shoulder seasons offer milder weather and more affordable accommodations. Experts predict Lake Geneva’s colorful fall foliage will peak in the third week of October, just in time for Oktoberfest.
On October 12th and 13th, downtown Lake Geneva will be transformed into a classic downtown street fair featuring a beer garden, food, German music, dachshund races, children’s activities, and more.
During the snowy winter months, you can enjoy downhill skiing, ice fishing, and ice boat racing, where modified sailboats compete on the ice. There are few places outside of Lake Geneva where you can enjoy this unique experience, as the elements needed to create the perfect racing conditions are elusive.
If the boats aren’t sailing, pick up a basket of fried cheese curds at Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn and watch the races from nearby Fontana Beach.
The 30th Annual Winterfest, held from January 29 to February 2, 2025, will feature a national snow carving contest. Fifteen participating teams fly in from all over the country to sculpt larger-than-life snow sculptures. Visitors can see it on display throughout the weekend or until the snow melts.
In a region best known for its vast Great Lakes, Lake Geneva certainly stands out.
