THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Lake Geneva, WI (2025)
Places to Visit in Lake Geneva
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, Geneva Lake Shore Path, Breweries, Department Stores. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, Geneva Lake Shore Path, Breweries, Department Stores. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Ghost Toursfromper adult₹2,548
Scavenger Huntsfromper adult₹2,372
Overnight Toursfromper group (up to 8)₹39,441
Photography Toursfromper adult₹6,589
Bus ToursMilwaukee Tour
(426)fromper adult₹3,953
Ghost Toursfromper adult₹2,811
Ghost Toursfromper adult₹4,682
Culinary Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹8,697
Museumsfromper adult₹2,117
Beer & Brewery Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₹12,210
Intimate venue showcasing a spellbinding magic show with close-up illusions, bird performances, and engaging audience participation. Ideal for an evening of intrigue and humor.
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Architectural Buildings
Lakefront boat tour showcasing grand mansions with a stop at a historic Victorian estate featuring beautiful gardens and a glimpse into its past. Refreshments included.
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Distilleries
Warm, inviting venue showcasing live music, local art, and diverse cocktails with a standout selection of wines and appetizers, including a celebrated charcuterie board.
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Bodies of Water
1
Other Top Attractions around Lake Geneva
What travellers are saying
- Tamara H10 contributionsA great live performance! A fun show that all ages can enjoy. Tristan Crist has great stage presence. The tickets are pricey, but the show goes all out.Written 29 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- crh24Kenosha, WI190 contributionsThere are two activities that folks should do when visiting Lake Geneva – take the mailboat tour (sit on the right side of the boat) and walk the the lake shore path based on one's ability, e.g., perhaps walk a small portion of the path as an out-and-back. On a weekday in mid-June 2024, June 19 2024, I decided to walk around the entire lake clockwise starting from the Riviera docks in Lake Geneva, which is about a 21.5 mile walk. I live about 30 minutes from Lake Geneva, and always wanted to walk the path. Anyhow, I started the walk just prior to sunrise and finished 8 hours later. As previous reviews stated, each property owner is responsible for the public path on their property, and the path varies greatly from property to property. The path may be crushed rock, bricks, a narrow dirt path, thin slabs of rock, or just walking on a lawn, as a few examples. The path is easy to follow. My biggest obstacle was dodging in-the-ground-sprinkler systems that were watering flowers/lawns in the morning. Sometimes the path can be a bit slippery when wet, depending on the path's surface, such as rock slab surfaces. The only path component that I didn't care for was on the south shore on the east side of the golf course, where signs direct walkers to walk the road for a brief bit (Trinkes Estates). Although, looking at “some” on-line maps, the shore path is labeled following the shoreline at Trinkes (a lagoon), and not the road. I asked a few locals about it, and it appears this is an area of much debate/discussion. Although, I think technically one should follow posted signs, e.g., walk the road.
The path allows for close up views of the multitude of opulent estates that surround the lake. Obviously, the estates are stunningly beautiful. I did encounter a few property owners that waved to me drinking early morning coffee on their porches. Most folks that I saw on the estates were landscape crews attending to the properties. There were a bunch of cicadas around, and could be easily heard; 2024 was a big year for cicadas in Lake Geneva. Other fauna I encountered were turkey vultures, a doe with her fawn, ducks and ducklings, cranes, and herons. Lastly, between Big Foot beach and Lake Geneva, I encountered the “mail boat” making one of its final mail deliveries of the day.
There are a few historic markers/signs along the path. For example, I stumbled upon a large flag pole between Williams Bay and Fontana that had a small brass placard: “This historic wooden flag pole stood atop Chicago City Hall from 1885 to 1905. Originally over 60 ft tall, now approximately 47 ft after resetting.”
I mapped out the lake shore path on a gps, and it shows the path being 21.4 miles with about 1,900 feet of elevation ascent/descent. The path isn't completely flat in areas, there are mild ascents/descents/undulations over the course of the 21.4 miles. Although, I was surprised to learn that there was that much elevation change due to the mild undulations on the path; it wasn't that noticeable to me.
After completing the walk, I stopped at the visitor center in Lake Geneva and grabbed a brochure about the lake path. I am posting the contents of the brochure below:
The Geneva Lake Shore Path is a public easement going 21 miles around the entire lake. There are no public bathrooms unless you are in a city or village. The Shore Path is public, however the properties it crosses are private. Please be respectful staying on the path while crossing private property.
Access points:
LAKE GENEVA to CHAPIN ROAD: 3.5 miles, 1 hr 15 minutes; Mostly level terrain, some hills.
CHAPIN ROAD to WILLIAMS BAY: 3.5 miles, 1 hr 15 minutes; Steep around Cedar Point.
WILLIAMS BAY to FONTANA: 3.5 miles, 1 hr 15 minutes; Level but some rugged areas.
FONTANA to SHADOW LANE: 2.3 miles, 50 minutes; Hilly and unlevel areas.
SHADOW LANE to LINN PIER: 2.9 miles, 1 hr; Some rugged terrain.
LINN PIER to BIG FOOT BEACH STATE PARK: 3.3 miles, 1 hr 10 minutes; Level terrain.
BIG FOOT BEACH STATE PARK to LAKE GENEVA: 2 miles, 40 minutes; Some uneven surfaces.
Public restrooms:
Lake Geneva
Williams Bay
Fontana
Linn Pier (Porta Potty)
Big Foot Beach State Park
Update 6/30/2024. I went out to Lake Geneva on 6/23/2024 to tour Black Point. I arrived in the town early and walked for a bit prior to embarking on the 10:30 Black Point tour. I was told it was cancelled due to no power. Big storms came through the evening prior, and did a lot of damage on the west end of the lake, e.g., Williams Bay and Fontana, for example. So, I decided to come back out on 6/30/2024 for the Black Point tour since it was a glorious weather day (albeit the weekend prior to the Fourth of July). Since I had a 10:30AM Black Point tour I thought I'd arrive early and walk part of the shore line path. Prior to the tour, I walked from the Riviera boat docks to the Williams Bay boat launch/restrooms and then back to the Riviera prior to departing for Black Point. In Williams Bay there were a number of trees down or snapped off from the storms. I saw a house with roof damage as if a tree partially clipped the house. I also encountered a family of minks near the water. I wasn't sure if they were minks or fishers, but later determined they were definitely minks. Lastly, the cicada season ended, since I didn't hear nor see any.Written 30 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - robkimboys11 contributionsThe guided tour was full of stories about the first owners and how they found this Amazing lake property!
Also a little history about the Beer 🍺
Brewery that was created.Written 24 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Miller256Norway, MI135 contributionsHad a good time doing the wine tasting. Atmosphere was nice. We were able to taste the wines outside, since it was nice out. Had some good sweet wines. If you like dry wines, they have lots if those also.Written 12 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tarit1979Gurugram (Gurgaon), India241 contributionsThe museum is an amazing place where you get a glimpse of life in Lake Geneva during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is very well laid out with sections like the fire station, military room, school, living room etc. Best part is that they have a I Spy activity for children which engages them for 1 hour and they search for items in the list. There are good spots for Photos all through the museum. They have free parking for customers.Written 5 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Henry RGlen Allen, VA409 contributionsVery laid back place. Ideal for just chillin. Restaurants and Shopping close by. Walking around was pleasant experience.Written 14 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tarit1979Gurugram (Gurgaon), India241 contributionsThe beach is happening place during summers and you can spend hours lazing about or in the water. It gets crowded during the afternoons so best way is to reserve your spot early in the morning. There is a 10$ entry fee but it is worth it. Get along some beach toys if going with kids.Written 5 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- R PMadison, WI4 contributionsThank you to all of the staff that made our stay so enjoyable. We loved the one bedroom suite and the free arcade credits. Waterpark was great. Only wish the outside pool had been open during our stay. We will be back.Written 10 June 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lori G2 contributionsWe recently held our son's rehearsal dinner and welcome party at Topsy Turvy for 120 (56 for dinner then the rest of the guests came for the welcome party) and we couldn't have been happier! It was such a great night! Not only is the venue itself incredible being a historic church with amazing stain glass windows, but Tina, Andrea and the entire staff at TT were incredible to work with. From the planning stages through the execution, they were easy to communicate with, helpful with recommendations and on top of every detail when it came to the day/night of the event.Written 1 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TYPSUKRArlington, VA722 contributionsCame here on a Wednesday afternoon in August. After paying the admission fee at the self-service pay station, we first ate lunch at one of the picnic areas in the park. They had some tables in the shade, which made it enjoyable. While there were some flush toilets throughout the park, the facilities in this picnic area were simple latrines (i.e. gravity toilets). After eating lunch, we then went on a nature walk, first through a prairie/meadow, and then finishing up through some forested areas and ponds, closer to the lake shore. You can access the lakeshore from the park, but you have to cross the main road to get there (we didn't do that).Written 11 September 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TAP647Chicago, IL509 contributionsGood place to learn to ski. Easy hills. Good ski instruction. Pretty basic, so perfect for beginners. You will not feel intimidated.Written 22 February 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Navigator1551594090024 contributionsWhen we use to vacation for two weeks at the old Playboy Club Resort, I would attend Mass here every Sunday. I have forgotten how beautiful the church is decorated. It was good to see a packed church on a nice warm summer day.StWritten 19 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
When to Visit
- January-4 ºCColdest month5 days of rainVery busyBusiest month
- February-2 ºC5 days of rainModerately busy
- March2 ºC6 days of rainModerately busy
- April8 ºC8 days of rainLess busy
- May14 ºC9 days of rainWettest monthModerately busy
- June19 ºC7 days of rainVery busy
- July22 ºCHottest month6 days of rainVery busy
- August21 ºC6 days of rainVery busy
- September17 ºC7 days of rainModerately busyLeast busy month
- October11 ºC7 days of rainLess busy
- November3 ºC5 days of rainLess busy
- December-2 ºC4 days of rainLess busy
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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