Best Free Things to Do in Lake Geneva
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Lake Geneva
Best Free Things to Do in Lake Geneva
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Visitor Centres • Convention Centres
What travellers are saying
- crh24Kenosha, WI191 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brenda L-MKenosha, WI6 contributionsI was very pleased by all the Lake Geneva and surrounding areas information they have available including a nice plastic bag to put all your items in.Written 17 August 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RetiredOhioTravelersCoshocton, OH228 contributionsThis shop must be reserved for collectors to store and display their stuff. Some very nice piece but are so over priced, nothing is sold. Not real friendly folks running the place either. Would not recommend it.Written 27 September 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoDee W1 contributionThe owners were so friendly and accommodating to our group. They also gave us a history of the area. The bartenders and waitstaff were very attentive and friendly. Definitely will be going back and bringing many family and friends with us to experience such an awesome place.Written 2 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- elliot mnorthbrook il226 contributionsSimply amazing the most interesting store in town . It’s filled up with items you need as well as items you want. It is worth your time to stop inWritten 15 August 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ann ELake Geneva, WI1 contribution1911 train depot. Train ran from Milwaukee to Racine. Route is now a Rails to Trails that connect Elkhorn to Burlington. Can go further with some road cycling, running, waking.Written 4 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Diane KVenice, FL4,639 contributionsWe went here with our daughter’s family. We had appetizers and drinks and then played pool. It was only $2.00 for the game. Our grandsons and we enjoyed the game.Written 28 October 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TahitiZMilwaukee, WI2,107 contributionsThere is nothing to do in Lake Geneva when it rains, so we stopped in at Fat Cats for a cocktail! It was a rainy week day evening and there were only a few other people in the bar. Our bartender, Nick, was super friendly and fun to talk to! Yes, it is a dive bar, but a fun one with a great bartender at that! We enjoyed our visit!Written 14 September 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
