Best Things to Do in Lake Geneva for Couples
THE 10 BEST Couples' Activities & Things to Do in Lake Geneva
Best Things to Do in Lake Geneva for Couples
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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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What travellers are saying
- Bryan CApple Valley, MN2 contributionsExcellent show, well paced, with humor and a little suspense. Tristan and Brett Daniels doing escape illusions and multiple up close sleight of hand routines. Great venue, 7 rows with about 22 per row, can’t get much closer or intimate.Written 15 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- crh24Kenosha, WI178 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. - Henry RGlen Allen, VA393 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.
- R BBurlington, IA170 contributionsWe toured this gem of a house in July, lots of people on tour, but they break you up into smaller groups. The tour guide was excellent, she knew the whole history of the family and the area, very interesting. The house is incredible, a time capsule, beautiful grounds. You feel as if the family has just stepped away for the day and will be back soon, not much has been changed or updated.Written 9 July 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.
- Eisme77Janesville, WI1,841 contributionsThis was brewery #147 for us, and it was the first one in an old church! The building is beautiful with lovely stained glass windows that add to the charm. The brewery appears to be located in the old sanctuary, and while plenty of room, still small enough to feel like it isn't a beer hall. The beer list is wide and varied (and have super fun names) which ensures that their is something for everyone in your group. Definitely a flight kind of place with all the choices!Written 18 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LGSBDRLake Geneva, WI2 contributionsClean, nice management and well appointed for a small downtown theater. No major bells and whistles but a solid venue for watching new releases! If you're looking for big screens and major choices this isn't the place but if you prefer supporting small independent theaters you'll appreciate the Geneva Theater!Written 25 January 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Navigator1551594090023 contributionsMy nephew had his wedding at the Geneva National and it was a great event. The ceremony was held outside, luckily the weather was great, and then cocktails were served. Dinner was served in the banquet hall and everything was perfect. We are very happy for Chris and Jen!! Brunch was served the next day at the Cottle Ranch, along with drinks.Written 18 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PavadventuresKenosha, WI108 contributionsMy daughter and I had the absolute best time at Lake Geneva School of Cooking with Chef John! We signed up for the experience that allows a shopping trip to the local outdoor market with chef to source the fresh ingredients, prepare them and enjoy a delicious lunch! We had so much fun together and Chef John was incredibly entertaining! I would absolutely suggest this for a fun outing with friends, date night or truly any occasion! We loved learning tips from Chef and laughing and spending time together creating something that ended up tasting so great! Thank you for such a wonderful time!Written 15 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- GolferGirlAnneGlendale Heights, IL3 contributionsWe had a great day on Lake Geneva thanks to Marina Bay Boat Rentals! Reserving the boat online was really easy, and the staff was so friendly when we arrived. The Bayliner boat we rented was in great shape and very clean. We cannot wait to go back!Written 24 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- mhersheyNorthfield, IL577 contributionsOur family had fun night golfing on this beautiful course. Well-maintained! No bells or whistles like windmills etc, but pretty water features and interesting roughs on the greens.Written 2 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Shel B1 contributionAbsolutely wonderful couple's massage for my husband and I. The therapists applied the right amount of pressure and were excellent at working out the "kinks". This was the best deep tissue massage I've had in years.Written 29 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gina326Arlington, IL65 contributionsMy husband and I did the gangster’s paradise room which was the hardest room and it was hard!! We did not escape! We were close, probably could have done it in another 10 minutes or so. It was a lot of fun, highly recommend doing this!!Written 15 November 2020This 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.
- G LPlatteville, WI6 contributionsExcellent way to see the lake. Entertaining to watch the mail jumper deliver the mail to the piers while seeing all the beautiful homes around the lake. Guides were knowledgeable about the lake and homes and history. Sit on the right side of the boat on the lower level for the best views of the jumpers.Written 14 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
