Things to do

20 Cool Things To Do In Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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Lake Geneva is a beautiful city in the United States state of Wisconsin. Located 40 miles southwest of Milwaukee, the city features multiple attractions for travelers and locals alike. The city is mostly popular for its beautiful lake, historic mansions, and vibrant downtown area.

Known as the resort city, it offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The city is a perfect destination with a picturesque landscape offering something for everyone.

As a year-round destination, here is the list of 20 cool things to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin that you shouldn't miss during your next trip.

1. Visit Big Foot Beach State Park

Located at the shore of Lake Geneva, Big Foot Beach State Park is a perfect place for a relaxing day in nature. Filled with a variety of outdoor activities options, the lakes spread across 271 acres. While in the park, you can stroll along the sandy beach, soak up the sun, or enjoy a refreshing swim.

For more adventure, the park also houses a few hiking trails covered with lush greenery and offers stunning views of the lake. The park also features a large campsite for visitors interested in spending a night close to nature.

As a peaceful escape from the city's crowd, the Bigh Foot Beach State Park is a year-round destination with something for everyone

2. Stroll The Lakeshore Path

The Lakeshore Path in Lake Geneva is a delightful place that stretches for 21 miles. Walking along is a great way to take a glimpse into the mix of natural beauty and the area's rich history. The path covers the entire lake offering breathtaking views of the landscape.

As you walk along the path, you come across grand estates, charming gardens, and historic landmarks sharing insights into Lake Geneva's past. The well-maintained trail is perfect for walking, jogging, or even cycling while taking in the fresh air.

With each season offering a unique experience, the path is an ideal destination to explore the local history and architecture.

3. Explore Black Point Estate

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Offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the late 19th century, the Balck Point Estate is a popular historic site in Lake Geneva. It is a perfectly preserved Queen Anne-style mansion built in 1888 for Conrad Seipp and his family. The mansion is located on a bluff and is only accessible by boat.

The architecture and lush surrounding gardens are the major highlights of the entire estate. With every step, you discover well-furnished rooms and original artifacts of the past. Each one of these discoveries tells a unique story about the Seipp Family.

The location of the state also adds adventure to the journey offering a panoramic view of Lake Geneva and an educational experience for history buffs.

4. Tour The Yerkes Observatory

The Yerkes Observatory, located in Williams Bay is a suitable place for astronomy enthusiasts. Established in 1897. This historic observatory is popular for housing the world's largest refracting telescope. The observatory itself is a piece of art designed by Henry Ives Cobb.

A tour of the compound teaches you about the observatory's rich history and its contribution to the field of astronomy. You can also tour the telescope dome that houses a massive 40-inch refractor and related machinery.

The outside of the observatory offers another exploration opportunity with beautiful gardens and scenic views of Geneva Lake. Special events and programs held throughout the year make its tour one of the prominent things to do at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

5. Visit The Geneva Lake Museum

The Geneva Lake Museum offers a captivating journey through the history and culture of the Lake Geneva area. Located in the heart of downtown Lake Geneva, the museum is a historical building. During your tour, you'll be greeted by beautiful collections of exhibits.

All these exhibits showcase the region's past from native American heritage to its development. Some of the popular displays include a recreated Main Street that offers a glimpse into the daily life of the early 20th century.

The museum also hosts rotating exhibits, showcasing various aspects of local history and culture. With multiple interactive exhibits and engaging presentations, the Geneva Lake Museum has established itself as an education hub.

6. Explore Local Shops And Boutiques

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The downtown area of Lake Geneva is a charming place for shopping and strolling around. The entire street houses multiple local shops and boutiques with each one featuring a unique item. Throughout the street, you'll find trendy clothing boutiques, antique shops, craft stores, and food courts.

The atmosphere of the entire area is fun and exciting with friendly shop owners offering personalized recommendations to the visitors. Beyond that, the downtown is also a perfect place to support the local artists and businesses.

Whether you are looking for a special gift or a keepsake to remember your visit, the local shops at Lake Geneva won't disappoint you. A trip to the city isn't much fun without this particular shopping experience.

7. Attend A Summer Festival

As a vibrant city filled with festivals during the summer, Lake Geneva comes alive during the season. The city hosts multiple events throughout the season attracting visitors from all around the world. These events are a fantastic way to experience the local culture in an entertaining way.

One of the highlights of the season is the Venetian Festival, which features an outstanding parade of boats covered with colorful lights, music, and a fireworks display over the lake. This festival is often held in open spaces to ensure the safety and comfort of the visitors.

Planning a trip during the summer is a delightful way to experience these vibrant festivals. The festivals are not just fun but also a source of learning the area's history and traditions.

8. Visit A Local Winery Or Brewery

Exploring a local winery or brewery in Lake Geneva is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. This tour offers a chance to taste the region's finest beverages and learn about the craft behind them. The city is home to several wineries and breweries each with a unique selection of beverages and atmosphere.

While at these places, you can tour the vineyards, see the winemaking process, and sample a variety of wines. Each one of these wine production facilities offers a cozy environment alongside scenic views of the landscape.

For non-drinkers, an exploration journey of the area offers a glimpse into the local industries. Visiting a local winery or brewery is a great way to enjoy the unique flavors of the region in a relaxed environment.

9. Experience A Sunset Cruise

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Covered with a lake and beach, a sunset cruise on Lake Geneva is a magical way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. You can join a group tour or a solo one to glide across the calm waters. As you glide across, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the lake and shoreline.

The magical movements during the blue hours create a stunning backdrop perfect for capturing photos. During the cruise, you can relax with drinks, enjoy delicious food, and enjoy the scenic atmosphere.

As one of the most beautiful things to do in Lake Geneva, a sunset cruise is an ideal way to spend a peaceful evening while enjoying the natural beauty.

10. Enjoy Live Music At The Belfry House

The Belfry House is a beloved entertainment venue in Lake Geneva. It is a must-visit place for music lovers with rich and diverse options of live performances. The Belfry is housed in a historic building and offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The venue's excellent acoustics add charm to every performance.

Not just the environment but also the bing-worthy performances from local as well as national artists keep the audiences engaged through the show. For a much more immersive experience, you can attend special events like mic nights and themed music evenings held throughout the year.

Offering a pleasant environment, the Belfry House promises a memorable experience filled with tunes complemented by a cozy setting.

11. Go Fishing At The Geneva Lake

Fishing at Geneva Lake is a fun and rewarding experience. This outdoor activity offers visitors a chance to catch a variety of fish species for a tasty meal. The waters of the lake are home to bass, walleye, pike, and panfish attracting both experienced and beginner fishermen of the country.

Early morning and late afternoons are the best times to enjoy fishing alongside side beautiful view of the lake. The experience is mostly peaceful and relaxing with fewer people around.

You can just plant your fishing rod from the shore, a dock, or a boat and wait for the fish to get caught while enjoying a drink with friends and family.

12. Visit The Lake Geneva Museum

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The Lake Geneva Museum is a treasure filled with stories and artifacts. It is a perfect spot to explore and learn about the rich history of Lake Geneva. Located in downtown, the center features exhibits that take you on a journey through time.

As you walk around, you'll find various displays including photographs and documents, that highlight important events of Lake Geneva's past. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations for those interested in diving deep into the city's history.

The center also features a research library, making it an ideal place for both educational and relaxing experiences for visitors of all ages.

13. Try Your Luck At Grand Victoria Casino

Located in a beautiful riverboat-style building, the Grand Victoria Casino is an exciting and fun place to spend an entertaining night. For those looking to try their luck, the casino provides a wide range of gaming options. Popular ones include slot machines, video poker, and classic table games like blackjack, roulette, and poker.

In addition to gaming options, the casino also features live entertainment that adds to the vibrant environment. The casino also houses multiple dining options with restaurants and bars offering meals and refreshing drinks.

Whether you're a seasoned gambler or an experienced one, the casino caters to everyone with a fun and memorable experience standing at one of the most popular Lake Geneva attractions.

14. Attend A Sporting Event At Grand Geneva Resort Sports Complex

The Grand Geneva Resort Sports Complex is a premier destination for sports enthusiasts. Located inside the luxurious Grand Geneva Resort, the complex features multiple sporting venues like tennis courts, a golf course, and an indoor sports center.

With state-of-the-art facilities all around, the complex hosts various sporting events throughout the year. Attending a sporting event at the complex is an exciting experience. You can enjoy top-tier competitions among professional athletes in a beautiful setting.

Additionally, the complex also offers recreational activities and lessons for those looking to improve their skills and have a fun day inside the compound.

15. Shop At The The Local Farmers Market

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The local farmers market in Lake Geneva is a vibrant and bustling hub of activity. The market offers delightful options of fresh produce, artistic products, and handcrafted items. The market is held weekly bringing together local farmers, bakers, and artists.

With multiple sellers with a similar good, the market provides a wonderful opportunity to sample and purchase locally sourced high-quality products. Throughout the market, friendly vendors are always ready to share knowledge about their products with every single visitor.

The farmers' market is also a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs in a lively atmosphere. The local farmers' market is not only a place to shop but also a wonderful way to support the local community and culture.

16. Go Ice Skating At Grand Geneva Resort

Housed inside the Grand Geneva Resort, the ice skating center is one of the best places to spend a fun winter day. The resort's skating rink is perfectly situated outdoors, offering scenic views of snow-covered trees and twinkling lights. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced skater, the rink offers a welcoming atmosphere.

The rink is well-maintained and ensures a smooth and enjoyable skating experience. You could collect skates for rent from the vendor providing skates of all sizes.

The Grand Geneva Resor also offers other wither activities like sledding and snowshoeing that you could explore during your visit.

17. Visit The Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach is a popular spot in Lake Geneva for relaxation and recreation. With a sandy shoreline and crystal-clear waters, the beach is located near the historic Riviera Building. It provides easy access to the lake and stunning views of the surroundings.

The area is perfect for families, couples, and solo travelers to enjoy a day on the beach while taking in the scenic views. It is also a safe place to swim and perform other water activities alongside lifeguards ensuring visitors' safety.

The location of the beach is so ideal that you're just a short walk away from shops, restaurants, and other major attractions of the city. The calm waters and safe environment make it a favorite spot among families with kids.

18. Enjoy The Waterpark At Timber Ridge Lodge

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The waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge is a thrilling destination for families and fun seekers. The waterpark that goes by the name Moose Mountain Falls, is an indoor/outdoor waterpark in Lake Geneva. Inside you'll find exciting water slides, a lazy river, and a large activity pool with weather basketball.

The park's warm and inviting atmosphere makes the experience more fun regardless of the weather. For young ones, the park also has a few smaller slides, splash zones, and gentle water features.

The waterpark also offers dining options including a snack bar and restaurants to refuel yourself while watching others enjoy a fun day filled with excitement and laughter.

19. Spend A Day At Animal Gardens Petting Zoo

Situated just 6 miles away from downtown Lake Geneva, a visit to Animal Gardens Petting Zoo is a delightful experience for animal lovers. The zoo offers hands-on opportunities to interact and bond with different friendly animals housed inside the compound. It features animals like goats, sheep, Ilamas, alpacas, and many more.

As you wander around, the zoo provides plenty of opportunities to feed these adorable creatures. It also helps you learn more about their habitats and personalities in depth.

Visitors can also enjoy pony rides and train rides, and attend the education shows and demonstrations providing insights into animal care and behavior.

20. Spend A Day At The Chapel Of The Four Winds

Covered with lush greenery from all the way around, the Chapel of the Four Winds is a place of worship in Lake Geneva. This old chapel is known for its unique architecture and peaceful ambiance. It is built in a rustic style and features stained glass windows and wooden pews.

The chapel is open to visitors of all faiths offering a quiet space for prayers, meditation, and a peaceful time. It is also a popular venue for weddings and special ceremonies with a scenic backdrop for perfect photography opportunities.

The outside area covered with well-maintained gardens and walking paths further enhances the overall touring experience making its visit one of the major things to do in Lake Geneva, WI.