Things to do & places to visit in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, United States

Take a long deep breath and kiss your stresses good-bye: this lovely, year-round resort town offers a laid-back atmosphere that lets you slowly unwind. Beach buffs can don their swimsuits and head for one of several beaches on seven-mile-long Geneva Lake, which also offers a plethora of water sports. Leisurely cruises on restored historic yachts and replicas of paddle wheel steamers carry passengers past stately lakefront summer mansions, including some Victorian estates. Landlubbers can take a self-guided hike around the perimeter of the lake, which stretches some 21 miles. Laid-back, however, doesn't mean there isn't plenty to do. Choose from museums, a water park for younger kids, the world's largest refracting telescope at Yerkes Observatory, entertainment at the Belfry Music Theatre or greyhound racing. Winter is even quieter but no less filled with fun. Head to The Mountain Top, a popular family ski spot, or choose from horseback riding, skating, ice boating, hayrides or sleigh rides. Whatever time of year you go, Lake Geneva will charm you.

Lake Geneva city in Wisconsin, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 15:56.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Tristan Crist Magic Theatre (891 reviews)
- Lake Geneva’s Amazing Gem
Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features award-winning magic, comedy and illusion performances. The 175 seat intimate venue is located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI and is open year-round. See more..
5.0 St. Francis de Sales Catholic Parish (8 reviews)
- Warm & welcoming
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

We visited this church on Labor Day weekend and it was full! The priest welcomed everyone and we were lucky to see a baptism. Would definitely recommend this parish to travelers looking for a welcoming church to attend Mass! See more..
5.0 Lake Geneva Library (6 reviews)
- Great place to rest your feet!
Libraries

I stopped in this library with my boyfriend and his mom after we were overheated from walking around the town. We were pleasantly surprised at how beautiful the architecture is from the inside! When we walked in we were greeted by one of the librarians and we were able to sit and rest our feet while looking out onto the lake. While there I also looked at a display they had honoring Ukraine which was extremely informative. A great place for a quick stop! See more..
5.0 Lake Geneva Country Meats (5 reviews)
- best selection of fresh meats (plus other stuff) we've found in the area
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

A big variety of fresh & freshly frozen meats we've been able to find, along with a large selection of whine; an entire section of seasonings & spices; a modest selection of cheeses. We've driven by often & finally got curious enough to stop in and am glad we did. We loaded up a good sized cooler bag of goodies to take home. We came up from a northern suburb of Chicago, and it's definitely worth the trip (even more so if driving past anyway going to/from Lake Geneva). See more..
4.5 Geneva Lake Shore Path (764 reviews)
- Early Morning Tranquility
Hiking Trails

This lovely 21-mile walking path, around Geneva Lake, takes pedestrians by impressive homes and quiet lakeside neighborhoods. A two-mile swath on the West End offers a manageable stroll, lovely views, and passes landmarks such as the Abbey Resort and Fontana Spa and popular local eateries like Chuck's. See more..
4.5 Geneva Lake (476 reviews)
- Tranquil and peaceful
Bodies of Water

Get this straight: The city is Lake Geneva, the lake is Geneva Lake. Hop aboard a classic yacht for a cruise around the second deepest lake in Wisconsin (135 feet deep and 21 miles around) which is the focal point of a popular resort area also known as "the Newport of the West." See more..
4.5 Safari Lake Geneva (269 reviews)
- Actually See Animals Move
Temporarily closed - Closed until May 1, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Safaris

Back by popular demand, it's a social distancing safari where you can experience Safari Lake Geneva’s game reserves from the comfort of your own vehicle! Enhance your interaction with these amazing animals by purchasing a bucket of grain to feed them from your window or sunroof. Plus, you can drive through as many times as you like! There’s nothing like it in Chicagoland and you’ll soon discover why this is the place everyone is talking about! Online reservations required. See more..
4.5 Black Point Estate (221 reviews)
- Wonderful way to spend a summer day at the lake
Wednesday: 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM Architectural Buildings

This mansion was once the summer estate of 19th-century beer magnate Conrad Seipp. See more..
4.5 Geneva Lake Museum of History (201 reviews)
- Exceeded expectations
History Museums

Walking in, we set the bar low for what this museum could be all about. Jane made a difference in keeping the tremendous artifacts come alive. My wife was totally engaged in her stories and many questions were aptly answered. Well worth the time on a first visit. Senior discount worked well but we had to match and provide a $20 tip to the experience for a job well done. Atta girl, Jane and thank you. See more..
4.5 Geneva Lake Distilling + Studio Winery (191 reviews)
- Looking for a Tasting and Music
Wednesday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries • Wineries & Vineyards

Located on the Fashionable Upper East Side of Lake Geneva, Studio Winery Geneva Lake Distilling is Lake Geneva's first and only winery or distillery where we produce all of our wine & spirits. Enjoy a wine or spirits tasting, glass or bottle of our wine, or sip on a handcrafted cocktail made with our premium spirits. Local beer, light bites, gift shop, patio, live music, and art workshops also available. Live Music every Friday and Saturday from 5-9. Reservations not necessary for tastings unless you are with a group of 7 or greater, or if you would like a seated tasting led by one of our knowledgeable staff. Thursdays by appointment Nov thru May. See our website for details. See more..
4.5 Geneva National Resort & Club (116 reviews)
- Bros Trip 2020
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Golf Courses

Located on the shores of sparkling Lake Como, just a few miles west of Lake Geneva, this championship course is the result of a collaborative effort between Lee Trevino, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer. Fifty-four holes of memorable golf are surrounded by hundreds of acres of oak, hickory and walnut trees, rolling meadows and glistening ponds. See more..
4.5 Marina Bay Boat Rentals (72 reviews)
- Fantastic experience!
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Gear Rentals

We had an excellent experience. We had a group of 5 kids and 6 adults. Given the group, we arrived a few minutes late. The marina called to make sure we found the location and were on our way. This was very nice. When we arrived, we did the paperwork and were ready to get on. However, the person in charge was a bit worried given the windy weather and how choppy the lake whether it would be safe to take the boat out. Only two of us had boating experience and it was limited. And the rest of the group had limited swimming experience. Nonetheless, they got one of their crew to drive the boat for us (3.5 hrs) for a reasonable fee. It was a phenomenal experience. We will always be using this coming when we come to Lake Geneva. See more..
4.5 Lake Geneva - Visitor Center (48 reviews)
- very helpful
Visitor Centers • Convention Centers

we walked in off the street, and were greeted by very helpful people, who were able to answer all sorts of questions about the area See more..
4.5 Galerie Matisse & Matisse Too (21 reviews)
- Fun, inspirational, happiness!
Art Galleries

This is my first review ever! Please consider the source when reading negative reviews here. Matisse Too is an extraordinary shop! Some quirky, some touching, and some unique & exciting creations. If you want to step outside your proverbial box and find yourself delighted, stop by the Matisse Too Shop in the Lake Geneva Fancy Fair Mall. Thanks for reading! :-) See more..
4.5 Topsy Turvy Brewery (14 reviews)
- Tap into a new brew
Wednesday: Breweries

Topsy Turvy Brewery was born from a dream and love of Wisconsin’s craft brewing history. This love is being brought to life in a historical church in the heart of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin located just blocks from Geneva Lake. See more..
4.5 Gallery 223 (8 reviews)
- Great Art, Great Prices
Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

Gallery 223 displays and sells unique works from regional artists. Every 8 weeks Gallery 223 is transformed with all new original creations including watercolor, oil, and acrylic paintings, pottery, jewelry, wood carving, collage, encaustic, and multi-media works. All sizes and shapes, there are treasures for your home and special gifts to give. All purchases help support the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation who's members volunteer to run Gallery 223. Help us support the arts! Classes available. See more..
4.0 Timber Ridge Waterpark (193 reviews)
- Fun, enjoyable trip.
Water Parks

Thank 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. See more..
4.0 Riviera Beach (180 reviews)
- Only Public Beach near Lake Geneva
Beaches

Public beach on Lake Geneva popular with swimmers, sunbathers, hikers and boaters. See more..
4.0 Geneva Theater (13 reviews)
- Nice theater
Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

The Geneva Theater is a four screen theater in downtown Lake Geneva showing first run films in Sony Digital cinema 4K. Grab a bite from our full menu concession stand and relax in our luxurious leather seats. Don't miss the chance to catch a special live performance on our historic stage. See more..
4.0 Wisconsin state park (2 reviews)
- Misplaced review
Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
This review is yet another case of someone not knowing where they actually went. It should be filed with all the others under the Bigfoot State park entry, the correct heading for this attraction. There is an entry fee per vehicle and you need to be very careful pulling out from the park in either direction ontoLakeshore Drive as there are curves and hills in both directions with heavy traffic and the area is constantly patrolled. See more..
4.0 Lake Geneva Bocce Ball Park (1 review)
- Bocce Ball Park in Lake Geneva
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

This site offers two Bocce Ball courts on a small residential lot, in a quiet neighborhood. The Courts are in decent condition, but there is no equipment rental (or other facilities of any kind). You will need to bring your own bocce ball equipment. Located just up the hill to the east of downtown, this offers a free activity in a city where things can be sometimes pricey. The facility has on street residential parking and is first come first serve. See more..
4.0 Four Seasons Nature Preserve (1 review)
- Outstanding Bowser Park
Parks

Lake Geneva has many outstanding parks for people but it also has an excellent park for your four legged friends. The Four Seasons Dog Park is a cleverly hidden park near the city limits. I’m thinking this is just another gem the locals want to keep for themselves to the detriment of out of town visitors traveling with their bowsers. This formerly virtually unknown area is an excellent place to unleash your dog(s) and let them run free in a treed acreage with meanandering grass and wild flower lined trails fenced in by split rail fencing. There’s a pond and a picnic shelter on site. An entrance sign with an off road parking area help first time visitors locate the park. In the interest of full disclosure, the park has a boardwalk that extends into a marsh area that needs attention. Several of the planks need to be replaced to allow the park users to get out closer to view the natural beauty of the park. Your pets will thank you for venturing out to this site. Dogs like chasing each other within the park. It sure is a lot better then walking them around a hotel lot while on a lease. See more..
3.5 Big Foot Beach State Park (133 reviews)
- Basic State Park
State Parks • Beaches

A favorite with families and nature enthusiasts, this 271-acre park on the shore of Lake Geneva, offers wooded campsites, a sand beach and plenty of picnic areas. See more..
3.5 Ice Castles (45 reviews)
- Fun for the family
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was my first time visiting this temporary winter attraction. The work done on the building of the structures was great and the lighting was very nice. For the admission price, it didn't seem as though the entire attraction was very large, but I don't have previous years for comparison. I went just at sunset and the parking are still had plenty of open spots to park (this may have been due to covid-related attendance limits). There are some covered areas that had very soft snow, so individuals with walking difficulties may need extra care. There were two separate slide areas for kids (the larger, dual slide allows adults). There was also a photo opportunity as you enter, if you don't have your own camera or are timid in asking someone else to take a photo of you. See more..
3.5 Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum (4 reviews)
- Nice stop for D&D fans
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

In 1976, Tactical Studies Rules (TSR), the company Gary Gygax founded to produce the role playing game Dungeons & Dragons that both he and Dave Arneson created, takes up a house on 723 Williams Street in Lake Geneva to be their new office/hobby store location. In 2021, Dungeon Hobby Shop Museum is a place to preserve all things gaming. For all to see. Will Be also having legendary game masters running games for only the brave of heart to experience. Please call or watch our web site schedule for more information. See more..
3.5 Gary Gygax Memorial (2 reviews)
- Memorial to the invetor of Dungeons and Dragons
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Next to the Riviera Fountain, along the shore of Lake Geneva, is a memorial for Gary Gygax, known for being the creator of Dungeons and Dragons, Born in Chicago Illinois, Lake Geneva was where Gygax spent the majority of his life. If you ever feel like paying tribute to the original Dungeon Master, stop by Gygax’s memorial "paver" Legend has it that Dungeons and Dragons players can get their dice blessed by rolling them on the memorial stone. The memorial is between the fountain and the entrance to The Riviera Center. See more..
3.0 Lake Geneva Antique Mall (6 reviews)
- Orderly mall, fair pricing
Spent < 1 hour Antique Shops

While many of the booths are a little heavy on dishes and kitchen wares, there's also a nice selection of other items and oddities, such as a booth with several very large hair wreaths, if you're so inclined. Some furniture (predominately oak) books, rifles and shotguns, old signs and jewelry. Worth a stop if you're in the area. Clean and well-lighted mall. See more..
Be' Jeweled (0 review)
Department Stores
Be' Jeweled is the local favorites for everything Elegant & Affordable costume jewelry and accessories. Find amazing deals on Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings, Hand Bags, Hair Accessories and so much more - you'll have to visit to see as there's too much to list. From everyday jewelry to special occasion accessories, you'll look great no matter the occassion. See more..
New World Wine shop (0 review)
Wineries & Vineyards
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Moonstone Studio and Gallery (0 review)
Art Galleries
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