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Lake Geneva

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Weekend Getaways to Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva
Relaxing in Library Park. Photo courtesy of Geneva Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
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.
 
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Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Signature attractionSignature attraction
Geneva Lake: 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."
Address: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Free
Scenic walkScenic walk
Geneva Lake Shore Path: 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.
Address: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Phone: 262 275 5700
Free
Tee timeTee time
Geneva National Golf Club: 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.
Address: 1221 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Phone: 262-245-7000
Greens fee
The BeachThe Beach
Big Foot Beach State Park: 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.
Address: 1452 Hwy H, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Phone: 262 248 2528
Parking fee
MuseumsMuseums
Geneva Lake Museum of History
Address: 255 Mill St, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Phone: 262 248 6060
Nearby places worth a visitNearby places worth a visit
Yerkes Observatory: This 100-year-old observatory, which is owned by the University of Chicago, houses five research telescopes, one of which is the largest refractor in the world. Free tours for the public are held on Saturdays throughout the year at 10:15 a.m.,11:15 a.m. and noon.
Address: 373 W. Geneva St , Williams Bay, Wisconsin
Phone: 262-245-5555
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Gilbert's Fine Dining: Attentive service and beautiful views are standard at this lakeside restaurant. Set in a renovated mansion, the décor is charming and the food top notch.
Address: 327 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
Phone: 262 248 6680
Things to doMore attractions
View all attractions in Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva Traveler Lists

Traveler Lists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
What to do in Lake Geneva
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
Popularity index: #1 in Lake Geneva
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
ResortsandLodges.com Find thousands of resorts, lodges, & cabins world wide.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
Timber Ridge Lodge
Popularity index: #2 in Lake Geneva
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
View all travel offers for this hotel
Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
Popularity index: #8 in Lake Geneva
BestWestern.com Visit our website to get the LOWEST RATES GUARANTEED!
ORBITZ.com Find great deals on Orbitz & pay no hotel change or cancel fees
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel
Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Comfort Suites Lake Geneva
Popularity index: #5 in Lake Geneva
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Hotels.com Low Rates Guaranteed! Click or Call an Expert at 1-800-43-HOTEL
Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
View all travel offers for this hotel

Recommended Reading
"Letters, Leaps and Bounds on Lake Geneva"  Washington Post (free registration required), Aug 3, 2008
Learn about the colorful history of this Wisconsin lake.
"Lake Geneva offers small-town sophistication"  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (free registration required), Jun 24, 2006
Enjoy a great small-town summer vacation at Lake Geneva.
"Spring-Fed Geneva Lake Area Offers Respite, History"  Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (free registration required), Jun 13, 2004
Geneva Lake is a popular summertime destination in Wisconsin.
"Geneva National: The Trevino Course"  TravelGolf.com
Golfers will not want to miss the opportunity to play the scenic Trevino Course.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about Lake Geneva