Geneva Lake
Geneva Lake
4.5
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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."
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
483 reviews
Excellent
335
Very good
111
Average
23
Poor
4
Terrible
10
Ellen J
McHenry, IL1 contribution
Sep 2022
Lake Geneva pretends to be a wonderful tourist site but makes is very unpleasant to visit there if you need to park your car. My friend & I got a $20 ticket when we ran into NINE LIVES Resale store to drop off a donation. We were in the store no more than 10 minutes and went out to find a ticket on the windshield. Why is it that so many other similar tourist towns (Geneva Illinois, Woodstock, St Charles) provide FREE parking for their visitors. They are like Nazi's about collecting money --- really so very unfriendly. The last time we got a ticket the meters( which took coins )were covered in snow piles yet the city of Lake Geneva was still giving out tickets. You really ought to rethink this policy as eventually your visitors will stop coming. I don't plan to go back.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy K
Pompano Beach, FL7 contributions
Sep 2024 • Couples
Beautiful city and lake but the public street parking enforcement is completely unreasonable. Tickets are issued with fines ranging from $20-$50 for parking on a public street where no signs are visible from the relevant parking spots. I don't mind paying a fine if I break a rule but this is a gotcha scam is apparently designed to raise funds because no signs are visible and many people complain about this without any response from the city. Truly an entrapment situation. How unfortunate. We had a great time but finding a $30 ticket on my car at the end of day when there was no notice provided concerning the need to pay left a very bad taste in my mouth. We spent over $2,000 this past weekend in the city at the hotel, shops and restaurants but aren't likely to return because we feel that we and others were treated unfairly and taken advantage of. City leaders need to seriously re-think the parking enforcement policy. Either erect adequate signage or allow free parking.
Written September 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikki D
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Parking is very unclear and parking fees are outrageous. $50 for parking in a spot that isn’t marked is ridiculous. Apparently they are marked per block and there is a single kiosk to pay, but if you are a first time visitor, you don’t know that. I’ve never seen a set up like that before so we had no idea. For a tourist location, this leaves a very unwelcoming feeling, but hey, you made quite a bit of money, so that’s what matters, right? Won’t be back.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise C
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
If you are going to visit Lake Geneva bring a ladder with you. The parking signs telling you how to pay to park are so high on a pole that you don’t even see them, much less be able to read them. That stated, I now own $30.00 in a parking ticket, on a residential street. I just returned to my car only to be encountered by Rita the Meter Maid who was a real witch to talk to. I explained to her I hadn’t any idea that you had to pay to park, especially on a residential street and this was our first visit to Lake Geneva. Needless to say there wasn’t any mercy to be had and she ignored me while placing the ticket on my window, instead of handing it to me. How rude! Someone of this caliber, who knows she will be encountering people needs to have an attitude change or better yet, needs to get a job in a one person office. The signs for pay to park need to be lowered to be able to read the instructions! Or maybe the town does this deliberately to rack up money for town. Never going back!
Written August 31, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeachBumPeru
PERU50 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Parking fines are a racket. We parked, tried to read sign. Had no clue we had to pay. Got ticket for $30. Terrible, terrible. I'll never go back. We spent money at a business and that's how they treat you. Sign was too high to read. Very upset!!
Written November 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomas j
6 contributions
May 2014 • Family
I had a horrible experience with a guide I hired on lake Geneva.He was rude and sarcastic to me and my family.He even got very angry when I didn't tip him at the end of the trip-will never set foot in this place again john trossen was his name I believe
Written September 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichiganTraveler40
Michigan30 contributions
Jul 2017
Visited from Michigan for 3 nights, 4 days. Lake Geneva reminds this Michigander of Traverse City minus the cherries, but Lake Geneva is much more affordable. Great shops, fabulous food and many, many things to do. Boating, jet skiing, ziplining, parasailing, or just relaxing--it has it all. It's located close enough to outlet malls if that is your thing or a visit to the Jelly Belly distribution center for a free tour. I would definitely visit again--in fact, after I got home from my most recent trip, I tried to find another friend who wanted to go with me in August!
Written July 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeanFlick1
Chicago, Illinois48 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Lake Geneva is a beautiful, serene, and large lake. There are many golf courses, resorts, and restaurants within just a few miles of the lake itself. Supper clubs dot the surrounding areas, and a genuine Wisconsin experience can be had. However, there are some huge negatives. First off, the locals HATE tourists - (not exclusive to Lake Geneva of course) - so much so that there have been times when I wasn't served in a bar because they knew I was from Chicago. Local staff members are often rude and dismissive, despite the fact their economy relies on tourism. Don't even think about fishing without a license, and do not plan to walk around downtown after dinner time without being questioned by the police in a derogatory manner. Additionally...remember when I mentioned there are lots of things to do within a few miles? This is certainly true; but with one main roadway through downtown, it is impossible to go through, around, or about town without great traffic delays. If you plan to visit the town proper, be sure to plan for a several hour delay if you have to pass the main areas.
Written April 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMOKED1
Chicago, IL6 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I received parking ticket in the mail WITH LATE FEES. There was never a parking ticking on my vehicle when I returned to it. I was willing to pay the ticket but was disagreeing about the late fees because the notice I received thru the mail was my first knowledge of it. The lady in charge refused the waive the late fees.
Written July 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Troy
Loves Park, IL119 contributions
Dec 2018
Beautiful lake only a hour away from Chicago. Illinois back yard. Take a long walk along the PUBLIC trail that surrounds the entire lake shore. Stroll past beautiful lake mansions. Walk for miles or walk a section but take a walk on the lake. It's free and very cool.
Written December 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maps297747
Arlington Heights, Illinois
How can I get information on the mail boat ride in Lake Geneva
Written June 12, 2024
Hi, do you have NY registration plates? Im betting this is why. Locals/IL residents don't get that kind of "unwelcoming" reception.
Written October 30, 2018
I am going to channel those thoughts as the answer. thanks.
Written October 31, 2018
can you rent kayaks to use on the lake?
Written July 30, 2017
I'm sure you can. There are like 2 or 3 kayak rental companies right by the lake.
Written July 30, 2017
Jen M
Sacramento, California
Is there any way to get a permit to reserve a section of beach for a larger party?
Written July 6, 2016
I agree with all of the above. I haven't seen a private event at the beach, but I have seen weddings in Library Park.
Written July 7, 2016
Is there still the more "luxurious" boat tour with air conditioning in the summer and the delicious lunch? If so, when is it available and what is the cost?
Written May 7, 2016
I was there in the fall; therefore, I do not know the answer.
Written May 9, 2016
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