Steeped in history and vibrancy, the southern Wisconsin resort town of Lake Geneva offers timeless appeal. Here are the top five reasons you’ll want to plan a visit …
Lake Geneva: an introduction
Located in southern Wisconsin, just twelve miles north of the Illinois border, Lake Geneva is a popular destination for visitors from all over the Midwest. The city is about two hours from Chicago by car and one hour from downtown Milwaukee.
The main attraction, but far from being the only one, is Lake Geneva. Surrounded by stately mansions, the lake is a four-season playground that draws people over and over again. Downtown Lake Geneva is just steps away, with its many unique specialty shops and attractive nightlife and dining options.
Surrounding the lake are other small and attractive communities, such as Williams Bay and Fontana on the western edge of the lake. Several resorts offer a full-service vacation experience, while smaller motels appeal to the budget-conscious traveler.
Having been constant visitors to the Lake Geneva area for over 40 years, here are our top five reasons to plan a visit:
# 1: The Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake is a classic paddlewheel-style vessel that offers narrated tours of Lake Geneva. Enjoy the cool breeze from the lake and learn about the spectacular mansions that dot the shoreline.
Tours are offered every day in season. There’s even a mail delivery cruise in which the “postman” jumps off the ship to deliver the mail and then gets back on board, all while the ship is in motion!
# 2: specialty shopping
The city center is a pleasant, walkable district that is packed with independent specialty shops. From art galleries to home decor to fashion, it’s all here.
There are frequent specialty and themed shopping events throughout the year, especially Maxwell Street Days in August when almost everything is on sale.
# 3: Wisconsin Fish Fritters
You’ll find no shortage of upscale and intimate dining options in the area, but nothing can beat some good old-fashioned Wisconsin fish fry. You can try one every Friday for a year and still not get to all of them!
The typical fried fish includes local fish fried or grilled, served with French fries or potato pancakes and cole slaw. Top it off with a fresh local beer, kick back and enjoy!
# 4: A Little Bit of Napa Valley
Interestingly, the immediate area around Lake Geneva is something of a wine hot spot. The land is suitable for all kinds of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of grapes. There are three wineries within 15 minutes of the city center, and a couple more are scheduled to open in the near future.
# 5: the cheese box
That’s the actual name of a store on the outskirts of town that has been selling the best Wisconsin cheeses since 1940. A local landmark, The Cheese Box also offers a selection of gourmet sausages, along with just about everything you need for a picnic on the lake.
Resume
While we’ve just scratched the surface, rest assured, there are dozens more reasons to explore the beauty of Lake Geneva. The appeal of this small resort community will attract you time and time again. No matter your passion, you can find it in this beautiful historic community.