With world-class resorts, incredible restaurants and year-round activities, Lake Geneva is known for being the pinnacle of luxury and relaxation. At the heart of this community lies Geneva Lake, offering ample water recreation and incredible sunsets, but it's the 20-plus miles of shore path surrounding the lake that provide a brand-new way to explore the Lake Geneva area like you never have before. Here are a few tips to make the most of your journey around the shore path.
Geneva Lake Shore Path Segments
As the only lake in Wisconsin where you can walk around the entire shoreline, Geneva Lake's shore path is over 20 miles long. If you don't feel like tackling the whole thing in one go, download the VISIT Lake Geneva app to find the public access points and choose a portion to hike.
Famous Estates
One of the best parts about the Geneva Lake shore path is the ability to get up close to some of the most famous estates on the lake. While you can't go up to the houses themselves, the shore path will take you right past famous homes such as Stone Manor (the largest home ever built on the lake) and the Wrigley estate (of Wrigley's chewing gum fame).
Black Point Estate and Gardens
Speaking of famous estates, one of Geneva Lake's most well-known homes is also a Wisconsin Historic Site. Black Point Estate and Gardens is only accessible via the shore path or a tour boat and is open for tours from May through October.
Geneva Lake Museum
Want more Lake Geneva history? The Geneva Lake Museum is packed with exhibits ranging from the time of the glaciers to the area's first Native American tribes through the boom of Chicagoans moving into the area. Don't miss the museum's collection of exhibits from the World's Fair of 1893.
Baker House 1885
After a long day winding along the shore path, enjoy a relaxing sunset toast at Baker House 1885, a stunning, historic home-turned-hotel just steps off the shore path in Lake Geneva.
Flyboarding
Sure, Geneva Lake is perfect for boating, tubing, kayaking and swimming, but here, you can also try flyboarding. Essentially a water jetpack, flyboarding is a growing trend, and Wisconsin Hydrosports has everything needed to get you flying over the water.
Lake Geneva Cruise Line
So, for those not too keen on water jetpacks, the Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers numerous cruises and tours around Geneva Lake throughout the year. And even during the holidays, the Santa Cruise whisks families away to the "North Pole" for a magical Christmas adventure.
Oakfire
You're sure to work up an appetite after all this hiking, so step right off the path in downtown Lake Geneva at Oakfire. This modern take on Napoletana-style pizza is sure to get you re-energized to conquer the rest of the path.
Pier 290
About 6 miles down the shore path from Lake Geneva, you'll walk right past Pier 290 in Williams Bay. Enjoy a drink at its outdoor bar, indulge in some classic Wisconsin comfort food or stick your toes in the sand on the beach. Pier 290 is one of only two commercial properties on Geneva Lake with direct lakefront access.
Gordy's Marine
Trekking farther along the shore path brings you to Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake, home to Gordy's Marine. A staple of the Lake Geneva area for over 60 years, Gordy's is the go-to place for boat rentals and service, plus water sport lessons and, of course, a bar and restaurant with lake views.
Chuck's Lakeshore Inn
Literally right next door to Gordy's Marine is Chuck's Lakeshore Inn. Known for its music scene and famous "purple drink," Chuck's is a beloved party spot for those looking for some lakeside summer fun.
Lake Geneva is a great place to live, play and vacation. What are your favorite spots in Lake Geneva, both on and off the path? Share with us on social media.
- Jennifer Ingish is the series producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesdays on the Life page in the Times.
Geneva Lake Shore Path Segments
As the only lake in Wisconsin where you can walk around the entire shoreline, Geneva Lake's shore path is over 20 miles long. If you don't feel like tackling the whole thing in one go, download the VISIT Lake Geneva app to find the public access points and choose a portion to hike.
Famous Estates
One of the best parts about the Geneva Lake shore path is the ability to get up close to some of the most famous estates on the lake. While you can't go up to the houses themselves, the shore path will take you right past famous homes such as Stone Manor (the largest home ever built on the lake) and the Wrigley estate (of Wrigley's chewing gum fame).
Black Point Estate and Gardens
Speaking of famous estates, one of Geneva Lake's most well-known homes is also a Wisconsin Historic Site. Black Point Estate and Gardens is only accessible via the shore path or a tour boat and is open for tours from May through October.
Geneva Lake Museum
Want more Lake Geneva history? The Geneva Lake Museum is packed with exhibits ranging from the time of the glaciers to the area's first Native American tribes through the boom of Chicagoans moving into the area. Don't miss the museum's collection of exhibits from the World's Fair of 1893.
Baker House 1885
After a long day winding along the shore path, enjoy a relaxing sunset toast at Baker House 1885, a stunning, historic home-turned-hotel just steps off the shore path in Lake Geneva.
Flyboarding
Sure, Geneva Lake is perfect for boating, tubing, kayaking and swimming, but here, you can also try flyboarding. Essentially a water jetpack, flyboarding is a growing trend, and Wisconsin Hydrosports has everything needed to get you flying over the water.
Lake Geneva Cruise Line
So, for those not too keen on water jetpacks, the Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers numerous cruises and tours around Geneva Lake throughout the year. And even during the holidays, the Santa Cruise whisks families away to the "North Pole" for a magical Christmas adventure.
Oakfire
You're sure to work up an appetite after all this hiking, so step right off the path in downtown Lake Geneva at Oakfire. This modern take on Napoletana-style pizza is sure to get you re-energized to conquer the rest of the path.
Pier 290
About 6 miles down the shore path from Lake Geneva, you'll walk right past Pier 290 in Williams Bay. Enjoy a drink at its outdoor bar, indulge in some classic Wisconsin comfort food or stick your toes in the sand on the beach. Pier 290 is one of only two commercial properties on Geneva Lake with direct lakefront access.
Gordy's Marine
Trekking farther along the shore path brings you to Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake, home to Gordy's Marine. A staple of the Lake Geneva area for over 60 years, Gordy's is the go-to place for boat rentals and service, plus water sport lessons and, of course, a bar and restaurant with lake views.
Chuck's Lakeshore Inn
Literally right next door to Gordy's Marine is Chuck's Lakeshore Inn. Known for its music scene and famous "purple drink," Chuck's is a beloved party spot for those looking for some lakeside summer fun.
Lake Geneva is a great place to live, play and vacation. What are your favorite spots in Lake Geneva, both on and off the path? Share with us on social media.
- Jennifer Ingish is the series producer for the nation's longest-running tourism TV show, "Discover Wisconsin." The column is published Tuesdays on the Life page in the Times.