Location: Lake Geneva
Top Things to do in Lake Geneva
Countries
Top 9 Free Things to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (WI)
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.
Restaurants in Lake Geneva
1. The Tattered Butterfly
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
The Tattered Butterfly Shop is run by 3 sisters with very creative minds. You can find those unique pieces you've been hunting for that will pull together that unfinished room in your home. Showcasing quality restyled/painted furniture, Rethunk Junk by Laura paint line & classes, home décor & unique gifts. We also do custom painting of furniture and kitchen cabinets. We are REOPENING July 18, 2020 Hours Open: Wednesday ~ Saturday 10am ~5pm CLOSED SUNDAYS, MONDAYS & TUESDAYS
2. Delaney Street Mercantile
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Luxury gifts and home decor from around the world artfully displayed in an 1864 historical home. Roam from room to room and find intriguing, sometimes whimsical displays. The owner's are selective in product lines choices and in representing talented artisans. Glass pens from Italy, Steampunk Art, USGA approved Glass Putters, Luna Bella Lighting, hand painted ceramic decorative tiles, French linen, and much, much more.
Reviewed By Daddy911
From our Fifi Dubois Pigasus (specialty of the shop) to our Tiffany desk lamp - but nothing is more wonderful than the friendly welcome by the owners and the employees of this amazing shop! It’s always a stop each time we travel to Lake Geneva and we have brought in guests from out of town who also always fall in love with this great shop!
3. Geneva Lake Shore Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 741 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Steamboat50 - Waukesha, United States
Walking around the entire lake has been on my bucket list for quite some time. Last weekend my girlfriend and I decided to do the walk. It was a beautiful September day, about 70 degrees. We started and 8:45am and finished the walk at 4:30. I was a little nervous as I was hearing anything from 22-28 miles around the lake from different people. Well I am happy to say that it is exactly 21.4 miles. At least that is what I got on my watch. We did it in 7 1/2 hours but we only took two bathroom stops and I will say we walked at a decent pace. The furthest I had ever walked prior to this was nine miles so I was a bit leery that I could even finish this. I am happy to say that it was a very enjoyable walk. It is mainly all flat with a few house steps in between. You are walking right by the water the majority of the walk. At one stretch you went on the road for a very short time. The views are incredible and my friend talked the entire time so the time went by fairly quick. I was afraid to stop for lunch and relax a bit but now that I know what it is like, I would probably stop for a nice lunch next times. There are supposed to be five bathrooms around the lake and we only came across three and used two of them. Make sure to have a good pair of walking shoes on or hiking boots. A good pair of socks is a good idea as well. Dress according to the weather and bring a small backpack with granola bars, fruit and water. Then again if you stop for lunch, you probably would not need that. I enjoyed it so much I am doing it again this weekend. It is a great challenge and an accomplishment to be proud of.
4. Geneva Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 466 reviews
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."
Reviewed By GraysonCampbell - Chicago, United States
Lake Geneva is a quaint little european town located just north and outside of Chicago (in Wisconsin) and as the name suggest it is all about the lake here. There is not much to do here other than boating. No other MASS entertainment offered. So must love water and probably should plan to bring your own or pre-rent a boat to ensure you get one. There is a nice walking trail along the lake that passes through the back yards of people houses you cannot afford. For a small town there are lots of places to dine. One more thing, the lake-front is perhaps 90% filled with homes, so keep that in mind - there is limited space on Lake Geneva for enjoyment.
5. Galerie Matisse & Matisse Too
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By stranclan2zam - Oregon, United States
This gallery and it's neighboring shops are full of colorful displays with interesting items to peruse. Enjoyable.
6. Lake Geneva - Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By 276cats - Fond du Lac, United States
Lady working the visitors center was very friendly and helpful in helping us select possible places to see and things to do in the area. Great place to start your visit in Lake Geneva, mostly if you're a first time visitor as we are.
7. Champs Sports Bar & Grill
8. Fat Cats
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By jerryb0317 - Lake Villa, United States
Well what's not to love about this place. I have been going to Fat Cats since the early 80's and it's still the same with great people and a friendly staff. It's a bit of a dive but that's part of the charm. Music and drinks are fantastic. If you go to Fat Cats look for a guy nicknamed "Torch" and he is a bar back. He is a hoot and always ready for a shot - so be sure to get him a shot. Salute to Fat Cats and the wonderful staff.
9. DJ's In The Drink
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
