What to do and see in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin (WI): The Best Hidden Gems Things to do

February 20, 2022 Rosalyn Ihle

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. Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures

Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 811 reviews

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures has an Eco Adventure for everyone! For the ultimate thrill, traverse 8 different zip lines, 5 sky bridges, 3 spiral stairways and climb a one-of-a-kind "floating" double helix stairway while on our world class Canopy Tour. Challenge yourself on the High Ropes Excursion through 16 different obstacles or explore our almost 9 miles of Arbor Trails designed to accommodate beginner to advanced Hiking and/or Mountain Biking. Bring lunch and enjoy our picnic area or take a break in the hammocks before your next Adventure. When you book any of our Eco Adventures, a Complimentary (same day) Arbor Trails Pass is included so you can experience the entire 100-acres from the ground - up through the trees!

2. The Lake Geneva Balloon Company

Excellent
100%
Good
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Satisfactory
0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

The Lake Geneva Balloon Company

The Lake Geneva Balloon Company offers scenic recreational balloon flights over the Geneva Lakes area in Walworth County, WI. Our flights are one hour in length with your actual participation time 2.5 - 3 hours. Our flights originate 30 minutes before sunrise or 2.5 hours before sunset 7 days per week, weather permitting from June through September.

3. Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

100 N Edwards Blvd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-1907 +1 262-248-0505 [email protected] http://www.lakegenevamagic.com
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 837 reviews

Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre features world-class magic, comedy and illusions in an entertaining 60 minute performance. Located in beautiful Lake Geneva, WI. Open year-round, reserve your tickets today to witness this incredible show.

Reviewed By gabrielew994

Me and my daughters first magic show.We loved the whole show,I highly recommend going,it is so worth it and its only 1 mile from Lake Geneva.Great show!!I want to go again in the near future.

4. Geneva Lake Shore Path

Lake Geneva, WI +1 262-248-4416 http://wisconsin-explorer.blogspot.com/2015/08/hiking-lake-geneva-lake-shore-path.html
Excellent
74%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 741 reviews

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.

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.

5. Safari Lake Geneva

W1612 Litchfield Rd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-4456 +1 262-475-8089 [email protected] http://safarilakegeneva.com
Excellent
63%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 123 reviews

Safari Lake Geneva

Back by popular demand, it's a social distancing safari where you can experience Safari Lake Geneva’s game reserves from the comfort of your own vehicle! Enhance your interaction with these amazing animals by purchasing a bucket of grain to feed them from your window or sunroof. Plus, you can drive through as many times as you like! There’s nothing like it in Chicagoland and you’ll soon discover why this is the place everyone is talking about! Online reservations.

Reviewed By M2160ZBkatherinec - Crystal Lake, United States

me and my bf took my son to the safari..it was our first time there..we enjoyed it alot..alot of the animals were sweet except for the ostrich and zebra..the lady wasn't kidding to watch out for the ostriches. We went around a few times until the feed was gone. More animals kept coming out each time. My son loved it so much we hope to come back again for the wagon ride if open next year. The lady at the front gate was very nice and helpful. Thanks so much for the 2 extra buckets, was very kind of u! I definitely recommend checking this place out.

6. Geneva Lake Brewing Company

750 Veterans Pkwy Unit 107, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-4950 http://www.genevalakebrewingcompany.com
Excellent
43%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 28 reviews

Geneva Lake Brewing Company

7. DJ's In The Drink

W3860 Lake Shore Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-3264 +1 262-248-8855 [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/inthedrink.lakecomo/
Excellent
76%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

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