Lake Geneva...It's always been the place. It's no wonder the Lake Geneva area's first citizens, the Potowatami Indians, called their region "land of sparkling water." Pristine lakes, abundant fishing and a wealth of wildlife offered an unparalleled range of year 'round natural resources.

By the beginning of the 20th Century, the area's magnificent vistas and easy access via railroad lured Victorian era millionaires. The spectacular mansions and cultural sites they built earned Lake Geneva the nickname "Newport of the West." Logging trails grew into roads, carriages gave way to automobiles. Grand yachts and steamships delivered visitors to luxurious shoreline hotels. A short, direct and comfortable ride to Lake Geneva provided a welcome getaway to nature, recreation and an elegant way of life. Discover a world that's so close, yet so far from ordinary!

Some Areas of Interest

Watson's Wild West Museum No visit to the Lake Geneva area is complete without a visit to this unique museum that replicates a general store of the 1880's. 16' high shelves stocked with an incredible array of authentic merchandise, including medications, confections, hardware, horsetack, and other artifacts from turn-of-the-century life. Yerkes Observatory Discover the history and fascinating architectural detail of the University of Chicago's astrophysical research center, home of the world's largest refractor. Enjoy the "Wonders of the Universe," slide show and presentation. Participate in a mini-class "An Introduction to Spectroscopy" or "How to Use a Star Finder." Weather permitting, observe the night sky with its many wonder: stars & constellations, nebulae, meteors, planets, the milky way, and satellites.

Geneva Lake Cruise Line Step back into time and partake of an excursion tradition that harkens back to an earlier era--a Victorian time of parasols, long dresses and bustles, when the boat was the main form of transportation around Geneva Lake. The tours showcase magnificent lake scenery, surrounding mansions and a peek into the lives of the rich and famous of a bygone era. There are tours for everyone, from brunches to dinners, ice cream socials to Dixieland dinner cruises. Sensational Shopping Antiques to modern art, wildlife renderings to one-of-a-kind wearables, pottery to portraits.. a world of unique items are waiting to be found. For treasure seekers, whether you prefer wandering through airy galleries or hunting antiques in hidden corners, the Lake Geneva area is prime territory!

Four Seasons of Fun!
Sensational Spring! The area's beautiful lakes and lush forests come alive in Spring, setting a magnificent natural backdrop for the area's turn-of-the-century mansions, outstanding resorts, award-winning restaurants and charming retail venues.

Spectacular Summer! Outdoor activities abound in the Summer months with so much to share and enjoy. The myriad of activities and events are compelling escapes. Boating, fishing, golf, hiking, water skiing, swimming, biking, horseback riding, mixed with festivals, fairs and special events to create a vacation destination that shouldn't be missed.

Fantastic Fall! Colors! Colors! Colors! Nature paints a magnificent portrait with incredible vistas! Surround yourself with spectacular views as you drive through the country, explore virgin forests, enjoy plentiful wildlife, sail shimmering lakes and celebrate the harvest.

Wonderful Winter! The winter season offers terrific opportunities for downhill and cross country snow skiing, snow boarding, skating, ice fishing, horseback riding, sleighing, snowmobiling and dozens of other exciting activities. Play at Winter carnivals...then warm up at cozy fireside retreats.

For more information on available activities, calendar of events, etc.
please contact the Lake Geneva Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Phone: 414-248-4416 or 800-345-1020
Fax: 414-248-1000

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