18 Best Things To Do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

By VacationIdea Staff on February 6, 2023 - Updated

Courtesy of dkissel2 - Fotolia.com

The Lake Geneva area has been a popular luxury resort community in southeastern Wisconsin since the 19th century. In a bid to escape the summer heat, many of Chicago’s rich built lavish mansions on the shores of beautiful Lake Geneva. One of the most beautiful, and today open to the public, is the Queen Anne-style Black Point Estate, a former summer home of the wealthy beer magnate Conrad Seipp. Lake Geneva continues to attract summer visitors who can enjoy attractions, such as the Aerial Adventure with more than 1,200 feet of ziplines, and shows, such as the Dancing Horses and the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre, while learning more about the city’s past in the Main Street Historic District.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Black Point, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Once the summer home of Chicago businessman Conrad Seipp and his descendants, Black Point Estate & Gardens was built in 1887 on the banks of Geneva Lake. It was a place where the family used to escape from Chicago’s summer heat and the hustle and bustle of city life. In 2005, William O. Petersen, Seipp’s great-grandson, donated the beautiful 20-room Queen Anne-style “cottage,” surrounded by 8 acres of beautiful grounds with 620 feet of untouched Geneva Lake shoreline and antique furniture and décor, to the state of Wisconsin. After extensive restoration, Black Point Estate & Gardens was opened to the public in 2007 as an historical home museum. The property is managed by the Wisconsin Historical Society and is considered one of the best examples of Queen Ann architecture.

W4270 Southland Rd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-248-1888

2.Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark

An all-season waterpark resort, Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark in Lake Geneva boasts approximately fifty thousand square feet of both outdoor and indoor fun for the entire family. The resort’s Moose Mountain Falls is an outdoor/indoor waterpark featuring a Lazy River, activity pools, a heated pool, 35-foot water slides, and more. In addition to the waterpark, Timber Ridge Lodge also offers more than sixty interactive arcade games, a variety of unique activities for children at the Kids Activity Center, climbing opportunities, and even possibly a run with moose. Timber Ridge Lodge is an all-suite resort with spacious accommodations for families.

7020 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-249-3400

3.Safari Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Safari Lake Geneva is a unique wildlife habitat located only about 5 miles from downtown Lake Geneva. Surrounded by 75 acres of untouched wildlife habitat, Safari Lake Geneva is home to more than 50 exotic wild animals from all over the world. The animals live free, in environments that approximate their natural habitat, and visitors can observe them from the company’s safari truck or wagon. Visitors can observe American bison, domestic yak, Ankole-Watusi cattle, camel, llama, greater rhea, alpaca, Brahman cattle, miniature horses, nilgai antelope, scimitar-horned oryx, blackbuck antelope, miniature zebu, and others. While driving through the wildlife habitat, visitors can also spot native wild animals that live in the surrounding forests, such as white-tailed deer, muskrats, and painted turtles. The tours last about 1 hour and visitors can feed the animals that approach their vehicles.

W1612 Litchfield Road, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-475-8089

4.Geneva Lake Museum, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Founded in 1983, the museum is located in the 1929 Wisconsin Power & Light building in historic downtown Lake Geneva. The large space gave local history buffs and the Museum Board the idea to create the Main Street Historic District. It spreads over a 2.5-acre area and includes most buildings in the 700 blocks of Main Street. Visitors can visit a lovingly restored log cabin housing Potawatomi tools and a collection of arrowheads, a blacksmith shop, ice-cutting tools, horseshoeing tools, a fire engine house with an 1890 hose wagon, a 1920s dental work station, an 1890s school room, and many other turn of the century structures. There are also some additional areas to display various artifacts as well as a store and a meeting room.

255 Mill St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-248-6060

5.Things To Do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy

Located in Williams Bay, north of the Williams Bay Beach, the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy is a fascinating 231-acre park with an interesting and diverse mix of ecosystems. The wetlands are located at the park’s south end, just across from the beach and in the park’s northeastern section. Beside wetlands, Kishwauketoe also has oak woods, prairie, kettle, deciduous forest, a meadow, two creeks, and an arboretum. Visitors can explore the park along 4 miles of trails and raised boardwalks. All along the trails are lush plants such as wild geranium, Jack-in-the-pulpit, tall meadow rue, may apple, sedges, and various grasses. The park provides a home to many birds and wild animals such as deer, fox, coyote, raccoon, and opossum. There is a small pavilion offering both shelter and a venue for various activities.

251 Elkhorn Rd, Williams Bay, WI 53191, Phone: 262-903-3601

6.Dancing Horses, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Dancing Horses is a magnificent spectacle that features a range of horse breeds that dance and perform together with their trainers in a visually stunning show of equestrian artistry. The show is performed in a small and intimate yet state-of-the-art 300-seat theatre. The unique live show is a product of its founder’s dream and a love of horses. The current performance is called The Power of a Dream, and to the spectators it brings back memories of the childhood so many of us had. It is performed by a group of magnificent horses and their talented and creative professional trainers and partners.

5065 WI-50, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-728-8200

7.The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa

The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a germ of southern Wisconsin as a snow and skiing resort boasting some of the state’s best ski hills. Set in the Lake Geneva countryside, The Mountaintop features twenty downhill ski runs. There is terrain at the resort for all abilities and ages, helping the ski resort be one of Wisoncson’s best. In addition to skiing, visitors can also find opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and more. The Burton RIglet Park is designed specifically with kids in mind, offering different stations for learning with the help of certified instructors.

7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-248-8811

8.Dan Patch Stables

Dan Patch Stables, which can be found near the entrance of The Grand Geneva Resort Spa, prides itself on providing fun for all ages throughout the entire year. Year-round trail rides at the stables are offered by reservation during regular hours. The gentle horses and trail guides allow visitors to see the beautiful countryside of Wisconsin in a different way than simply driving through it, traveling down and up hills and through woods. Dan Patch Stables also features a petting farm, where children can pet and feed a variety of animals, as well as pony rides for younger guests.

Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-215-5303

9.Lake Geneva Cruise Line, Lake Geneva, WI

The lake is a big part of the city of Lake Geneva, so there is no better way to explore it than on board of one of the Lake Geneva Cruise Line boats. They offer a wide range of sightseeing tours around the lake and along its coast. You can choose to get a close view of the lavish mansions and estates that are spread along the shores. If you are interested in local history, there is a tour that will tell you all about the famous names of people who settled in the lake area. You can also just enjoy a relaxing evening dinner cruise, the famous US Mailboat Tour, or the Ice Cream Social Tour – as you can imagine, it involves sampling some great ice creams. Whatever tour you choose, you will love the lush greenery that surrounds the lake. Tours operate from April to November.

812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-248-6206

10.Things To Do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Lake Geneva Pie Co

A charming little shop on Geneva Square, the Lake Geneva Pie Company has been treating locals and visitors to delicious pies since 2001, quickly gaining a reputation for the best pies in the area. This family-owned bakery specializes in fresh sweet and savory pies that are made from the best possible ingredients, and it has won many awards for its delicious treats. You can get a whole pie or just a slice, take it with you or sit at one of several tables in the charming, small shop decorated with local original art. They also serve coffee with their pies. At lunch time, you should try their pot pies and quiches. The Lake Geneva Pie Company is proud to donate more than 100 pies a year to different local organizations for fund raising.

150 E Geneva Square, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-248-5100

11.Things To Do in Lake Geneva, WI: Lake Geneva Scooter Tours & Rentals

Surrounded by rolling hills, winding roads, and scenic lakeside paths, the Geneva Lake area is wonderful for exploring on a scooter. Lake Geneva Scooter Tours and Rentals provides its clients with automatic comfortable scooters, helmets, and maps of Lake Geneva’s best scooter-friendly scenic roads before sending them off to enjoy their exploration. The map will point them to Fontana Beach, Edgewater Park in beautiful Williams Bay, Yerkes Observatory, and many other delightful spots. The riders can go alone or can join one of the company’s guided scooter tours. The company has been operating since 2009, providing more adventurous visitors with a fast and comfortable means of exploring the area. A valid driving license is required. Things to Do in Wisconsin

Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-249-0600

12.Studio Winery, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Created by two artists, Studio Winery is both a working winery and an artist studio. The two artists make their own wine onsite, making small batches of high-quality artisanal wines produced from grapes sourced from the West Coast and the Midwest. They offer daily wine tasting in the lovely space surrounded by art created by the wine makers and their former students. There is live music by local talent every Saturday in the studio/wine tasting room or on a patio outside if weather permits. The winery also offers art classes known as Corks and Canvas. While sipping good local wine, visitors can also learn how to express their inner artistry on canvas. No talent is required, and each participant can have one-on-one instruction.

401 Sheridan Springs Road. Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-348-9100

13.Things To Do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

The 51-seat Tristan Crist Magic Theatre is a very popular Lake Geneva entertainment venue offering fun and exciting magic and illusion shows, combined with a bit of comedy, providing about 1 hour of great fun for the whole family. The theater is located on Main Street in downtown Lake Geneva and visitors rave about Mr. Christ’s tricks, such as the one in which he walks through a mirror and turns into a motorcycle, a few feet from the public eyes. He often changes his tricks and adds new ones every year, keeping the public amazed and highly entertained. The Tristan Crist Magic Theatre also offers to bring the show to other venues such as resorts, meeting rooms, and other larger spaces that can accommodate bigger audience.

100 N Edwards Blvd, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-248-0505

14.Ice Castles

Ice Castles is a unique experience in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and one of only four “Ice Castle” anywhere in the country. The attraction is an outdoor adventure that’s always highly anticipated, featuring an illuminated ice kingdom with fountains, caves, crawl spaces, and frozen slides constructed beautifully into an outdoor landscape of ice. Ice Castles is built completely by hand and consists of hundreds of thousands of different icicles carefully placed by several professional ice artists. The process involves growing anywhere between five and twelve thousand icicles, which are then collected by hand and sculpted into ice formations.

1221 Geneva National Ave S, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

15.Avant Bicycle & Cafe, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Located in the charming Lake Geneva downtown, Avant Bicycle and Café is a popular local coffee bar that offers not only great lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees but also the repair and rental of bikes. It is a perfect combination for visitors who are planning on exploring the city’s beautiful green spaces on a bike, or for locals who need a bit of bike tweaking before heading out. The shop is spacious, very cozy, and tastefully decorated, so do not feel guilty if you linger over your excellent coffee before heading out on your bike ride. Owning a bike is not a prerequisite to stop by for a cup of hot java, their coffee is that good.

234 Broad St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, Phone: 262-203-5141

16.Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures

Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures is a highly rated destination in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin and has consistently been rated as the town’s number one outdoor activity. Offering experiences for a wide range of interests and all ages, the company boasts customized team building programs, mountain biking trails for all skill levels, hiking trails, a climbing tower, high ropes excursions, and zip-line tours. The zip-line tours at Lake Geneva Ziplines are professionally guided tours that include three spiral staircases, five sky bridges, and nine zip lines that send guests flying through treetops across one hundred acres of wooded property.

N3232 Co Rd H, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-248-9271

17.Lake Geneva Clue Room

The Lake Geneva Clue Room is an exciting and fun escape room in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin that invites guests to test their skills in a challenging environment. Participants have one hour to try to figure out the mystery by completing challenging puzzles and tasks in order to escape from the room. There are three escape rooms to choose from at the Lake Geneva Clue Room, each room providing different mysteries and its own unique set of challenges. The escape room experience is a great outing for family, friends, and colleagues.It’s also a great idea for team building and birthdays.

772 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-325-2375

18.WELL Spa and Salon

WELL Spa + Salon believes that wellness can’t be achieved with only a single action. Instead, it’s a result instead of a series of actions, or more accurately, a lifestyle. This Lake Geneva spa brings a holistic approach to wellness for its clients and focuses on five pillars: Beauty, Nutrition, Healthy Aging, Body, and Mind. The spa provides rejuvenating experiences full of positive energy, restorative treatments, and personal warmth. The relaxing spa and full-service salon at WELL Spa + Salon include salon services and spa services that range from beautiful hairstyling to soothing massages, as well as makeup consultations, pedicures, manicures, and more.

7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-248-8811

19.Simple Cafe Lake Geneva

Simple Cafe Lake Geneva was opened in 2009 by Lori and Tom Hartz in partnership with Young Cho. The idea was to open a restaurant for the Lake Geneva community, “by the community,” with a vision of it being a place where people could dine on food grown, prepared and served by the people in “their own backyard.” Simple Cafe opened in December of 2009, welcoming around seventy customers on its first day, and has continued to exceed expectations. Including a cafe and bakery, guests will find cakes, pastries, breads, and other treats made from scratch, along with small-batch market offerings.

525 Broad St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, 262-248-3556