Lake Geneva

A century-old summer retreat of Chicago's wealthy, where a lakeshore path passes Gilded Age estates and the mailboat and Yerkes Observatory are signature experiences.

Lake Geneva (the lake itself is Geneva Lake; the town is Lake Geneva) is in Walworth County in southeastern Wisconsin, about 130 km from Chicago and 80 km from Milwaukee — a glacial lake of about 21 km². After the Great Chicago Fire of the 19th century, wealthy families such as the Wrigleys and the Schwinns built summer estates here, and Gilded Age mansions still line the shore, earning it the nickname "the Hamptons of the Midwest." The town of Lake Geneva on the east shore is the hub: take a cruise from the Riviera Docks to see the estates, watch the summer mailboat's "mail jumpers," hike sections of the 34 km Geneva Lake Shore Path, and take a boat to Black Point Estate. On the northwest shore, Williams Bay has Yerkes Observatory and a beach, while Fontana is quieter. Within 30–35 km you can visit Old World Wisconsin, the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest, the East Troy Electric Railroad and Elegant Farmer apple farm. The lake has four distinct seasons: June–August is best for cruises and beaches, but weekend hotel prices are high and crowds heavy; September–October, with fall foliage and apple season, is the second peak; in winter the lake freezes over for skiing and ice fishing, and Winterfest in early February hosts a snow sculpting competition. Driving is the main way to get here, about 1.5 hours from Chicago O'Hare; you can also take Metra's UP-NW line to Harvard or Fox Lake, Illinois, and then a taxi. Plan on 2–3 days; book summer cruises and Black Point Estate tickets in advance. Many piers and lawns along the lake are private property, so stay on the public path when walking the shore.

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