Top Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
WHAT IS LAKE GENEVA LIKE
Lake Geneva is a Hallmark-esq escape. It is a gem with its stunning lakeside views, historic mansions, and charming downtown. There's plenty to do, from boating and fishing to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Geneva Lake. You can explore scenic hiking trails, hit the golf courses, or stroll along the famous 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path. This path lets you soak in the beauty of some truly massive and unique homes and gardens.
It’s a great long weekend lake getaway for nearby cities like:
Chicago, IL - About 80 miles away, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
Milwaukee, WI - Around 50 miles away, about a 1-hour drive.
Madison, WI - Approximately 70 miles away, roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
Rockford, IL - About 45 miles away, around a 1-hour drive.
Green Bay, WI - Around 150 miles away, about a 3-hour drive.
Peoria, IL - Approximately 170 miles away, roughly a 3-hour drive.
Springfield, IL - About 230 miles away, around a 4-hour drive.
Fort Wayne, IN - Around 220 miles away, about a 4-hour drive.
Indianapolis, IN - Around 220 miles away, roughly a 3.5 to 4.5-hour drive.
HOW TO GET AROUND LAKE GENEVA
Getting around Lake Geneva is pretty easy. Here are the best options:
Car: The most convenient way to explore the area. There are plenty of parking options throughout the town and near popular sites. We did get a parking ticket one day, so just be sure to check where you park.
Bike: A more active way to get around is to bike! You can rent bikes in town or bring your own. There are lots of bike-friendly roads and paths to enjoy the scenery.
Walking: Downtown is totally walkable with lots of shops, restaurants, and scenic spots close together. So this one just depends on where you stay. Don't miss the Geneva Lake Shore Path—a 21-mile trail that circles around the lake with amazing views and access to some really unreal historic homes and gardens.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit Lake Geneva really depends on what you're into:
Summer: Great for hitting the beach, boating, swimming, and soaking up the sun. The weather is great, and there are tons of events and festivals. This is the busiest season of the year and it does get crowded.
Fall: Amazing for enjoying the beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, and fewer crowds. It's also a great time for hiking and checking out local wineries.
Spring: The weather starts to warm up and everything's in bloom. It's a beautiful time for outdoor activities without the summer rush. We visited in May, and I honestly thought it was perfect!
Winter: Awesome if you're into winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing. Plus, the town looks super Hallmark-esq with the snow and the holiday decor.
Each season offers something unique, so it really depends on what you want to do.
THINGS TO DO
Lake Geneva has the best lake activities:
Geneva Lake Shore Path: Everyone recommends this as a must-do for a reason. It’s a 21-mile path where you're walking through the backyards of historic homes right along the lake. Each section of the path is different because homeowners choose how to pave their stretch—dirt, cobblestone, wooden planks, you name it. You also get different views of the entire lake and all the beautiful houses along it. 100% recommend it, even if you just do a part of it. We walked 17 miles before a thunderstorm made us stop, but it was incredible!
Stroll the Downtown Shops: This is a fun way to spend an afternoon! There are a bunch of local boutiques and shops to look through. I ended up getting this adorable quilted tote bag from one of the boutiques and a magnet (I collect them everywhere I go).
Spa Day at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa: I was given a voucher to go here for my birthday and it was such a nice treat! I got a pedicure, but you can also get a facial, massage, or other spa services. Super relaxing, but definitely a splurge. There were a bunch of last-minute openings when I went, but I would suggest calling and planning in advance to be safe.
Explore the Local Wineries and Breweries: We spent an afternoon checking out some of the local spots. It was fun tasting different drinks, and the vibe was really chill. Perfect way to relax and enjoy the local flavors. There are a ton of places to grab a drink, but I thought Geneva Taphouse was pretty awesome.
Watch the Sunset Over the Water: Find a spot to sit and watch the sun sink over the water. It’s a really peaceful and relaxing experience, perfect for unwinding.
Things we didn’t do, but are pretty popular in the area:
Boating on Geneva Lake: Rent a boat to explore the beautiful lake, take in the scenic views, and enjoy some water fun.
Tee Off at Local Golf Courses: There are several fantastic golf courses around for those looking to hit the greens.
Adventure at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures: Fun for thrill-seekers, this spot has exciting zipline courses, high ropes, and outdoor adventures that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
PLACES TO EAT + DRINK
There's no shortage of great places to eat in the area, but here are the ones we tried:
Flat Iron Tap: Known for its gourmet burgers and craft beers, this spot gives off strong ‘local’ vibes. Try the cheese curds, talk about a cheese pull!
Boxed & Burlap: A cute spot for coffee and light bites! The flagship location has a nice outdoor patio with string lights and cabinet food. The downtown Delavan location has tons of indoor space and offers food too, but only serves breakfast until 10:30 am. Both have a great aesthetic.
Great Eggs: Super filling breakfast spot that specializes in delicious, made-to-order omelets, sandwiches, and other breakfast favorites. It came highly recommended for breakfast. You can build your own breakfast wrap, which I did and it was tasty (but messy).
Geneva Taphouse: This spot was a blast! It has a spacious indoor/outdoor setup with a wide range of drinks on self-serve tap. They’ve got fun games like bags, connect four, and board/card games while you drink and snack.
Oakfire: Probably one of my favorite dinner spots in Lake Geneva. We sat on the upstairs outdoor patio, which had a great view of the lake while digging into our customized wood-fired pizza! They don’t have reservations, and it does get really busy, so plan accordingly.
Scoops Ice Cream: A pretty good after dinner treat or to cool down on a hot day.
Gordy’s Boat House: The lakeside location was a plus, but the food was underwhelming. We stopped here because it was along the lake walk, but honestly wouldn’t be a top recommendation from me.
Crafted Italia: An upscale Italian restaurant. We lucked out with live music during our visit, which was really nice. They do take reservations, which I’ve found isn’t super common in the area. The pasta wasn’t mind-blowing, but it’s still worth a visit on live music nights and for the view alone.
Lake Geneva is one of those places that just makes you feel like you’re on a mini vacation, even if you’re only there for a weekend. Whether you’re walking along the lakeshore, grabbing a bite downtown, or just soaking in the views, it’s easy to see why so many people love coming here. Honestly, it’s the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. If you’re looking for a quick getaway that isn’t too far from home, Lake Geneva should be at the top of your list — you'll be glad you visited.