Geneva Lake Lake

Address: Geneva Lake (Lake Geneva), Walworth County, Wisconsin, USA

Geneva Lake (commonly called Lake Geneva locally) is a glacially formed lake in Walworth County, Wisconsin, adjacent to the resort city of Lake Geneva. The lake is a regional recreational destination noted for boating, swimming and historic lakeside estates.

A public shore path follows much of the lake edge and passes numerous 19th- and early-20th-century summer residences and landscaped gardens. The city on the lake’s north shore provides marinas, beaches and visitor services for day trips and longer stays.

Recreational uses include pleasure boating, water sports and shoreline walking; the lakeside mansions and parks attract visitors interested in local architecture and landscape history.

The lake sits within southeastern Wisconsin and is centered on the municipality of Lake Geneva with residential shorelines, parks and public access points around the basin.

• Shoreline path: The shoreline path encircling the lake is commonly cited at roughly 21 miles in length and provides public access past many historic lakeside properties.

What to See#

• Shore Path: A continuous walking route that follows much of the private and public shoreline and passes historic lakeside estates and gardens over roughly 21 miles.
• Riviera Beach: The north-shore public beach and park area adjacent to the city, used for swimming, picnics and lakeside events in summer.

Geneva Lake is in southeastern Wisconsin. The town of Lake Geneva is about 80 miles (130 km) northwest of Chicago and 50-70 miles (80-110 km) from Milwaukee depending on route. By car take I-43 to the exits for I-94 and state roads into Walworth County; regional buses and Amtrak reach nearby towns but a car is the easiest way to explore the shoreline.

• If looking for the classic mansions, drive the Geneva Lake Shore Path from the town of Lake Geneva; many of the grand estates are private but visible from public paths or boat tours.
• Boat-charter or the seasonal excursion cruises give the best perspective of the lake and its legendary homes.
• Visit in late May for hydrangeas and lilacs on the shore, and to catch the quieter shoulder season before summer crowds arrive.