With its world-class resorts, incredible restaurants and year-round activities, Lake Geneva is a pinnacle of luxury and relaxation. But the 20+ mile shore path around Geneva Lake gives everybody lakefront access and connects the three communities of Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Fontana. Host Mariah Haberman treks around the lake to discover what awaits along the beaten path.
As the only lake in Wisconsin with the entire shoreline accessible, there’s a lot to see around Geneva Lake! Local historian Jim Beloian joins Mariah for a walk along the shore path, where he explains the history of many of the famous homes on the lake including the Wrigley estate, Stone Manor, and Black Point Estate & Gardens. Mariah makes a few stops along the shore path including the Geneva Lake Museum and Baker House 1885, where she enjoys a champagne toast at sunset.
Geneva Lake is an endless source for recreation and relaxation, with opportunities for boating, swimming, stand-up paddle boarding, and even flyboarding (essentially, a water jetpack). Mariah teams up with Wisconsin Hydrosports to learn about this growing trend and even gives it a try herself! For those looking for a less extreme water activity, the Lake Geneva Cruise Line has a number of pick up and drop off locations along the shore path, where visitors can hop on board for a lake tour. The arrival of winter doesn’t mean an end to boating quite yet in the Lake Geneva area. With the lake typically not freezing until late January, The Lake Geneva Cruise Line takes visitors on a magical journey to the “North Pole” on its Santa Cruise with beautiful light displays along the shoreline and a special surprise for kids along the way! And once the lake does freeze over, ice boaters flock to Geneva Lake to race in the Ice Boating Capital of the World.
Ambitious hikers can take the shore path through all three communities around the lake, but chances are you’ll want to stop and take a break in each one. Downtown Lake Geneva is home to dozens of unique shops and restaurants, including Oakfire. With a focus on specialty pizza and a gorgeous, outdoor deck overlooking the lake, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Williams Bay is home to Pier 290, one of just two commercial properties directly on the lakeshore. Enjoy delicious, Wisconsin comfort food, grab a drink at the outdoor bar or spend a day at Pier 290’s beach right out front. Further still along the shore path is Fontana, home to The Abbey Resort as well as Gordy’s Marine and Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn. Mariah visits each of these beloved lakeside spots and even indulges in Chuck’s famous “Sweet Tart” drink. There’s always something new to explore along the shore path!