Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lake Geneva, home to the most accessible body of water in Wisconsin, overflows with summer activities and events to create a memorable summer vacation. Discover all that this historic recreation and resort town nearby Chicago and Milwaukee has to offer.
Getting Here: Lake Geneva is located in Southeastern Wisconsin, approximately 10 miles north of the Illinois border. Fly into O’Hare airport and you’re only about a 90-minute drive away. Fly into General Mitchell airport in Milwaukee and you’re only about a 45-minute drive away. Local airports accommodating small aircraft are found at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and Lake Lawn Resort.
See: See the beautiful estates built by Chicago notables after the Great Chicago Fire as you stroll along the 26-mile Shore Path around Geneva Lake. Or see animals from around the world roam free on 75 acres of wilderness at Safari Lake Geneva. If you want a closer view of outer space, visit Yerkes Observatory and take a look inside the 90-foot dome at the 40-inch refractor, still the largest lens-type telescope in the world.
Listen: Live music is even better outdoors and by the lake. Concerts in the Park is a free concert series that takes place every Thursday, 6 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. throughout July and August at Flat Iron Park which is on the lake in downtown Lake Geneva. Music by the Lake is a popular concert series that offers a schedule of performances in July and August. You can buy seats under the Ferro Pavilion or bring a picnic for lawn seats. Either way, you will enjoy being lakeside on the George Williams College Campus.
Do: Soak up some sunshine at one or all of the area’s four beaches open Memorial Day through Labor Day. Take a boat tour with Lake Geneva Cruise Line for relaxed sightseeing, dining or to see mail jumpers deliver letters and packages to waterfront homes. Rent a speedboat, jet skis, kayaks or stand up paddleboards readily available from many watercraft rental businesses including Fontana Paddle Company, Gage Marine, Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, Jerry’s Majestic Marine, Clear Water Outdoor, or Marine Bay Boat Rentals.
Play: Play golf at one of the area’s 11 courses offering championship to par-3 level experiences. The Brute, one of two 18-hole courses at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, features huge rolling greens and 68 bunkers. Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Resort is set amid 250 plush, tree-lined acres and is known for its deep sand bunkers and subtle undulations. Geneva National Golf Club features 54 holes of legendary golf designed by Palmer, Player and Trevino. Evergreen Country Club offers a mature course with 27 holes while beginners, families and kids can enjoy a walkable par-3 experience on the Barn Hallow course at Hawk’s View Golf Club.
Shop: Explore the walkable downtown Lake Geneva filled with specialty shops and boutiques offering antiques, jewelry, clothing, home décor, outdoor gear and more. The Lake Geneva Antique Mall features 40 different vendors. Haberdapper is the place for fine men’s clothing while Edie Boutique is a “must see” for women’s clothing and jewelry. Cornerstone Shop & Gallery carries the largest selection of gifts and home décor. Clear Water Outdoor is a favorite for outdoor gear and Allison Wonderland is the store for toys, games, dolls and more.
Eat: Enjoy the view at one of these waterfront-dining options: Café Calamari, Pier 290, Gordy’s Boathouse and Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn on the west side of Geneva Lake or Popeye’s, Oakfire, Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub and Barrique Wine & Brew Bar on the east side. The Frontier Restaurant at Lake Lawn Resort offers views of Delavan Lake and Mars Resort sits right on the shore of Lake Como.
Sleep: Lake Geneva offers a variety of places to stay, fitting any taste and budget. Will it be a luxury resort in Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, The Abbey Resort, or Lake Lawn Resort; a villa at Geneva National or Holiday Inn Club Vacations; a suite at Bella Vista Suites, Mill Creek Hotel or The Cove of Lake Geneva; or a historic room at the Baker House or a B&B in T.C. Smith or General Boyd’s?
# # #
About Lake Geneva
Situated on the shores of Geneva Lake in southeast Wisconsin, the Lake Geneva area is a four-season recreation, resort and meeting destination easily accessed from Chicago and Milwaukee. Steeped in rich history, the area is known for its beautiful estates built by Chicago notables after the Great Chicago Fire. Many of these early mansions, and newer modern homes, can be viewed by walking along the areas one-of-a-kind, 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path.
Those who escape to the Lake Geneva area find pristine surroundings in every season and a wealth of leisure activities including three season golfing, on the water options, spas, boutique shopping, events and entertainment. From luxury resorts to quaint bed and breakfasts and plenty of dining choices, there are options to fit the needs of every type of visitor. Plan your visit by calling (800) 345-1020, visiting www.VisitLakeGeneva.com or by downloading the VISIT Lake Geneva app.