Geneva Lake
Geneva Lake
4.5
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Get this straight: The city is Lake Geneva, the lake is Geneva Lake. Hop aboard a classic yacht for a cruise around the second deepest lake in Wisconsin (135 feet deep and 21 miles around) which is the focal point of a popular resort area also known as "the Newport of the West."
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43 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
479 reviews
Excellent
335
Very good
111
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Ellen J
McHenry, IL1 contribution
Sep 2022
Lake Geneva pretends to be a wonderful tourist site but makes is very unpleasant to visit there if you need to park your car. My friend & I got a $20 ticket when we ran into NINE LIVES Resale store to drop off a donation. We were in the store no more than 10 minutes and went out to find a ticket on the windshield. Why is it that so many other similar tourist towns (Geneva Illinois, Woodstock, St Charles) provide FREE parking for their visitors. They are like Nazi's about collecting money --- really so very unfriendly. The last time we got a ticket the meters( which took coins )were covered in snow piles yet the city of Lake Geneva was still giving out tickets. You really ought to rethink this policy as eventually your visitors will stop coming. I don't plan to go back.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikki D
2 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Parking is very unclear and parking fees are outrageous. $50 for parking in a spot that isn’t marked is ridiculous. Apparently they are marked per block and there is a single kiosk to pay, but if you are a first time visitor, you don’t know that. I’ve never seen a set up like that before so we had no idea. For a tourist location, this leaves a very unwelcoming feeling, but hey, you made quite a bit of money, so that’s what matters, right? Won’t be back.
Written March 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomas j
4 contributions
May 2014 • Family
I had a horrible experience with a guide I hired on lake Geneva.He was rude and sarcastic to me and my family.He even got very angry when I didn't tip him at the end of the trip-will never set foot in this place again john trossen was his name I believe
Written September 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MichiganTraveler40
Michigan32 contributions
Jul 2017
Visited from Michigan for 3 nights, 4 days. Lake Geneva reminds this Michigander of Traverse City minus the cherries, but Lake Geneva is much more affordable. Great shops, fabulous food and many, many things to do. Boating, jet skiing, ziplining, parasailing, or just relaxing--it has it all. It's located close enough to outlet malls if that is your thing or a visit to the Jelly Belly distribution center for a free tour. I would definitely visit again--in fact, after I got home from my most recent trip, I tried to find another friend who wanted to go with me in August!
Written July 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SMOKED1
Chicago, IL6 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
I received parking ticket in the mail WITH LATE FEES. There was never a parking ticking on my vehicle when I returned to it. I was willing to pay the ticket but was disagreeing about the late fees because the notice I received thru the mail was my first knowledge of it. The lady in charge refused the waive the late fees.
Written July 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DeanFlick1
Chicago, Illinois50 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
Lake Geneva is a beautiful, serene, and large lake. There are many golf courses, resorts, and restaurants within just a few miles of the lake itself. Supper clubs dot the surrounding areas, and a genuine Wisconsin experience can be had. However, there are some huge negatives. First off, the locals HATE tourists - (not exclusive to Lake Geneva of course) - so much so that there have been times when I wasn't served in a bar because they knew I was from Chicago. Local staff members are often rude and dismissive, despite the fact their economy relies on tourism. Don't even think about fishing without a license, and do not plan to walk around downtown after dinner time without being questioned by the police in a derogatory manner. Additionally...remember when I mentioned there are lots of things to do within a few miles? This is certainly true; but with one main roadway through downtown, it is impossible to go through, around, or about town without great traffic delays. If you plan to visit the town proper, be sure to plan for a several hour delay if you have to pass the main areas.
Written April 9, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Troy
Loves Park, IL120 contributions
Dec 2018
Beautiful lake only a hour away from Chicago. Illinois back yard. Take a long walk along the PUBLIC trail that surrounds the entire lake shore. Stroll past beautiful lake mansions. Walk for miles or walk a section but take a walk on the lake. It's free and very cool.
Written December 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BHappy2
Petersburg, IL49 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Geneva Lake is a naturally created lake (formed by ancient glaciers) as opposed to a man-made structure formed by damming a stream or river. Therefore, it is very clear and affords great opportunities to view the beauty of the lake bottom in many places. Fish species are diverse because of warmer and cooler waters of the shallows and deeper (up to 130 feet) depths, respectively. Just over 5000 acres in size, the clear waters of this lake provide many recreational opportunities from boating, swimming, fishing and sightseeing. The historic and magnificent (if not obscenely ostentatious) summer-homes of extremely wealthy business families (usually with roots from Chicago) are must-see features of a variety of boat tours. Resorts and moderately- to upper-level priced and maritime-flavored amenities surrounding Geneva Lake have given rise to this area being referred to as the Hamptons of the Midwest. With enough research ahead-of-travel, one can find a great way to enjoy Geneva Lake for a weekend (which is probably long enough) within a relatively wide range of budget considerations.
Written September 26, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mknlmn8
Alton, IL30 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
My husband and I have a time share and are using to go to areas that we have never been before. Neither one of us had ever been to WI so we picked Lake Geneva. Our resort wasn't on the lake, but it was within minutes away. On our first day we took the Mail Boat tour. I highly recommend this. It is a fantastic way to see the entire lake and all the beautiful houses and property. We will definitely be back! We want to try the walk around the lake!
Written August 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
53PatriciaAnne
Chicago, IL18 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
A lake doesn't get much better in the Midwest than Geneva Lake. Access to Chicagoland by train is efficient. By car it is a little over two hours from the city or most suburbs.
Tour boats run throughout the season, offering ice cream socials, booze cruises or dinner cruises. Many of the featured home on the tours are fantastic mansions built by Chicago's wealthiest families following the Great Chicago Fire.
There are several public beaches available, and plenty of restaurants and lodging at a variety of price points, depending on how close you want to be to the lake. Shopping is varied, and there a number of arty places tucked away to enjoy.
Boat rentals are available, but be cautious. There seems to be a sense of abandon, not caution, among the boating public on this lake. I would not recommend renting a boat on high season weekends when the lake becomes crowded and chaotic. alternatively, it is very peaceful to walk quietly along the Lake Shore Path on weekends and observe the lovely sailing races coming out of the Geneva Lake Yacht Club.
Tour boats run throughout the season, offering ice cream socials, booze cruises or dinner cruises. Many of the featured home on the tours are fantastic mansions built by Chicago's wealthiest families following the Great Chicago Fire.
There are several public beaches available, and plenty of restaurants and lodging at a variety of price points, depending on how close you want to be to the lake. Shopping is varied, and there a number of arty places tucked away to enjoy.
Boat rentals are available, but be cautious. There seems to be a sense of abandon, not caution, among the boating public on this lake. I would not recommend renting a boat on high season weekends when the lake becomes crowded and chaotic. alternatively, it is very peaceful to walk quietly along the Lake Shore Path on weekends and observe the lovely sailing races coming out of the Geneva Lake Yacht Club.
Written March 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are there paddle board rentals on this lake?
Roy S
Chicago, IL7 contributions
Yes. Many I a beautiful lake and water sports galore.
Is it legal to swim in Lake Geneva at night?
Wayne R
Delray Beach, FL97 contributions
Yes. Just stay in no wake zones near shore or next to your boat with an anchor light on. There are a lot of boats on the lake. Be careful
CroChicInChi
Jacksonville, FL2 contributions
Hi, do you have NY registration plates? Im betting this is why. Locals/IL residents don't get that kind of "unwelcoming" reception.
Bob F
Brightwaters, NY22 contributions
I am going to channel those thoughts as the answer. thanks.
Danielle W
Brunswick, OH75 contributions
can you rent kayaks to use on the lake?
GoodTimeSmitty
Charlotte, NC225 contributions
I'm sure you can. There are like 2 or 3 kayak rental companies right by the lake.
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Claim your listingGeneva Lake - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Geneva Lake
- Hotels near Geneva Lake:
- (0.05 mi) Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
- (0.09 mi) The Cove of Lake Geneva
- (0.05 mi) Baker House Hotel
- (0.07 mi) Bella Vista Suites
- (0.16 mi) Mill Creek Hotel
- Restaurants near Geneva Lake:
- (0.06 mi) The Baker House
- (0.04 mi) Gino's East of Lake Geneva
- (0.07 mi) Lake City Social
- (0.21 mi) Kilwins Lake Geneva
- (0.17 mi) Scoops