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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33 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
478 reviews
Excellent
334
Very good
111
Average
22
Poor
4
Terrible
7
GAJ 93
London, UK66 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
The lake is the main thing in Geneva .just head for a long walk around the lake or go on a boat .The large boats are the cheapest but they are full of tourists who are mainly jumping around for pics all the way rather than enjoying the scenery. I have opted to go on a small boat to maximise the experience ( more expensive)
Don’t expect a lot from food variety and cuisine as it’s very basic
I recommend maximum two days in Geneva
Don’t expect a lot from food variety and cuisine as it’s very basic
I recommend maximum two days in Geneva
Written August 31, 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.
Roy S
Chicago, IL5 contributions
Jul 2022
We went on the boat tour that delivers the mail to the residents that live on the lake. It is a 2 and a half hour tour that circles the entire lake. This was the best time and money spent. Captain Ames and the young men that jump off of the moving boat to deliver the mail at each pier is very dramatic and entertaining throughout each delivery. Awesome young men both in their athletic prowess and eloquent speaking skills reinforce what it takes to be leaders.
Written July 8, 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.
Darryll G
Birmingham, AL28 contributions
Oct 2020
Lake Geneva is a quaint little european town located just north and outside of Chicago (in Wisconsin) and as the name suggest it is all about the lake here.
There is not much to do here other than boating. No other MASS entertainment offered. So must love water and probably should plan to bring your own or pre-rent a boat to ensure you get one.
There is a nice walking trail along the lake that passes through the back yards of people houses you cannot afford.
For a small town there are lots of places to dine.
One more thing, the lake-front is perhaps 90% filled with homes, so keep that in mind - there is limited space on Lake Geneva for enjoyment.
There is not much to do here other than boating. No other MASS entertainment offered. So must love water and probably should plan to bring your own or pre-rent a boat to ensure you get one.
There is a nice walking trail along the lake that passes through the back yards of people houses you cannot afford.
For a small town there are lots of places to dine.
One more thing, the lake-front is perhaps 90% filled with homes, so keep that in mind - there is limited space on Lake Geneva for enjoyment.
Written October 20, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Mknlmn8
Alton, IL29 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.
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.
Are there paddle board rentals on this lake?
Roy S
Chicago, IL5 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, FL94 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, NY20 contributions
I am going to channel those thoughts as the answer. thanks.
Danielle W
Brunswick, OH74 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.
Geneva Lake (Lake Geneva) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Geneva Lake
- We recommend booking Geneva Lake tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Geneva Lake tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Geneva Lake:
- (0.05 mi) Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva
- (0.05 mi) Baker House Hotel
- (0.09 mi) The Cove of Lake Geneva
- (0.07 mi) Bella Vista Suites
- (0.16 mi) Mill Creek Hotel
- Restaurants near Geneva Lake:
- (0.06 mi) Baker House Restaurant & Lounge
- (0.04 mi) Gino's East of Lake Geneva
- (0.07 mi) Lake City Social
- (0.06 mi) Hazel's at Baker House
- (0.21 mi) Kilwins Lake Geneva