Just 90 minutes outside of Chicago, families have found respite on the quiet shores of Lake Geneva for decades.

Many of Chicago’s elite have built extravagant vacation homes along the shoreline. Seeing these homes and learning the history behind them on a Mailboat ride is one of the highlights of a trip to the area in the summer, but that’s just the beginning!

Things to Do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Lake Geneva makes for the perfect long weekend recharge destination. Here are our favorite, relaxing things to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin any time of year.

US Mailboat Tour

Each spring, a competition is held to hire the summer’s mail jumpers. Athletic individuals deliver the day’s mail leaping from the boat to the dock—a tradition that’s been part of Lake Geneva since 1916

Watch as these daring “mail jumpers” do their daily deliveries to the lavish lakefront homes. This unique tour combines humor, history, and scenic views. It was fascinating to hear about the well known executives who took their fortunes to Lake Geneva to build their dream vacation homes like Nabisco, Wrigley, Sears, and Driehaus.

The boat tour is about 2.5 hours. Bathrooms and a full bar are available on the tour.

Be sure to book your tour well in advance. Being one of the top things to do in Lake Geneva, it sells out especially early if you’re visiting on holiday weekends.

Lake Geneva School of Cooking

Sharpen your culinary skills with hands-on cooking classes taught by an entertaining local chef.

From sausage-making to French Cooking to supper club style dinners, the experience is sure to be educational and fun.

Check out their upcoming classes, here. Instead of going out for a steak dinner to celebrate our anniversary, we decided to take a class with Chef John to learn how to make fantastic steak dinners ourselves! We met great people, laughed, and learned a lot.

Winterfest

Every year, Lake Geneva hosts the National Competition for Snow Sculpting. We like to hit the end of their Winterfest festivities to admire the artists completed works and also enjoy the beach bonfire and ice sculpture walking tour while shopping downtown.

Topsy Turvy Brewery

This local brewery serves up creative craft beers in an a repurposed church. Try their rotating brews and enjoy live music or trivia nights. It’s in easy walking distance from Main Street.

Tip: We like to park near Topsy Turvy where there is free street parking rather than pay the meters throughout the day on and around Main Street.

Sunset at Community Park Over Delavan Lake

Just a short drive from Lake Geneva, this park offers one of the most stunning sunset views in the area.

Bring a picnic blanket, some snacks, and soak in the sunset as it sparkles over Delavan Lake.

Baker House High Tea

The Baker House is one of the most beautiful historic mansions in Lake Geneva.

If you don’t choose to splurge on a stay here, we recommend getting a peek inside the opulent Victorian home by booking their High Tea.

Maxwell Mansion Apothecary Bar and Speakeasy

Maxwell Mansion is a truly unique place to stay while visiting Lake Geneva. They even have an outdoor pool!

If you like craft cocktails, we recommend a visit to their Apothecary Bar for creative spins on your favorite drink.

Late at night, you can transport yourself to the Prohibition era at the speakeasy hidden beneath the Maxwell Mansion. Sip on craft cocktails in an intimate setting adorned with vintage décor and learn about its haunts and legends. Call to find out their password for entry, which changes regularly. This is one of the lesser known things to do in Lake Geneva, except by locals.

Lake Geneva Shore Path

This open to the public, 21-mile trail wraps around the entire lake, offering breathtaking views of pristine waters and grand historic estates.

Use of the trail is permitted to walking traffic only. Scooters, skateboards, and bicycles are prohibited. We suggest starting near the Lake Geneva Public Library and walking as far as you’d like before turning around.

Here’s some more useful info to know about the Shore Path.

Shop Main Street

Lake Geneva’s Main Street is lined with boutique shops offering everything from chic clothing to quirky knick-knacks. We got a serious head start on our Christmas Shopping because there were so many unique finds in the curated shops and the maker’s market.

Allison Wonderland

If you have little kids to shop for, discover their next favorite toy or treasure at Allison Wonderland.

Dust Bunny Books

Dust Bunny is an independent bookstore offers a carefully selected collection of new and used books. We return each visit to have our kids pick out a new story.

Handmade Goods at The Market of Lake Geneva

Support local artisans and browse through unique handmade items, from jewelry to gourmet foods.

I really liked the number of “Design Your Own” stations we found. From charm bracelets, to Trucker Hats and Terrariums!

Brick & Mortar Home

I mentioned this one above. This upscale home decor shop is a joy to peruse! Check it out after you grab your coffee at The Porch.

Coffee Shops

Inspired Coffee

Inspired Coffee employs individuals with disabilities and has a beautifully warm service and atmosphere. Not to mention their delicious lattes make it a must-visit spot before starting your day full of fun things to do in Lake Geneva.

The Porch

Just a few blocks from the shoreline, The Porch is the perfect place to enjoy an espresso drink on the patio. Upstairs, you’ll find a great shop called Brick & Mortar Home.

Boxed and Burlap

Located just outside Lake Geneva with locations in Williams Bay and Delavan, Boxed and Burlap has a cozy setting for hand-poured coffee and fresh pastry. Try the Financier and the Chocolate Babka bread.

The Riviera

An iconic landmark, The Riviera is a historic building that is often a meeting place for the city’s events and seasonal activities.

It’s also the gateway to the docks for most Lake Geneva boat tours.

Golf

Lake Geneva is home to world-class golf courses surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills.

My husband is an avid golfer, and golf blogger, and his Lake Geneva favorites include Geneva National and Hawk’s View.

Spa Day

Treat yourself to a relaxing day at one of the areas top spas: Clear Waters, Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, or Avani Spa at the Abbey Resort.

I hoped to find a noteworthy salt cave experience in Lake Geneva, but unfortunately theirs is not one I can recommend.

Lake Geneva Beach

Relax on the sandy shores of Lake Geneva Beach and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. There is a fee of $10 per person to access the beach from 9am to 6pm daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day. (Children 6 and under are free) This fee goes toward paying the lifeguards and maintenance of the beach.

There are bathrooms for use in Library Park.

Save Things to Do in Lake Geneva for Later

There’s truly something for everyone visiting Lake Geneva to provide a relaxing and recharging getaway! Save our list of things to do in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin by pinning the image below.