Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is a small city in southeastern Wisconsin, roughly 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Chicago, on the shore of a lake with the same name. The city offers numerous water access points, parks along the promenade, and several boat piers for recreation.

European settlers reached the area in the early 19th century and built a community that quickly shifted from a trading post to a small town. By the end of that century, the place attracted wealthy families from Chicago who built their summer homes here.

The town center grew around leisure tourism, drawing visitors from Chicago and Milwaukee for more than a century. Many lakeside estates and boathouses along the shore still reflect this tradition of wealthy summer guests.

The waterfront path works well for walking and offers several benches with views over the water. The town is easy to reach by car, though the main street can get quite busy during the summer months.

A narrow footpath runs nearly 25 miles (40 kilometers) around the entire shoreline, allowing hikers to pass through private estates and hidden coves. This trail came from a centuries-old right of way and remains open to the public today.

Location: Walworth County

Elevation above the sea: 268 m

Website: https://cityoflakegeneva.com

GPS coordinates: 42.59250,-88.43444

Latest update: December 17, 2025 07:33