Lake Geneva, WI Vacation Rentals

There’s no shortage of good restaurants in the area if you’re looking to dine out during your vacation. Red Geranium is the place to go for fine dining - expect steaks, seafood, and American fare, all expertly prepared. The creamy bisque, the she crab soup or the roast Wisconsin duckling cooked with Port sherry sauce are three stand-out options from the menu. The restaurant also offers private dining rooms if you’re looking for a place to hold an intimate celebration with family and friends.

Lovers of grilled food should head to Sprecher’s Restaurant & Pub for delicious burgers, steaks, and ribs. Sprecher's is also popular for its creative cocktails and wide choice of both local and imported beers. Of if you're craving pizza, head to the cozy lakefront bistro, Oakfire.

Medusa Grill & Bistro, meanwhile, is a great place for a romantic dinner of Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed setting. Order the delectable grilled filet & prawn kabobs as a starter before moving on to the tender Wisconsin veal picante or a tasty Greek salad if you fancy something lighter.

A major attraction of this resort town is the Geneva Lake Museum. Founded in 1983, this well-designed museum features local artifacts and interactive exhibits. Wander down ‘Main Street’ to see historic homes, stores, and a school room and feel what it was like to live in the late 19th and early 20th century. In the North Gallery, learn about the boats and yachts of the lake, the Chicago & North Western Railway, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hotel Geneva.

For art lovers, there's the Galerie Matisse, which boasts a fantastic collection of fine art. It features the works of renowned American, European, and Canadian artists, and even offers the chance to purchase a piece or two to add to your own collection.

Another attraction that's not to be missed is the Black Point Estate and Gardens. Book a tour and admire stunning examples of Queen Anne architecture as well as a sizeable collection of Victorian furnishings. Over at the historic Geneva Theater, originally built in 1928, you can check out the latest movies as well as live entertainment. For magic shows, the Tristan Crist Magic Theatre is the place to go.

Lake Geneva is surrounded by vast swathes of unspoiled nature. Spend a day at the Big Foot Beach State Park where you can swim, fish, camp, hike, or kayak. Named after an early Potawatomi leader, Chief Big Foot, the park offers wooded campsites, showers, pit toilets, and picnic areas. If visiting in winter, why not try snowshoeing, skiing, or sledding in the park?

Williams Bay is another lakeside town with plenty of things to offer outdoor lovers. Visit the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Willams Bay. This 231-acre nature preserve features a boardwalk, birdwatching tower, and trails available for those who like to hike and enjoy nature.

In nearby Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, you'll find Fontana Beach, a public beach that's ideal for sunbathing on while your kids let off steam on the sand. For yet more outdoor activities, take a walk along part of the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path - you'll pass stunning lakeside homes, beautiful scenery, and abundant wildlife.

Lake Geneva hosts several annual events and festivals that are worth planning your trip around. Catch the annual Winterfest event, which takes place over 9 days in and around the resort town. Admire the amazing snow sculptures that feature as part of the United States National Snow Sculpting Championships. There are also magic shows, dog-sled races, ice skating, and cooking competitions.

Come spring, visit the Women’s Weekend event which includes great workshops, wine tasting sessions, and cooking classes. With its welcoming atmosphere and fun parties, you're bound to pick up a few new friends over the weekend.

Another stand-out annual event is the Lake Geneva Festival of Wine. Taste fine wines and attend educational seminars on wine pairings. More gastronomic delights await in Restaurant Week - held each June, this 10-day event sees local restaurants serving three-course meals at affordable prices. Be sure to book your vacation rental in advance if visiting for this popular event.