Discover Lake Geneva in Summer with this list of best activities for an unforgettable getaway.
You’ll never see me travel Wisconsin without stopping by the city of Lake Geneva, WI.
With its picturesque towns, family-friendly beaches, and exciting activities both on land and water, there’s really no boring moment when you’re in this city!
Especially during summer when temperatures peak at 80°F to 86°F! This is the perfect weather for all sorts of outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, zip lining, cruising, and golfing!
Ready for an unforgettable summer getaway in this resort city? Let’s explore some of the most fun things to do in Lake Geneva in summer!
Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Wisconsin summer posts? Have a look at my other posts:
Overview: Top Things to Do in Lake Geneva in Summer
1. Explore the Geneva Lake Shore Path
Nobody explores Lake Geneva without hiking at least a portion of the Geneva Lake Shore Path.
This 21-mile footpath circles Geneva Lake, passing through numerous historic estates dating back to the 19th century.
So, expect a beautiful panoramic view of nature and history combined while you enjoy your walk, jog, or run.
It took me about 9 hours to hike this full trail (including break stops at the docks).
But if you’re just in it for a casual stroll, feel free to explore some of the paths, especially with a self-guided audio tour.
I started the hike from the access point in Big Foot Beach State Park, but there are also access points in Williams Bay and Fontana.
Exploring the shore path is one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in summer, so don’t miss it!
2. Enjoy a Lake Geneva Cruise
Why settle with just walking around Lake Geneva when you can also cruise in its waters?
Cruising is a must-do among Lake Geneva summer activities with the weather at its peak.
Best of part of all?
You can try a wide variety of “cruises” in Lake Geneva!
Of course, there’s the classic full Lake Geneva lake cruise, where you can sit back, sightsee, and enjoy cocktails as you listen to the guides and relish the views of Lake Geneva.
But apart from that…
There’s the ever-so-famous mailboat tour where you can watch daring mail jumpers try to fetch and deliver mail while the boat never stops moving.
An ice cream social boat tour that’s hugely popular among families.
Plus, my personal favorite is the Black Point cruise that explores an iconic 19th-century mansion up close (more on this later)!
I booked at Lake Geneva Cruise Line because it literally has a cruise for everyone of any age or interest. Make sure to try at least one!
3. Visit Big Foot Beach State Park
Summer calls for a good swim, a delightful picnic, casual hikes, and maximum adventures– camping!
If you agree, check out the Big Foot Beach State Park, which I call my very own Lake Geneva summer camp.
There, I always get to have all the summer fun I want.
It has about 5 miles of hiking trails, perfect for nature exploration, and 100 wooded campsites fully equipped with showers and toilets.
Playground and picnic areas are also fully operational.
As mentioned earlier, Big Foot Beach State Park is also an access point to the Geneva Lake Shore Path, so you can easily hit two birds with one stone!
4. Go Zip Lining at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours
For a healthy dose of adrenaline rush, why spend a weekend ziplining at Lake Geneva?
This is one of my favorite things to do in Lake Geneva in June.
After all, it’s not every day that you can zip through 100 acres of nature and see the world from the perspective of birds, is it?
I booked a tour offered by Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, and it was way better than I had expected.
We got to try 9 ziplines, a couple of sky bridges, and even a racing zipline (which I won, btw).
With the tour lasting almost 3 hours, 100% of our money was well spent!
Apart from zip lines, there are also jungle-infused high ropes courses and hiking and biking tours. They’re also top things to do in Lake Geneva WI in summer!
5. Attend the Lake Geneva Venetian Festival
Every time August comes around, the city celebrates the five-day Lake Geneva Venetian Festival.
Surely, joining it is one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva, WI, in summer!
There’s endless live music, carnival rides, tons of food options, and entertainment pavilions.
Of course, it is held in a lake town, and there are also water ski shows and boat parades!
My favorite part when I attended last year’s festival was, no doubt, the fireworks display.
I joined two days of the festival (the first and last), but some of my friends loved the vibe so much that they attended every single day.
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6. Visit Riviera Beach
Next up is one of the best Lake Geneva stops for families– Riviera Beach.
This sandy beach is conveniently located near the Geneva Lake Shore Path.
I love spending afternoons here whenever I need to cool off or relax after a tiring hike or day.
The clear waters, paired with the lush view of nature, create a perfect retreat.
While this beach may not have extensive entertainment facilities, the bathrooms are well-maintained, lifeguards are always on duty, and the water quality is tested weekly.
Yup– it has the perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and hiking during summer!
If you wrap up your afternoon early at Riviera Beach, don’t forget to check out the shops and restaurants downtown, just within walking distance of the beach.
7. Experience Safari Lake Geneva
Safari Lake Geneva is one of my OG places to visit in Wisconsin in summer.
Nope, it’s not a zoo or a theme park.
This safari is a wildlife preserve that lets animals roam in vast open spaces. You can get a sneak peek of their lives from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Among many other animals, we saw camels, blackbuck, cattle, llamas, and bison.
Who knew it would be possible to be held up in traffic by llamas going about their day?
Oh, and don’t forget to buy a bucket of grains when you visit this safari.
There’s really nothing like the experience of hand-feeding majestic animals through your car window!
We spent a good 3-hour afternoon in Safari Lake Geneva. But there’s no time limit when you enter this safari, so you can totally stay longer with your family.
8. Play Golf at Lake Geneva’s Premier Courses
There’s no better time to play golf than summer.
Luckily for golf enthusiasts like me, Lake Geneva is brimming with top-notch courses as a premier golf destination.
Every single one of them boasts stunning views and a fairway full of natural beauty!
If you want a serious challenge, try out either The Brute or The Highlands course offered by Grand Geneva Resort, one of the best Lake Geneva resorts for families.
Both courses are packed with challenges and unique features, with The Brute having a more intense layout and The Highlands being perfect for strategic shot-making.
Want a romantic golfing date?
Geneva National Resort’s The Dance Floor course will welcome you with open arms.
It pairs golfing with a cocktail bar, firepits, and music that sets the mood, a vibe really fitting for one of the best Lake Geneva resorts for couples.
Bonus mention: If you want to play mini golf with your kids, check out the Paradise Golf Park, just steps away from downtown Lake Geneva.
9. Shop and Dine in Downtown Lake Geneva
Like many, I’ve never wrapped up a vacation without a shopping spree.
So, whenever the sky’s too gloomy for an outdoor adventure, one of my favorite things to do in Lake Geneva in the summer is to shop downtown!
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs for friends or a small addition to your room back home, Downtown Lake Geneva has stores that can accommodate your needs.
For home additions and apparel, I love checking out the Cornerstone Shop & Gallery.
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery is a must-visit for local delicacies, and Clear Water Outdoor is my go-to source of outdoor lifestyle clothing.
Before and after shopping, don’t forget to enjoy Lake Geneva’s local restaurants as well.
My top picks are the Baker House for fine dining, Oakfire Pizza for you guessed it– pizza, and Cold Stone Creamery for everyone’s favorite summer treat, ice cream!
10. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Lake Geneva is already beautiful up close.
But it’s even more mesmerizing when you view the city from above, through a hot air balloon!
If you’ve already tried this ride, you’ll know that no words can capture the magic of floating in a balloon as the sun paints the sky with breathtaking colors.
Especially when you’re on top of a clear-watered lake that reflects the colors of the sky!
This activity is an unmatched, thrilling experience connecting you with nature, yourself, and your loved ones.
I booked an hour-long hot air balloon flight through the Lake Geneva Balloon Company.
I totally loved the trip and the post-flight champagne celebration. It was worth every cent!
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11. Visit the Black Point Estate and Gardens
In the 19th century, the Black Point Estate and Gardens served as a retreat for the Chicago Beer Baron Conrad Seipp.
Today, the estate’s serene nature of being a place for relaxation and exploration remains open for locals and tourists to enjoy.
Even the way you can visit this iconic landmark echoes how Victorian VIPs arrived back in the day.
You’ll reach the estate after savoring a cruise showcasing Geneva Lake’s breathtaking beauty.
Some say you should visit this historic gem for its architectural brilliance.
It’s one of the best-preserved structures from the Victorian era and one of the oldest homes in the city.
But I believe that the entire experience—cruising to the estate, exploring the home, and strolling through the lush gardens—is what truly makes it unforgettable.
12. Go Fishing on Geneva Lake
Still looking for fun things to do in Lake Geneva in July?
Fishing might be the key to completing your experience in this lake town.
Yup—beneath those clear lake waters lies an abundance of fish.
So, whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just trying to test the waters like me, you’ll find plenty of fishing fun.
Do you need a license to fish in Wisconsin?
Yes, but it’s incredibly easy to get! You can find one at most fishing-related stores, and it’s as affordable as $5.
The fish highlights on Geneva Lake are the smallmouth bass, walleye, and trout.
According to our fishing guide, it’s best to fish in the early morning or dusk in the summer, as fish prefer cooler water during this season!
We fished from a boat, but you can do so from public piers and docks.
My thoughts on Lake Geneva, WI in the summer
By now, you know exactly what to do in Lake Geneva in summer.
So, you will surely have an unforgettable summer filled with memories, excitement, and adventures!
Whether traveling solo, with a partner, or with your family, you’ll never run out of water, land, and nature activities in this resort city.
Hence, I’m sure, just like me, you’ll also fall in love with Lake Geneva, the home to the best lake towns in Wisconsin.
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
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