If you are planning a visit to the Lake Geneva area, check out these top 9 fun things to do in Lake Geneva for couples!
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the Midwest, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is the perfect destination for couples. This charming town, located just an hour and a half from Chicago, offers a variety of activities that are perfect for couples looking to relax and unwind. Here are the top 9 things to do in Lake Geneva for couples.
Top 9 Fun Things to do in Lake Geneva for Couples
- Grab coffee at Boxed and Burlap, Coffee Mill, or Avant Cycle Cafe (depending which way you come from)
- Walk a portion of the famous Lake Shore Path (a 21 mile path that goes around the entire lake)
- Head to Oakfire for wood fired pizza, beautiful craft cocktails and stunning lake views
- Enjoy a narrated Lake Geneva Boat Tour
- Relax and recharge at one of the many award winning Lake Geneva resorts and spas
- Visit the Maxwell Mansion Speakeasy
- Walk along main street and do some shopping in downtown Lake Geneva
- Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride around the Lake
- Enjoy a guided Scooter Tour around the Lake
- Take a horseback trail ride through the woods (no experience necessary!)
This post is all about fun things to do in Lake Geneva for couples.
Grab A Coffee As You Head Into Town
As you stroll into town I recommend grabbing a coffee at one of these three amazing coffee shops. Boxed and Burlap has a chic farmhouse decor (located right outside of Williams Bay), Coffee Mill Fontana is next to the Abbey resort and has wonderful local coffee, tea and pasteries, and Avant Cycle Cafe is a coffee shop AND bike shop (downtown Lake Geneva). For my full detail on each of the coffee shops click here.
Walk the Geneva Lake Shore Path
The Geneva Lake Shore Path is one of the most unique things to do in Lake Geneva WI. This 21-26 mile public walking path goes around the ENTIRE lake, is FREE and open to the public year round. There really is no better way to view the mansions around the lake, than walking the path right in their backyard while enjoying the stunning lake views! Some people hike the entire loop (which can take 8- 10 hours), but most people opt to walk a portion of the path at a time.
It can be fun seeing the lake from different points of view and taking in the beauty of each location. No matter how far (or short) of a walk you take, you will enjoy this bucket list thing to do! Click here for my full guide on the Geneva Lake Shore Path with entry points, restrooms, and short walking routes.
Eat at a restaurant with a Lakeview
There are so many delicious dining options near Lake Geneva Wi! From Wisconsin classics like cheese curds and fish frys to wood fired pizzas or even gluten free veggie burgers, there really is something for everyone.
The recommendations below are not only delicious, but all of these have a view of the lake. Check out my full guide to the top 7 restaurants on the water with insiders tips and recommendations here. Here is the shortlist of best places:
- Pier 290– This upmarket American inspired restaurant in Williams Bay (15 minutes from downtown Lake Geneva) offers craft cocktails, free valet parking, indoor and outdoor seating, a gift shop and breathtaking lakeviews which make it a local favorite. You can come by boat, dock in front of the restaurant, have lunch and then enjoy the rest of the day on the water. It is also located right off the Geneva Lake Shore path so you can take a pre or post lunch walk! Insider tip: Several places in downtown Lake Geneva do NOT take reservations. Pier 290 DOES and is a 15 minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva, so well worth it!
- Gordy’s Boathouse- Located in Fontana, WI (a 15 minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva), this seasonal (May-October) relaxed American eatery has been around since 1955 and the locals keep coming back! You can dock your boat then sit in or outdoors (where they often have live music), and enjoy the classic american fare and enjoy the view from both places. It is a 5 minutes walk from the Fontana access point of the Geneva Lake Shore path and just around the corner from Reid Park aka the pirate ship playground.
- The Grandview– Upscale american restaurant with beautiful lake views located in the Geneva Inn Hotel. The floor to ceiling windows perfectly frame the lake and are only matched by the steaks and seafood. The hotel also has a first come first serve outdoor patio. This is one of my favorite places to have a romantic date night with my husband, and watch the sunset over the lake. This is located a 5 mintues drive from downtown Lake Geneva.
- Popeyes on Lake Geneva: A Lake Geneva institution! Open since the 70s they are known for their rotisserie based menu (free range chicken, ribs, lamb, and pulled pork), fish fry, kitschy maritime decor, and large outdoor patio. They are located right across from both the Rivera building (where you grab the Lake Geneva Boat Cruises) and the downtown Lake Geneva public Beach. Fair warning- no reservations accepted and can get packed in peak season!
- Oakfire Lake Geneva: Situated right next to Popeyes this is a two story restaurant specializes in wood fired pizzas. They also offer salads, sandwiches and gluten free pizza crusts in addition to the lakeviews. The Mickey mouse shaped pizza was a hit with our three year old and the House Margarita with blood orange liquor and hibiscus syrup is my favorite! This place always has a buzz going on! Again no reservations accepted.
- The Boathouse Bar and Grille: This newish addition to the lake has quickly become an extremely popular destination! Opened in 2017 the family owed bar and grille offers classic american fare (think burgers, wings and salads) and has a large outdoor deck with sweeping views of the lake! The have a large parking lot, you are able to dock your boat across the street so many ways to get here, and have live music most nights from 6-9pm. This is located on the eastern portion of the lake, next to the Big Foot State Park.
- Mars Resort: Located RIGHT on the shore of Lake Como (the 2nd smaller lake located in the town of Lake Geneva). This retro Wisconsin supper club has live piano music, an outdoor bar on the beach (complete with adirondack chairs) and offers short pontoon boat tours from their own dock. Think Wisconsin classics like fish fry, salads, filet mignon, pork chops, and of course, cheese curds! This place in the summer can’t be beat. Sitting on the beach with a cocktail in hand and listening to music outside is the best. Fair warning no reservations are accepted so the inside dining area fills up quickly.
Take a Lake Geneva Boat Tour
This is the BEST way to take in the beauty of the lake! There is nothing better than relaxing on a beautiful boat (cocktail in hand!) while learning about the history of the lakefront mansions and cruising around the lake. The Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers so many different options there is something for everyone: Kid friendly ice cream tours, the exciting mail boat tour, full and half lake options, or jazz cocktail cruise to name a few. For a full guide to all of the types of boat tours and everything you need to except click here! If you only check out one of the Lake Geneva attractions, this should be it. It is one of the top things to do in Lake Geneva!
Lake Geneva Resorts and Spa
In addition to the fun lakeside activities, the Lake Geneva area is also know for wonderful hotel, resort and spa options! For full details and insider tips on the top 5 best hotels click here; for top 3 family friendly places to stay click here.
Short list of best places to stay in Lake Geneva area:
The Abbey Resort : Upscale full resort and spa located in Fontana, right on the lake. Newly renovated spa, multiple restaurants, 3 pools, mini movie theater, arcade, coffee and gift shop in an absolutely beautiful setting. The spa at the Abbey resort has an adult only pool with steam room, salt room and whirlpool. I highly recommend the day pass which give you access to these amenities + fitness room for $35! (pending availably call ahead!).
The Grand Geneva Resort and Spa: This former playboy club turned luxury resort has so many amenities, including it’s own sku hill and luxury spa, you won’t even mind that your are not right on the lake. This is a 5 minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva and offers multiple accommodation options from hotel rooms to multi bedroom villas. Their award winning spa, Well Spa & Salon offer luxury spa services. I recommend the Hanakasumi Signature Treatment….you will thank me later!
Maxwell Mansion: This adult only boutique hotel was the first mansion built in Lake Geneva (in 1855!) by the prominent Chicago surgeon Dr. Phillip Maxwell. The hotel does not have a spa or restaurant on site but does have a speakeasy (password required!), bar, outdoor heated saltwater pool, ballroom with live music at times, and is located within 2 blocks west from all of the downtown Lake Geneva restaurants, bars, public beach, shopping and boat tours.
The Geneva Inn: If you are looking for a romantic getaway in Lake Geneva, this waterfront inn is one of the best places! The Geneva Inn has modern amenities in a luxurious atmosphere with panoramic views of Lake Geneva. While the Inn may not be as large as some of the other resorts or hotels on this list, do not discount it! The service, tranquil accommodations, dining option and breathtaking lakeviews always keeps it on my top 5.
Go Back in Time and Visit the Maxwell Mansion Speakeasy
Do you love a good speakeasy? If so head to Maxwell Mansion! To get inside the basement speakeasy you need the password, which changes every day but can be found on their facebook page. Delicious craft cocktails and a fake door leading up to the rest of the hotel make this a unique, fun place to grab a drink before heading out to dinner in downtown Lake Geneva. You can also stay at the hotel, check out my guide ot the top 5 best hotels here!
Shopping Downtown Lake Geneva
Downtown Lake Geneva has the cutest main street with a variety of boutique shops filled with clothing, toys, souvenirs, sweets, candle making opportunities, coffee shops, restaurants and more! Grab a coffee (or a cocktail) and then stroll along to window or really shop! Allison Wonderland is a must visit toy store right in the middle of all of the shopping actions. It is located at 720 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.
Hot Air Balloon Lake Geneva
Experience Lake Geneva in a whole new way by taking a tour in a hot air balloon with the Lake Geneva Balloon Company. This one hour tour around the lake finishes with a champagne toast post flight celebration at the Geneva Pie Company!
Take a Scooter Tour Around the Lake
Whether you are a seasoned scooter veteran or trying it for the first time, the Scooter Tour is a super fun Lake Geneva attraction! Starting point is at the Grand Geneva Resort, around a 10 minute drive from downtown Lake Geneva. You can choose to rent by the hour, for the day or even go on a guided tour.
All drivers must have a valid drivers license in order to take advantage of this fantastic way to explore the lake area. Bonus- after the tour grab a cocktail at the Grand Geneva Resort before heading back to downtown Lake Geneva. Click here for more info!
Horseback Trail Ride at Dan Patch Stables
Dan Patch Stables is located near the entrance of the Grand Geneva Resort and offers guided trail rides that all levels of riders can enjoy. The horses are very docile so even children (7 and up) are able to take advantage of this fun adventure.
The 45 minute trail ride takes you through the woods, and is a wonderful way to take in the scenery in spring, summer or fall. There is a very small free petting zoo at the entry point as well as pony rides for little children. The activity is cash only and reservations need to be made ahead of time by calling (262) 215-5303. After the trail ride drive up the street to the luxurious Grand Geneva Resort and grab a post ride cocktail and appetizer!
No matter what you love to do, there are so many great Lake Geneva activities for couples! The hard part is choosing what you want to do 🙂 I hope you make wonderful memories with the people you love!
This post was all about fun things to do in Lake Geneva for couples.
