The Lake Geneva area is one of the top vacation destinations in Wisconsin. It is only an hour and a half from Chicago, making it one of the best day trips from Chicago (or weekend getaway!). Visitors come to enjoy the breathtaking lakeviews and upmarket (yet approachable) feel.
This post gives you a quick overview of the towns around the lake with the best local recommendations for what to eat, where to stay, and what to do in Williams Bay Wi.
There are 3 main towns around the lake: Lake Geneva, WI, Fontana, WI, and Williams Bay, WI. Each town has a different feel. When you say you are “visiting Lake Geneva” most people mean they are coming up to spend time around Geneva Lake in one of these three towns.
Lake Geneva, WI is the main tourist destination at the lake. Visitors flock to this town for the beach, lakeside restaurants, cute main street shopping, and to catch the famous Lake Geneva boat tours. There is a lot to do but it can get crowded especially in the summer or on holidays.
Fontana, Wi is your elegant yet understated friend. This is one of my favorite places to spend the day with my two sons. It is less crowded than Lake Geneva and has beautiful lakeviews, the Fontana beach, our favorite family friendly resort (the Abbey Resort), a pirate ship park, and coffee shops and restaurants both kids and adults will enjoy.
Williams Bay, WI is the local gem. It is a quiet town but still has a cute downtown area with ice cream shops, a smaller (less crowded) beach, a playground on the lake, instagramable ice cream sundaes, the famous Yerkes Observatory, and my favorite lakeside restaurant Pier 290, which is right on the lake.
Snapshot of Williams Bay Wi:
Where to stay in Williams Bay WI: The Belfry House has recently been restored and is a great place for couples or families who don’t need a pool. If a rustic cabin is more your speed check out Chipapwea Resort (individual 2 bed/1bath cabins with small beach right on the lake). One of the best resorts around the lake, The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa is only a 10 minute drive away in Fontana if you want the full resort experience (my family’s personal favorite!). Check out my full guide to the best overall resorts and hotels, or top 3 family friendly hotels around Lake Geneva.
Where to eat in Williams Bay WI: Eat at one of the top 7 restaurants with a lakeview, Pier 290 (American classics in upmarket nautical theme), Cafe Calamari (upscale Italien), Baycooks (family friendly American and Mexican dishes) or local casual favorite Harpoon Willies. Grab an instagramable ice cream sundae at the Frosty Moose (they also have dairy free and gluten free treats!).
What to Do in Williams Bay WI: Take advantage of the Williams Bay public beach, enjoy one of the best playgrounds on the lake, Edgewater Park, grab a smoothie at the Green Grocer, grab a coffee at Boxed and Burlap, walk the famous Lake Geneva Shore Path to Pier 290 restaurant and have lunch, hike the trails at the 231 acres nature preserve, Kishwauketoe Nature Conservatory, take a hot yoga class at Heatwave Yoga, listen to live music at the Belfry Music Theater, or grab an instagramable ice cream sundae at the Frosty Moose (they also have dairy and gluten free ice cream options!). Click on the links above for full details and insider tips to help you spend less time planning and more time playing around the lake.
No matter which town you pick there are so many fun activities your family will enjoy. For a full list of what to for adults click HERE. For the family activity guide click HERE. For the snapshot of Fontana WI click HERE. For the snapshot of Lake Geneva click HERE.
This post is all about Williams Bay WI.
