Wisconsin
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

There’s Almost Nothing In Life A Day On Wisconsin’s Geneva Lake Can’t Cure

Geneva Lake in Wisconsin offers a relaxing and iconic vacation experience with various water activities and historic charm.

Published Apr 28, 2023

Written by 

Ben Jones

Wisconsin has thousands of beautiful lakes, and one of the most relaxing lakes is also one of the most iconic. In southern Wisconsin, Geneva Lake has been treating generations of vacationers to a gorgeous experience. It’s the perfect place to spend some time on the water, even if you don’t own a boat. Here’s why Geneva Lake is one of the best lakes in Wisconsin.

Lake Geneva is a popular vacation destination located in Walworth County, about 65 miles from Chicago and four miles from Milwaukee – it feels a world away.

alt
Google / Anita K

It’s been a vacation destination for a very long time. In the 1800s, wealthy Chicago residents built opulent lakeside mansions, and they enjoyed relaxing, extended summer vacations here. It was nicknamed the Newport of the West.

advertisement
alt
Google / Young Huh

You don’t have to be an 1800s beer baron to enjoy a Lake Geneva getaway - the community and the cool refreshing waters of its namesake lake can be enjoyed on a family budget.

alt
Google / Jon Larsen

The lake – called Geneva Lake – is a popular place for boating. There are public boat launches, and rentals available, and you can launch from the lake’s marinas. If you don’t feel like captaining your own boat, join one of the relaxing lake cruises or hop on a fishing charter. Or, simply rent a kayak or paddle board!

alt
Google / Jose Jose

On warm days Geneva Lake is awesome for swimming or relaxing in the sand. There are beaches on Geneva Lake, at the nearby community of Williams Bay, and at Big Foot Beach State Park.

alt
Google / Mark Gumbinger

You can also get out on the lake simply by strolling onto one of the lake’s iconic wooden, community piers. You’ll find them in Fontana, Williams Bay, and Lake Geneva. Enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset.

alt
Facebook / Williams Bay Recreation Department Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals

We hope you're ready for some fun on the water this summer! Interested in more outdoor fun? Here are some other great outdoor activities in Wisconsin.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Paddled Into A World Of Wild Islands At Wisconsin’s Willow Flowage

Published Aug 7, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

As soon as I dipped my paddle, I knew we were somewhere very special. The Willow Flowage is a wild world of little bays and islands, and it’s accessible to anyone who loves experiencing nature. I recently enjoyed a kayak trip into the Willow Flowage, and it was even better than I expected. We traced quiet bays and islands, and I felt like I was deep in the Wisconsin wilderness, even though I was not very far from home. Here’s what I found at this Wisconsin paddling destination.

advertisement

The Willow Flowage is a large, beautiful reservoir that’s located in western Oneida County.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

It was created about a century ago, with the construction of a dam on the Tomahawk River for flood control.

The Flowage is huge – it covers over 6,300 acres.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

It has nearly 80 miles of shoreline, and 95 percent of it is undeveloped. It’s also home to more than 100 islands!

We started our kayak adventure near the Cedar Falls Campground, on the north side of the flowage.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

This area has a long history - Native Americans paddled these waters long before European settlers arrived, and in the 1700s, there was a trading post near here.

We encountered a couple of fishing boats as we paddled downriver, but soon found ourselves alone.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

This place has a very wild and remote feel. We passed some of the remote campsites and wished we had a tent and sleeping bags along – we could easily spend some time here.

advertisement

We saw a lot of wildlife – balds eagles and ducks always seemed to be in view.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

A kayak is a great way to explore this place, as you can easily poke around the shallows. We went ashore on one of the islands and explored a bit. Then we waded into the reservoir’s cool waters.

Continuing on, we paddled through more bays and islands of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

There was so much to explore that we barely scratched the surface of this place. We’re already planning another voyage!

I’ve traveled to a lot of Wisconsin paddling destinations, but I think I have a new favorite spot. Learn more about the Willow Flowage on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website, and check out some area hikes on AllTrails Plus. If you’re planning a trip on the Willow Flowage to enjoy some kayaking near Minocqua and Hazelhurst, here are some must-haves for nature lovers.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

I Soaked Up The Sun And The Good Life At Lake Geneva’s Riviera Beach In Wisconsin

Published Jul 22, 2024

Written by 

Ben Jones

There are scores of gorgeous beaches in Wisconsin - beaches with sweeping sand dunes on Lake Michigan, quiet strips of lake sand in the Northwoods, and beaches that even allow dogs to romp. But there’s a beach in Wisconsin that’s like no other – in Lake Geneva, Riviera Beach is a beach that requires a small admission fee, but I found was worth every penny. Here’s what you need to know about Riviera Beach in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

advertisement

Lake Geneva is one of Wisconsin’s top tourist destinations for good reason – it’s ideally located on the shore of Geneva Lake, and it’s been a summer escape for well over a century.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

In the 1800s, many wealthy Chicago residents built mansions here.

Lake Geneva’s lively downtown is filled with shops and restaurants.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

Whether you’re looking for a special gift or an ice cream cone, you’ll find it.

But you may have a hard time leaving the waterfront.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

There’s a gorgeous stretch of sand that beckons your beach towel. After I enjoyed a hike along the lakeshore, I could not resist taking time to relax here.

There’s a $10 admission fee to access the beach, but there are stations near the beach entrance where it’s easy to pay.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

Once in, you’re in for a treat.

advertisement
alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

The sand is soft and the water is cool. When I was there, a lot of families were on the beach – it’s a safe beach for swimming.

It’s also a nice place to take in the atmosphere of Lake Geneva.

alt
Ben Jones/OnlyInYourState

As I relaxed, boats lazily cruised offshore and people strolled the adjacent pier used by the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. I wished the afternoon could last forever!

I had a wonderful time on this Lake Geneva beach in Wisconsin. Get your Riviera Beach supplies at REI, and if you're looking for a place to stay, the nearby Lake Lawn Resort could be the perfect option.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Food
Restaurants

I Can’t Get Over This Mom and Pop Shop That Has the Best Vietnamese Comfort Food in Alaska

by Megan McDonald
on Oct 31
alt
State Pride
History

I Visited the Oldest Windmill on Cape Cod and Here’s What I Learned

by Melissa Mahoney
on Oct 31
alt
Stays

Getaway and Unwind Surrounded by Nature in the Ohio Hills

by Sarah McCosham
on Oct 31
alt
Food
Restaurants

This Rhode Island Dining Experience Has Been Called One of the Best Restaurants in the U.S.

by Beth Price-Williams
on Oct 30
alt
Nature
Hiking

I Love To Escape the Crowds and Explore the Hidden Beauty of Campbell Creek Estuary in Alaska

by Megan McDonald
on Oct 30
alt