Summer Love: Romantic Trip To Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA

Kirthana
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 8 min read
Summer Love: Romantic Trip To Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, USA

Summer is when dating really heats up. The days are longer, and you have more options to go out and bask under the sun. You could go the extra mile and enjoy a weekend getaway at the ever-romantic Lake Geneva. Imagine sipping on a glass of champagne overlooking the gorgeous lake, or skiing atop the snowy mountains Wisconsin has to offer. Book a stay at the best hotels or vacation rentals, because here are some of the best ideas for the perfect, intimate, and romantic trip to Lake Geneva.

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Sights

Lake Geneva is a popular spot for couples all year around, be it for honeymoon or a getaway. The breathtaking beauty of this place is enough to make you mesmerized, and to get in the mood for romance. Be sure to check out these sights to get this trip started on the right note.

1. Dip into the crystal clear lake at Big Foot Beach State Park

Gfp-wisconsin-bigfoot-beach-state-park-bridge-over-lagoon
Source: Photo by user Yinan Chen used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

One of the best Lake Geneva activities for couples is taking a dip at this crystal-clear lake. Lake Geneva is truly beautiful, but it is difficult to get a good view of it. Big Foot Park is one of those rare places that offer a spectacular view of the lake. The park has great hiking trails or just regular pathways for you and your partner to stroll along, and really enjoy the scenery and sunshine. The park is completely free, but to amp it up even more, there are several options for the both of you to get closer, like enjoying a bottle of wine while enjoying the uninterrupted view of the beautiful sunset.

Big Foot Beach State Park

Address: 1452 S Wells St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

Opening Hours: 6 am - 11 pm

Website: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/bigfoot/

Contact: +1 262-248-2528

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2. Hike at the Geneva Lake Shore Path

If you want an even more unforgettable walking experience, Lake Geneva has a shore path built specifically for those wanting an intimate walk. The single-track footpath is only 2 feet (0.6 meters) wide. It is, however, 21 miles (33.8 kilometers) long. It perfectly encircles the lake, meandering through both the historic and modern estates. Whether you walk the entire length or just a small segment of it, you will definitely make a memory that’ll last for a lifetime. The trail is so beautiful and a truly living masterpiece in nature.

Lake Geneva Shore Path

Address: N2062 S Lake Shore Dr Lake Geneva, WI 53147

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3. Ski atop Wilmot Mountain

Ski with your partner
Source: Pexels

For some excitement, Wilmot Mountain is one of the best places to snow tube or ski. It’s not as tall as other mountains, but it’s sure lots of fun! The snow tubing allows both of you to relive your childhood, and this place has some of the best routes for snow tubing. The hill is groomed pretty well, with plenty of lifts and some decent steeps for that adrenaline rush. The staff are also very friendly. All in all, it has everything you need for a perfect ski session!

Wilmot Mountain

Address: 11931 Fox River Rd, Wilmot, WI 53192, United States

Price: from 25 USD for 2 hours

Opening Hours: 9 am - 8 pm. Closed on public holidays

Duration: around 3 hours required

Website: https://www.wilmotmountain.com/

Contact: +1 262-862-2301

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4. Star gaze at the Yerkes Observatory

IMG_0202
Source: Photo by Flickr user Richie Diesterheft used under CC BY-SA 2.0

What’s a more romantic thing to do in Lake Geneva than gazing into the starry night sky? The Yerkes Observatory is perfect for some star-gazing of the untainted, clear Wisconsin skies. They open up their 90-foot (27-meter) domed telescope to small groups or couples for an evening of stargazing. Be sure to check their night-viewing schedule before you go, so you won’t be disappointed in case it’s closed. But if it is open, be sure to make this a priority. It is a real celestial eye-opener when you’re beyond the city lights. Alternately, make your own star-gazing evening simply by stepping outside, and enjoying each other’s company under the stars.

Yerkes Observatory

Address: 373 W Geneva St, Williams Bay, WI 53191, United States

Opening Hours: 8 pm - 10:30 pm

Access: About six miles (9.7 kilometers) straight west on Main Street to the adjacent town of Williams Bay

Website: http://astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes/

Contact: 262-245-5555 (extension 880)

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5. Cruise along the beautiful Lake Geneva

A cruise along the pristine and beautiful Lake Geneva allows you and your partner to enjoy the scenic wonders it has to offer. Be enchanted by this glacier-made spring-fed lake, and marvel at its historical significance while leisurely passing by the beautiful surrounding estates, most of which were built as early as 1870. It will be a magnificent and restful experience, one to cherish for a long time to come.

Lake Geneva Cruise Line

Address: 812 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Price: Varies for different age groups and time periods. Refer to the website for more details

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm

Duration: around 1.5 hours required

Website: http://www.cruiselakegeneva.com/

Contact: 262-248-6206 or 800-558-5911

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Activities

Now you’ve seen the best sights Lake Geneva has to offer, it’s time to get busy and try out some of the activities this place is famously known for. Be it a soothing spa date or zip-lining into the sunset, each one has something unique to bring to your intimate trip.

6. Sign up for a couple’s spa

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

It's about time you escaped those tensions.

Posted by WELL Spa + Salon on Tuesday, March 19, 2019

After all that sightseeing, your next stop takes you for some much-deserved pampering. There are several options for you and your partner to choose from, so check out all the different cool spa packages. One of the best things to do in Lake Geneva for couples is the 90-minute 5 Diamond Pedicure at the Grand Geneva’s WELL Spa and Salon.

Wherever you choose, you just can’t go wrong with a spa date. Just picture it: around your sore neck and shoulders, a heated lavender-scented wrap; across your tired eyes, a scented eye pillow; in your head, soothing tones per your request. By the end of it, both of your bodies will be left feeling completely revitalized from a relaxing massage.

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7. Kayak with your partner

Now regenerated, get back out on the lake one more time in a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard from Fontana Paddle Company, on the west shore of Geneva Lake. It’s a great and fun way to spend the afternoon at the lake, and it is sure to bring on a lot of giggles as you both try your best to coordinate with each other on rowing the way you want to. It’s an interesting and easy way to test your chemistry, and once you both are out on the water, it would be just the both of you isolated in the serene natural environment. It makes for a beautiful, intimate moment. Additionally, there’s no need to worry if neither of you have any experience; the pros can provide a quick lesson before you set out on your shared adventure.

Fontana Paddle Company

Address: 454 Lake St, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake, WI 53125, United States

Price: from 40 USD upwards

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Closed on Mondays

Duration: Around 2 - 3 hours required

Website: http://www.fontanapaddleco.com/

Contact: +1 262-275-5708

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8. Make like Tarzan and Jane

This zip-lining adventure is perfect for nature-loving couples. Soar through the trees on 8 different zip lines, 5 sky bridges, 3 spiral stairways, and a one-of-a-kind “floating” double helix stairway that wraps around a beautiful ash tree. The 1,200-foot (366-meter) Dual Racing Zip Line is the grand finale, weather permitting.

Don’t worry about safety, everyone in the team is a professional. Above that, all tours check in at the Lake Geneva Canopy Tours Welcome Center to provide you with the basics of zip-lining such as hand signals, positioning, breaking, and self-rescue. So gear up, it’s time to fly!

Lake Geneva Canopy Tours

Address: N3219 County Road H Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Price: from 99 USD for adults

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays

Duration: Around 3 hours required

Website: http://www.lakegenevacanopytours.com/canopy-tours/

Contact: 262-248-9271

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9. Go for a wine-tasting session

A couple’s getaway to Lake Geneva really wouldn’t be complete without a wine-tasting experience. There are a lot of establishments to choose from, but one of the best is Studio Winery. It is an urban winery, where you’ll find fine wine, fine art, and great live music. The owner is very friendly, and he’s even a blues keyboardist who will sometimes join in on the live music. It’s a very laid-back, cool place to enjoy a glass of sauvignon blanc and have a nice, intimate conversation with your lover.

Studio Winery

Address: 401 Sheridan Springs Road, Lake Geneva

Price: depends on the wines selected

Opening Hours: 11 am - 9 pm

Website: http://www.studiowinery.com/

Contact: +1 262-348-9100

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10. Add some magic to the romance

Looking for fun Lake Geneva date ideas? To add some magic into the romance, get tickets to withness the famous Tristan Crist Magic Theatre. The illusionist who headlines this show performs all year-round, and every year people flock to see his shows. The theatre is small and intimate, and there’s a lot of attention given to each person in the audience. Many people claim that despite giving the show their rapt and undivided attention, they just can’t seem to figure out the tricks. You’d just have to see it and believe it for yourself. Whether you figure it out or not, the show is fantastic and would be a great start to your evening.

Tristan Crist Magic Theatre

Address: 609 W Main St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

Price: from USD29 onwards

Opening Hours: 10AM–5PM

Duration: around 2 hours required.

Website: Lake Geneva

Contact: +1 262-248-0505

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Dining

For all the sightseeing and activities you both will be engaged in, it’s more important to make sure your romantic getaway also opens you up to a gastronomical experience with the best restaurants and eateries Lake Geneva has to offer. The food is amazing, and it’s so fresh, you might even have to pick your ingredients yourselves!

11. ‘Forage’ for your food

NRCSHI07012 - Hawaii (716060)(NRCS Photo Gallery)
Source: Photo by user Photo by Scott Ba... used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

At the Simple Cafe, you can choose what you want for breakfast … by foraging for it! In the summertime, tomatoes, eggs, leafy greens, and so much more are in abundance, and you can go around the garden to pick and choose what you’d like for your plate. The cafe has a very cheerful feel too, with its sunny yellow walls and mint-green chairs. Along with what you’ve foraged, you can also indulge in scrumptious breakfast foods, like the brioche French toast, or the harvest frittata, chock-full of local roasted veggies.

Simple Cafe

Address: 525 Broad St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 6 am - 3 pm. Saturdays 7 am - 3 pm

Website: Simple Cafe

Contact: +1 262-248-3556

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12. Share a special soup

Beer Cheese Soup
Source: Photo by Flickr user Denrael used under CC0

Head back into town for what could be called a quintessential Wisconsin soup: beer cheese soup. There are a lot of different versions for you both to enjoy, but there’s one that reigns supreme over the rest. It’s a creamy, cheesy, chock-full of flavor cheese soup that is made with the home brew at Sprecher’s. Choose it for your all-you-can-eat soup and salad lunch special. While you’re there, be sure to order a locally-brewed Sprecher’s beer or soda.

Sprecher's

Address: 111 Center St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Opening Hours: 11 am - 10 pm. Closed on public holidays

Website: sprecherspub.com/

Contact: +1 262-248-7047

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13. Have an intimate meal at Pier 290

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by PIER 290 on Monday, December 21, 2020

Pier 290 is Lake Geneva’s only lakefront restaurant. The restaurant has a patio that extends outside, right near the water. It’s perfect for evening lounging, or even a summer’s night. If the weather is nice it will be made all the more perfect when accompanied by the great all-American food the restaurant serves up. Pier 290 also has a very extensive drinks menu, so you can order some good food, have a couple of drinks, and enjoy the serenity of a summer’s night by Lake Geneva.

Pier 290

Address: 1 Liechty Dr Williams Bay, Wisconsin 53191

Opening Hours: 11 am - 9 pm, daily

Website: http://www.pier290.com/

Contact: 262-245-2100

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14. Have dessert while cruising on the lake

2009-08-27 Lake Geneva 419
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Noebu used under CC BY 3.0

You know what’s better than a cruise along Lake Geneva? A cruise along Lake Geneva with ICE CREAM. This is a 75-minute Ice Cream Social Tour, on the turn-of-the-century-style Grand Belle of Geneva, a luxurious cruise ship that’ll surpass all your needs and expectations. It’ll slowly maneuver around the lake, while giving a narration about some of the famous waterfront residents while passing them, all happening while you and your partner devour customized bowls of ice-cream of every kind, along with banana splits and other ice cream treats.

Ice Cream Social Tour

Address: Gage Marina in Williams Bay, 1 Liechty Dr

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays

Website: http://www.cruiselakegeneva.com/

Contact: 262-248-6206

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15. Sip on some bubbly at Baker House

Lake Geneva, WI 53147, USA - panoramio (6)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RSchulenburg used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The décor and structure of Baker House will bring you back in time. The waitresses all wear big fancy hats, and even hand them out to the patrons to add to the whimsical feel. There is also a piano player to add some music to the interior dining area. At sunset, they all have an evening toast with complimentary champagne. But this place is great for brunch too. The food is exquisite all day, all year round, and you can’t go wrong with whatever you order from the menu. Visiting Baker House is an affair to remember!

Baker House

Address: 327 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm. Closed on public holidays

Contact: +1 262-248-4700

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Make this summer one to remember

With delectable food, world class relaxation, and awe-inspiring sights, Lake Geneva is sure to make your romance and love grow stronger this summer. Why not dd it to your to-do list and create many magical memories with your significant other?

Frequently asked questions about romantic trips to Lake Geneva


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kirthana is currently studying at the National University of Singapore, pursuing a degree in Political Science. In her free time, she enjoys writing for leisure and loves to travel whenever the...Read more

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