The Lake Geneva area offers scores of outdoor experiences year-round, whether groups want to leisurely stroll around the lake, take a winter sleigh ride or sip some mulberry wine under the sun.
Hit the trail with the help of Dan Patch Stables (www.danpatchstables.com), which offers year-round trail rides. Hayrides, sleigh rides, carriage rides and bonfires are available with advance notice. The stables are located at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Groups can also combine surf and turf with a kayaking excursion and a horseback ride thanks to the stables’ partnership with Codie’s Kayaking & Canoeing (www.codieskayaking.com).
Apple Barn Orchard and Winery (www.applebarnorchardandwinery.com), located in Elkhorn, grows strawberries, pumpkins and a dozen varieties of apples, and creates wines and ciders out of its fruits and wild berries. Some libations include Hardy Pear cider and wines such as Mulberry Lane, Raspberry Heritage and Pumpkin Wine. The farm offers groups scheduled wine tastings, one-hour tours of the farm and apple picking in September and October. In June and July, visitors can pick their own strawberries, and in November and December there are Christmas activities. Picnic space is available.
Animal Gardens (www.animal gardens.com) in Delavan is a family-friendly option that features outdoor activities for groups. The attraction is situated on a 40-acre estate and includes the Exotic Bird Show, featuring birds that have been featured on the television channel Animal Planet and The Jay Leno Show.
Groups can reach for the stars at Yerkes Observatory (http://astro.uchicago.edu/yerkes) in Williams Bay. The observatory, which is considered the birthplace of modern astrophysics, offers star parties on its lawn throughout the year, weather permitting. A guide will help groups of up to 25 look for constellations, nebulae, meteors and even moving, man-made satellites. Other special programs are available.
Big Foot Beach State Park (www.wiparks.net) offers plenty of winter activity options, such as cross-country ski trails and a sledding and snowboarding hill. This 271-acre park on the shores of Geneva Lake also features a sand beach in the summer. The park includes 5.5 miles of hiking trails that wind through meadows and forests.
Lake Geneva Fishing Guide Service (www.lakegenevafishing.com) organizes fishing outings for groups on Geneva Lake. The outfit encourages catch and release fishing, but arrangements can be made for pan fish or trophy fish.
Attendees can enjoy the pleasant Midwestern sun at the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market (www.nlpromtionsllc.com) while perusing the antiques. The market is held on select dates in May, June, August and September at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. It’s one of the largest antique markets in Wisconsin. Varied food vendors offer everything from fresh corn on the cob to ribeye sandwiches and jumbo turkey legs.
Marina Bay Boat Rentals (www.lakegenevaboats.com) offers boat, wave runner, tubing and skiing rentals. Private charters are also available for groups looking to "chillax" on the lake.
Groups can take in Geneva Lake views and get a unique historical perspective on the area thanks to walking guides titled Walk, Talk and Gawk (www.walktalkgalk.com). The guide includes seven separate walks around the lake (for a total of 21 miles of public paths). Information on the estates of the famous families is also included.
