Like the destinations referenced in Lake Geneva’s nicknames—“Myrtle Beach of Wisconsin” and “Newport of the Midwest”—it’s a very popular place for leisure tourists and meetings alike when the weather is on the warmer side. But Lake Geneva’s charms stretch beyond summertime, as the area also welcomes groups during the fall, winter and spring.
Continue reading for some great ideas to keep visiting groups entertained during their off-session hours, depending on season.
Swing Into Spring
While Lake Geneva is a three-season golf destination, “golfers get a jump start on their game in the spring,” according to Julie Baron, spokeswoman for the Lake Geneva Area CVB.
The impressive lineup of championship courses in the Lake Geneva area were designed by some of the country’s most prominent players-turned-golf-course architects, including Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino and Pete Dye.
“And Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Conde Nast Traveler each have named several of the area’s courses among the best in the region and the country,” Baron says.
Among the courses planners should check out to host a fun group tournament are the Geneva National Golf Club at Geneva National Resort, Hawk’s View Golf Club and Majestic Oaks, the course at Lake Lawn Resort in nearby Delavan.
If golf isn’t the group’s game, they’ll find a few more activities to participate in at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours & Outdoor Adventure Center, including ziplining and high ropes courses, which are great for teambuilding, and hiking and biking.
Among the activities at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, including golf, tennis and rock climbing, Baron says horseback riding is particularly popular during spring.
“Groups love the scenic views as they ride through hundreds of acres of this beautiful resort,” she says.
And Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, which is situated on a 77-acre, picturesque park-like site and home to the largest refracting telescope in the world, offers private programs for groups of 15 or more people.
Summer Splash
Planners must absolutely get groups out on the water during the summertime.
“Geneva Lake is 21 miles around, three miles wide and nine miles long, affording water sport enthusiasts a sizable playground,” Baron says, adding boating fans can take advantage of a variety of watercraft rentals, such as speedboats and pontoon boats.
Active groups will enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and paddle boarding.
“Visitors love the opportunity to take a break from business and get on the water with a kayak or paddle board,” Baron says, citing Fontana Paddle Company, which is within walking distance from The Abbey Resort in Fontana, as a popular outfitter that customizes group outings. “It’s great exercise and fun.”
Baron says a variety of boat tours are available for less active groups who would enjoy a leisurely float that includes interesting tales about the many estates and mansions that line the shores of Geneva Lake.
Tours via Lake Geneva Cruise Line include ice cream socials, sundown cocktail cruises, sunset dinner cruises and the famous U.S. Mailboat Tour, which according to Baron is the only marine mail delivery of its type in the country, during which mail is delivered to about 60 homes around the lake.
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For a view of the lake above the water and a great photo op, groups should call on Lake Geneva Balloon Company, which facilitates exhilarating hot air balloon rides over the treetops.
Autumnal Allure
Lake Geneva’s changing colors during fall provide an inspiring backdrop for groups visiting at this time.
According to Baron, meeting attendees can get out and enjoy the gorgeous foliage in a variety of ways.
“Fall golf in Lake Geneva should not be missed,” she says. “It’s simply a great way to enjoy the yellows, reds and oranges of fall, while on the emerald fairways of a golf course.”
Groups can also head out on foot to take in the fall colors via the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path, a free public trail that showcases multimillion-dollar mansions, gardens and boat houses.
“Take in the fall colors and literally walk through the front yards of striking century-old mansions, many of which were built by Chicago notables such as Wrigley’s of chewing gum fame, Swift, a meat-packing mogul, and Selfridge, department store founder,” Baron says.
There are also a number of vehicle-free bike trails in the area for those in the group who’d like to cover more territory. Options for cyclists beginning their journey in Lake Geneva include the White River Trail, which goes from Elkhorn to Burlington; the Seven Rivers Trail, from Burlington to Waukesha County; and the Glacial Drumlin Trail, from Waukesha County to Madison.
“There are plenty of small towns and beautiful countryside along the way,” Baron says, adding fall is also a wonderful time to visit area wineries for tastings.
A popular vintner with groups is Studio Winery, an urban winery in downtown Lake Geneva that is also an art gallery and recording studio.
“Groups love this winery for sipping wine while listening to music, and many also enjoy the opportunity to sip and paint,” Baron says.
Wonder of Winter
Lake Geneva decks the halls during the holidays, both at area resorts, including the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, which positively twinkles with 1.5 million lights for five weeks ending Dec. 31, and downtown, where attendees might like to browse for last-minute Christmas gifts.
Walkable downtown Lake Geneva, according to Baron, offers a great selection of shops, including Delaney Street Mercantile, where shoppers will find USGA-approved hand-blown glass putters and other specialty gifts; Fleming’s, which features unique Irish gifts, and Cornerstone Shop & Gallery, which offers jewelry, home essentials and more.
Wintertime is also the perfect time to pamper the group with relaxing treatments at one of its many full-service independent day spas, including Mia Faccia and Jasmine Salon & Spa, or full-service spas located on-site at area resorts, including Lake Lawn Resort, The Abbey Resort and the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
“Groups enjoy spa, fitness and wellness amenities including massage therapy, facials, hair services, champagne soak tubs, yoga, climbing walls, pools, sauna, steam rooms and more,” Baron says.
Longtime contributor CAROLYN BLACKBURN’S favorite season, in Lake Geneva or anywhere else, is autumn.
