Lake Geneva and the surrounding area has a lot to offer for sights to see and ways to spend your time. We have boat tour options that range in time from one hour to more than three, and exciting features from learning about the lake to watching the mailboat jumpers to enjoying an amazing champagne brunch.
Whether you’re joining us for the iconic US Mailboat Tour in the morning, a quick Geneva Bay Tour mid-afternoon, or a full lake dinner cruise you’ll need to find other things to do before or after you’re on the lake with us.
Don’t forget to stroll down the public pier to the left of our ticket boat to snap some amazing pictures of you and your friends and family with beautiful Lake Geneva in the background!
Local attractions
Perhaps the most recognizable part of downtown Lake Geneva (other than our boats) is the fountain in front of the Riviera. The fountain is a replica of the Angel of the Waters Fountain in Central Park, New York. It was donated in 2004 by the Driehaus Family, which has one of the largest and most recognizable homes on the shores of Lake Geneva. We recommend selfies in front of the fountain and stopping by at night to catch the beautiful lights.
BEACHES
Right next to the fountain is the Riviera Beach, where you can go swimming in the lake and lounge in the sun. Daily admission is required during the summer, but only until 6 p.m. After 6 p.m., admission is free, but it’s swim at your own risk with no lifeguards on duty.
While most of the shores of Lake Geneva are privately owned, there are several other beaches. Big Foot Beach is actually a Wisconsin state park. The thin strip of beach in Buttons Bay on Lake Geneva is popular with families and groups of people looking to anchor a boat or float by the beach. There are also beaches available to the public for a small fee in Fontana and Williams Bay.
DOWNTOWN LAKE GENEVA
If you continue west from the beach, you’ll find Library Park and the Lake Geneva Public Library. Both are excellent spots to get a view of the lake. The library features a local history collection of rare books, photographs, maps, newspaper clippings and articles dating back to 1849.
Looking for some local flowers, products and produce? Check out the Lake Geneva Farmers’ Market every Thursday from 8 am – 1pm. The market is held every week from May 2 to Oct. 24. Grab some Wisconsin cheese, some fresh produce, a piece of local pottery or a new bar of soap!
PARKS
While our lake is definitely a highlight of any trip here, our beautiful city also has a handful of parks, including several within walking distance from downtown.
Dunn Field (which also has one of downtown’s free parking lots) has a playground and areas to play basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and skateboarding. Flat Iron Park is located right across from the lake, and hosts free music Thursday nights in the summer. Also, within a very short walk of Lake Geneva Cruise Line are Seminary and Library Parks.
LAKE GENEVA WALKING PATH
If you’re looking to explore Lake Geneva and get a unique view of the lake and the beautiful houses along the lake, the Lake Geneva Walking Path is right up your alley. The path follows the shore all the way around Lake Geneva.
It’s about 20 miles all the way around – which can be done in one day but we suggest breaking it up into different days – and takes you right past beautiful lake homes and gives you an up close and personal view of the properties. There are only a handful of public access points, so make sure to plan where you want to start and how long you want to walk.
FOOD AND DRINKS
One of those public access points is at Pier 290 in Williams Bay. Pier 290 is Lake Geneva’s only lakeside restaurant with a beautiful view of Williams Bays from its dining room, outdoor patio and bar, beach or covered canopies. It’s a great place to stop on your lake shore path walk or for a quick drive out of downtown Lake Geneva. It has delicious food, amazing cocktails and live music.
WATERSPORTS
If being on one of our lake tours inspired you to get your feet wet, Gage Marine is the place to go to get in the water. Gage’s experienced and knowledgeable team can help you buy your very own Chris-Craft, MasterCraft, Monterey, Boston Whaler or Bennington boat.
Beach time, walking, sightseeing, good food, watersports – no matter what you choose to do with your extra time in Lake Geneva, we know you and your friends and family will have a great time on our cruises on our beautiful lake and in our beautiful city!