Although Lake Geneva may not be the first Midwestern city that comes to mind when planning a Midwestern weekend getaway, this hidden gem should not be overlooked. Spanning nearly seven square miles, there’s no shortage of activities to participate in during your visit.
Whether you’re planning a trip with your friends or family, read on for our list of what you can do to make the most of your visit.
Explore the scenery of the area
Whether you’re staying at a resort such as The Abbey Resort or Grand Geneva Resort & Spa surrounded by luscious greenery, this Midwestern city has a lot to offer when it comes to scenery. Although I recommend driving throughout the region if you have a vehicle, there is much that be explored on foot, too.
Enjoy local cuisine
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the culture of a new city than by trying some local cuisine. Although I enjoyed all of the restaurants I visited during my trip, my favorite was Sopra Bistro. This bistro restaurant offers Italian-American-inspired cuisine from various pasta dishes with creative names including “flava in ya ear” and “crowd pleaser” to various entrees such as grilled lamb chops and grilled salmon.
If you’re looking for a more casual culinary experience, Hill Valley Cheese Bar is a great option. When you visit this establishment, you can enjoy some locally made cheeses in a bar-like setting from the comfort of a high-top table or one closer to the ground.
Take a US Mailboat tour
Did you know Lake Geneva is the only place in the United States that delivers mail by boat? I did not know that, but was captivated every single second of the US Mailboat tour I embarked on with Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll have an opportunity to view the mansions that border the lake and learn about the history of the mail-jumping tradition and the city while watching a mail jumper make their way to and from 75 homes delivering mail.
Visit Yerkes Observatory
Whether or not you’re a science aficionado, there’s much to see and learn at Yerkes Observatory, including the world’s largest refracting telescope. If you plan on participating in a tour, ensure you buy your tickets in advance as space can be limited. Make sure to take some photos of the various mosaics and sculptures inside and outside of the building–there are so many details that you’re not going to want to miss.