Located 90 minutes northwest of Chicago and 45 minutes west of Milwaukee is the popular Lake Geneva. Here you will find the three small towns of Lake Geneva, Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake, Williams Bay along with Lake Como and Delavan and Delavan Lake to the north. You can spend the weekend in the area or enjoy a day trip. Here you will find historic waterfront hotels and restaurants, historic architecture, supper clubs and bars, farm stands, orchards, distilleries, wineries, music, theater and outdoor adventures including boat cruises and tours, golf courses, hiking, bilking and winter activities, My top recommendations include:
Lake Geneva and Geneva Lake
This lakeside community has been a popular resort town for people from both cities for many years. With many wealthy Chicago families building summer mansions there after the Civil War, it became known as the Newport of the West.
Today it is a popular day trip or weekend destination with hotels, resorts, bars, restaurants, galleries, antique stores and gift shops. Plus, there is golfing, boating, hiking and lake cruises. The 26-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path is a great way to see many of the large mansions along the lake.
I always enjoy walking downtown in the Main Street Historic District, dating from the 1860s, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
Where to Eat and Drink in Lake Geneva
I recommend enjoying a great lunch at the Simple Cafe located at 525 Broad St., which is a three block walk from the lake. This colorful restaurant has a large breakfast menu featuring eggs, omelets and frittatas. They also have a lunch menu with salads, soups and sandwiches. Using locally sourced ingredients, the food is fresh and very good.
Next door is their Simple Bakery & Market if you want to take home some of their great bread or cookies. I recently went back and loved the oatmeal raisin cookies.
On my recent trip I enjoyed my brunch at Lake Aire Restaurant. It is a classic American restaurant that has been open for over 50 years. They have a large breakfast menu along with many lunch and dinner options. I recommend the eggs benedict. 804 W. Main St.
A local friend recommends Barrique Bistro & Wine Bar near the beach downtown. It has a menu of small plates, flatbreads, seafood and other entrees. They have popular patio as well. 835 Wrigley Dr.
Stop in at Kilwins Confectionary for an ice cream as you explore downtown and the lakefront. It is always good!!! 772 Main St.
I also recommend Scoops Ice Cream at 101 Broad Street just around the corner from Kilwins. I loved the pumpkin flavor on a beautiful October afternoon! I went back again in September 2026 and loved the caramel apple pie flavor before heading home to Chicago.
For coffee I suggest supporting Inspired Coffee which “employs people with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities where they are celebrated, job trained, coached and, over time, placed into a fully integrated work setting.” 883 W. Main.
Also downtown is The Olympic Restaurant, a retro diner, at 748 W. Main St. known for its breakfasts. It has been open for over 60 years.
Other restaurants that get good reviews include Sopra Bistro at 724 W. Main for Italian specialties and the waterfront classic steakhouse, The Geneva Inn Restaurant and Lounge at N2009 S. Lake Shore Drive. Oakfire Pizza is a casual lakefront bistro serving pizza and other Italian specialties. 831 Wrigley Dr. Also, for Italian you might check out Tuscan Tavern & Grill at 430 Broad. St.
Opened in August, 2021 is Zaab Corner Bistro at 501 Broad St. It replaced the former and popular Medusa Grill and Bistro. Their menu features seafood, steaks, barbecue and Hibachi-fusion prepared dishes.
I love classic diners, so next time I want to visit Jonie’s Diner, just outside of downtown at 111 S. Wells St. Built in 1954 in Pennsylvania, it was then moved to Connecticut and later to Lake Geneva. Unfortunately it was closed on the day that I was back in town. I also want to try Great Eggs, a cafe at 220 Cook St. for breakfast and lunch wraps along with smoothies and coffee drinks.
I would also love to try Speedo’s Harborside Pub & Grill which looks like a fun, casual spot open for breakfast, lunch and dinner at 100 Broad St. They also have an outdoor patio near the harbor.
One of my favorite new finds is the Topsy Turvy Brewery located at 727 Geneva St. in a former church building. I loved the atmosphere as they have kept many of the stained glass windows from the church. They have an outdoor patio as well as a beer garden in the back. They make a number of beers onsite including ales, IPAs, lagers, porters and stouts. I really enjoyed the Secret Cherry Tree Stout which is a rich beer made with a dark sweet cherry puree.
Another favorite new spot is Mars Resort, a classic supper club, located on the shores of Lake Como just northwest of downtown Lake Geneva. I really enjoyed the experience. We sat on the outside terrace overlooking the lake and loved the fish fry which they have on Wednesday and Friday evening. The baked cod was a great choice. W4098 S Shore Dr.
Nearby is The Getaway at W4190 West End Rd. This is a restaurant also located on Lake Como in the French Country Inn which features seafood, Italian specialties, a Friday fish fry and steaks. They are also open for breakfast. I enjoyed eating with the views of the water with local friends in September 2026. It also has outdoor seating.
What to Do in Lake Geneva and Geneva Lake
On my most recent trip, I did a boat tour from Gage Lake Geneva Cruise Line. They offer a number of tours, in the warmer months, from an hour tour of 1/2 of the lake to full lake tours, lunch cruises, cocktail cruises, supper club dinner cruises, jazz dinner cruises and Sunday brunch cruises. My friend and I opted for the 1/2 of the lake tour which highlighted many of the historic mansions. We both enjoyed it and were very pleased that we chose to do it on a beautiful fall, October day. I recommend that you book your cruise online before you go. The boats leave from the Riviera Docks at 812 Wrigley Dr. downtown.
Make sure to stop by to view the Lake Geneva Public Library at 918 W. Main. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright protege, James R. Dresser, the prairie style building overlooks the lake from its downtown location in Library Park.
There are a number of attractive shops downtown offering home accessories, gift and clothing. My favorites included Cornerstone Shop & Gallery at 214 Broad St. Since 1988, this boutique features apparel, furniture, home accessories, wall art, rugs and gifts.
At 235 Broad St, Water Lilly features clothing for women and children including colorful apparel, gifts and accessories from Lilly Pulitzer.
Located at 244 Broad St. is the Geneva Stage. This is a is a fully-restored live entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown that originally opened in 1928. Today in addition to a broad range of live music genres, they host stand-up comedy, theatrical plays along with classic and indie films. Make sure to check out the schedule.
Where to Stay in Lake Geneva
As to where to stay in Lake Geneva, I just read about the Maxwell Mansion. This is a small inn that is part of the Historic Hotels of Lake Geneva. You can stay in the main building, an historic mansion from 1856, with elegant traditional rooms or in the carriage house and stables that features modern suites. Here you can enjoy a cocktail in their Apothecary Bar or subterranean The Speakeasy. 421 Baker St.
To stay on the lake, The Geneva Inn at N2009 S. Lake Shore Dr. has really lovely rooms and a restaurant overlooking Lake Geneva. Chicago friends were just there and loved it.
The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is an award-winning hotel and spa with a golf course, ski hill and other winter sports along with a number of restaurants. The Lodge at Geneva National is also a popular golf destination along the water on Lake Como.
Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake
Fontana-on-Geneva-Lake is a small, charming village of 3,100 people in the southwest corner of Geneva Lake. I recommend that you add it to your visit to the area.
Along the lake you will the Fontana Municipal Piers, The Shore Shack at Gordy’s Marine for dining on the water and Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn for dining near the water.
At 269 Fontana Blvd, The Abbey Resort is one of the most popular resorts on Geneva Lake. It is a large resort with some room overlooking the Abbey Harbor. There are several dining options including the Waterfront Restaurant with great views.
Williams Bay
Williams Bay is another small village of 3,000 people located at the northwest corner of Geneva Lake. Here you can visit:
Yerkes Observatory: The Yerkes Observatory is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay. It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2018. The observatory, often called “the birthplace of modern astrophysics,” is now operated by the Yerkes Future Foundation. Visits and tours are available. 373 W. Geneva St.
Cafe Calamari is a popular Italian steakhouse for its steaks, seafood and pastas. It is located at 10 E. Geneva St. They also own Harpoon Willie’s at 8 E. Geneva St. It is a pub with bbq, steaks, tacos and more.
Make sure to stop in at the Frosty Moose, 35 W Geneva St., for ice cream or a sandwich. It has been in town since 1980.
PIER 290: This is an upscale restaurant with excellent views and an outside bar/patio. They also have live music. I really enjoyed having a drink in the bar overlooking the lake on a perfect fall day. They are open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch along with outdoor dining on the patio.1 Liechty Drive in Williams Bay.
Delavan and Delavan Lake
Delavan is a 15 minute drive north of Williams Bay. I recently went back after several years in September 2026 on a beautiful fall day. I found some must-sees that I recommend:
Pearces’s Farm Stand is known for growing, harvesting and delivering fresh produce seasonal fruits and vegetables at W5740 N. Walworth Road Walworth WI, just north of Williams Bay on the way to Delavan. I was there in October and loved seeing their pumpkins and fall decor, live music, the corn maze and childrens activities. They feature corn, jams and jellies, specialty breads and donuts, hand-dipped caramel apples and maple mustard. It is a great experience, particularly for families. It is open daily from July through October.
The Duck Inn: Located at Hwy 80 and A in Delavan. The Duck Inn is an historic Wisconsin supper club serving American steakhouse fare including steaks, duck and seafood dishes and cocktails in a rustic setting. It is now owned by Jeff and Nora Karbash. It was first a speakeasy during prohibition, but became a supper club afterwards. It is open for dinner Thursday through Sunday and for lunch on Sunday. I went on Sunday for lunch a loved the roast duck served on wild rice along with three sauces, a l’orange, mushroom, or cherry jubilee. I highly recommend the experience.
Staller Estate Winery: Across from The Duck Inn is Staller Estate Winery. They make a number of white, blush, dessert and red wines on this very attractive property with historic barns. I opted for tasting of the four flight and chose the Sunset Cuvee blush wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon,, Old Vine Zinfandel and Estate Reserve red wine. My favorite was the Old Vine Zinfandel which was full bodied with a smooth finish. W8896 County Highway A.
I went for lunch at the Wagon Wheel in Delavan. This is a casual bar and grill that was orginally opened in 1932. I enjoyed meeting the owner Kevin Hibl who bought the tavern after it closed and then after some major renovations, reopened it several years ago. It continues to have a rustic log cabin interior along with a small food menu. The back room was actually a former school house. I enjoyed my cod filet sandwich. I recommend that you visit when you are in town.
Downtown Delavan has a small attractive downtown some fun bakeries, cafes and restaurants including several Mexican stores and cafes. I highly recommend that you stop in at The Home Style Bakery at 310 E. Walworth Ave. This is a popular bakery that specializes in baked goods including their tres leches cake, cupcakes, pies and apple cider donuts. I really loved the apple cider donut!!
Nearby is Boxed and Burlap Downtown at 230 E. Walworth Ave. In addition to selling coffee drinks and food, this large space includes their roastery, an art studio, cocktail bar and private events venue. I enjoyed my latte when I was in town. They also have a second location at 2935 State Rd. 67 east of Delavan Lake. I stopped in after my lunch and bought a cranberry orange scone which I enjoyed upon returning home. The location is really lovely with a beautiful outdoor patio.
Next door is The Belfry Music Theatre at 3601 State Rd. 67. Located in a former church building, it was formerly the home of the Belfry Theater and The Belfry Players. Today is hosts primarily live music and performances by tribute bands.
According to At the Lake Magazine, Delavan, Wisconsin, once known as the “19th Century Circus Capital.” From 1847 to 1894, performers from more than 26 different circuses called Delavan home – that is, when they were not on the road. Delavan became the winter site for these shows, a place where they could rest their animals, store their equipment, and develop new acts. In 1870 P.T. Barnum (led by William C. Coup) founded his circus in Delavan.
On my recent trip to the area in September 2026, I stayed on Delavan Lake at the Lake Lawn Resort. Located at 2400 E. Geneva St., this is a resort overlooking the lake that was established in 1878. It has 250 acres long 2 miles of shore. There are rooms, suites and resort homes for rent. There is also a golf course, kayak and boat rentals, boat tours, a spa and fitness center, a pool and several dining options.
I liked my room with a view of the water. The 1878 on The Lake Restuarant had great views as well.
Also on the shores of Delavan Lake is The Inn Between. For over 40 years, this is a small, classic, casual lakefront bar and grill. They have both indoor and outdoor deck and patio seating and TVs for watching sports. The menu includes burgers, appetizers like cheese curds, sandwiches, tacos, salads, steaks, seafood and more. I enjoyed some fish and chips for lunch after driving up from Chicago. The owner was very friendly. Make sure to check it out when you are in town. 1522 Beckman Dr.
Between 1900 and 1905, five Chicago-area residents commissioned Frank Lloyd Wright to design their summer cottages on the south shore of Delavan Lake. They are located along South Shore Drive. I had hoped to see them, but the boat tour from the Lake Lawn Resort had stopped for the season and seeing them from the road was not possible to due to private driveways and a long distance from the road. I hope to see them on my next trip.