Right around the corner from The Riviera, a restored historic ballroom overlooking the picturesque shores of Geneva Lake, Wisc., sits one of those sorta cheesy, touristy picture spots—a heart cutout around the words Lake Geneva with the outline of the state of Wisconsin. 

The setting, honestly, was apropos for the moment. Admittedly, there was a lot to love after spending a few days in this idyllic destination.  

Natural beauty? Check. 

A rich history? Check. 

A vibrant community? Check. 

Luxury accommodations? Check. 

Wisconsin cheese curds? Check, check and check!  

Lake Geneva, population 8,000, is often referred to as the “Newport of the West” and the “Hamptons of Chicago,” but today, the destination is creating a new identity and defining itself as a must-consider for both year-round group meetings and tourism. Located 70 miles from Chicago and 50 miles from Milwaukee, Lake Geneva is an escape from the big-city life with historic mansions, elegant resorts and robust activities. 

“It’s magical, and sort of surprising,” said Stephanie Klett, President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva. “People when they arrive are not expecting such a beautiful region with so much to do, that it just is surprising to folks. We have world-class attractions. That word can be overused, but when you are home to the birthplace of modern astrophysics and the world's largest refracting telescope, where Einstein visited and Carl Sagan taught, that's world class, and that sense of magic and of the unexpected and the draw of beautiful Geneva Lake always surprises people. 

“You can talk about the history, you know, the playground for Chicago and things like that, and all the beautiful mansions, but it really is a very down-to-earth place. It's not pretentious in any way. There really is something known as Wisconsin nice and you're always going to have that little bit of folksy from the heart coming at you.” 

Klett’s enthusiasm is contagious. She’s bursting with energy championing not only Lake Geneva, but Wisconsin. A former Miss Wisconsin, she hosted Discover Wisconsin, the longest-running tourism television show for nearly 20 years before serving as Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for eight years. 

“I feel very blessed because I’ve had 35 years in travel and tourism and hospitality,” she said. “When I was hosting Discover Wisconsin, I logged about a million miles, traveling to all 72 counties, But, when I had a day off, I spent it in Lake Geneva. Same thing when I was Secretary of Wisconsin Tourism. It’s the uniqueness that kept me going back here and what I loved the most is something that few places in the world offer—being able to walk around that big, beautiful, gorgeous spring-fed glacier lake and walking 21 miles past these historic estates that are so much the fabric of not just the Midwest, but of America.” 

The Rise of Lake Geneva 

Lake Geneva became a retreat for Chicago industrialists after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The magnates of business and industry from Chicago—the Wrigleys, Wackers, Chapins, Drakes and Schwinns—were among the wealthy families to build lavish summer mansions on the lake. More than 100 of those homes are still there today and can be viewed on lake tours or on public, 21-miles walking path that circles the lake. 

There’s more history at the Yerkes Observatory, considered to be the birthplace of modern astrophysics and home to the largest refracting telescope. Albert Einstein, Edwin Hubble, Nancy Grace Roman and Carl Sagan have all spent time at the observatory. 

Lake Geneva is also one of only a few places in the U.S. where mail is delivered by boat. The mailboat jumpers, all high school students, have become an internet sensation. 

Today, amenities have expanded to include golf, boating and fishing, nature trails and come wintertime, skiing and outdoor winter activities.  

Visitors to Lake Geneva 

The Wisconsin Department of Tourism released figures earlier this year showing record-breaking progress for Lake Geneva and the Walworth County region. Direct visitor spending rose to $762.7 million in 2024, up from $728.3 million, an increase of 4.7%. 

Total tourism economic impact, which includes direct and indirect factors, increased 4.6% to $997 million from $954 million. Tourism-related employment, total work income and state and local taxes collected as showed increases as well. 

That’s good news for hotel leaders like Skip Harless, Managing Director at Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, and Dan Dolan, General Manager at The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, who both believe Lake Geneva is poised to evolve as a prime destination for meetings and events. 

“It’s a special place and it has been for many years,” Harless said. “There’s a community of individuals who have really honed and developed the destination. There are some wonderful things here that have just been curated and cultivated for so long. There’s a great feeling of hospitality everywhere you go. Everyone knows how valuable the visitors are to the destination.” 

Grand Geneva is a historic venue on its own. It originally opened in 1968 as the Lake Geneva Playboy Club Hotel, the first to open in the U.S. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired hotel featured opulent design elements.  

Today, Grand Geneva spans 1,300 acres and is a Four Diamond luxury resort. The property recently completed a $35 million renovation to its meetings facilities and guest rooms. Outdoor spaces include The Mountain Top, which offers 360-degree views. More renovations are planned, including a new short course for golf that will open next spring. With other improvements, it’s another $45 million in investment. 

“There’s a lot more opportunity for more to do,” Harless said. “We’re looking at glamping and outdoor adventures and I think we could really take that to the next level in terms of enjoying the outdoors. 

“We are designed to cater to groups, and a big part of what groups want is outdoor event space, and we can accommodate that.” 

At the Abbey Resort in Fontana, Dolan is just as optimistic about the future. The resort, recognized by its signature A-frame exterior—the tallest in North America—was named for Europe’s famed abbeys, which were regarded as havens of hospitality and good food throughout the Middle Ages.  

There have been upgrades here as well, including updates to its 334 guest rooms and a remodeled Avani Spa, which has 35,000 square feet. The resort is on the shores of Lake Geneva, and guests can take in dinner cruises and have other events by the water. 

“As time went on, the realization was that a lot of associations and corporations really love being able to meet in an environment that allows them to have both that leisure and business time in equal parts. That is really what has gotten us to today.” 

Dolan is also proud of the strides The Abbey had made in its culinary program with the arrival of Executive Chef Noah Gümüstekin.  

“We source what we do around a Midwest palette,” Dolan said. “We have an excellent assortment of proteins like great steaks and chops. These carry over to our banquet menus, but what’s different is he’s putting a little bit of his Mediterranean flair into these dishes and people are loving it. 

“If you take care of guests in a fundamental way that has an imprint of something special, that’s going to resonate and that’s what we do.” 

Klett believes another strong factor in favor of Lake Geneva is value, especially as meeting planners cope with some price challenges. 

“We’re going to try a little harder because we know there are more glamorous destinations with big names,” she said. “We know you can choose anywhere in the world to go, but we really are a special place that will work hard to make your event or meeting special on a whole lot of levels.” 

And that may be just another reason to love Lake Geneva. 

Why Lake Geneva 

• Nicknamed the “Newport of the West” and the “Hamptons of Chicago,” Lake Geneva boasts hundreds of gilded estates around the lake.  

• Conveniently located between two international airports, Lake Geneva is just 50 miles from Milwaukee’s General Mitchell Airport and 70 miles north of Chicago’s O’Hare. 

• Gary Gygax co-invented Dungeons & Dragons in Lake Geneva, pioneering a new world of tabletop role-playing games that would captivate millions.  

What’s New in Lake Geneva 

• Named Best Small Town for Adventure by USA Today. 

• Golf enthusiasts will enjoy seven, soon to be eight, courses across five properties, including courses designed by Jack Nicklaus. 

SEE 

Lake Geneva Cruise Line 

Photo: Visit Lake Geneva

Embark on a narrated boat tour to explore the lake's shoreline, learn about local history and enjoy the stunning views, including historic mansions lining the shores of Geneva Lake, which stretches across eight square miles. The Mailboat cruise is iconic—and an internet sensation—delivering mail by boat to about 75 homes around the lake daily from June to September.

The cruise line also offered a cruise on the Lake Lawn Queen, showcasing five Frank Lloyd Wright-designed homes on Delavan Lake. With a fleet of eight boats, Lake Geneva Cruise Line can accommodate groups with full-service catering, or can offer dockside service to several Geneva Lake restaurants. 

Geneva Lake Shore Path 

Photo: Visit Lake Geneva

Get up close to some of the estates owned by famous families like the Wrigleys, Maytags and Schwinns along this 21-mile public trail encircling Geneva Lake, providing walkers with scenic views of the historic estates, lush gardens and the tranquil waters. It's a perfect way to immerse oneself in the area's natural beauty and architectural charm. 

Yerks Observatory

Home to the largest refracting telescope, the majestic Yerkes Observatory is the birthplace of modern astrophysics and has a rich history of science discovery and education. Since 1897, the observatory has welcomed astronomers, astronauts, Nobel Prize winners, scientists, educators and the public. Albert Einstein, Carl Sagan, Edwin Hubble and Nance Grace Roman have all visited, worked or studied there. Join a public tour, do some star gazing or explore the arboretum and exhibits. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Hosts Chicago, a Hosts Global Member. 

DO 

Fishing 

Photo: Lake Geneva Fishing Guide Services website

The area is a go-to destination when it comes to freshwater fishing. The Lake Geneva region features largemouth bass and brown trout in Geneva Lake, with 5,400 acres and a water depth of 15 feet provide ideal conditions. For trout, panfish, walleye and bass, explore nearby streams and lakes such as Delavan Lake and Lake Como. Lake Geneva Fishing Guide Services offers insight and resources. 

Hiking 

Photo: Big Foot Beach State Park website

Located south of downtown, Big Foot Beach State Park offers more than six miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and a beach for swimming. There are 100 campsites, and the trails can be used for hiking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

Honey Tasting 

Photo: Queen Bee Artisan Market website

Experience the diverse favors of nature with a guided honey tasting at Queen Bee Artisan Market. Each session offers a curated exploration of distinct honey varietals, thoughtfully paired with locally made cheese. Led by knowledgeable honey sommeliers, enjoy the unique characteristics and origins of each sample.  

Get a Bird’s Eye View 

Photo: Visit Lake Geneva

Enjoy aerial views with a hot-air balloon ride from Lake Geneva Balloon Company or try a zipline with Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures, which features nine ziplines, five sky bridges and four spiral stairways. 

First Mansion in Lake Geneva 

Photo: Lake Geneva Image Library

Maxwell Mansion, built in 1856, was the first mansion built on Lake Geneva. The antique Apothecary Bar is a must-see and each drink is uniquely crafted for every patron. Find the concealed opening and give the secret password to gain entrance to a below-ground speakeasy. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Hosts Chicago, a Hosts Global Member. 

EAT  

Pier 290 

Located on the shores of Geneva Lake, Pier 290 is Lake Geneva’s only lakeside restaurant with dining both inside the nautical-themed dining room and outside on the patio and under covered canopies. The menu includes fresh salads to seafood and grilled steaks; the winter menu adds comfort food. One item that is a must any time of the year is Wisconsin cheese curds, the quintessential state snack. The fresh, squeaky bites of cheddar cheese, often battered and deep-fried, are served with spicy marinara.  

Oakfire Pizza 

Photo: Oakfire

Enjoy crafted Neapolitan pizzas in an old, remodeled house-turned-diner built in the 1850s. After 100,000 pizza were served, Oakfire built a new building with two ovens and a second floor overlooking Geneva Lake. Each pizza is wood-fried at 1000 degrees in an imported Stefano Ferrara oven and made with both locally sourced and imported Italian ingredients. Highly recommend the pepperoni and honey pizza! 

Mars Resort 

Photo: Mars Resort website

Mars Resort is a 100-year-old, classic Wisconsin supper club nestled on the shore of Lake Como. Plan a visit on Wednesdays and Fridays for the famous fish fry. 

Sopra 

Photo: Sopra website

Chef Simon Cumming has created a menu at this American bistro that serves fresh and bold flavored Italian-American foods. The brrr-atta (sauteed brussels sprouts, shallots, garlic, Mediterranean yellow tomatoes, chilled currata, lemon zest, crushed croutons, roasted chili oil and orecchiette) and on guard (grilled swordfish, garlic potato puree, grilled broccolini and lemon caper butter) are just two of the tasty items on the menu. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Hosts Chicago, a Hosts Global Member. 

STAY/MEET 

ALHI Members Grand Geneva Resort & Spa and The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa are ready to welcome you and your guests, serving as a luxurious homebase while you experience the area. 

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa 

Nestled among 1,300 acres, Grand Geneva Resort & Spa is a Four Diamond luxury destination offering pristine views, award-winning restaurants, championship golf courses, spa services and activities for every season. an array of amenities from outdoor activities. The resort has 358 guest rooms and 62,000 square feet of meeting space, including nearly 14,000 square feet in The Forum, Lake Geneva’s largest event space. There is more than 15,000 square feet of outdoor venue space including the Chalet and The Landing. In addition to a full-service spa and salon, the property offers a fitness center with tennis, pickleball, basketball and a 35-foot climbing wall. There’s also a ski hill which can be used for multiple events. 

The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa 

Located on the shores of Geneva Lake in Fontana, The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa is the only full-service resort on the waterfront. With it’s iconic A-frame exterior, the resort sits on 90 acres with 334 guest rooms and more than 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. The Conference Center has more than 6,000 square feet of space and the full-service spa was recently refreshed. The West Shore Pavilion overlooks the lush greenery of the grounds. There are two restaurants on property, including 240 West, under the purview of Executive Chef Noah Gumustekin. Guests can watch harbor sunrises and the day with a dinner cruise from the shore or enjoy bonfires and s’mores.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and Hosts Chicago, a Hosts Global Member.