The Geneva Lake Shore Path

The Shore Path around Geneva Lake offers an up close view of historic estates and stunning homes with beautifully landscaped yards and gardens. As you enjoy a walk along the lake’s shore, you’ll be mesmerized by the clear blue waters of the lake and the tranquility of sailboats, excursion boats and even antique vessels as they glide across the pristine waters. Sunsets over Geneva Lake are as special as they come, and watching one from anywhere along the Shore Path is an experience you won’t soon forget. There is so much beauty around Geneva Lake that you’ll want to explore it over and over again, taking in new sights from different segments of the path. The shore line of Geneva Lake is approximately 21 miles, but the path reaches up to almost 26 miles as it weaves in and out of wooded areas along the shoreline.

Lake Geneva Region

Lake Geneva is located in southeastern Wisconsin, approximately ten miles north of the Illinois state line. I-43 is six miles to the north. I-94 is 27 miles to the east. Route 12 is on Lake Geneva’s eastern border. Lake Geneva is located approximately 90 minutes from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago. It is also about 45 minutes from General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee. The Lake Geneva region encompasses the City of Lake Geneva and a number of villages and towns surrounding three neighboring lakes — Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake and Lake Como. Each of these communities has its own distinctive charm, amenities and natural beauty. Yet together they create a

welcoming sense of place for those who live in, work in and visit the Lake Geneva region. In 1968, the late Hugh Hefner built his first Playboy resort in Lake Geneva. The club closed in 1981 and in 1982 was converted into the Americana Resort, and in 1993 to the present Grand Geneva Resort. A historic marker in Downtown Lake Geneva’s Library Park reads: “The 26-mile lakeside trail along the shore of Geneva Lake

was used by several Indian cultures from 2500 BC and continuing up to 1836 AD. Chief Big Foot’s Potawatomi tribe walked the trail between their villages at present Fontana, Williams Bay and one at Lake Geneva located in this park. Later the trail became the workmen’s path from Lake Geneva to summer estates of wealthy Chicago families.” After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, many Chicago natives made their way up to the Geneva Lake area to build summer estates that were just as impressive as their elegant Chicago homes, many of which still can be found along the shore path today. The path has been preserved by early settlers who decreed that the “20 feet leading to the shoreline be preserved as public domain”. Property owners were responsible then – and still are today – for maintaining the path through each of their properties, which makes the trail uniquely different from one property to the next. Each property owner puts their own personal touch on their part of the shore path. Some have placed benches along the path for walkers to rest upon. Some display artwork or unique landscaping. Others

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might have water stations or signage welcoming walkers to the path.

Walking the Shore Path

The shore path is a big undertaking to walk in one try. It would take 8 to 10 hours for someone who is in average physical shape to make the 26-mile journey around Geneva Lake. It is recommended to walk it in sections, using a few public access points in Lake Geneva, Fontana, Williams Bay and at Big Foot Beach State Park. Please note that walking on private property is not permitted. The easiest place to walk is starting at the Lake Geneva Public Library in downtown Lake Geneva and heading out in either direction for about a mile. This piece is great for those who are traveling with young children or have mobility concerns as it is a paved section of the path. When you are ready to take on more, frequent walkers recommend starting on the south side of the path since it is a little more challenging than the north side. The Geneva Lake Shore Path is something that everyone should take a walk through at some point in their lives. You are sure to discover something new each time you walk it, and the scenes are constantly changing throughout the seasons from the bloom of spring to the ever changing colors of fall, it is a sight to see. Note: Bicycles, skates/skateboards and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the Shore Path.

https://www.visitlakegeneva.com

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