The beach is calling

LOCAL LAKES OFFER SUNNY SUMMER FUN

With an abundance of water the Geneva Lakes area boasts a wealth of sun, sand and cooling breezes on summer days.

Whether it’s the large popular beaches on Geneva Lake – Riviera or Fontana – or the more secluded stretches of sand found on Twin Lakes in Kenosha County or Browns Lake in Burlington, the choices are many.

Because of changing conditions due to coronavirus, readers are advised to verify a particular beach is open before planning an outing.

Here’s your guide to some of the area’s public beaches:

LAKE GENEVA

Located in downtown Lake Geneva at 211 Wrigley Drive, (262) 248-3673, Riviera Beach is a 600-foot-long sandy stretch that attracts both the local residents and tourists from the Chicago and northern Illinois area.

A lifeguard is on duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the summer season. While it is one of the nicest beaches around, it is also the busiest.

Tickets costing $8 per person (7 and older) are purchased from a kiosk at the entrance to the beach.

BIG FOOT BEACH

Big Foot Beach State Park, 1452 Wells St., Lake Geneva, is a 271-acre park on the eastern shore of Lake Geneva. There are many park activities including trails, a playground, volleyball courts, and a 40-acre picnic area. There is a small swimming beach on the lakeshore however no lifeguards are present. A state park admission is required. WILLIAMS BAY

Williams Bay Beach is on Geneva Avenue in Williams Bay, (262) 245-2720. With a clean, sandy beach, Williams Bay attracts families.

Entry fee is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 to 10. Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

It also offers a bathhouse with showers.

FONTANA

Fontana Beach – 505 Lake St., Fontana, (262) 275-6136 – is another large beach that attracts many visitors, especially families.

Food and beverages are allowed but no grills, glass, or alcohol.

Guards are on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Daily rates are $10 for those 12 and older and $5 for ages 6-11. Changing rooms are available. TWIN LAKES

Lance Park Beach along Main Street on Lake Mary in the Village of Twin Lakes is perhaps the most popular. The beach is small, but it features a collar of green grass behind it. No lifeguards are on duty so swimming is at your own risk. There is plenty of parking and no admission fee.

DELAVAN

In the Town of Delavan, Community Park, 1220 South Shore Drive, (262) 7402335, has a large playground, including a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, and picnic area but the swimming beach is small.

The swimming area is delineated to keep swimmers from going out of the area because of underwater weeds.

Daily rates are $2 for children 12 and younger and seniors, and $3 for others. Season passes are availalble.

BURLINGTON

Fischer Park on Browns Lake in Burlington, 30326 Durand Avenue, (262) 763-8446, features a wide, sandy beach.

The park is well maintained. Lifeguards are on duty each day during the swimming season. Picnic tables encourage visitors to spend the day and enjoy a picnic lunch.

There is a per person fee during the swimming season.

from top: These girls enjoy some fun in the sun as they play in the sand at Fontana Beach; Fine, white sand in a park setting makes Fontana Beach among the most popular on Geneva Lake – especially on a hot day.