Boat Cruises

Seeking refuge from the summer heat in the 19th century gilded age, Midwestern city dwellers adopted Lake Geneva as their summer playground, building palatial seasonal homes along the lake. On May 4, guests can visit one of the area’s first lakeside homes when Black Point Estate and Gardens, a Wisconsin Historical Society site, opens for the season.

Built by Chicago Beer Baron Conrad Seipp in 1888, the 20room Queen Anne-style home surrounded by beautiful gardens offers a peek into turn-ofthe-century life. Guests embark upon a three-and-a-half-hour cruise, arriving by boat just as family friends would have in a bygone era, and enjoy a home tour led by historical interpreters who relay family tales while pointing out architectural elements and interior décor details characteristic of the period.

“The Seipp’s well-loved home, with its welcoming Veranda and rooftop cupola overlooking the lake, gives guests a glimpse of gilded-age life,” said David Desimone, director, of Black Point Estate and Gardens. “We are fortunate that the home remained in the family until donated to the State of Wisconsin in 2005, as we inherited all of the original furnishing and artifacts.”

A full roster of experiences and events are in store for guests these summer. In partnership with Lake Geneva Cruise Lines, the narrated boat cruise offers commentary on the historic homes along the lake and an interior tour of Black Point Estate and Gardens. The cost is $51 for adults, $49 for teens (13-17) $49 for seniors (65+) and free for children three and under. Visit blackpointestate.org for more information or to purchase tickets.

The spring season

Runs from May 4-26 with tours on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The summer season is from May 27-Aug. 30 with tours Monday-Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and Friday-Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Fall hours are from Aug. 31-Oct. 31 with tours Monday-Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tours depart from Riviera Docks in Lake Geneva.

Remarkable Women of Lake Geneva Cruise –Sunday, May 12, 12:30 to 4 p.m.

The narrated Mother’s Day boat cruise travels past many of the lake’s historic homes and landmarks, with a historic interpreter sharing stories of the fascinating women who lived and worked along its shores. The experience includes a tour of Black Point Estate and a complimentary glass of wine. The cost for adults is $55 per person and free for children under five.

Beer Barons of Lake Geneva

Cruise – Saturday, June 15, July 13, Aug. 10, 12:30 to 4 p.m.

This afternoon cruise explores the stories and legacies of beer barons—including the famous Schlitz family—who once vacationed and lived on Lake Geneva. In addition to a tour of Black Point Estate, guests are treated to a beer tasting highlighting brews unique to the region. The cost for adults is $70 per person.