Lake Geneva in August
August, the last month of everyone’s most beloved summer season, is finally here.
If you’re planning to spend this month to travel Wisconsin, you better spend at least several days in the city of Lake Geneva!
Whether you’re traveling alone, with a partner, or with your family, there are always fun things to do in Lake Geneva in August.
I’m a living testament to this fact.
So, in this post, I’ve condensed all my amazing August adventures in Lake Geneva city, covering activities not just on water and land but also up in the air (hello, hot air balloons)!
Let’s build unforgettable memories in Lake Geneva before this year’s summer ends!
You, dear reader, support this blog. When you purchase through a link, I may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Wisconsin posts? Have a look at my other posts:
Table of Contents
Overview: Top Activities in Lake Geneva in August
- Enjoy a Lake Geneva Cruise
- Visit the Waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge
- Play at The Adventure Center at Grand Geneva Resort
1. Enjoy a Lake Geneva Cruise
I’ve never visited Lake Geneva in summer without enjoying a scenic cruise on the lake.
After all, there’s always a cruise option that can suit your interests.
Yup—cruises in Lake Geneva are not a one-size-fits-all experience.
Some offer a leisurely tour of the entire lake, others let you witness mail being delivered by boat, and some even let you dock at historic mansions like the iconic Black Point Estate.
The best part is you can also combine the Lake Geneva sightseeing experience with feasting on delicacies!
Cruise Lake Geneva, for example, offers the following boat tours: ice cream social cruise, cocktail cruise, and luncheon cruise.
I’ll let your imagination run wild with these tours’ uniqueness!
2. Attend Venetian Festival
Since 1962, Lake Geneva has celebrated the Venetian Festival every year during August.
For locals and tourists alike, this event is easily one of the best Lake Geneva attractions during summer. I’ve enjoyed it twice myself.
The 5-day Venetian Festival has everything fun you can imagine, including free concerts, carnival rides, beer tents, local tournaments, ski shows, and even boat parades!
There’ll also be a fireworks display along the waterfront to wrap up the festival, providing a romantic and cozy setting for family, friends, and even solo travelers.
If you love exciting events, attending this festival is one of the top things to do in Lake Geneva in August.
Fun fact: This event is organized by a non-profit organization called the Lake Geneva Jaycees Chapter, so all profits go back to the local community.
3. Explore Geneva Lake Shore Path
Exploring the Geneva Lake Shore Path is almost a rite of passage for anyone visiting Lake Geneva.
This path is none other than the 21-mile footpath that encircles Geneva Lake.
Whether you want to go for a relaxing stroll, a quick jog, or a challenging run, this is the best trail in the city.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy unobstructed lake views and a refreshing breeze from the sparkling lake.
In addition to the stunning natural scenery, you’ll also pass by the city’s historic estates preserved since the 19th century.
Daredevils like me have hiked the full trail (which takes about 9 hours with breaks), but you can simply explore certain portions for however long you prefer!
4. Visit Black Point Estate & Gardens
I’ve mentioned this activity briefly earlier, but upon second thought, visiting the Black Point Estate & Gardens deserves its own spot on this list.
This property was initially built as a retreat for Chicago Beer Baron Conrad Seipp.
Hence, it has all the charm you would expect from a grand retreat, including elegant architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Trust me, touring this place feels like you’re suddenly back in the 19th century.
Apart from the architecture dating back to the Victorian era, how you reach and enjoy this estate also reflects how VIPs did so back in the day.
After a relaxing cruise, you’ll arrive by boat, spend an hour or two exploring the estate, and enjoy the meticulously maintained gardens with your loved ones.
Black Point Estate & Gardens is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Wisconsin in summer.
5. Relax at Riviera Beach
The Riviera Beach is my go-to place to enjoy one of my favorite Lake Geneva activities: swimming.
Sure, it may be a small beach.
But in August, it has the perfect water temperature for swimming, offers an amazing lake view, and is well-maintained.
Heads up: This place can get pretty crowded on the weekends, as it’s well-loved by families.
I personally don’t mind meddling with crowds. But if you prefer a peaceful swim or a bit of solitude, you might wanna visit on a weekday instead.
Relaxing at Riviera Beach is one of the top things to do in Lake Geneva in June, July, or August. The precious summer months of the city.
I’ve spent many afternoons here sunbathing or having a picnic with friends, and I’ll gladly do so again.
Wisconsin Classic SweatshirtWanderust Box SignWisconsin HoodieBest Loop Hikes Wisconsin GuideUnder Armour BackpackWisconsin Haunted Travel Guide
6. Experience Ziplining at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours
Still, looking for fun things to do in Lake Geneva in July or August?
If you’re up for a challenge, you should try ziplining at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours.
As an adrenaline-seeking traveler, I’ve had my fair share of ziplining experiences in different countries.
But believe me when I say that Lake Geneva’s zip lines are some of the most exciting and scenic in the world!
You can fly through 100 acres of nature from one zipline to another in Lake Geneva.
When we booked a 2.5-hour zipline tour at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours, we completed 9 ziplines, 5 sky bridges, several spiral staircases, and the unexpected dual racing zipline.
Shorter zipline tours were also available. And if you want to test your body to its limits, you can try the company’s 17-obstacle high ropes course that suspends you in the air of the jungle!
7. Visit the Waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge
Apart from the city’s public beach, one of the best places to spend your last summer month splashing in the waters of Lake Geneva is the waterpark at Timber Ridge Lodge!
This indoor waterpark is perfect for everyone of all ages.
It’s home to iconic 35-foot-high waterpark slides, a 500-foot lazy river, and even a heated pool for a jacuzzi-like comfort.
For the little ones, the safer “Tiny Timbers” area also offers lots of mini-adventures out of harm’s way.
You can climb, swim, and slide to your heart’s content at this waterpark.
And, after all your water adventures, you just have to walk for several minutes to reach your cozy accommodations!
8. Explore Downtown Lake Geneva
Downtown Lake Geneva is one of my favorite places to stay and play in the city.
Whether you want to observe how the locals live, splurge on a shopping spree, or eat good food, Downtown has everything you can ever want!
I’ve always loved doing some of everything when visiting the city’s Downtown.
It has some of the best boutiques and restaurants in Wisconsin, after all.
But every August, my most-awaited activity is the annual shopping event Maxwell Street Days.
For over 25 years, this event has brought Lake Geneva the best bargains on goods like clothing, artwork, and jewelry.
Apart from shopping, you can also dine al fresco while you enjoy the performances of local musicians on the streets thanks to this event.
9. Play at The Adventure Center at Grand Geneva Resort
Whenever I’m in Wisconsin, I return to the Adventure Center of the Grand Geneva Resort, one of the best Lake Geneva resorts for couples.
All year round, this center remains one of the most popular attractions in Lake Geneva.
It’s renowned for being a snow park in winter.
Then, in the warmer months, it transforms into the ultimate outdoor activity hub in the city.
Here, you can enjoy various summer fun, including archery, biking, hiking, and riding a scooter around the lake.
They say you’ll have the most fun visiting this center if you’re in a group.
But I’ve also visited this place on my own before, and I made some new friends by doing so!
10. Visit the Lake Geneva Balloon Company
After exploring the land and waters of Lake Geneva, why not see what its skies offer?
I still remember my hot air balloon ride in the city vividly.
I booked the sunrise flight through the Lake Geneva Balloon Company, which made waking up at 3 a.m. more than worth it.
Not a morning person? Their sunset flight is also just as enjoyable.
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun rise or set from the breathtaking heights over Geneva Lake while suspended in a balloon.
If you know, you know.
Words can’t describe just how amazing being in a hot air balloon feels.
After the hour-long flight, the company held a cute post-flight celebration. We each enjoyed a glass of champagne and were awarded hot air balloon certificates (mine’s still up on my wall).
Honestly, riding a hot air balloon is one of the best activities in Lake Geneva!
11. Golf at Championship Courses
You’ll never catch Lake Geneva lacking when it comes to golf.
Whether you want to play championship courses or casual ones that your entire family can enjoy, you’ll always have a welcoming golf course awaiting you in the city.
I’ve been to several of them, so let me recommend some courses to get you started on your golfing adventure in Lake Geneva!
If you want a severe golfing session, book a tee time at The Brute or The Highlands courses at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
These courses are in one of the most popular Lake Geneva resorts for families.
So, you’ll always have scenic views surrounding the challenging layouts.
Want more of a relaxing, laid-back golfing experience?
Check out The Dance Floor, which features illuminated putt-putt, firepits, a cocktail bar, and surround sound. It is the perfect date night destination for golf-loving couples and families.
12. Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards
Wine and vacations always go hand-in-hand.
So, anytime I want to step back from all the busy activities and want more relaxation, I always visit local vineyards in and near Lake Geneva.
My favorite wine stop in the city, especially in August, is the Apple Barn Orchard & Winery.
I always start my trip here with an hour-long apple picking. After that, I completed a wine sampling session until I finally found the glass of wine I wanted to pair with the winery’s baked goods.
The Studio Winery is also a fantastic wine spot if you just want to enjoy good wine, food, music, and atmosphere.
If you want a boozy night with friends or a loved one, this is the place to be. It may have few activities, but it does have amazing food and wine!
Visiting wineries and tasting wine is one of the fun things to do near Lake Geneva WI.
Don’t miss out on wineries when visiting Lake Geneva in August!
13. Attend a Concert at Music by the Lake
The city of Lake Geneva holds its Geneva Lakefront Concert Series event every summer.
Thanks to this series, locals and tourists can attend free lakeside concerts of regional musicians every Wednesday.
Attending one of these concerts is easily one of the best ways to enjoy the vibes of lake towns in Wisconsin.
Bring your own blankets and chairs, and then find the perfect spot to enjoy the local performers and Geneva Lake’s beauty.
You can purchase snacks from nearby restaurants, and concessionaire stands.
But based on experience, it is best to bring at least a few snacks, just in case the crowd makes it difficult to get food.
14. Try Watersports on the Lake
They say save the best for last, and that’s precisely why you’re seeing watersports just before this article ends.
Since I’m a huge watersports fan, I’ve tried almost every watersport Lake Geneva offered in August!
I spent a huge chunk of my vacation just jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and parasailing.
They were some of the most fun things to do in Lake Geneva.
Haven’t you tried any of these activities yet?
Take this as your sign to start exploring watersports!
Many rental companies near the lake offer beginner lessons or tours to help you get started in the sport you want to try.
You’ll have a lot of watersports fun without a steep learning curve!
Wisconsin Classic SweatshirtWanderust Box SignWisconsin HoodieBest Loop Hikes Wisconsin GuideUnder Armour BackpackWisconsin Haunted Travel Guide
My final thoughts on Lake Geneva in August
All year long, there are always fun things in Lake Geneva.
But as an avid tourist of this city, believe me when I say that the city becomes the most enjoyable during August.
It’s still warm enough to enjoy water activities, the weather is perfect for outdoor adventures, and you’ll get to join festivals exclusively held in August!
Make the most of your time in Lake Geneva in August.
It’ll take another year (at the earliest) to replicate your August fun in the city!
Hola! I’m Paulina, a seasoned travelette who crossed the Atlantic Ocean by Boat HitchHiking. On my blog, find expert insights for an extraordinary holiday through outdoor and sustainable travel like hiking, cycling, and sailing. Let’s embark on unforgettable journeys together! 🌍🚀
