Here are some fun things to do in Lake Geneva in July to have a blast during summer!
Every time summer comes around, Lake Geneva becomes incredibly popular by tourists who travel Wisconsin.
But that’s no surprise, considering there are endless fun things to do in Lake Geneva in July.
You can explore water activities, join cruise tours while sightseeing, shop from locals, and enjoy wine-tasting events. Oh– and that’s not even half the exciting stuff waiting for you at this resort city!
Ready to visit Lake Geneva this summer?
Let me share how I had a blast visiting this city, so you’ll also spend the summer of a lifetime the Lake Geneva way!
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Table of Contents
Overview: Top Things to Do in Lake Geneva in July
- Water Activities
- Relaxation and Wellness
- Wine Tasting
1. Water Activities
As the home to one of the prettiest lakes in Wisconsin, one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in summer is to engage in water activities.
Visit public beaches such as Williams Bay Beach and Riviera Beach.
Pay $10 per person, and you’ll immediately have access to sandy beaches, scenic views of nature, and a vast lake ready for an all-day swimming adventure.
But, of course, Lake Geneva doesn’t just offer a “good swim.”
With plenty of water sports & boat rentals in the city, you can also kayak, paddleboard, boat, and jet ski on the lake!
When we stayed at The Abbey Resort, one of the best Lake Geneva resorts for families, we rented a boat and paddleboards from Gordy’s Boats.
The premium boat cost the eight of us $380 for a two-hour boating session, which was less than $50 per person. It was way worth it!
2. Outdoor Adventures
The land activities in Lake Geneva City are just as exciting as the ones on the water.
Literally– walk anywhere near the 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path, and you’ll be welcomed by nature-kissed scenery with a healthy mix of lush greens, a shimmering lake, and a clear skyline.
Perks of visiting in July, I’d say.
I completed this entire trail in approximately 6 to 8 hours (breaks included).
But even if you walk several miles of this shore path, as some of my friends did, the experience will undoubtedly be worth it.
This is a heads-up: biking is not recommended on the Geneva Lake Shore Path due to its uneven, hiking-like surfaces.
But no worries, as Lake Geneva still has plenty of biking opportunities.
For challenging biking trails that’ll take you through the forests, visit Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures.
If you prefer laid-back rides, though, simply hop on rented bikes available in the city and see where following the bike paths on the road takes you!
That was one of my favorite things to do in Lake Geneva in April!
3. Sightseeing and Attractions
With all the beautiful attractions in Lake Geneva, I recommend allotting an entire day to sightseeing the city’s highlights.
Unsurprisingly, my favorite way to tour this picturesque place was by hitting up cruises!
We tried three cruises in total (I likely would’ve done more if I had more time).
The first one was the Full Lake Cruise, which cruised the entire lake while we heard the narrator talk about Lake Geneva’s historical mansions and stories.
After that, we joined one of the Black Point Estate & Boat Tours to check out the iconic mansion of Conrad Seipp, the 19th-century beer magnate.
And, last, yet the most exciting one, was our US mailboat tours cruising experience. I never knew cheering for mail jumpers to catch the boat’s timing in person would be so entertaining!
Sightseeing on a cruise is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva in July.
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4. Dining and Entertainment
Do you want to maximize your romantic getaways in Lake Geneva?
Make sure to relish local dining and entertainment options.
To enjoy surreal lakeside views while eating to your fill, I recommend visiting Oakfire restaurant for phenomenal slices of pizza and the Geneva Chophouse for high-quality steak.
Have special diet needs?
The Simple Café offers some of the most diverse meals, easily accommodating our friends with vegan and gluten-free options.
After enjoying good food, we explored what the local entertainment hubs had to offer, and yup– we had fun from sunset until dawn!
We danced for hours at the Evolve Night Club, joined local BINGO games, and even checked out a magic show at the Trist Crist Magic Theatre.
I can go all day about the nightlife in Lake Geneva, but I’m sure you can already imagine the adventure this city has in store for you.
5. Shopping and Local Culture
One of the best ways to get to know a place’s local culture is to shop downtown!
Maybe that’s just the shopaholic in me talking, but really– whether you’re planning to spend big or not, don’t forget to check out the shopping districts and boutiques in Lake Geneva.
We visited over a dozen shops in the city, but let me share some of my favorites.
The Waterfront Gift Shop at the Abbey Resort was my go-to for buying souvenirs that represent the city. For a boozy selection of wines and spirits, The Bottle Shop is the place to go.
Wanna explore the local art?
Drop by the Geneva Lake Arts Foundation Gallery 223, which features artists from Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Shopping and exploring are always gonna be the best things to do in Lake Geneva in December, July, or any time of the year!
6. Family-Friendly Activities
Wondering what to do in Lake Geneva in summer with your family?
Luckily, you can choose from plenty of family-friendly Lake Geneva activities!
Starting with the kids’ favorite, visit the 50,000-square-foot wide Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, which features various indoor and outdoor amenities, 35-foot high slides, and 500-foot long Lazy River Drifts.
It’s the perfect July getaway to beat the summer heat. Plus, it’s home to the Crazy Coyote’s Cave Arcade, which will thrill kids through arcade games after a good swim!
Just 6 minutes of drive away from the waterpark, you’ll also find the Paradise Golf Park.
This 18-hole miniature golf course is adorned with manmade mini waterfalls, fountains, and exquisite landscapes, making it a perfect spot for more family-friendly fun during your Lake Geneva stay!
7. Relaxation and Wellness
A good vacation should leave you feeling relaxed.
So, after all the hustles and bustles of exploring what the city has to offer, don’t forget to take the time to relax and rejuvenate.
Most Lake Geneva Resorts for couples and families have their spa facilities.
Since we stayed at The Abbey Resort, we conveniently completed a session at the resort-owned Avani Spa.
But to further enhance our “wellness,” we also visited The Space in Downtown, which offered massages, fitness & meditation classes, along with unconventional wellbeing activities like “Memory Healing.”
Relaxing through spas and centers is one of the most worthwhile things to do in Lake Geneva in July.
8. Events and Festivals
Whether you’re looking for things to do in Lake Geneva in winter or summer, I recommend visiting local events and festivals.
They’re always gonna be one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva.
Even more so when you’re visiting the city in July, where, you guessed it– the weather’s perfect enough for outdoor events to be held every week!
First, if you’re in the city during the Fourth of July, you can celebrate the holiday among the locals by witnessing fireworks shows from parks near the lake.
Apart from Independence Day, you’ll also find local events such as recurring concerts at Flat Iron Park every Thursday from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Musical performances at theaters like the Fireside Dinner Theater, live DJ entertainment, and community game shows!
From July 12 to 14, a car show will also be held in various locations in the city, including the Lake Lawn Resort.
There are literally all kinds of events in Lake Geneva, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one to enjoy!
9. Wine Tasting
Traveling and enjoying local wine just go hand-in-hand, don’t they?
So, don’t miss out on exploring the local wineries and vineyards around Lake Geneva to learn exactly what the city has to offer in the playing field of wines!
My friends and I visited Studio Winery + Geneva Lake Distilling, the city’s first and only winery and distillery, for a wine tasting and ended up bringing home a few bottles each.
You can stay longer to enjoy live music (if available), explore some local artwork, and order pizza.
It is guaranteed one of the most fun things to do in Lake Geneva Wisconsin, for adults.
10. Golfing
When we heard that Lake Geneva is one of the premier golf destinations in the Midwest, we immediately booked several Tee times even before we reached the city.
Our first golfing stop in the city was The Dance Floor, a 27-hole golf resort located on the shore of Lake Como.
This vibrant spot offers championship courses for adults and junior courses for kids.
Plus, illuminated putt-putt, surround sound, and cocktail bars are available for everyone who wants to experience fun things in Lake Geneva!
For a more challenging Tee Time, we booked more sessions at the Grand Geneva Golf Resort, which offers two 18-hole courses, namely the Brute and the Highlands.
The Brute was among the most challenging golf layouts I’ve played. It featured many two-putt situations, massive sand traps, and tricky downhill putts.
On the other hand, the Highlands was a Scottish-inspired shot-makers course, perfect for those who play each shot strategically.
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My final thoughts on things to do in Lake Geneva in July
With all the exciting things to do in Lake Geneva in July, one can easily spend weeks of the summer in this city without feeling a speck of boredom any day.
Whether you want to dive into water activities or just experience the city the local way, there are countless activities waiting at Lake Geneva.
Remember, this list was just a consolidated version of the top unforgettable things I tried in the city. In case you won’t make it in July, check out things to do in Lake Geneva in August.
If I had let myself loose and written all the best things to do in Lake Geneva in July, it would’ve taken thrice the length of this post.
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! 🌍🚀
