Wisconsin is just a short drive from Chicago, but it’s truly a great escape from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Oaklee’s recently visited the Lake Geneva area and came up with five (although there are many more) reasons to take your family there this summer. Don’t miss Lake Geneva Restaurant Week from June 3-12, 2016, when many restaurants offer special menus.
-
Zip Line at Lake Geneva Canopy Tours. One of the most memorable vacation activities you can do with your kids. There’s nothing like dangling from straps and sliding between the trees. In a group of 5, we swooshed through 8 zip lines, wobbled over Sky Bridges and climbed spiral staircases up into the treetops. Our guides, Steph and Hono, enhanced our tour with interesting facts about the land and the 100-acre property, which used to be a turkey farm. The company is totally focused on safety and sustainability, being careful to preserve the purity of the land, and dedicates a portion of proceeds to treating the ash trees against the emerald ash borer. In addition to the zip line, you can be challenged on the High Ropes Course, race a partner on the 1,200 foot Dual Racing Zip Line, or hike and bike on the 9 miles of trails. The facility is open year round and runs even during the snowy winter. It’s also great for group outings and team-building programs. -
Dancing Horses Theatre and Petting Zoo. This is a dazzling, 90-minute show that features many horse breeds and amazing equestrian artistry. Whether you love horses or not, you will be impressed and inspired by these beautiful animals and their skills. The 40-acre scenic park includes Animal Gardens with a petting zoo and a bird show featuring Echo the Singing Bird and more of his performing bird friends. The theatre is open year round, and is a 300-seat intimate state-of-the-art facility. -
Lake Lawn Resort. A perfect place for your family retreat and leisure getaway, Lake Lawn Resort is located on Delavan Lake and offers a full array of recreation, dining and activities. The resort has been under new management since 2011 and has the cozy feel of a North Woods lodge, with upscale amenities only 90 minutes from Chicago. To keep kids active, the resort offers three pools–two outdoor and one indoor–mini-golf, water sports, tennis court, playground, kid’s zone game room, beaches, a variety of casual dining options and plenty of room to just run and play. For parents, you can relax at the spa, have a wonderful meal at the top-rated Frontier Restaurant, challenge yourself on the renowned Majestic Oaks golf course, and hang out by the luxury fire pits. It’s hard to please everyone in the family, but Lake Lawn Resort can do just that. (Don’t miss the Shake The Lake Music Festival on July 29-31, 2016, with 3 days of class and retro-rock.) -
Lake Geneva Cruise Line Mailboat tours. One of the best ways to experience Lake Geneva is on the water, of course. The Cruise Line offers many tours, including historical tours that tell the history of the area, relaxing dinner cruises, and an Ice Cream Social Tour. One of the most fun tours, however, is the Mailboat Tour. This is the 100th year anniversary and you can watch the “mail jumpers” as they hand deliver the mail to each dock. The Mailboat tours run daily from June 15 –September 15. -
Delavan Walldogs murals You can’t be this close and not take a drive into Delavan where in June 2015, the Walldogs left their mark in this charming small town. This group of talented sign and mural artists from all over the world embellished the town by painting historic wall advertisements throughout the downtown area. Each mural is a beautiful large-scale piece of art and creates an historic atmosphere in the town. See a map of the murals here.
In addition to hiking, biking, boating and golfing, here are a few more don’t miss activities. (I knew we couldn’t limit our list to just five.)
The Lake Geneva Shore Path. You’re probably familiar with the great walking path around Lake Geneva. Take a quick hike or a longer trek with an up close view of grand and historic estates, and it’s free!
East Troy Electric Railroad. A great way to experience old-time rail travel on a 10-mile trip through beautiful Southeast Wisconsin. Offering dinner and pizza trains and special-themed rides. Great for groups and birthday parties! Operating Fri., Sat. & Sun. during the summer.
Tristan Crist Magic show. This amazing show features magic, comedy and illusions but you have to book early because the 45-seat theatre sells out well in advance.
Timber Ridge Lodge and Water Park. This four-diamond resort is an all-suite hotel with a popular indoor water park.
Old World Wisconsin. Return to Wisconsin of the late 19th century, when waves of immigrants came to America’s heartland in search of a better life. Throughout the museum’s 576 acres, see authentically attired interpreters and experience their way of life. Walk or ride the tram throughout.