Welcome to the inaugural issue of Life At The Lake, the essential guide to your community. This annual publication grew out of our flagship magazine, At The Lake, which has been sharing the stories, histories and personalities of the Geneva Lake area since its founding in 1997. When we celebrated the 25th anniversary of At The Lake a few years ago, we looked around at the Geneva Lake community of today and realized that, due to a variety of factors, there were many people who had moved here for the first time during or just following the Covid pandemic.
As a result of these new neighbors, we started seeing a rise in questions like, “Where can I rent a space for my boat?”, “How do I find a new doctor?” and “Where can I buy a [fill in the blank here]?” This began a conversation in our office about how best to share useful and important information about living in the Geneva Lake area, the result of which is the magazine that you now hold in your hands. As we put together this essential guide to living in the Geneva Lake area, we realized that, in the post-Yellow Pages world we now live in, this type of publication could help not just new arrivals, but longtime residents who are looking for things like service providers, healthcare options, school info and city services as well.
But this is not just a magazine full of lists of local businesses; it is so much more than that. We have designed it with our signature At The Lake aesthetic, including exceptional, high-quality photography, easy-to-understand infographics and colorful illustrations. We interviewed experts for the latest trends and the most important things to know for 2026. We decided to share some of our own personal favorites as well. And above all, we have included stories we hope will be interesting and relevant … to Life At The Lake
Anne Morrissy Editor anne@ntmediagroup.com
At The Lake is the premier magazine of the Geneva Lake area and is published quarterly. For a list of local businesses where you can find it, scan this QR code.
PUBLISHER Barbara Krause bak@ntmediagroup.com
EDITOR Anne Morrissy anne@ntmediagroup.com
ART DIRECTOR Lauren Harrigan lharrigan@ntmediagroup.com
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lake life
For over 150 years, people have been drawn to this area by the rolling landscape, the natural resources and, of course, the many beautiful lakes. Geneva Lake, spring-fed and measuring 7 miles long by about 2 miles wide at its widest point, presents an inviting environment for everyone to enjoy its beaches, its hiking path and the many on-the-water activities it provides: boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, tubing, waterskiing and more.
On the Lake
Public Beaches
BIG FOOT
BEACH STATE PARK
1550 S. Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-2528 dnr.wisconsin. gov./topic/parks/ bigfoot
Open year-round from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wisconsin State Park System vehicle admission sticker is required on all motor vehicles parking in state parks. There is a very narrow beach here and a 100-foot marked swimming area. No lifeguards on duty. Take extreme caution crossing the highway between the park and the beach.
vi.fontana. wi.gov/visitfontana Fontana residents can purchase beach tags at Village Hall at the start of the season. Nonresidents pay a per-day fee.
Open 9 a.m. to 9 pm.; lifeguards on duty from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day through Labor Day. Restrooms, changing rooms and showers available during staffed hours.
RIVIERA BEACH
812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva .gov/326/thebeach
Residents of Lake Geneva can purchase beach bracelets at City Hall at the start of the season.
Non-residents pay a per-day fee via kiosks at the beach entrance. Admission is charged during staffed hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; lifeguards on duty Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Restrooms, changing rooms and showers available during staffed hours.
WILLIAMS BAY BEACH Geneva St., Williams Bay (262) 245-2700 williamsbay.org Williams Bay residents can purchase beach tags at Village Hall at the start of the season.
Non-residents pay a per-day fee upon entry.
Lifeguard and beach attendants on duty 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day. Bathhouse with restrooms available during staffed hours.
PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES
CITY OF LAKE GENEVA BOAT LAUNCH
328 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-6644
cityoflakegeneva.gov
Off-site trailer parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
LINN PIER ROAD BOAT LAUNCH
Linn Pier Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 275-6300 ext. 10
townoflinn.wi.gov/boat-launch
Limited on-site trailer parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
HILLSIDE DRIVE BOAT LAUNCH
Hillside Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 275-6300 ext. 10
townoflinn.wi.gov/boat-launch
Limited on-site trailer parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis
VILLAGE OF FONTANA BOAT LAUNCH (262) 275-6135
vi.fontana.wi.gov/visit-fontana/launch
200 Lake St., Fontana. Off-site trailer parking available on a first-come, firstserve basis.
WILLIAMS BAY BOAT LAUNCH
89 E. Geneva St., Williams Bay (262) 581-7889
Limited on-site trailer parking available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sailboat rigging area nearby.
BUOY AND SLIP RENTAL
THE ABBEY MARINA, FONTANA (262) 394-5544
abbeymarina.com
Slips are privately owned but occasionally rented out by individual owners. To inquire about purchasing, call or visit the website. For rental inquiries, contact Gordy’s Marine at (262) 275-2163 to inquire about availability.
THE BAKER HOUSE
327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4700
bakerhouse1885.com
Limited boat slip rentals.
THE BOAT HOUSE LAKE GENEVA (262) 203-5293
boathouseh20.com/lake-geneva-wiboat-storage
Limited “wet slip” storage available.
THE GENEVA INN
Lake Geneva (262) 248-5680
Limited slip rentals available for boats 24 feet and under. Call or email lcoats@ genevainn.com for more information.
GENEVA LAKEFRONT REALTY
323 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 245-9000
genevalakefrontrealty.com
Boat slip and buoy sales.
CITY OF LAKE GENEVA
BUOYS AND BOAT SLIPS (262) 249-4086
cityoflakegeneva.gov/241/ harbormaster
Available to Lake Geneva residents only; waitlist in effect. Contact the Harbormaster for more details.
VILLAGE OF WILLIAMS BAY BOAT SLIPS AND RAMP SPACES williamsbay.org/parks-lakefront/ pages/ramp-pier-space
Available to Williams Bay residents only; waitlist in effect. Email assistant@ vi.williamsbay.wi.gov for more info.
VILLAGE OF FONTANA BUOYS AND BOAT SLIPS (262) 275-6136
Available to Fontana residents only; waitlist in effect. Contact the Harbor Committee for details.
KAYAKING/ PADDLEBOARDING
CITY OF LAKE GENEVA KAYAK/CANOE LAUNCH
918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva (west end of Library Park) (262) 248-3673
cityoflakegeneva.gov
Kayak storage is available; contact the city to get on the waitlist.
CLEAR WATER OUTDOOR
744 W. Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 348-2422
clearwateroutdoor.com
Kayak and paddleboards available for sale or rent. Rental locations below:
• Their Geneva Lake rental pier is located across the street from the Baker House (327 Wrigley Drive).
• Their Lake Como rental pier is located at the Lodge Geneva National Marina (W4240 State Hwy. 50).
15 E. Geneva St., Williams Bay For Rentals: (262) 686-8001 or rentals@williamsbay.org
Dedicated kayak launch site; launch fees apply. Kayak and canoe rentals available. Kayak storage available to Village residents. For resident kayak storage, get on the waitlist at williamsbay.org/parks-lakefront/pages/ ramp-pier-space
1550 S. Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-2528
dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ parks/bigfoot
Dogs are allowed in the area outside the swim buoys on the south end of the beach.
LIBRARY PARK
918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva
Dogs are allowed in the area near the kayak storage on the west end of the park.
WILLIAMS BAY LAKEFRONT
Dogs are allowed on the sandbar in front of the footbridge west of Edgewater Park.
MAINTENANCE
BOAT TIPS
BY LAUREN EVE
When the weather starts to turn cool and the piers start to come out for the season, that means it’s time to winterize your boat. Our local experts from Jerry’s Majestic Marine in Fontana and Gage Marine in Williams Bay recommend a few steps for winterizing your boat:
• Ensure that your boat is completely dry by taking out all wet items, such as towels and life jackets.
• Make sure there is no water in your bilge, so the bilge pump doesn’t freeze during the winter.
• Clean any surface dirt from your boat by wiping down all cushions, covered areas, fiberglass and dashboard areas.
• Clean the exterior of your boat using soap and water to wash off any debris.
• Remove all marine growth from the bottom of your boat.
• Cover or trim your propeller cavity so that it won’t fill with water or snow.
• If your boat has a builtin refrigerator, remove all food and drink, and prop open the fridge door for good air circulation.
• Inspect your boat for any necessary repairs during the off-season.
BOAT SALES/ SERVICE/ PIER MAINTENANCE
BERGERSEN BOAT CO.
334 Interchange North, Lake Geneva (262) 248-2628 bergersenboatco.com
THE BOAT HOUSE
N2062 S. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Geneva, (262) 203-5293 boathouseh2o.com
327 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 422-6287 carefreeboats.com
ELMER’S BOAT RENTALS
195 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-9952 boatelmers.com
GAGE MARINE BOAT CLUB (262) 245-5501 gageboats.com/service/ boat-club
GORDY’S MARINE (262) 275-2163 gordysboats.com
JERRY’S MAJESTIC MARINE
352 Lake St., Fontana (262) 275-5222 jerrysmajestic.com
LAKE GENEVA QUALITY RENTALS (Boat Rentals) 672 W Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 731-3359 lakegenevaqr.com
LEATHERLIPS WATERSPORT RENTAL 151 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4142
MARINA BAY BOAT RENTALS 300 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4477 lakegenevaboats.com
WAKE THE LAKE (Boat Rentals and Training) 529 West Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 223-6132 wakethelakewi.com
Getting a Boat: A Guide
BY ANNE MORRISSY
When warmer weather rolls around, life at the lake often includes a desire to get out on the water. There are many ways to do this: boat tours, kayaking, paddleboarding, boat rentals… But for many local and summer residents, owning a boat is the best way to ensure unlimited access to lazy days (or evenings) on the water. Our guide to boat ownership gives you all the insider tips and answers to many frequently asked questions.
BOATING RULES AND REGISTRATION
Before you buy a boat, it’s important to first ensure that you’re up to date on the latest regulations regarding boat operation and registration. If your birthday is on or after Jan. 1, 1989, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR) requires that you must complete a boating safety certificate to legally drive a boat. The minimum age to earn a boating safety certificate is 12 years old.
The WI DNR also requires that all boats must have a Wisconsin Certificate of Number (registration) and expiration decals clearly visible on the hull of the boat. (This is the equivalent of a license plate on a car.) When you buy a new boat, you are required to
apply for a new registration and/or title within 10 days of purchase and prior to operation. Registration forms and information on boating safety certificate classes can all be found at dnr.wisconsin.gov
DOCKING AND STORAGE
Before you even buy a boat, you’ll want to figure out where you’ll keep the boat (both in season and over the winter). If you are lucky enough to live on a lake, you may have a private boat slip already. But for the rest of us, there are several options for keeping a boat in the water. If you have somewhere to store your boat on the trailer throughout the season, the most economical option is to launch and retrieve your own boat at one of the local public boat launches around the lake every time you use it.
where you intend to keep your boat before you purchase it. For residents of Lake Geneva, Williams Bay and Fontana, there are municipal buoys and slips available to rent. These are highly sought after, so the municipalities maintain a waitlist for them. We recommend that as soon as you buy property in one of these communities, fill out the necessary paperwork to join the waitlist and then be patient — the wait will most likely take several years. This is also true of many of the subdivisions on the lake that offer a waitlist for buoys or slips.
However, many people prefer the convenience of keeping the boat in the water in a slip or on a buoy for the season. Slips and buoys will have size restrictions, and it’s important to know the size restriction of the space
Another option is to rent a space — the Abbey Marina and other camps, clubs and private businesses rent buoys and slips to the public on a year-by-year basis. However, if you’re not able to find a slip or buoy right away, you may want to look into boat valet services provided by some of the local boat companies. With these subscriptionbased services, your boat is stored in drydock until you indicate you want to use it; the boat company then launches the boat for you and retrieves it when you’re finished.
PHOTOS BY HOLLY LEITNER
BUYING A BOAT
Now comes the fun part: choosing the boat that’s right for you and your family. There are several types of boats that are popular on Geneva Lake and the surrounding lakes. Each type offers unique benefits, so it’s important to know how you will use the boat before you make your selection. Will you be using the boat for the adrenaline rush of wakeboarding, waterskiing or tubing? Then you’ll want to shop for a speedboat. Do you prefer a leisurely ride and love the vintage look? A classic wooden boat or a reproduction wooden boat is perfect. Do you plan to take out large groups of friends and family, or have any mobility challenges to take into account when stepping into and out of a boat? You may want to consider a pontoon boat. Will you use the boat primarily for fishing? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of owning a sailboat? There are so many options — do a little research and you can find the perfect boat for you.
Some other things to consider: Where will you keep the boat when it’s not in use? Will you go out on high-traffic weekend days or stick to quieter days and times? Pay attention to things like the size of the boat, how low or high it rides in the water and whether it has features you may desire, like a canopy or bimini for shade, a swim platform or a tower for board storage. These are all questions to ask yourself before you start boat shopping.
MAINTENANCE TIPS
Speaking of boat companies, you’ll want to decide how you’re going to handle maintenance and winter
storage of your boat. There are several local boat companies that offer a contract for winter storage and maintenance, including Jerry’s Marine, Gage Marine, Gordy’s Marine and The Boat House Lake Geneva. It is best to secure these contracts early to ensure that your winter storage starts when your boat needs to be out of the water for the season. (The date by which you need to remove your boat for the season will vary based on the contract of your slip or buoy rental, but generally falls somewhere between Sept. 15 and Oct. 31.)
Another piece of the puzzle of boat ownership is fuel — there are three locations on Geneva Lake to fill up with boat gas: the Riviera Pier in Lake Geneva, Gage Marine in Williams Bay and Gordy’s in Fontana. If you are launching and retrieving your boat with each use, you can also gas up your boat while it’s on the trailer — most local gas station have extra-long fuel hoses to ensure you can reach the boat’s gas tank. Outboard engines can also be gassed up via a portable tank, but note that most boat slip locations prohibit refueling at the pier for safety reasons.
ENJOY IT
“The wind and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigator.”
— Edmund Gibbon
The most important thing to remember when you get a boat? Be safe and have fun! There’s nothing that matches the experience of lounging on the water with friends, taking your kids tubing or watching fireworks from the comfort of your own boat. Summer in the Lake Geneva area is enhanced exponentially by getting out on the water, so once you’ve put all of your research and boat ownership knowledge to good use, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy summer at the lake.
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shopping
One of many benefits to living in this area is the abundance of locally owned shops offering a curated selection of goods, from classic staples to the latest trends. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift; an outfit for everything from a day on the lake to a gala fundraiser; or a specialty food or beverage item to complete your picnic, the locally owned shops around Geneva Lake have got you covered.
Numbers on this downtown map correspond to numbered shops in the list below. Shops outside the downtown area are not numbered.
= The Market of Lake Geneva
Wrigley Dr
Lake Geneva Shops
ART
CREATIVE FORCES ART STUDIO
647 W. Main St., Ste. 1000 (262) 729-4032 creativeforceslake geneva.com
GENEVA LAKE ARTS FOUNDATION — GALLERY 223 223 Broad St. (262) 249-7988 genevalakearts foundation.org
BOOKS
LAKESIDE BOOKS
830 W. Main St. (262) 812-7991 lakesidebookslg.com
CLOTHING, JEWELRY & ACCESSORIES
700 SAGE
728 Main St. (262) 426-2979 700sage.com
ALL ABOUT THE GOWN
706 W. Main St. (262) 249-0551 allaboutthegown.com
BANGLES & BAGS
708 W. Main St. (262) 249-0220 shopbanglesandbags.com
B. JEWLD
247 Cook St. (262) 249-0555 bjewld.com
Lake Geneva
BONDED BY GIGI
830 W. Main St. (262) 500-4545 bondedbygigi.com
CHINAWEST
JEWELERS OF LAKE GENEVA 803 Main St. (262) 248-0304 chinawestjewelers.com
CIRCA 237 Broad St. (262) 203-5276
COQUETTE LINGERIE BOUTIQUE 607 W. Main St. (262) 812-4008
EDIE BOUTIQUE
737 W. Main St. (262) 581-7122 shopedie.com
EVR DRY GOODS
719 W. Main St. (262) 248-7466
GENEVA LAKES JEWELRY & GEM APPRAISERS 253 Center St. (262) 758-8820 genevalakesjewelry.com
GENEVA UPSCALE CONSIGNMENT
253 Center St., Ste. 400 (262) 248-3777 genevaupscale consignment.com
GENEVIEVE LAKE GENEVA
755 W. Main St. (262) 249-0520 genevievelakegeneva.com
HABERDAPPER
253 Broad St. (262) 248-7700 haberdapper.com
JAYNE
771 W. Main St. (262) 348-1911 shopjayne.com
JAYNE OUTLET
734 W. Main St. (262) 729-4000 shopjayne.com
LUCCA LIFESTYLE
711 W. Main St. (262) 325-8700 luccalifestyle.com
OVERLAND SHEEPSKIN
752 Main St. (262) 248-1916 overland.com
PINK MOON BAY BOUTIQUE
717 W. Main St. (262) 729-4064 thepinkmoonbay.com
PACIFIC SOUTHWEST
118 Broad St. (262) 248-2108
STERLING WORKS
227 Broad St. (847) 343-4619
T-SHIRT CENTER
756 W. Main St. (262) 203-5130
WISCONSIN PRECIOUS METALS REFINING SERVICES
647 Main St., Ste. 200B (262) 492-5334 wpmrs-refining.com
FOODSTUFFS AND BEVERAGES
THE BEEF JERKY EXPERIENCE
270 Broad St. (262) 203-5116 beefjerkyx.com/lakegeneva
THE BOTTLE SHOP
617 W. Main St. (262) 348-9463 thebottleshop lakegeneva.com
BRUNO’S LIQUORS
524 Broad St. (262) 248-6407 brunosliquor.com
THE CHEESE BOX
801 S. Wells St. (262) 248-3440 cheesebox.com
DON VITO’S OLIVE OIL EMPORIUM
239 Cook St. (262) 348-1800 donvitos.co
KILWINS
772 Main St. (262) 248-4400 kilwins.com
LAKE GENEVA COUNTRY MEATS 5907 State Rd. 50 E. (262) 248-3339 lakegenevacountry meats.com
LAKE GENEVA PIE COMPANY 150 E. Geneva Sq. (262) 248-5100 lgpie.com
LAKE GENEVA SPICE COMPANY 255 Broad St. (262) 248-3025 lakegeneva spicecompany.com
LORELEI BITTNER’S BAKERY 495 Interchange N. (262) 248-2330 lakegenevabakery.com
NEW WORLD WINE SHOP
830 W. Main St. (262) 812-4080 newworldwineshop.com
NICHE CAFE & WINE BAR 715 Hunt Club Ct. Unit C (262) 581-6800 nichelg.com
PINE HILL FARM
704 W. Main St. (262) 325-5563 pinehillfarm.co
RALPH’S
152 Broad St. (262) 248-8450
SIMPLE BAKERY, MARKET & CAFE
525 Broad St. (262) 248-3556 simplelakegeneva.com
SOMETHING SWEET
235 Broad St. (262) 812-4141 somethingsweetlg.com
SUB-ZERO CANDY
830 W. Main St. (262) 347-2722
TOPSY TURVY BREWERY
727 Geneva St. (262) 812-8323 topsyturvybrewery.com
GIFTS
9 LIVES BOUTIQUE
835 Geneva St. (262) 248-3122 lakelandanimalshelter.org/ donate/9-lives-boutique
BOUTIQUE BY THE LAKE 830 W. Main St.
CHRISTINE’S
858 W. Main St., Ste. 2000 (262) 248-3500
CORNERSTONE SHOP & GALLERY
214 Broad St. (262) 248-6988 cornerstonelakegeneva.com
C.R. GOODFINDS
731 W. Main St. (262) 812-4101 crgoodfinds.com
FINDERS KEEPERS
106 S. Main St. (262) 325-0973
GAGE MARINE
LAKE LIFE STORE
801 W. Main St. (262) 245-5501 gagelakelifestore.com
GOLD COAST
108 Broad St. (262) 248-9070
HANNAH’S BY THE LAKE
772 Main St. (262) 249-7894 hannahsbythelake.com
THE HIVE
755 W. Main St. (262) 812-8238
LAKE GENEVA GIFTS AND SOUVENIRS
150 Broad St.
MARIGOLD
725 W. Main St. (262) 729-4027 shopedie.com
QUEEN BEE ARTISAN MARKET
830 W. Main St., Ste. 900 (262) 812-4099 queenbeeartisanmarket.com
SACRED SISTERS LG 830 W. Main St.
SALT & KAI
726 Geneva St. (262) 203-5309 saltandkai.com
SEASONS ON THE LAKE
757 W. Main St. (262) 249-0801
THRIFT-IN
830 W. Main St. (262) 215-6878
TREASURE COVE
146 Broad St. (262) 248-3366 treasurecovelg.com
TRÈS BELLE BOUTIQUE
233 Broad St. (262) 248-1629 tresbelleboutique.net
47 TWELFTH & BROWN
729 W. Main St. (262) 812-4055 twelfthandbrown.com
HOME GOODS, DESIGN AND INTERIORS
@HOME KITCHEN & BATH DESIGN SHOWROOM
271 Broad St. (262) 248-3688
BRICK & MORTAR HOME AND OUTDOOR
222 Center St. (262) 249-0530 brickandmortarhome.com
BRICK & MORTAR HOME
832 Geneva St. (262) 249-0210 brickandmortarhome.com
THE CANDLE MERCANTILE
870 W. Main St. (262) 203-5557 thecandlemercantile.com
DELANEY STREET MERCANTILE
905 W. Main St. (262) 248-8008 delaneystreet.com
THE FLOWER MARKET LAKE GENEVA
252 Center St. (262) 758-3254 willowdesignlg.com
GENEVA PAINT STORE
794 S. Wells St. (262) 248-9170
LAKE GENEVA ANTIQUE MALL
829 Williams St. (262) 248-8494
LE COOKERY
812 W. Main St. (262) 248-8776 lecookery.com
MAPLE PARK ANTIQUES
812 Geneva St. (262) 248-1802
MY SISTER & ME
911 W. Main St. (262) 729-4129
LAKE
GENEVA
SHOPPING HIGHLIGHTS
Head to the downtown shops for a new treasure or gift! Here’s a sampling of what you might find.
744 W. Main St. (262) 348-2422 clearwateroutdoor.com
TOYS
ALLISON WONDERLAND 720 Main St. (262) 248-6500 allisonwonderland.com
Located directly on the internationally renowned Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales
Our spectacular property in the Turks and Caicos Islands is reminiscent of the grand villas of the Italian and French Riviera.
Throughout our Villa Renaissance boutique villas, Italian-style architecture blends with the natural environment. The pavilion and reception areas lead to the courtyard pool area with its shady walkways, charming villas and long, elegant and highly inviting mosaic pool/hot tub. A central archway within the center of the building emerges onto the beach boardwalk and endless splendor of Grace Bay Beach, voted #1 Beach in the Caribbean by Tripadvisor.
Choose from:
• 28 Luxurious 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Oceanfront Suites
• 8 Poolside Suites
• A Spectacular Oceanfront Grande Suite (7 bedrooms, 7 1/2 bathrooms, 2 story, 6,000 sq. ft.)
Visit our website for a full list of amenities.
living here
When it comes to owning or renting a home in the Geneva Lake area, there can be a bevy of details to learn and manage. Luckily, there are many experts and service providers ready to help both new and long-time residents navigate everything from homebuilding and renovation to banking and accounting to where to worship or give back to the community.
Home Improvement
ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS AND BUILDERS
AUGUSTSON HOMES (262) 745-4395 augustsonhomeslg.com
Owning your own home comes with a lot of benefits but also some important chores. Here, we break down some of the tasks you should be doing to ensure a safe and happy home.
Every one to three months:
Ɍ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ɍ Change your HVAC filter.
Ɍ Check gutters and downspouts for obstructions.
Ɍ Check for signs of pests.
Ɍ Check trees surrounding your home for potential damage.
Every year:
Ɍ Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Ɍ Replace fire extinguishers.
Ɍ Clean dryer vents.
Ɍ Get your carpets cleaned.
Ɍ Review homeowner’s insurance policy and update as needed.
Ɍ Wash windows and screens.
Ɍ Have your HVAC unit serviced.
Ɍ Flush your hot water heater.
Every 3-5 years:
Ɍ Have septic tank inspected or pumped out by a professional.
A little planning now can make a big difference later.
Investing is about more than just money. It’s about realizing the possibilities for your future. That’s why I’ll work to understand what’s important to you, following a tried-and-true process.
106 N Main St. PO Box 3 Walworth, WI 53184 262-245-1135 daniel.pearce@edwardjones.com
www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC
Churches/Nonprofits
CHURCHES
ANCHOR COVENANT CHURCH
1229 Park Row, Lake Geneva (262) 903-6888 anchorcovenant.org
CALVARY COMMUNITY CHURCH (262) 245-6294 calvarycommunity.net
CHAPEL ON THE HILL
N2440 Ara Glen Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 245-9122 chapelonthehill.net
COMO COMMUNITY CHURCH
W3901 Palmer Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3024 comocommunitychurch.org
COVENANT HARBOR BIBLE CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER
1724 Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3600 covenantharbor.org
FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST SCIENTIST
333 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-2522 christiansciencemilw.org/ lakegeneva
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
715 Wisconsin St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3568 lakegenevachurchucc.org
FIRST EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL
1101 Logan St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3374 firstlutheranwels.org
251 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay (262) 581-5304 friendsofknc.org
KISSES FROM FRIENDS P.O. Box 695, Genoa City kissesfromfriends.org
LAKE GENEVA JAYCEES 672 W. Main St., P.O. Box 411, Lake Geneva lakegenevajaycees.org
LAKE GENEVA MINISTRIES W2655 South St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-5500 lgyc.org
ROTARY CLUB OF LAKE GENEVA 111 Center St., Lake Geneva rotarylakegeneva.org
SIDE BY SIDE LAKE GENEVA 715 Wisconsin St., P.O. Box 374, Lake Geneva (262) 581-5927 sidebysidelakegeneva.org
UNITED WAY OF WALWORTH COUNTY N2440 Ara Glen Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 374-4474 unitedwaywalworth.org
WILLIAMS BAY LIONS CLUB
270 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay williamsbaylions.org
YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL MORTGAGE LENDER
Becky Stritt
YOUR VISION COME TO LIFE.
From standard to custom and everything in between, nothing gets between you and your exact vision.
To make a first impression that lasts, choose cabinets that make jaws drop .
Stirring Things Up
The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the rooms we tend to spend the most time in as families. For many people, having a well-designed kitchen that optimizes the way they cook and live can be a life-changing experience. If you’re thinking of updating your kitchen in 2026, there are several trends that our interior design experts are predicting will ensure a beautiful and functional space for years to come. Here, we break down some of these trends to help you choose the renovations that are right for you.
1
A return to natural wood and warm finishes. After years of white and gray kitchens dominating the conversation, the trend for 2026 turns toward natural wood and warmer finishes that imbue the kitchen with a feeling of home. But unlike the honey oak of the 1990s, the new take on these wood finishes is more modern, with clean lines and minimalist pulls and is paired with artisan stone or quartzite counters.
2
Color and vintage touches. To continue the theme of bringing warmth and personality to the kitchen, another trend our experts predict for 2026 is an infusion of
color to the kitchen. This can mean anything from deeply saturated paint colors to vibrant wallpaper to ornately painted cabinets or other storage pieces. Vintage touches like patterned tile and café curtains are also returning.
3
An embrace of tech minimalism. After several years of tech innovation invading everything from our coffee bars to our refrigerators, the experts now see a desire among clients to return to a more minimalist approach to their kitchen appliances. Do you really need a smart refrigerator that tells you when you’re out of broccoli? Most people are finding that they don’t.
4
Built-in and hidden pantries and storage solutions. When it comes to storing things like pantry items, pots and pans and small appliances, most people are eager to keep those items out of sight until needed. One solution? Custom, built-in pantries and storage solutions like pullout waste and recycling bins and dedicated drawers for cookie sheets, cutlery and spices create more space in the kitchen for food prep and looks calming to the eye. For those with the space to add them, butler’s pantries and beverage stations are also a big trend for 2026.
1 3 2 4
BY ANNE MORRISSY | PHOTOS BY SHANNA WOLF, UNLESS NOTED
Fresh kitchen design trends for 2026
Natural Wood
Color & Vintage Touches
things to do
While the lake itself is a year-round source of activity, there are many additional ways to stay active, social and involved in the Geneva Lake area. The beautiful natural landscape provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities in all seasons, from classics like golf, tennis and skiing to new, trendier options like disc golf and pickleball. Maybe you’d prefer to take in some culture and history at the area’s local museums and historic sites? Whatever your style, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do.
PARKS/ SKATE PARKS
BIG FOOT BEACH
STATE PARK
1550 S. Lake Shore Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-2528 dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/ parks/bigfoot
COBB PARK
2101 McDonald Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva.gov
DUCK POND RECREATION AREA
300 Wild Duck Rd., Fontana
DUNN FIELD
425 Sage St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva.gov
EDGEWATER PARK
Geneva St., Williams Bay (262) 245-2700 williamsbay.org
FLAT IRON PARK
201 Wrigley Dr, Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva.gov
FOUR SEASONS
NATURE PRESERVE N1889 County Rd. H, Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673
HELEN ROHNER
CHILDREN’S FISHING PARK
159 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay (262) 275-5700 genevalakeconservancy.org
HILLMOOR PARK 7301 WI-50, Lake Geneva
KISHWAUKETOE NATURE CONSERVANCY
251 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay (262) 581-5304 friendsofknc.org
LAKE GENEVA SKATE PARK
425 Sage St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva.gov
LINN NATURE PARK
1450 Maple Ridge Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 275-6300 townoflinn.wi.gov
LITTLE FOOT PLAYGROUND 310 3rd Ave., Fontana
MAPLE PARK
900 Wisconsin St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva.gov
THE MOUNTAIN TOP SKI & ADVENTURE CENTER AT GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva (262) 248-8811 grandgenevaski.com
WILMOT MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT
11931 Fox River Rd., Wilmot (262) 862-2301 wilmotmountain.co
Dog Parks
DUCK POND RECREATION AREA DOG TRAIL (no fence, unleashed) 300 Wild Duck Rd., Fontana
LIONS CLUB DOG PARK (fenced) 310 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay
PRICE PARK DOG PARK (fenced) N6421 Hodunk Rd., Elkhorn
WHITE RIVER DOG PARK (fenced) 425 Sage St., Lake Geneva
On the Right Path
A quick guide to the Geneva Lake Shore Path
BY BARB KRAUSE AND ANNE MORRISSY ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANGELA STAEHLING
Geneva Lake’s public Shore Path is an incredible opportunity to stroll into the past. Hikers are able to see firsthand some of the properties and estates built more than 120 years ago by families with famous last names like Drake, Wacker, Wrigley and Selfridge, estates that are a testament to this area’s incredible origins. Although many turn-of-thecentury mansions are long gone, several dozen historic buildings still stand along the shoreline, relatively unchanged.
The Shore Path encircles the entire lake, meandering very close to the shoreline, with a slight detour onto neighborhood roads at Trinke Estates on the lake’s southeastern shore. The actual surface of the path varies from property to property — materials include grass, stone, brick, gravel, asphalt and wood planks — and the route passes right through what is idiosyncratically known on Geneva Lake as the “front” yards (lake-facing side) of lakefront homes. The public is asked to stay on the path and be respectful of these otherwise private properties.
HOW LONG IS IT?
Locals agree to disagree about the answer to this question. Over the years, a few stickers have popped up for sale in local stores touting different mileage. Several staffers of At The Lake walked the entire path again recently, breaking it up into three days’ worth of treks and taking care to track the exact starting and stopping mileage. Various mileage trackers and pedometers were used: brands included Apple, Runkeeper, Fitbit and Nike. Fitbit and Runkeeper aligned the best. We agreed on an official Geneva Lake Shore Path length of 21.9 miles.
It’s easy to break this walk up. There are several public access points, parking areas and restrooms in the city of Lake Geneva, as well as in the villages of Williams Bay and Fontana. There are also public boat launches at the end of Linn Pier Road and Hillside Road on the lake’s south shore, where you can be dropped off or picked up, and use portable toilets (year-round). Big Foot Beach State Park also
offers parking (day pass required) and restrooms (seasonal). Make sure to plan ahead: the longest stretch without restrooms or any public access is from Lake Geneva to Williams Bay, or about 7 miles. In a pinch, you could be picked up at Chapin Road, which is about 3.75 miles from Lake Geneva.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO SEE?
The estates along the shore have changed quite a bit over the years. Many older homes and cottages have been torn down and replaced with new, usually larger ones, built in their place. Some of the estates that have been lost in the 21st century include the replica of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater; Villa Hortensia, a Mediterranean Revival mansion designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw; the Healy estate on the west side of Williams Bay; and Swinghurst, a Victorian-era home that was located near the Geneva Inn.
Glen Arden, located on the southeastern shore, was recently rebuilt to look nearly identical to the original from the outside. Once owned by cartoonist Sidney Smith, the original home had a third-story turret room where Smith created his Andy Gump syndicated series. The restoration carefully preserved the turret and it has been reattached to the new structure.
Historic homes are not the only Shore Path sites to undergo changes: The new Women’s Leadership Center on the lakefront between Williams Bay and Fontana is currently under
Historic Yerkes Observatory is located in Williams Bay. While you can’t view the building from the path, the dome can be viewed across the lake while walking from Fontana toward Black Point.
things to do shore path construction. Designed by Chicago starchitect Jeanne Gang and spearheaded by successful logistics leader and philanthropist Ann Drake, the center will bring female leaders to the Geneva Lake area from all over the country when it opens later this year. Next to the Leadership Center, the former campus of George Williams College of Aurora University is poised for transition in the next few years as well. Chicagobased developer Topography Hospitality, LLC has purchased the property with the intention of building an ultraluxury resort on the property.
WHERE IS MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY’S HOUSE? AND OPRAH’S?
At The Lake magazine is officially endorsing the unpopular opinion: Matthew McConaughey does not have a house on Geneva Lake. Sorry readers, it just isn’t true.
The Oprah rumor makes more sense, since she has ties to Chicago. But no, she doesn’t have a house here either.
Lake Geneva does, however, have a history of celebrities and famous residents. One such figure in the early days, Sidney Smith, was the first cartoonist to be offered a million-dollar contract. His creation, “The Gumps,” first appeared in the Chicago Tribune in 1916. The newspaper sent a statue of the strip’s main character, Andy Gump, to Smith’s Lake Geneva estate. The statue was eventually relocated to Lake Geneva’s Flat Iron Park after Smith died in a car crash in 1935.
The estate Casa del Sueño has had its share of celebrity owners. Lee Phillip Bell and Bill Bell, creators of the soap operas “The Bold and the Beautiful” and “The Young and the Restless” lived there. (The latter show’s fictional town is named after nearby Genoa City.) Today the estate is owned by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.
Another celebrity resident is Thomas Lennon, probably best known for his role in “Reno 911!” as Lieutenant Jim Dangle. You may also recognize him as Joey’s identical hand twin in “Friends.”
The 1880s-era, Queen Anne-style Black Point Estate and Gardens is located on the south shore. While you can’t view the building from the path, the tower can be viewed rising above the trees as you’re walking between Williams Bay and Fontana.
Lennon is very approachable and has been generous with his local appearances, most notably helping to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin at the Lake Geneva Walmart last summer.
Lake Geneva continues to be a popular destination for visitors from all over the world, so you never know who you might run into.
IS GENEVA LAKE’S SHORE PATH THE ONLY PATH LIKE IT IN THE U.S.?
We have yet to find another lakeshore path that encircles an entire lake, and is free of charge and open to the public. Many lakes offer partial walks of their shoreline. Lake Geneva is sometimes called the “Newport of the West,” and there is a similar path called The Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. The Cliff Walk meanders between the ocean and Newport’s enormous estates (most of them Stone Manor-sized), but only for a 3.5-mile-long segment. And there’s a 2.8-mile walking path around Green Lake near Seattle, but without famous historic estates.
The Geneva Lake Shore Path, with its 21.9 miles of scenic lake views and historical sight-seeing, is undoubtedly one-of-a-kind. It’s a locally treasured attraction and something we hope will still be available to our residents and visitors a century from now.
SHORE PATH 101
Enjoy your own experience on the Geneva Lake Shore Path with these helpful tips:
• The path is open to the public, but the yards, grounds and piers of the private homes and organizations along the path are not. Be respectful of private property and stay on the path.
• To get on and off the path, use public access points, like the lakeshore areas in the city of Lake Geneva and the villages of Williams Bay and Fontana. Entering or exiting via lawns, driveways or other private property is trespassing.
• Dogs are allowed on the path but must be leashed and picked up after.
• Bikes, strollers and other wheeled items are not permitted. Many sections of the path are not navigable by wheels of any sort.
• The majority of the Shore Path is not accessible to those with mobility issues, with the exception of a small section in downtown Lake Geneva.
• Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray. Cell phone service can be limited in some areas.
WANT MORE?
Our pocket-size Geneva Lake Shore Path Guide features over 100 historical and contemporary points of interest. Look for an expanded and updated edition to hit local retailers and our online store by late spring!
Historic Sites/ Libraries/Museums
HISTORIC SITES
BIRTHPLACE OF DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
330 Center St., Lake Geneva (262) 475-2121 birthplaceofdnd.com
BLACK POINT ESTATE AND GARDENS
W4270 Southland Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 248-1888 blackpointestate. wisconsinhistory.org
HORTICULTURAL HALL
330 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4382 horticulturalhall.com
MAPLE PARK NATIONAL HISTORIC DISTRICT Lake Geneva
RIVIERA BALLROOM
812 Wrigley Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 344-8246 lakegenevariviera.com
YERKES OBSERVATORY
373 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay (262) 245-5555 yerkesobservatory.org
LIBRARIES
ARAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
830 E. Geneva St., Ste. B Delavan (262) 728-3111; aramlibrary.org
BARRETT MEMORIAL LIBRARY
65 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay (262) 245-2709; williamsbay.lib.wi.us
FONTANA PUBLIC LIBRARY
166 Second St., Fontana (262) 275-5107 fontana.lib.wi.us/site
LAKE GENEVA
PUBLIC LIBRARY
918 W. Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 249-5299 lglibrary.org
World-Class Art Exhibit
For a period of around 20 years, between 1890 and 1910, Delavan served as a summer haven for artists, many of whom received their artistic training at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). Prominent artist and figure drawing instructor John Vanderpoel taught at SAIC from 1880 to 1910, and he also maintained a summer home in Delavan, where he hosted groups of students every July. In addition to this student-artist colony, many local, Delavan-born artists trained at SAIC and in Europe, and went on to establish studios and give lessons in Delavan. These local artists created an impressive body of work — mostly portrait and landscapes executed in the popular Impressionist style — many of which remain today in the
MATHESON
MEMORIAL LIBRARY
101 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn (262) 723-2678 elkhorn.lib.wi.us
663 Ann St., Delavan (262) 740-7410 delavanhistory.org
GENEVA LAKE MUSEUM
255 Mill St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-6060 genevalakemuseum.org
HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF WALWORTH AND BIG FOOT PRAIRIE
101 Maple St., Walworth (262) 394-3309
OLD WORLD WISCONSIN (open seasonally) W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle (262) 594-6301 oldworldwisconsin. wisconsinhistory.org
WALWORTH COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
9 S. Broad St., Elkhorn (262) 723-7848 walcohistory.org
WEBSTER HOUSE MUSEUM
9 E. Rockwell St., Elkhorn (262) 723-7848 walcohistory.org
WILLIAMS BAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Williams Bay wmsbayhistory.org
collection of the Aram Public Library, where several can be viewed during the library’s open hours free of charge.
Many of the paintings on display match the quality of other works by these same artists which reside today in the collections of the Brooklyn Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Weisman Art Museum in Minneapolis, among others. In fact, according to Library Director Michelle Carter, this impressive art collection at the Aram Public Library rivals that of many small museums. It’s a “strong representation of the area’s history and its artists,” she says.
Currently, the number of paintings far exceeds the wall space available in the historic library building, but the Aram Public Library is undergoing construction of a new library space. Once it is completed, Carter hopes to rotate the collection and host special displays, allowing visitors to view more of the art.
BY THE BOOK
BY ANNE MORRISSY
Last September, venerable publisher Fodor’s Travel released a list of the “10 Most Beautiful Libraries in the United States.” Alongside incredible libraries like the Boston Public Library, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Main Branch and the Salt Lake City Public Library was an unexpected name: The Lake Geneva Public Library. The editors at Fodor’s described Lake Geneva’s local library as “one of the most architecturally unique libraries in the Midwest (and beyond!)” and went on to describe its Prairie Style, mid-century modern architectural design as “seemingly ever-changing,” explaining how “visitors can gaze at a view of the lake through the building from the Main Street side (an intentional design element created by [the architect]).”
Of the list of 10 libraries named by Fodor’s as the most beautiful, Lake Geneva was by far the smallest city to make to list. (Newport, Rhode Island was the next smallest city.) The recognition came on the heels of a $1.3M renovation of Lake Geneva’s Public Library that was completed in 2022. Among the projects completed during the renovation were: the addition of two new meeting rooms; a redesigned floor plan that opened all lake-facing windows to the public; an expansion of the space in the children’s area; new public restrooms; a patio on the lake side for hosting events; updated HVAC and flooring; and improved energy efficiency.
The library building originally opened in 1954 and was designed by James R. Dresser, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright’s at Taliesin. The architectural
style borrows heavily from Wright’s distinctive Prairie Style and was intended to maximize the property’s incredible lake views. With the recent renovations, the architect’s original vision was preserved.
Another nod to Wright inside the library? The beautiful stained-glass dividers created by Lake Geneva’s Gilbertson’s Stained Glass Studio, the pattern of which is actually a replica of the windows at the former Geneva Hotel, which was designed by Wright and stood on the site of the current Geneva Towers condos from 1912-1970. The distinctive windows that Wright designed for the hotel have become known as “Lake Geneva Tulip Stained Glass,” and the pattern is still available for sale today through the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. The library renovations gave the stained-glass dividers a pride of place in the new space.
“My hope is that we continue to be a space for our residents and visitors to read, relax, connect, learn, have conversation and build community as they enjoy both the architecture and the view along with all of the library’s resources,” says Library Director Emily Kornak.
Fodor’s Travel names Lake Geneva library a top-10 beauty following renovations
Dining Out
(top picks)
Everyone who has spent time in the Geneva Lake area has a few favorite dishes from local restaurants that they recommend to locals and visitors alike. The At The Lake staff knows a thing or two about this, so here are six can’tmiss dishes as recommended by our local experts.
Taqueria
Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera app to see our full list of Geneva Lake area dining options.
Dip in the Bay,
Tortilla Dinner (+ margaritas!)
El Gallo De Oro, Lake Geneva
Chicago-Style Cone
Williams Bay
Blackened Tuna Salad Pier 290, Williams Bay
BBQ Ribs Mars Resort, Lake Geneva
The Grazing Brit Flat Iron Tap, Lake Geneva
Apple Crumble French Toast Simple Café, Lake Geneva
resources
Day-to-day life is often full of “How Do I...?” questions. How do I find a new doctor or dentist? How do I set up new internet service or establish garbage pickup? How do I get my ice maker fixed or return a package? How do I enroll my kids in a school other than my neighborhood school? In this section, we’ve rounded up answers for many of life’s “How Do I?”s.
Health and Wellness
MEDICAL
ADVANCED EYE CARE & CONTACT LENS CENTER
154 E. Geneva Sq., Lake Geneva (262) 249-1000 advancedeyecarelake geneva.com
AURORA HEALTH CARE aurorahealthcare.org
• Aurora Family Medicine 525 Kenosha St., #A, Walworth
• Aurora Health Center 709 Spring Valley Rd., Burlington
• Aurora Health Center 1550 Hobbs Dr., Delavan
• Aurora Health Center 201 E. Morrissy Dr., Elkhorn
• Aurora Health Center 146 E. Geneva Square, Lake Geneva
• Aurora Lakeland Medical Center W3985 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn
• Aurora Sports Health 700 Geneva Pkwy. N, Lake Geneva
CLEAR WATERS
SALON MED SPA
77 N. Walworth Ave., Williams Bay (262) 245-2444 clearwaterssalonspa.com
THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE
124 N. Walworth St., Darien (262) 725-3331 visitthedoctorsoffice.com
ELEMENTAL SKIN & BODY MEDICAL AESTHETICS
222 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 903-6413 elementalskinandbody.com
EYE PHYSICIANS & SURGEONS, S.C. 1311 S. Lincoln St., Elkhorn (262) 723-4600 eyephysician.com
FAMILY EYE CARE
DRY EYE CLINIC
415 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4878 eyecarewoodstock.com
KG AESTHETICS, A BOUTIQUE MEDSPA 1221 Phoenix St., #100, Delavan (262) 288-2434 kgaestheticswi.com
MERCY HEALTH SYSTEM mercyhealthsystem.org
• Mercyhealth Delavan 1038 E. Geneva St., Delavan (262) 728-4301
• Mercyhealth Elkhorn 839 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn (262) 741-1400
• Mercyhealth Hospital and Medical Center –Walworth N2950 Hwy. 67, Lake Geneva (262) 245-0535
• Mercy Lake Geneva Medical Center
350 Peller Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 249-0221
NEUROSURGERY AND ENDOVASCULAR ASSOCIATES
850 Geneva Pkwy. N, Lake Geneva (262) 384-4604 neuroendomke.com
N1281 Veronica Rd., Genoa City (262) 812-6695 nurturinghandscare.com
PARKSIDE VILLAGE SENIOR APARTMENTS
317 S. Main St., Delavan (262) 371-4828 parksidedelavan.com
ROSEWOOD MANOR
2220 Borg Rd., Delavan (262) 728-7673
RIDGESTONE VILLAGE
1025 S. Second St., Delavan (262) 728-2848
SAGE MEADOW OF LAKE GENEVA
6722 Hwy. 50, Lake Geneva (262) 248-2029
SHERWOOD LODGE ASSISTED LIVING
116 Cherry St., Williams Bay (262) 245-7320 northshorehc.com
TEAM LOVE HOME CARE
47 S. Wisconsin St., Unit A, Elkhorn (224) 661-0523 teamlovehomecare.net
TRANSITIONS AT HOME
N6359 Hwy. 12, Elkhorn (262) 723-2700
WILLIAMS BAY HEALTH SERVICES
146 Clover St., Williams Bay (262) 245-6400 northshorehc.com
Fitness Trackers
BY NAT WEXLER
Whether you are training for a race like the Fontana Triathlon (held each year in September) or you’re just looking to move your body and improve your health, using a fitness tracker can be extremely valuable. Here’s a quick guide to some of our favorites.
WEARABLE DEVICES
One of the most popular and versatile fitness trackers is the Apple Watch. Apple Watches offer a variety of benefits including robust fitness tracking, emergency calling and, for watches that are added to a cell phone plan, most of the functionality of an iPhone. Wearers are able to change the wristband and can download a variety of apps onto the device.
If you’re not an Apple user or you’re looking for a more cost-effective fitness band, consider a Fitbit. Anyone looking
for basic fitness tracking, including step tracking and heart rate tracking, should consider the Fitbit Inspire 3.
Those looking for the more advanced tech offerings of a smartwatch should consider one of the brand’s Pixel watches.
PHONE-BASED APPS
MyFitnessPal is an app that allows users to keep track of their fitness and diet and can be used alone or with Apple Watch and Fitbit devices.
Nike Run Club is a free fitness tracker app that helps runners track pace, elevation, mile splits and heart rate while running.
Peloton is a subscriptionbased app that features thousands of hours of on-demand and live workout classes. Many of the classes can be completed without the use of equipment.
Mailing/Utilities
POST OFFICES
FONTANA POST OFFICE
185 Third Ave., Fontana (262) 275-3325 usps.com
LAKE GENEVA
POST OFFICE
672 W. Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3545 usps.com
SPRINGFIELD
POST OFFICE
7210 Springfield Rd., Springfield (262) 248-3088 usps.com
WILLIAMS BAY
POST OFFICE
129 N. Walworth Ave., Williams Bay (262) 245-5183 usps.com
SHIPPING STORES
ABT MAILCOM
N1977 Schaitel Rd. #400, Lake Geneva (262) 248-9590
abt-corp.com
AMY’S SHIPPING EMPORIUM – UPS
AUTHORIZED SHIPPING PROVIDER
507 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 249-0708 amysshippingemporium.com
361 W. Main St., Lake Geneva 262) 248-2311 lgutilitycommission.com
SPECTRUM (internet/phone/TV)
156 E. Geneva Sq., Lake Geneva (888) 406-7063 spectrum.com
T-MOBILE (wireless, internet)
• 1823a E. Geneva St., Delavan (262) 725-0950 t-mobile.com
• 656 Edward Blvd., Lake Geneva (262) 249-6202 t-mobile.com
• 58 W. Market St., Elkhorn (262) 949-7273 t-mobile.com
VERIZON (internet/phone/TV)
351 Peller Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 248-5700 verizon.com
VILLAGE OF FONTANA UTILITIES (water/sewer) 175 Valley View Dr., Fontana (262) 275-6136 vi.fontana.wi.gov
WE ENERGIES (electric and gas) we-energies.com
WILLIAMS BAY PUBLIC WORKS (water/sewer) williamsbay.org
HEAD OF THE CLASS
Choosing the right schooling option for your kids
BY ANNE MORRISSY
In recent years, many new residents have arrived in the Geneva Lake area, drawn by the beautiful natural landscape, the friendly sense of community and easy access to goods, services and education. For families with schoolage kids, one of the first tasks after moving here is to enroll the kids in school. Depending on which state you are moving here from, the Wisconsin school enrollment system may have options that are unfamiliar to new arrivals. So we’ve put together a primer on all things education in the Geneva Lake area — everything you need to know to find the best school environment for your kids.
LOCAL SCHOOLS
For elementary, middle and high school, all students in Wisconsin are assigned to a district based on their home address. The majority of students in Wisconsin will choose to attend these assigned schools — nearly all public schools in the Geneva Lake area rank well on statewide metrics and assessments, and enrolling your kids in their assigned local school can simplify things like
transportation and participation in after-school activities.
OPEN ENROLLMENT
In some cases, the local school your child is assigned to may not be the right fit for them. The school may lack an academic elective class or an after-school sports program that your child is really passionate about, or the peer group may simply not be a good fit for your individual child. For cases like these, Wisconsin offers an open enrollment period, which allows you to apply for your child to attend public school in a school district of your choice. The open enrollment period for 2026 runs from Feb. 2 through April 30. During this time, you must submit an application for review, which must then be approved by both the school district you are asking to opt out of and the school district you are hoping to enroll in. If the application is approved, you are solely responsible for providing transportation for your child to and from school.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
For those families that prefer a
religiously informed education for their children, there are several private school options in the Geneva Lake area, including elementary, middle and high school options. These schools require a tuition fee and are generally private-pay, though families who are seeking to enroll in these schools should look into the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, a voucher program which provides a state aid payment for students to attend certain eligible private schools.
VIRTUAL CHARTER SCHOOLS (VCS)
A virtual charter school is a public school authorized by a locally elected school board, with a public school curriculum and certified teachers. (This is not the same as homeschooling.) In the Geneva Lake area, not every local school district offers a VCS option, so the first step is to identify your local school district and to determine if VCS is an option for your kids. Students in virtual charter schools must attend school regularly by logging in, participating online and completing all assignments on a computer. Additionally, some virtual charter schools require students to physically attend a school building for a portion of the instructional time.
HOMESCHOOLING
Finally, Wisconsin does allow for parent-directed homeschooling. Parents choosing to homeschool must provide at least 875 hours of instruction each school year and include a sequentially progressive curriculum of instruction in six subject areas — reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies, science and health. It is important to note that, unlike some other states, the Wisconsin Department of Education does not provide a curriculum, educational materials or funds to purchase curriculum for homeschooling. Upon completion of homeschool education, students do not receive a diploma issued by a public or private high school. Parents intending to homeschool their children must complete a registration form each year informing the state.
NOW ENROLLING GRADES 4K-12
Lake Geneva Schools is comprised of two districts: Lake Geneva Joint #1 Schools and Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union (Badger) High School. Together, they provide a seamless 4K-12 educational experience.
At Lake Geneva Schools, we engage, educate, and empower students every day in a supportive and caring environment. We offer strong academics, innovative learning, and exceptional opportunities in and out of the classroom, all led by dedicated educators committed to student success. With outstanding programs in performing arts, fine arts, STEAM, Career and Technical Education work-based learning, advanced placement, and athletics, there’s a place for every student to thrive.
PROVEN QUALITY:
Both Lake Geneva Joint #1 School District and Lake Geneva-Genoa City Union (Badger) High School District Exceeded Expectations on the Wisconsin DPI School Report Cards, demonstrating strong achievement, academic growth, and readiness for future success.
At Lake Geneva Schools, students benefit from big-school opportunities and small-school strengths. We invite you to explore everything we offer.
PUBLIC
BADGER HIGH SCHOOL (9-12 grades)
208 E. South St., Lake Geneva (262) 348-2000 badger.lakegeneva schools.com
CENTRAL-DENISON
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(4K-3 grades)
900 Wisconsin St., Lake Geneva (262) 348-4000 centraldenison. lakegenevaschools.com
EASTVIEW
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (4-5 grades)
535 Sage St., Lake Geneva (262) 348-6000 eastview.lakegeneva schools.com
FONTANA J8 SCHOOL DISTRICT (4K-8 grades)
450 S. Main St., Fontana (262) 275-6881 fontana.k12.wi.us
LAKE GENEVA MIDDLE SCHOOL (6-8 grades)
600 N. Bloomfield Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 348-3000 lakegenevamiddleschool. lakegenevaschools.com
REEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(PreK-8 grades)
W4094 S. Lakeshore Dr., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4120 linn6.k12.wi.us
STAR CENTER
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (4K-5 grades)
W1380 Lake Geneva Hwy., Lake Geneva (262) 348-7000 starcenter.lakegeneva schools.com
TRAVER SCHOOL (4K-8 grades)
W3490 Linton Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 248-4067 traverschool.org
WILLIAMS BAY SCHOOL DISTRICT (3K-12 grades)
500 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay (262) 245-1575 williamsbayschools.org
WOODS SCHOOL (4K-8 grades)
N2575 Snake Rd., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3816 woodsschool.com
PRIVATE
FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (PreK-12 grades)
W5525 Hwy. 67, Williams Bay (262) 245-9404 faithchristianschool.org
FIRST LUTHERAN LAKE GENEVA (3K-8 grades)
1101 Logan St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3374 lakegenevachristian.com
LAKE GENEVA MONTESSORI SCHOOL (PreK ages 2-5) 912 Geneva St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-6211 genevalakesymca.org/ montessori
MAPLE PARK CHARTER SCHOOL (5-8 grades)
208 E. South St., Lake Geneva (262) 348-1000 lakegenevaschools.com
MT. ZION CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (PreK-8 grades) 2330 Hwy. 120, Lake Geneva (262) 248-5255 mtzionschool.com
NEW VISIONS CHARTER SCHOOL (9-12 grades)
208 E. South St., Lake Geneva (262) 348-1000 lakegenevaschools.com
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES PARISH SCHOOL (3K-8 grades)
148 W. Main St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-2778 sfdslg.org
HIGHER EDUCATION
GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE - ELKHORN CAMPUS
400 Co. Trunk H, Elkhorn (800) 247-7122 gtc.edu
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN WHITEWATER
800 W. Main St., Whitewater (262) 472-1234 uww.edu
Adult Education
ESL CLASSES
GATEWAY TECHNICAL COLLEGE
400 County Rd. H, Elkhorn (262) 564-2453 gtc.edu/programs/ pre-college/englishlanguage-learners-ell
LAKE GENEVA SCHOOLS COMMUNITY EDUCATION (262) 348-2000, ext. 8351 badger.lakegenevaschools. com/get-involved/ community-education
WALWORTH COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL (262) 475-9180 walworthcounty literacycouncil.org
ADULT CLASSES AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
GENEVA LAKE ARTS FOUNDATION –GALLERY 223 223 Broad St., Lake Geneva (262) 249-7988 genevalakeartsfoundation.org
ROCK CENTRAL MUSIC SCHOOL
750 Veterans Pkwy., Ste. 104, Lake Geneva (262) 374-4600 rockcentral.org
UW-EXTENSION
WALWORTH COUNTY
100 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn (262) 741-4951 walworth.extension.wisc.edu
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR THE SUMMER
Four ideas to keep kids happy, engaged and learning over the summer break
BY ANNE MORRISSY
Every parent knows that the last day of school each spring is a major milestone in a child’s life. A three-month break from textbooks, quizzes and afterschool sports is a welcome breath of fresh air as the weather turns warmer and the busy season descends on the Geneva Lake area. But for many parents, keeping kids active, social and learning new things over the summer can be a challenge. Luckily, the Geneva Lake area has lots of kids’ summer activities, from overnight camps to swimming lessons to community sports leagues to musical theater programs.
1. Enroll in a summer camp. Thanks to the natural beauty of the Geneva Lake area, summer camps abound here. Covenant Harbor Bible Camp, founded in 1947 by the Swedish Covenant church, offers both day camp and overnight camp options for students in 1st through 12th grade, with activities that include waterfront time, banana boats and the high ropes course. Lake Geneva Youth Camp is
another Christian-focused summer camp on Geneva Lake that offers one-week sessions of day and overnight camps, as well as a new Golf Camp for teens, offered in conjunction with Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. In Burlington, the YMCA of Chicago operates Camp MacLean for kids ages 7-16, plus offers special one-week sessions focusing on things like horseback riding, aquatics camp and backpacking the Ice Age Trail.
2. Try a new sport or activity. If your kids aren’t into the idea of summer camp, they can still learn something new and make new friends by taking lessons. The Water Safety Patrol offer sixweek-long, low-cost swimming lessons at all of the area’s public beaches. The Geneva Lake Sailing School in Fontana offers weeklong sailing lesson “camps” for kids ages 4-17. At Lake Geneva Tennis & Pickleball, kids can take private lessons or sign up for group leagues ranging from Pee Wee Tennis to competitive training for advanced teen players. Several of the local golf courses also offer junior leagues and lessons — check out Hawk’s View Golf Course, Geneva National and Abbey Springs Golf Course.
3. Sign up for a rec league. If your kids are missing organized sports during the summer, sign them up for a youth league through one of the local rec departments. At the Williams Bay Recreational Department, there’s T-ball for kids ages 3-5 (June-August) or baseball or softball for older kids (April-July). The Geneva Lakes Family YMCA offers both nontravel and travel baseball and softball, a swim team and many more options.
4. Learn something new. Whereas summer school was once considered a punishment, today’s schools offer fun and educational activities to keep kids engaged during the summer months. The Lake Geneva Schools’ Kids’ Academy Summer Program offers one- and two-week sessions throughout June and July that includes a variety of engaging academic classes and enrichment experiences. Or kids can exercise their theatrical side with musical theater camps offered through the Big Foot Recreation District, which maintains a busy schedule of everything from musical theater camps and music and dance lessons, to arts and crafts, to astronomy exploration.
City Hall Services
LAKE GENEVA
CITY HALL
626 Geneva St., Lake Geneva (262) 248-3673 cityoflakegeneva.gov
FIRE/POLICE/EMS (Emergency) 911
POLICE (Non-emergency) (262) 248-4455
FIRE DEPARTMENT (Non-emergency) (262) 248-7228
BUILDING AND ZONING (262) 248-3911
PUBLIC WORKS
(Leaf pickup and drop off and snow removal) (262) 248-6644
UTILITY COMMISSION (Water and sewer) (262) 248-2311
PUBLIC WORKS (Water, sewer, garbage and recycling) (262) 275-3481
WILLIAMS BAY
VILLAGE OF WILLIAMS BAY 250 Williams St., P.O. Box 580 Williams Bay (262) 245-2700 williamsbay.org
FIRE/POLICE/EMS (Emergency) 911
POLICE (Non-emergency) (262) 245-2710
FIRE DEPARTMENT (Non-emergency) (262) 245-2712
BUILDING AND ZONING (262) 245-2700
PUBLIC WORKS (Water, sewer, garbage and recycling, leaf pickup and dropoff) (262) 245-2700
2026
VOTING DATES
Feb. 17: Spring primary (if necessary)
April 7: Spring election
Aug. 11: Partisan primary
Nov. 3: General election
Early voting: Early inperson absentee voting is available beginning 10 business days prior to the election and ending three business days prior to the election. Visit myvote.wi.gov to find your in-person absentee voting location.
Absentee by mail: If you will be out of the area during the voting period or if you cannot physically get to a polling place, visit myvote.wi.gov to request an absentee ballot by mail.
Where To Vote
The first step to voting in the Geneva Lake area is to determine which voting district you live in based on your address. Visit myvote.wi.gov and enter your street address to find out your voting district. Here is a list of local polling places.
LAKE GENEVA
Lake Geneva City Hall
626 Geneva St., Lake Geneva
TOWN OF GENEVA
Como Community Church W3901 Palmer Rd., Lake Geneva
BLOOMFIELD Bloomfield Town Hall N1100 Town Hall Rd., Pell Lake
FONTANA Village Hall 175 Valley View Dr., Fontana
TOWN OF LINN Ward 5 – Chapel on the Hill Parish Hall N2482 Cisco Rd., Lake Geneva
Wards 4 & 6 – Linn Town Hall W3728 Franklin Walsh St., Zenda
WALWORTH
Town Hall
W6741 Brick Church Rd., Walworth
WILLIAMS BAY
Lions Field House 310 Elkhorn Rd., Williams Bay
CITY OF LAKE GENEVA
(262) 248-3673
cityoflakegeneva.gov
The city of Lake Geneva offers both free and paid parking options.
FREE PARKING
Free parking is available on certain side streets and parking lots yearround. Free parking just outside the downtown district offers convenient access to amenities within a short (roughly 10-minute) walk.
Vehicles with disabled passengers displaying a valid handicap license plate or placard may park free in any handicap or metered stall throughout the city.
PAID PARKING
Choose from metered street parking or metered lots, both of which utilize parking kiosks and the ParkMobile app to collect payment. Things to know before you go include:
Paid parking is in effect 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Jan. 28 through Nov. 14, 2026.
Look for signs identifying metered parking zones. Parking costs $2 per hour Monday through Thursday and $4 per hour Friday through Sunday.
Metered parking uses your license plate number to identify your vehicle.
After pulling into a metered lot or parking stall, pay for parking at the nearest kiosk with a credit card (Visa, Mastercard or Discover only) or coins. Alternatively, you can use the ParkMobile app to pay.
VILLAGE OF FONTANA
(262) 275-6136
vi.fontana.wi.gov
Pay station parking is in effect 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, April 15 through Oct. 15. The pay station charges $3 per hour Monday through Thursday, and $5 per hour Friday through Sunday and holidays.
Pay for your parking using the on-site kiosk system or by downloading the Passport parking app.
Parking
VILLAGE OF WILLIAMS BAY
(262) 245-2700
williamsbay.org
Parking is free to residents and visitors throughout Williams Bay. Some areas, including the beach parking lot adjacent to the lake, are reserved for residents. (Read all signage carefully before parking.) A free lot open to all is located directly across the street from the beach at the southeast entrance of Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy.
Parking Kiosk 101
1. Press the green START button.
2. Use the keypad to enter your license plate number.
3. Make your payment swipe a credit or debit card, and choose an amount of time or deposit coins until the desired amount of time is reached.
4. Confirm your purchase and obtain your receipt.
Residents of Lake Geneva, Fontana and Williams Bay should visit their local city or village hall to obtain resident parking permits.
1. Enter your parking space number then press the green button.
2. Make your payment swipe a credit or debit card, and choose an amount of time or deposit coins until the desired amount of time is reached.
3. Press the green button to confirm your purchase and obtain your receipt.
For quick and easy parking, use these free apps to pay for and add time to your parking throughout your stay:
LAKE GENEVA
LAKE GENEVA
FONTANA
FONTANA
“Successful people live well, laugh often and love much. They’ve filled a niche and accomplished tasks so as to leave the world better than they found it, while looking for the best in others, and giving the best they have.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
photo by holly leitner
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