The show is about to begin. Get your plan ready.
The Lake Geneva region is always beautiful, but many believe Mother Nature saves her best for the autumn season. The lovely, pristine waters of Geneva Lake may be the region’s calling card, but the surrounding heavily-wooded hillsides literally burst with a kaleidoscope of colors as fall arrives. It’s a breathtaking display and peak viewing season is predicted for the fourth week of October this year, according to the Travel Wisconsin website.
That’s right. One need not go north to view the explosion of colors.
No doubt, most folks have their favorite ways to take in autumn colors, as we do as well. For visitors, here are a few of our top suggestions.
- It all begins with the water, contrasting the beauty of the lake with the surrounding bursts of color. Lake Geneva Cruise Line is the place to go, booking an excursion that takes in the unique views from the water. The magnificent lakefront estates surrounded by colorful stands of trees is a feast for the eyes. For complete information on cruise schedules and pricing go to cruiselakegeneva.com.
- Fall-color enthusiasts can use their feet to tour at a slower pace, by walking the famous 21-mile Geneva Lake Shore Path. The walkway hugs the shoreline and is easily accessed from multiple points, including downtown Lake Geneva. It winds along the shore with close views of the water, the lakefront estates and the surrounding colorful hillsides. Walkers can hike as far as they wish – yes, some set out intending to do it all – or enjoy portions of the path. It’s free, which makes it even better.
- For a more leisurely tour around the lake enjoy the view from your car. A good starting point is from downtown Lake Geneva, taking Hwy. 50 west to the Geneva Street turn-off toward Williams Bay. Take a left just past Yerkes Observatory onto Lake Shore Drive, which is a beautiful winding road into Fontana. Follow the lakefront through Fontana to South Lake Shore Drive, winding back toward the lake’s east side, Big Foot State Park and re-entering the city.
- Let’s stick with Big Foot State Park for a moment, and also bring up the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy. Big Foot is at the eastern shore of Geneva Lake. Kishwauketoe is at 251 Elkhorn Road in Williams Bay. While the entire region is rich in natural beauty, these sites are set aside and maintained for the quiet preservation of the Great Outdoors. Both are easily accessible, and bring enthusiasts up-close and personal with autumn beauty. Nature at its best needs no accompaniment beyond your feet, your eyes and your ears.
- For those who like two wheels and pedals there’s no finer way to view autumn than a ride along the White River State Trail. Just five miles outside Lake Geneva, the 19-mile trail is managed by Walworth and Racine counties along a former railroad corridor. It’s a crushed limestone surface and relatively easy to negotiate for bicyclists or walkers. It’s a beautiful and relaxing way to view fall colors.
- While we’re on the subject of two wheels, here’s a personal favorite – we like to take Bill’s Harley Davidson for fall rides through the countryside. There’s no better way to see the colors, and no freer way to savor the experience. The Lake Geneva region often is filled with motorcycles and this is why. There’s something special about the crisp autumn air brushing your face as you take in the sights, sounds and smells of fall. So, if you have a motorcycle, plan to get out there. Or you could rent a scooter in Lake Geneva for a fall ride. Bring your own bicycle, or rent one; a bit slower, yes, but the same concept of open air viewing. And while we’re at it, put Snake Road at the top of your cruise list. Catch it about a mile west of Lake Geneva off Hwy. 50. Take a left turn and you won’t regret it.
- Another personal favorite: Fall golf. Acres and acres of lush green grass surrounded by the colorful wooded landscape. There are many beautiful opportunities. The two courses at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa are lovely beyond description in the autumn season. Hawk’s View Golf Club’s Como Crossings course bursts with color and has some of the highest and best views in the region. Majestic Oaks at Lake Lawn Lodge is a colorful course bordering Delavan Lake. All these and others make a four-hour round seem too short in the fall.
We easily could go on and on about the beauty and fun to be enjoyed during peak colors season around this part of the state, but readers get the point. This is not the time to lament the passing of summer. Not when Mother Nature is about to put on her best annual show.
A parting thought: While you’re out enjoying autumn, save some time to visit one or more of the area’s great orchards and farms. Pearce’s Farm Stand just west of Williams Bay is one of our favorite places to start.
See you out there on the trails. Bring your camera.
The column is produced by the husband and wife team of Bill Barth and Stephanie Klett. Bill is the former Editor of the Beloit Daily News, and a member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame. Stephanie is the President and CEO of Visit Lake Geneva, and the former Secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Tourism.
