Geneva Lake offers summer fun
By TERI WILKUS - twilkus@nwherald.com
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| Geneva Lake offers a number of recreational opportunities, from boating to fishing to water skiing. (Lauren M. Anderson - landerson@nwherald.com) |
Lake Geneva’s relaxed atmosphere might be what keeps vacationers coming back to the easygoing town, but it’s the lake itself that initially grabs their affections, said Anne Korman, park manager at Big Foot Beach State Park.
“The reason why so many people love to come to Lake Geneva is for the water itself,” Korman said. “Geneva Lake is a very clear lake.”
Geneva Lake, not to be confused with the city of Lake Geneva, is located about 30 miles from Crystal Lake. This 5,500-square-acre body of water offers vacationers of all ages an assortment of activities for a wide range of prices.
One of the cheapest and simplest activities a vacationer can do on the lake is swim. Geneva Lake typically is 74 degrees by July 1 and 82 degrees at the beginning of August.
“You have great water clarity, and the water stays relatively cool because it’s a spring-side lake,” Korman said. “It’s a very refreshing swim.”
At Big Foot Beach State Park for $10 a vehicle, visitors can visit the beach, along with everything else the park has to offer, which includes 300 acres of recreation areas and nearly 7 miles of trails, Korman said.
For information about Big Foot Beach, call 262-248-2528.
Humans aren’t the only species attracted to Geneva’s Lake cool, clear water – plenty of fish call it home.
“You’ll find northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, pan fish, and walleyes,” said Tom Billing, a Lake Geneva Fishing Guide Service guide. “They’re really quality fish. Geneva Lake is really one of the best fisheries in Wisconsin.”
Billing said the current cool temperatures make it possible for people to make big catches right off the shore.
“Right off the piers, you can get some quality fish, especially at this time of year,” Billing said. “During the hotter months, you’ll have to get in a boat, though.”
For information about Lake Geneva Fishing Guide Service, call 414-791-0733.
There are plenty of places to rent boats around Geneva Lake for between $99 and $540, depending on the type of boat and length of the rental.
“Boating is a good way to see the lake,” said Denise Poivey, secretary at Gordy’s Lakefront Marine. “There are so many beautiful homes on the lake, and it really is the only way to see it. It’s good fishing, too.”
Vacationers also can rent water skis, wakeboards and tubes from most of the boat rental shops in Lake Geneva. Gordy’s offers water-skiing lessons for $175 an hour for beginners.
“Water-skiing is fairly simple,” Poivey said. “We try everything to make sure that the customers feel comfortable on the boats.”
For information about Gordy’s Lakefront Marine, call 262-275-2163.
For environmentally conscious vacationers who still would like to get on the water without using gas-guzzling boats, Geneva Lake Sailing School offers sailing lessons to people of all ages.
“I mean, it’s probably one of the coolest things you can do on the lake,” said Kevin Jewett, executive director of sailing at the school. “You can get out on the water, see the lake, and if you’re new to sailing, learn a whole new sport that can be a lifetime activity for you.”
The sailing school offers adult and children courses ranging from $150 to $420.
“It’s a new challenge for a lot of people,” Jewett said. “There’s something special about learning how to sail without the assistance of a motor. It’s much quieter – there’s a challenge on it, not only going out on the lake, which is beautiful, but being able to connect with nature.”
For information about Geneva Lake Sailing School, call 262-275-8489.
