The Perfect Guide for The Geneva Lake Shore Path

With over 21 miles of shoreline to explore and many historical highlights to appreciate, Geneva Lake Shore Path can be a massive draw for guests of the French Country Inn. The trail will guide you along the coastline of one of America’s richest lakes. You’ll spot many luxurious beachside homes, but the prominent mansions are the main attraction—some of which were built centuries ago.

In this guide, we’ll answer the major questions guests have about the trail, and show off the major highlights you’ll experience on Wisconsin’s best lake.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, but they need to be on a leash.

Can you walk the trail during the winter?

You can, just be sure to wear the right clothes for it. However, you won’t get the full experience if you go.

Where are the trail access points?

There are seven access points for the shore path:

1. One near the Lake Geneva Public Library
2. Off of Chapin Road
3. Williams Bay
4. Fontana
5. Shadow Lane
6. Off of Linn Road
7. Big Foot Beach State Park

Where should I start the Geneva Lake Shore Path?

If you’re staying at the French Country Inn, the two access points that will be close to you are the Chapin Road and Williams Bay Access point. Once you’ve walked around the lake, you can exit the same access point you started from.

Fishing in Geneva Lake

Shore fishing on the trail is incredibly popular. For this reason, make sure you are respectful to the fishermen if you are just passing through their fishing spot.

If you love fishing, then bring your gear and find a spot along the coast. It’s a ton of fun, and the massive lake can grant you some big hauls. If you need to grab a fishing license, we got you covered.

Trail Highlights

The trail melds man-made, historic attractions with natural beauty and excitement. Here’s all the best things to see when you’re on the path. We’re going clockwise around the lake starting from the Williams Bay Access Point.

Historic Mansions

It’s no secret that Geneva Lake has some of the priciest homes in all of Wisconsin. As such, you’ll have the chance to see massive mansions that often date back to the early 20th century.

In order, you’ll see:

• Glen Annie
• Glanworth Gardens
• Blacktoft
• Stone Manor
• Casa Del Sueno
• Black Point
• Hazeldore

Big Foot Beach State Park

The major outdoor highlight has to be Big Foot Beach. This state park is the perfect rest stop for picnics and bathroom breaks, as you’ve walked a long way to get here at this point. Big Foot Beach is a fun place to swim and fish if you are prepared.

Black Point Estate

While at this point you’ve seen dozens of mansions on the trail, the Black Point Estate is no doubt the most popular one for tourists. The walkthrough museum offers a glance of Victorian-era architecture. You also can get a taste for what life may have been like at the time. The exterior of the home has natural decor for you to admire at your leisure as well.

Fontana

If you haven’t eaten yet, this is the place you’re going to want a snack. Fontana is a quaint lakeshore town that offers delicious dining options throughout the day. Taking the counterclockwise route may be smarter if you want to get food earlier on your walking tour.

Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn has American classics like burgers served lakeside. Gordy’s Boat House is the perfect pub setting for a quick meal with your walking group. 

Yerkes Observatory

This eye-catching classical building isn’t just pretty to look at, but offers a substantive tour of the cosmos, allowing visitors to learn how the observatory  has been used to further astronomical research. During his first trip to America, Albert Einstein visited this observatory to study astrophysics with experts in the field. It’s a truly historical place.