Lake Geneva, Wisconsin: Lakeside Mansions and Historical Museums

Located within 90 miles of Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, Lake Geneva has become one of the Midwest’s most popular destinations for recreation. In the fall, outdoor activities range from golfing at Abbey Springs to fireside s’mores with hot cider on the Harbor Patio. You can also admire the scenery by taking a stroll through the Geneva Lake Shore Path. This 21-mile walkway planned by early settlers stretches around the entire lake and offers views of historic sites and multimillion-dollar mansions, which helped the town earn the nickname “Newport of the West.”

On chillier days, there’s plenty to do indoors. The Geneva Lake Museum takes visitors back in time with re-created late 19th- and early 20th-century shops, and the 1897-era Yerkes Observatory is home to the world’s largest refracting telescope.