Stories At The Lake - Geneva Lake Shore Path video
Around the lake in a day? That's the goal we set out with on a sunny August day.
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SHORE PATH 101
PICK A ROUTE
There are several public entrance and exit points.
- In Lake Geneva, you can access the shore path at Library Park in the heart of the downtown district. There’s also plenty of parking there for your car. If you have a state park sticker, you can also park at Big Foot Beach State Park and access the path from there.
- In the Village of Williams Bay, the public boat launch and beach offer public shore path access, however, parking is limited during the summer.
- In the Village of Fontana, there’s plenty of public parking near the lakefront.
- The Town of Linn offers shore path access on Linn Pier Road at the boat launch, though parking is limited.
GO BEFORE YOU GO
The only restrooms on the shore path are located in the public entrance and exit points above. If those are locked, and they could be depending on the time of day or year, most nearby restaurants will allow you to use their restrooms.
THINK FEET
Wear comfortable shoes with good arch support! Make sure they have good tread for navigating steep and slippery surfaces.
MIND YOUR MANNERS
The Shore Path is public, but the yards, grounds and piers of the private homes along the path are not. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed and picked up after.
NO WHEELS
Bikes and strollers are not permitted. The shore path is not handicap accessible and those with mobility issues should start at the Lake Geneva Public Library and limit themselves to about a half mile, east or west, for the smoothest terrain.
WHAT TO BRING
Water, sunscreen and bug spray. Cell phone service can be limited in some areas.
WATCH THE WEATHER
Extreme heat and humidity can make the shore path unbearable, especially if you’re hiking the entire lake.
TAKE BREAKS
The public access points allow picnics, and there are plenty of restaurants. In Lake Geneva, there are dozens. Pier 290 in Williams Bay, with local and organic cuisine, is on the lake and Harpoon Willies is just off the path, along with Skip’s. Gordy’s and Chuck’s in Fontana are on the lake, and both have great burgers.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
The Geneva Lake Shore Path Guide is a pocket-size guide that describes 101 historical and contemporary points of interest along the shore path. It is available from the publishers of At The Lake, and can be found in area retail shops and resorts. You can also order it online here or by calling 262-729-4471.
This guide can also be purchased at the following local retailers:
- Visit Lake Geneva, Lake Geneva
- Cornerstone, Lake Geneva
- Delaney St. Mercantile, Lake Geneva
- Fontana Home, Fontana
- Coffee Mill by the Water (seasonal), Fontana
- Daniel's Foods, Walworth
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The Abbey Resort Gift Shop, Fontana
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Geneva Lake Museum, Lake Geneva