For Dazzling Fall Colors, Blaze a Trail in Lake Geneva

The Lake Geneva area has always been the place for a scenic stroll, leisurely drive or picturesque cruise during autumn. Dazzling colors abound thanks to America’s foremost landscape architects who designed the grounds of many of the area’s famous estates. And yet the fall colors compete only with the luxurious mansions found on them. Great ways to view them include a stroll on the Geneva Lake Shore Path, a scenic drive on Snake Road or a cruise on Geneva Lake.

The Geneva Lake Shore Path is a 20+ mile public access footpath bordered by Wisconsin’s second deepest natural inland lake and the front lawns of elaborate mansions. Some of the most dazzling colors in the Lake Geneva area can be found along the first-established portion of Geneva Lake – from downtown Lake Geneva to Chapin Road. Departing from downtown’s Library Park, head northwest along this 3.5 mile path which takes an hour and a half to complete.

Fall Colors in Lake Geneva | Photo provided by Lake Geneva CVB

Here you will see the estates of the Wrigleys (of chewing gum fame), Swift (meatpacking mogul), Selfridge (founder of Selfridges and Co. department store) and others. Famous mansions along this stretch include Green Gables, Wadsworth Hall, Wychwood, Villa Hortensia and Alta Vista and styles of architecture run the gamut from Italian Renaissance, Georgian Revival, and Queen Anne to an English Country Home. Six additional trail portions complete the Shore Path and provide variety of scenery and skill levels. Walking guides are available for sale at area resorts and retailers that give the history of mansions along the path.

Snake Road is so named for its twists and turns. It follows this same portion of the lake, but with a view from the other side. Traveling by car, you can see the sprawling landscapes of many of the estates, including the elaborate horse farms of Wrigley’s Green Gables. Snake Road can be found by taking Main Street (Highway 50) west out of Lake Geneva. Snake Road is at the bottom of a hill just outside of the city. Turn left onto Snake Road and begin enjoying the view. Snake Road will turn right at the “T” and ends back at Highway 50, creating a loop.

For those looking to kick back while enjoying the scenery, the Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers daily sightseeing tours.

Enjoy a front row seat to history with in-depth historical narration about the many estates and mansions that line the shores of beautiful Geneva Lake. Signature cruises that complement the fall palette include a Sunday morning champagne brunch or a sultry jazz dinner cruise on Friday nights. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm cruise schedules.

Whether strolling, driving or cruising on the water, visitors are sure to take notice of the brilliant colors in the Lake Geneva area. A top request by estate owners of their landscape architect’s was to have the longest lasting color display possible. So, landscapes were carefully selected from a wide species of trees and shrubs that yield specific colors. Beginning in early September, trees begin to be dotted with yellow accents, followed by bursts of burnt orange, dashes of fiery red and ending with a finale of caramel brown in late November.

There are plenty of ways to cozy up to a fall weekend in the Lake Geneva area. Whether visiting orchards and wineries, enjoying a spa, relishing the fall colors up close on one of the many cruise options available, catching live theatre or shopping at one of the many boutiques, there is a bounty of ways to experience the Lake Geneva area’s beautiful, fall backdrop.

Those planning a Lake Geneva getaway can choose from a wide variety of overnight accommodations. The area is home to expansive resorts, charming inns, historic bed and breakfasts, exceptional boutique hotels, and numerous vacation rentals. For additional information on all the Lake Geneva area has to offer and to enter to win a Lake Geneva getaway visit www.lakegenevawi.com