A Winter Weekend Getaway to Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva is well known as a summer destination, but the area’s luxurious lodging, festive events and outdoor activities also make winter a special time to visit. Plan your stay during the city’s Winterfest & U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition to see larger-than-life art pieces or choose another time to explore the snow-covered city. Read on to find vacation inspiration for your winter getaway to Lake Geneva.

Friday

Arrive at either the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa or Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark, which are next to one another, for excellent family-friendly lodging options. The Grand Geneva offers plenty of room choices, places to eat and even a ski hill and ice rink for outdoor adventures. 

Conversely, Timber Ridge’s indoor, heated 50,000-square-foot waterpark will make it feel like summer no matter the outside temperature. With distinct areas for little tots up to teens, plus a lazy river and hot tub, parents can relax and grab a drink at the Hungry Moose Food Court.

If you and the gang want to venture out for dinner, Tuscan Tavern & Grill in downtown Lake Geneva offers a delicious menu of Italian favorites as well as a popular dessert menu. For a genuine supper club atmosphere, Mars Resort on Lake Como has an old-school look and feel with family favorites like fish fry, chicken dinners and seafood–all with a scenic lake view.

Saturday

If you’re in town during Winterfest, the Abominable Snow Race, one of the starting events, takes place at the Grand Geneva’s Mountain Top ski area. Watch competitors conquer a four- to six-mile snowy obstacle course to see who’s king or queen of the hill.

After, head over to Egg Harbor Cafe, one of downtown Lake Geneva’s legendary breakfast cafes, for a mind-boggling array of tasty breakfast options (lobster scrambler, waffle berry roll-up or quinoa breakfast bowl, anyone?) Downtown has plenty of shops to explore on your way to the lakefront area, where you can watch the final judging of the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition.

For a dreamy nighttime family memory, both The Abbey Resort and Destination Geneva National have outdoor skating rinks open to non-guests, with skate rentals available. The Abbey’s Harbor Patio welcomes visitors to partake in fireside s’mores on Friday and Saturday nights and The Ridge also has firepits, coffee drinks and snacks available for skaters. 

Famished after your skate? Each resort also has notable restaurants that are family-friendly, including 240 West and The Waterfront at The Abbey and Hunt Club Steakhouse and magical Snow Globe experiences at Geneva National. You can also find more cozy igloo dining at Pier 290 in nearby Williams Bay.

Sunday

Start your day with breakfast at one of Grand Geneva’s dining options, such as the seasonal menu at the Grand Café or the Geneva ChopHouse’s Sunday brunch. Or, head over to Simple Café in downtown Lake Geneva for house-baked pastries, bread and healthy breakfast dishes. 

If you and the gang would like to wind down after a busy weekend, check out a movie at the renovated Geneva Stage, a 1928 historic landmark. Kids will also enjoy a magic show at the new Magic Morgan’s Little Magic Theatre, and each show is sign-language interpreted.

Before you head out of town, don’t miss lunch or a late afternoon bite to eat at Oakfire Restaurant & Pizzeria, which serves Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas, salads, paninis and more, paired with one of the best views of Geneva Lake in the region. The sleek, modern atmosphere and affordable menu make it a best bet for everyone in the group.

Looking to plan your next weekend getaway? Check out our itinerary for 48 Hours in Green Bay, or view our trip ideas for winter getaways here!