Planning on heading to Wisconsin, for your next peaceful vacation packed with natural beauty, fresh air, and sunshine? Check out some popular activities and hot spots that you won’t want to miss. 

1. Visit Lake Geneva.

Lake Geneva is a resort town in Walworth County, Wisconsin, in southeastern Wisconsin. The city is named after the beautiful lake on Lake Geneva, one of Wisconsin’s largest lakes. The town is approximately 90 miles northwest of Chicago and 50 miles southwest of Milwaukee.

The town was initially settled in the 1830s by farmers and traders, and it became a popular summer resort in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the town is known for its beautiful lakefront, historic architecture, and charming downtown area.

Lake Geneva offers various recreational activities throughout the year, including boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, golfing, skiing, and snowboarding. Visitors can also take part in wine-tasting tours, explore local museums, or shop and dine in the historic downtown area.

One of the most iconic attractions in Lake Geneva is the Geneva Lake Shore Path. This scenic 21-mile walking path winds along the lake’s shoreline, offering stunning views of the area’s beautiful homes and gardens.

Overall, Lake Geneva is a charming and lively destination for travelers looking for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous getaway. Here are some of the most popular activities:

• Take a boat tour around the lake
• Enjoy the water activities such as kayaking, paddle-boarding, and swimming
• Have a picnic at one of the many parks around the lake
• Go hiking or biking on the trails around the lake
• Visit the Geneva Lake Museum to learn about the history of the area
• Try wine tasting at one of the nearby wineries
• Play a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the area
• Take a hot air balloon ride for a unique view of the lake and surrounding areas
• Go horseback riding through the countryside
• Visit one of the nearby towns and enjoy the local shops, restaurants, and attractions.

2. Take a stroll around the charming, quaint town of Delafield. 

Visit local shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and cafes! But that’s not all either; you can also enjoy some of these other Delafield attractions:

• Hike the Ice Age Trail – This beautiful trail runs through Delafield and offers stunning views of the area’s glacial landscape.
• Visit the Delafield Fish Hatchery – The hatchery is a popular destination for families and offers educational tours, fishing opportunities, and plenty of outdoor activities.
• Explore the Lapham Peak State Park – This park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
• Go shopping at the downtown Delafield stores – The downtown area is home to various unique shops and boutiques, perfect for browsing and shopping.
• Take a scenic drive along Lake Nagawicka – The lake offers beautiful views and plenty of boating, fishing, and exploring opportunities.
• Attend a local farmers market – Delafield has a variety of farmers’ markets throughout the year, allowing visitors to sample fresh produce, artisanal goods, and more.
• Visit the Ten Chimneys Foundation – This historic home was the residence of famed theater couple Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne and is now open for tours.
• Have dinner at one of Delafield’s many restaurants – From classic American fare to upscale dining options, Delafield boasts a range of delicious restaurants for every taste.

3. Visit the Old World Wisconsin Museum, which features historical buildings and costumed interpreters that recreate life in 19th-century America.

Old World Wisconsin is an open-air museum located in Eagle, Wisconsin, which depicts the lifestyles and traditions of Wisconsin’s early European immigrants. The museum features more than 60 historic structures. Its exhibits spread across 600 acres of pristine landscapes, including early farmsteads, rural churches, ethnic village shops, and exhibits detailing the ways of life for early Wisconsin settlers.

At its core, the museum is an interpretive center that showcases the traditions, customs, and history of the different groups that migrated to Wisconsin during the 19th and 20th centuries. The exhibits in the museum depict the everyday lives of various people, such as Norwegian farmers, Polish immigrants, and other groups.

Visitors to the museum can participate in various interactive activities and programs, many designed to give them a hands-on experience of what life was like in early Wisconsin. For example, they can learn about traditional craftsmanship, such as blacksmithing, basket weaving, and woodworking, ride horse-drawn carriages, and participate in various cultural festivals and special events throughout the year.

Overall, the Old World Wisconsin Museum is a unique and fascinating tribute to the rich cultural heritage of Wisconsin’s early settlers and an excellent place to learn about history through hands-on experiences.

4. Take a boat tour of the beautiful Lake Nagawicka, home to dozens of species of fish and wildlife. 

You can also enjoy plenty of other activities at and near Lake Nagawicka, including:

• Boating: Lake Nagawicka is a popular destination for boating, with pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards available for rent.
• Fishing: The lake is home to various fish species, including bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, and walleye, making it an excellent spot for fishing enthusiasts.
• Swimming: There are several public beaches on the lake where you can swim or sunbathe.
• Watersports: Lake Nagawicka is an ideal destination for water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing, and other water sports.
• Nature walks: You can stroll around the lake and enjoy the scenery or explore nearby hiking trails like the Lapham Peak Trail.
• Picnicking: There are several picnic areas near the lake where you can enjoy lunch or dinner with your family and friends.
• Dining: There are several restaurants on the lake offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.
• Ice skating: During winter, you can ice skate on the lake.
• Bird watching: The lake and surrounding areas are home to various bird species, making it a hotspot for birdwatching.
• Golfing: There are several golf courses near Lake Nagawicka if you’re looking for a leisurely round of golf.

5. Go biking (or hiking) on the scenic Lake Country Trail, stretching over 15 miles and taking you through forests, farmland, and small towns.

The Lake Country Trail is a 15.2-mile long trail in the picturesque Wisconsin countryside. It runs through Waukesha County and connects the towns of Waukesha, Pewaukee, Hartland, Merton, and Oconomowoc.

The trail mixes asphalt and crushed limestone surfaces and is open year-round for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it a popular destination for families and casual outdoor enthusiasts.

Along the way, the trail offers stunning views of rolling hills, pristine lakes, and picturesque farmland. It also passes through several quaint towns, providing opportunities for rest, refreshments, and local flavor.

The Lake Country Trail is part of a more extensive network of trails known as the Ice Age Trail, which traverses the entire state of Wisconsin. It is a designated National Scenic Trail recognized for its unique geology and natural beauty.

Overall, the Lake Country Trail is an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a scenic and leisurely outdoor adventure in Wisconsin.

6. Enjoy a performance at the Oconomowoc Arts Center, which regularly features plays, concerts, and other events throughout the year.

The Oconomowoc Arts Center is a performing and visual arts venue in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. It was founded in 2002 as a part of the Oconomowoc Area School District and has provided the residents of Oconomowoc and surrounding areas with a diverse range of arts programming.

The venue includes a 605-seat main theater, a smaller studio theater, and gallery spaces that showcase rotating exhibits of local and regional artists. In addition, the Oconomowoc Arts Center hosts various events and performances, including concerts, plays, musicals, dance performances, comedy shows, and film screenings. The center also offers classes and workshops for individuals of all ages and skill levels.

The Oconomowoc Arts Center is dedicated to enriching the community through the arts and strives to foster a love of creativity and artistic expression. It has become a beloved cultural institution in the region, drawing visitors from Wisconsin and beyond.