Lake Geneva was so popular with the affluent citizens who would purchase mansions on the lake, most at Black Point, in the 1920s that it became known as the "Newport of the West." In fact, Hugh Hefner's first mansion was in the city. Even gangsters would make hideouts in the area during the early 1900s.
Lake Geneva is one of the most notable small towns in Wisconsin, and it is small -- under 8,000 residents -- but that hasn't stopped it from making a big impression
Lake Geneva was so popular with the affluent citizens who would purchase mansions on the lake, most at Black Point, in the 1920s that it became known as the "Newport of the West." In fact, Hugh Hefner's first mansion was in the city. Even gangsters would make hideouts in the area during the early 1900s.
Lake Geneva is one of the most notable small towns in Wisconsin, and it is small -- under 8,000 residents -- but that hasn't stopped it from making a big impression. The very first residents of Lake Geneva were Native Americans who called it Muck-suck. However, early settler John Brink was reminded of Geneva, New York when he first stepped foot in the area, and the name "Geneva" stuck. Because there was already a Geneva in nearby Illinois, the town would be renamed yet again to Lake Geneva, and the lake became Geneva Lake. Chicago's wealthy would vacation in Lake Geneva, building lavish homes, many of which are currently available as furnished apartments to rent.
You have plenty of options when looking for a vacation spot, summer home for rent or a permanent residence in this small Wisconsin town. When you're comparing cost and luxury, rental property directly on the lake are going to come with a higher price tag. Because of the varied taste of affluent settlers, the homes on the lake are all different styles. One building in particular boasts 14,000 square feet of Adirondack-inspired design while you can also drive past a picturesque Italianate mansion. Even if you're not renting the larger-than-life homes, there's plenty to take in when it comes to taking in the historic sites. In fact, Lake Geneva was even the home of the first drive-through hotel, Lake Geneva Hotel, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1911.
The architectural experimentation of the time has truly led to a community like none other.
City Center: A more recent development, South Shore Club, brings contemporary luxury to Lake Geneva. Check this part of town out if you really wanna live it up!
Como: However, if you're more of a rustic fan, Woodstone Prairie, in the Como neighborhood, is surrounded by nature and prairie grass.
Lake Geneva is far enough south that you're not going to be hit with Wisconsin's arctic blast every year; although, you can surely expect to see snow. The small town is also close enough to cities such as Milwaukee and Chicago -- just 70 miles away -- that you've never far away from theater, music, or upscale restaurants. Of course, this was part of the appeal of the area for Lake Geneva's first wealthy residents. A car is a must if you want to make a day trip to either of those locations or Lake Michigan, which is short drive to the east, and you won't find much in the way of public transportation here. Of course, you can stay right in town and enjoy fishing, boating, and other activities on the lake. The town hosts several annual festivals and events, including the Lake Geneva Wine Festival, a boat show every spring and Oktoberfest, the yearly celebration of German heritage that is so strong in Wisconsin.
