6 Best Sights in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Named for Chief Big Foot of the Potowatomi tribe, this state park gets busy during summer season for its 100 campsites, 6.5 miles of color-coded hiking trails, kayak rentals, 40 acres of shaded picnic space, and free loans of volleyballs, horseshoes and fishing equipment for kids. Better yet, simply soak up the sun on the 1,900 feet of lakefront and 100-foot marked swimming areathat's not lifeguarded, so swim safely.

Lights, camera, horses. With razzle-dazzle that rivals a Las Vegas show, albeit on a smaller scale, the elaborately decorated horses and equally decked-out trainers entertain with impressive choreography, music and plenty of pizzazz in the year-round 300-seat theater. A light show and exotic bird show are also part of the deal. Dinner shows are available, too.

This 20.6-mile path hugs Geneva Lake, affording lovely vantage points for watching boats cruise the crystal-clear waters of the second deepest lake in Wisconsin. But it's what's on the shore that piques most curiosity: the grandiose mansions built by wealthy business moguls of the late-19th and early 20th century, like an 18,000-square-foot Italianate stone home (converted to six luxury condos) and the 30-room Queen Anne, now the Baker House Inn and restaurant. While the path is open to the public, it varies from paved to gravel to dirt, depending on individual property upkeep. Learn a little more insider info in the "Walk, Talk & Gawk" guide (available at many local shops; $6.95), which divides the path into seven shorter segments.

Part of the 335-room AAA Four-Diamond Grand Geneva Resort, this sanctuary for body and soul offers a full menu of services. Enter the lovely low-lit lounge before heading in for your 5 Diamond Pedicure, Aroma-Glow skin-renewal exfoliation, anti-aging facial, or quick neck, shoulder and upper back massage. While you're in the lap of luxury, your kids get treated to a complimentary session at the climbing wall for ages 8 years old and up. Or book them a junior spa services appointment. Spa visitors who aren't guests of the hotel can join a fitness center class for $5 or purchase a day pass for $20, which includes use of the center and locker room

Lake Geneva Cruise Line offers full-lake tours; sunset cruises; lunch, champagne brunch, and jazz dinner excursions; and the famous—and daring—U.S. Mailboat Tour, showcasing the talents of the mail carriers who leap between docks and moving boats to deliver the mail to its shoreline recipient. The sweet Ice Cream Social tour aboard the climate-controlled Grand Belle travels half of Geneva Lake, cruising for about 75 minutes, with commentary on the history of the lake, the town and its amazing mansions. As for the ice cream, a server will take down your choice of topping (strawberry, caramel or chocolate) for a generous scoop of Breyer's vanilla, along with nuts, whipped cream and a cookie.

Perhaps most famous for its 40-inch refracting telescope—the largest of its kind in the world—Yerkes was founded in 1897 by George Ellery Hale and financed by Charles T. Yerkes. On a tour of the observatory, visitors get a chance to enjoy the nightscape and then gaze up at the celestial bodies through one of the other two modern telescopes on the campus. The surrounding 77 acres of parkland, which narrowly escaped residential development in 2007, were designed by John Olmsted, brother of Central Park landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted. Wear sensible shoes: The climb to the telescope is up a 39-step spiral staircase.