Wisconsin Treasures: A Charming Midwest Getaway

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Wisconsin will always be known for cheese, cherries, and the Green Bay Packers, but if you’re also looking for beautiful destinations on the water, you’ve come to the right place. Charming Lake Geneva, in Door Country Wisconsin, is found on a prime spot along Lake Michigan, attracting people from all over to see its stately summer homes on the lake. It’s definitely one of the U.S.’s must-see places.

Today, I’m walking you through the beautiful scenery so you can find out what to explore!

Door County

With its 300 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and many parks to explore, Door County is the location for outdoor adventures. Head there in the summer to escape our humid months in the South (how does 68 degrees in August sound?), go apple-picking in the fall, or go full-on winter with ice-fishing, snowmobile-riding, and cozy times by the fire.

How to get there:

Fly into Green Bay’s airport, rent a car, then head north; Door County is an hour away. The charm of this 70-mile-long peninsula is exploring the individual towns — and even islands — so allow at least four days.

Where to stay:

The historic Water Street Inn (built in 1897) is ideally situated on the bay in Ephraim, a charming town so walkable and picturesque that you’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie. Explore the town’s shops, churches, and marina, and get a milkshake or more at Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor, which has been going strong since 1906.

Lawn overlooking lake in Wisconsin — The Water Street Inn, a historic hotel in Ephraim, is ideal as your home base — and to wake up to this picturesque view of the bay. Image: Lisa Mowry

What to do:

Take in the stunning views of limestone cliffs at Cave Point County Park, then head to Renard’s Artisan Cheese shop and restaurant nearby. (You haven’t really been to Wisconsin without having some cheese curds, after all.)

Set out to Peninsula State Park for hiking, biking, and stunning views of Lake Michigan, and don’t miss the new Eagle Tower 60 feet high for a breezy, 360-degree panorama of the area. Whitefish Dunes Park has sandy beaches and walking trails, while The Ridges Sanctuary is a not-for-profit nature preserve with wildflowers, five miles of trails, and historic lighthouses.

Make sure to spend a day on Washington Island (accessible only by ferry) and then Rock Island. Two must-sees on Washington Island are Schoolhouse Beach, with its round rocks instead of sand, and the Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm, which is lovely when the lavender is in bloom but also renowned for its shop and refreshments (think lavender wine slushies and macarons filled with lavender cream).

Old Lighthouse — Take the ferry to Washington Island, then board another to Rock Island and walk a mile to tour the Pottawatomie Lighthouse (circa 1836). Image: Lisa Mowry

Macaroons and other sweet treats on a white plate — Fragrant Isle Lavender Farm on Washington Island is in full bloom in the summer, but visitors can enjoy their lavender-based treats and beverages year-round. Image: Lisa Mowry

Glass of cider next to a bottle. — Since Door Peninsula is known for its cherries, a taste of sour cherry cider at Island Orchard Cider is a must. Image: Lisa Mowry

Lake Geneva

For decades, folks have flocked to Lake Geneva to enjoy lake living with an upscale twist. This clean and beautiful lake town has 21 miles of shoreline dotted with vacation homes, lakeside restaurants, and walking paths — it’s no wonder it’s often called the Newport, Rhode Island of the Midwest. As a plus, where else can you see mail “jumpers” delivering mail to docks while the boat is still moving? It’s one of the quaint touches at Lake Geneva.

A boat on the water in Wisconsin — Lake Geneva offers a variety of boat tours to explore its clear water and scenic shoreline dotted with gorgeous houses. Image: Visit Lake Geneva

Mail jumper hopping off a boat. — As a unique feature of Lake Geneva, mail jumpers are a part of summer life. These spry delivery carriers jump from the boat, run to the mailbox, and then jump back to the boat. The Mailboat Tour from the Riviera Docks sells out most days. Image: Lake Geneva Cruise Line

How to get there: Lake Geneva is 90 minutes from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and 45 minutes from General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.

What to do:

Head to Riviera Beach and catch a boat tour on Lake Geneva Cruise Line; the mail-jumper cruise in the morning runs during summer months through mid-September since the lake freezes over in the winter. Once you’re back in town, walk around the shops and businesses in downtown Lake Geneva, and consider lunch at two spots with lake views: Pier 290 at Gage Marina with its peaceful lakefront or pizza at Oakfire in a renovated historic building. Afterward, get a closer view of the lake properties while walking the Shore Path, a meandering walk with several entry points. As another active option, rent a bike and explore Victorian houses in the area, or kayak on the lake.

For something completely different, head out of town to Yerkes Observatory to tour this stunning piece of architecture and its role as the birthplace of modern astrophysics. When it’s time for refreshments, check out the 1880s-era Apothecary Bar or secret speakeasy in Maxwell Mansion. Check in to Grand Geneva Resort (named the number two resort in the Midwest by Conde Nast Traveler) for a relaxing hotel along a golf course with a private lake and architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.