FREE to See Lake Geneva

Whether you call it Geneva Lake, or Lake Geneva, the area has a ton of fun things to see and do....a number of which are free to see!  The lake is 8.6 square miles and it is best to visit during the summer months of June, July and August.

Yerkes Observatory, was established in 1897, and is part of the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics of the University of Chicago.  The Gothic architectural design alone, is worth the trip.  It is staged in a 77 acre park full of flowers and gardens, and houses the world's largest refractor telescope. The observatory opens to the public and  offers free tours at 10am, 11am and noon on Saturday mornings.  Allow about 45 minutes for the tour.

The Venetian Festival takes place the 3rd weekend in August each year, and has a number of free activities and shows.  Entertainment includes a Water Ski Show, free bands (and some with only $5 admission at the time of this article), craft fair, boat parades, fireworks and more!

What's Free to See:
Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy
Flatiron Park - free concerts on Thursdays in July and August, Art in the Park
Geneva Lake Shore Path - 21 miles around Lake Geneva
Appeltreow Winery & Distillery - free tours and tastings


View Lake Geneva Free Things to See in a larger map

What's Nearby:
Big Foot State Park Beach - $7 per vehicle
The Dancing Horses Theatre
Watson's Wild West Museum  - admission $5