Travel
Lake Geneva on a Budget: Your Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide
Discover top tips for saving money on hotels, dining & activities while exploring Lake Geneva — plus other must-see Midwest road trip stops!
With winter in the rearview and warmer days ahead, there’s no better time to hit the open road and explore the Midwest. One of the area’s most popular destinations is Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, offering equal parts serenity and adventure.
Below, we’ll share our top recommendations and money-saving tips for your journey, along with a few other Midwestern gems to visit.
Discovering Lake Geneva: Where to Start
From water adventure to scenic trails, there’s something for everyone in Lake Geneva. Start your itinerary planning with our go-to guide of things to do in and around town.
Getting to Know the Lake Geneva Region
The greater Lake Geneva region is perhaps most associated with the City of Lake Geneva, situated on Geneva Lake. However, it also includes several villages and towns surrounding Geneva Lake, Delavan Lake and Lake Como.
If you want to stay along Geneva Lake, look for accommodations and activities in the City of Lake Geneva, Fontana and Williams Bay. However, you might also consider a quick visit to one of the neighboring towns — like Delavan, known for its lush landscapes and charming downtown, or Linn, a rural escape with plenty of trails and prime boating.
Things To Do In Lake Geneva
Lake Geneva offers various lodging options, from rustic campgrounds to vacation rentals to luxury resorts. Consider your personal preferences, your budget and how much time you’ll be spending at “home base” versus outdoors.
Once your accommodations are squared away, it’s time to explore the lake! Geneva Lake’s crystal clear waters are an ideal spot for fishing, as well as paddleboarding, kayaking and other water sports; you can rent your equipment from a local business or bring your own. For a small fee, you can also visit one of Geneva Lake’s public beaches for a stroll (or a swim, weather permitting).
Prefer to stay dry? Lake Geneva is also home to plenty of scenic trails, from peaceful nature walks to more rugged hikes. The Geneva Lake Shore Path is an especially popular route, offering 26 miles of historic estates, gardens and breathtaking lake views. For even more history, pick up some tickets to the Geneva Lake Museum, showcasing genuine regional artifacts and even a replica of old Main Street.
Beyond Lake Geneva: Easy Day Trips
Looking to see more of the Midwest by car? Milwaukee, WI is about an hour from Lake Geneva, while Chicago, IL, is less than two hours out.
On your way back home, take a quick detour up I-43 N to the lively city of Milwaukee. Stretch your legs while strolling the Milwaukee Riverwalk or the Hank Aaron State Trail. For a dose of culture, stop by Black Cat Alley, an outdoor art gallery on the east side, or tour the stunning Basilica of St. Josaphat. Don’t leave before grabbing a bite at the Milwaukee Public Market, home to local vendors, live cooking classes and even community events.
Alternatively, if you take I-94 E from Lake Geneva, you’ll find yourself in the bustling metropolis of Chicago. Head to downtown’s Millennium Park to see “The Bean,” public art exhibits and a plethora of green space. Depending on when you go, you might even be able to catch one of the park’s free events.
Many of the city’s museums also offer free museum days throughout the year. Some, like the Smart Museum of Art and the Hyde Park Art Center, are free year-round!
More Midwest Road Trips To Extend The Fun
If you’re looking for some extra Midwest adventure, here are a few more destinations to add to your map:
Branson, MO
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Branson is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, live show scene and range of activities. Thrill seekers will love Branson Mountain Adventure Park, while history buffs won’t want to miss the Titanic Museum or the nearby Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. You can also explore the beauty of the Ozarks with plenty of nature trails.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, MI
Lush forests and lake views await you at Sleeping Bear Dunes, a tranquil 35-mile stretch of the Lake Michigan coastline. It’s a prime spot for all things outdoor recreation, from hiking trails to water sports. For some immersive history, explore the lighthouses of Lake Michigan or dive into the Manitou Passage Underwater Preserve (accessible by ferry).
Duluth, MN
Located just two hours from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Duluth is a bustling city with plenty of adventure, culture and access to nature. The city’s public parks and green spaces are especially noteworthy, offering premier views of Lake Superior — take a stroll along the Lakewalk into the sprawling Rose Garden, or catch an event at the Bayfront Festival Park.
Iowa Great Lakes, IA
The Iowa Great Lakes, commonly known as Okoboji, refers to a group of natural lakes spanning over 12,000 acres and almost 70 miles of shoreline. The area is best known for its fishing and water sports, but it also boasts plenty of parks, beaches and trails to explore. Beyond outdoor adventure, you won’t want to miss a trip to Arnolds Park, a historic amusement park with museums and rides for the whole family.
Smart Ways To Save On Your Road Trip
Take charge of your road trip budget — without sacrificing fun — with these wallet-saving strategies:
Look For Hotel Deals
When booking hotels, compare rates across sites for the best value. Many hotels will encourage direct booking through “best rate guarantee” programs, while third-party travel apps and sites can offer hefty room discounts. Your destination and travel dates can affect these rates, so look carefully.
While booking, look up the hotel’s onsite amenities. You can save on food costs by taking advantage of complimentary breakfast, and free parking is always a welcome perk.
Eat Smart And Save
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a nice dinner out. However, packing up a cooler for the “road” part of your road trip can help you cut back on spontaneous food costs. If you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen, prep some meals at “home.” If not, look around for local markets, which tend to have lower prices and regional favorites.
Plan Ahead For Activities
Before you hit the road, research potential activities and book anything that requires a ticket or payment. This ensures you’ll be able to get in and keeps you within budget — plus, in some cases, advance reservations can cost less than on-site tickets. To stretch your dollar further, load up your planner with free or low-cost activities like museums, parks and public events.
Ready to hit the road? Whether you’re heading to Lake Geneva or beyond, these tips will help you make the most of your Midwest adventure — without breaking the bank!
