It’s cold outside! And it’s the midwest. There’s still fun things to do? Oh yup. Head to historic downtown Lake Geneva for a charming getaway any time of year, but enjoy its annual winterfest for ice sculptures, a national snow sculpting competition, and well, read on..
Details
Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
When: Every winter, usually the first week of February.
How many days: 3 day weekend event
Parking: Downtown Lake Geneva has plenty of street parking metered at $2 an hour. During Winter Fest weekend, a free shuttle service is offered.
Things to Do
National Snow Sculpting Competition
Teams compete from across the US in the nation’s only snow sculpting competition taking place the first week of February during Lake Geneva’s Winterfest.
Ice Sculpture Walk
Local artists stage their ice carving work across town outside of local businesses. These are not a part of the national snow sculpting competition. This year, there were 37 located throughout the Downtown district. Can you spot them all?
Bonfires on the Beach
Hosted by Luxe Lake Geneva, the 5:00-9:00 Winterfest event is free admission. Enjoy live entertainment, s’mores, and warm drinks.
Waterfalls
Visit La Fortuna Waterfall for an $18 entrance fee and 15 minute hike up to the waterfall with access to swim in the waterfall, or opt for a day trip to Volcun Tenorio National Park (check guide out here). We opted for Volcun Tenorio due to timing and money but I’ll bet La Fortuna is breathtaking as well!
Maxwell Mansion
This Apothecary Bar, Speakeasy, and boutique hotel hosts live music, kids activities, heated igloos, tiki drinks, hot drinks, craft cocktails, and mocktails this weekend
Other
Also consider looking into Fiddlesticks Food truck, farm stands, concessions, and Baker House Fire and Ice Bar.
That’s that! We hope you enjoy your future trip to Lake Geneva. If you have visited and have additional tips, feel free to comment below!
