Pedal to Paddle: Explore Walworth County by Land and Water

Dust off those paddles and grease up your bike chains, its finally time to enjoy the great outdoors! Luckily, Walworth County is packed with great biking trails and kayaking spots where you can not only be active but spend some time in the fresh air. Read on to learn about some of our favorite spots to explore Walworth County by land or water:

Pedal

Adventure Center at Grand Geneva Resort
Spend an afternoon in the great outdoors at the Adventure Center Grand Geneva. With trail distances ranging from .5 to 5 miles, these trails are perfect for every level of cyclist.
Trail Distance: .5 – 5 miles

Alpine Valley Mountain Bike Trail
Even the most seasoned cyclists will be challenged by the Mountain Bike Trail at Alpine Valley Resort! From the start, the trail is an ascending, leg-burning climb in the trees up the side of the ski hill. After you go around the excavation pit, miles of twists, turns, punchy climbs, and fast descents await.
Trail Distance: 8.1 miles

Big Foot Beach State Park
Featuring six gentle trails, Big Foot Beach State Park offers a variety of scenery through open meadow, forest, and stream. State Park Vehicle Admission Sticker or Trail Pass required.
Trail Distance: .5 – 6.5 miles

Fontana-Sharon Cycling Loop
Starting off in Sharon, explore Walworth County by bike along the Fontana Cycling Loop. This 23.3 mile stretch of highway riding will take you past country farms and the glimmering lake shore.
Trail Distance: 23.3 miles

Bike Trails at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures
Pick up the pace on miles mountain biking of trails offering beginner, intermediate and expert levels. The trails wind through the forest and feature obstacles on the intermediate and expert level routes include ladder bridges, jumps and switchbacks that make it a regional favorite.
Trail Distance: .9 – 3.25 miles

Swan Creek Trail
This graveled pedestrian and bike path current connects Lange Arboretum, Veteran’s Park, Terrace Park, Rudy Lange Sledding Hill, Lower Springs Park and Upper Springs Park.
Trail Distance: 1 mile  

Kettle Moraine State Forrest – Southern Unit
From the youngest beginner to the most avid professional, 30 miles of trail offers some of the best off-road biking in the Midwest. State Park Trail Pass required.
Trail Distance: .4 miles – 12 miles

White River State Trail
This 19-mile trail follows a former rail corridor as it travels between Elkhorn in Walworth County and Dover in Racine County, with a short gap in Burlington. The level grade and smooth limestone surface make this 19-mile trail suitable for bicyclists, walkers and joggers. State Park Trail Pass required.
Trail Distance: 19 miles

Paddle

Big Foot Beach State Park
With direct access to the crystal clear waters of Geneva Lake, Big Foot Beach State Park is a very popular paddling spot. Visitors can also paddle the Ceylon Lagoon within the State Park boundaries. Visitors must have State Park Admission Pass.

Booth Lake – East Troy
Spend a day on the water at Booth Lake in East Troy. Situated just a few minutes off of Highway 43, you’ll find a kayker’s oasis on this secluded lake.

Edgewater Park – Williams Bay
Nothing beats paddling the shores of the Bay! With kayak and canoe launches located in Edgewater Park, lake access is a breeze. While you’re out on the water, enjoy the scenic shoreline featuring iconic Walworth County institutions including the Yerkes Observatory and George Williams College!

Honey Creek Streambank Protection Area
Just south of East Troy, Honey Creek Streambank Protection Area runs through northeastern Walworth County.

Lake Comus – Delavan
Lake Comus is a hidden gem for kayakers and canoers alike! This 114 acre lake, on Delavan’s North Side, is a popular place for fishing and floating.

Turtle Creek Wildlife Area
If you’re a fan of rare wildlife and gently rolling creeks, Turtle Creek Wildlife Area is a great spot for paddling. Here you’ll paddle under covered bridges, through Wisconsin farmland, and historic forrests.

White River
Meandering, twisty, narrow, fast, rocky, and remote; these are commonly used words when describing the float down the White River. Running between Elkhorn and Burlington, This is a fantastic stretch of waterway is perfect for whitewater enthusiasts. Most of the final seven miles are nearly continuous riffles, class 1 and class 2 rapids.

Whitewater Lake
The hidden gem of Walworth County, Whitewater Lake offers kayakers the opportunity to paddle into the great Wisconsin Wilderness. Whitewater Lake is part of the Kettle Moraine State Forest Southern Unit

For more information on Sports and Recreation areas in Walworth County, head over
to our website at VisitWalworthCounty.com. Happy exploring!

**State Trail Passes are available for purchase at the Travel Information Center in Delavan, Monday through Friday 8:30am-4:30pm.

Spring Break or Bust: 10 Itinerary Ideas

After a bone chilling winter, the snow has started to thaw and signs of spring are popping up left and right here in Walworth County. Meaning, its officially time to plan for Spring Break! We’ve put together our list of top 10 activities and adventures for your getaway to the Lake Geneva area and beyond:

#1 Explore Walworth County From Great Heights
Don’t let you Spring Break zip on by! Book a day full of high ropes, ziplines, and adventure at Lake Geneva Ziplines and Adventures. Save up to 40% with code “SPRING21”.

#2 Make A Splash
Slide into Spring Break with a splash with a daycation at Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark in Lake Geneva. Stay for just the day with their Daycation package or save up to 40% when you book a Spring Break getaway package.

#3 Giddy Up
Explore the Kettle Moraine Southern Unit by horseback. Join the expert guides at 3L Wild Ranch for a tour unlike any other where. Call (920) 251-1989 for more information and booking.

#4 Nail It!
Get your craft on this Spring Break at Nailed It DIY Studio in Elkhorn. Choose from hundreds of DIY projects to make in the studio space with everything you need at your fingertips. Be sure to snap a selfie with your finished project.

#5 Take The Scenic Route
Enjoy the fresh air and wind on your face during a scenic bike ride throughout Walworth County. Take on an easy trek through the beautiful White River Trail or challenge yourself on the 12 mile Mountain Bike Trails at Alpine Valley Resort.

#6 Solve A Mystery
Can you escape the Gangsters Gamble with time to spare? Put your minds together and tackle the escape rooms at Lake Geneva Clue Room!

#7 Appreciate Our Artistic Roots
Add some culture to your Spring Break getaway by visiting Gallery 223’s Spring Show. Enjoy incredible pieces from local artists and take a one of a kind treasure home with you at the artisan market in the heart of Downtown Lake Geneva.

#8 Be Mystified by Magic
Treat yourselves to a mystifying performance by Illusionist Tristan Crist during your getaway to the Lake Geneva area. Catch performances at Tristan Crist Magic Theatre every Friday and Saturday evenings through April.

#9 Sip Your Way Through Walworth County
Spend the day sampling the many craft beverage offerings Walworth County has to offer. Whether you’re into wine, craft beer, or distilled spirits, you’re sure to find your new favorite right here in the Lake Geneva Area. Stop by 841 Brewhouse, AEppeltrow Winery, Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company, East Troy Brewery, Northleaf Winery, Staller Estate Winery, and Studio Winery + Geneva Lake Distilling for a taste.

#10 Relax and Reset
After a year of nonstop Zoom calls and distance learning, you deserve a day dedicated to rest and relaxation at the Avani Spa at The Abbey Resort. Treat yourself to a Springtime Splendor Package which includes a 50 minute relaxation massage, seasonal scrub, pedicure, and unlimited access to spa amenities for just $225.

With this list, you’re sure to have a jam packed vacation with fun around every corner. Be sure to take a peek at our featured Spring Break Getaway Specials at your favorite hotels and resorts by visiting our latest blog post here. For more Spring Break inspo, getaway packages, and events, visit our website at VisitWalworthCounty.com!

Easter Events in Walworth County

Hop to it, Easter is just around the corner! Check out the egg-cellent events happening throughout the county!

Drive Thru Egg Hunt – First Lutheran Church and School | March 27th | 10 am
On Saturday, March 27 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, we are holding a community Drive Thru Easter Egg Hunt.
As families drive through our parking lot, they will encounter people who played an important role in the Easter story. Then at the end, children will “find” a bag with candy filled eggs, activities, and other things.

Bunny Trains – East Troy Railroad | March 27-28th, April 3rd | 10 am – 3 pm
Join the East Troy Railroad for their annual Bunny Trains! During your ride, there will be coloring activities and a scavenger hunt out your window. On the return trip from the Elegant Farmer, get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny himself! All child & toddler ticket holders will receive a stuffed bunny on the return trip and jelly beans for all!
Reservations Required

Easter Egg Hunt – Fontana | April 3rd | 10 am
Rain, Snow or Shine! Celebrate Spring with a traditional egg hunt for kids at Duck Pond. Arrive early to park and find your age area. Don’t forget your basket!

Take Home Egg Hunt – Williams Bay High School | April 3rd | 10 am – 11 am
Hop on by the Williams Bay High School Parking Lot to pick up some Easter goodies to host your own Egg Hunt.  Open your trunk, and let the bunnies do all the work. 

Social Distancing Egg Hunt – Geneva Lakes Family YMCA | April 3rd | 12:30 pm – 3 pm
Join the Lake Geneva Jaycees and pick up a free Easter To-Go kit! We will be set up outside Geneva Lakes Family YMCA from 12:30pm-3:30pm. 

Easter Take & Bake Dinner – Lake Lawn Resort | April 3rd | 1pm – 3 pm
Let us help make your Easter eggstra easy and relaxing this year. Order a Take and Bake ham dinner for you and your family to enjoy. Simply place your order, pull up to our conference center door, and let us deliver a delicious Chef prepared meal. Just follow the instructions on the label for a quick, easy and stressful free family dinner.
Must be pre-ordered by Thursday, April 1st at 5pm.

Avani Spa Easter Sale – Avani Spa | April 4th | 6 am – 7 pm
Experience the relaxation and pampering you deserve this Easter Sunday during Avani’s Easter Sale.

Easter Breakfast Buffet – Geneva ChopHouse | April 4th | 6:30 am – 12 pm
The Geneva ChopHouse will be serving a breakfast buffet from 6:30am-Noon on Easter Sunday. All seating is first come, first serve.

Easter Brunch – 240° West at The Abbey Resort | April 4th | 9 am – 4 pm
aster Brunch is a true culinary experience, inspired by the traditional Easter holiday, where family and friends gather to share the finest and freshest spring cuisine. Executive Chef Joshua North brings you seasonal salads, irresistibly fresh breakfast dishes, carved meats, traditional entrees, seafood, small plate desserts and more. 
Reservations are required.

Easter Brunch – Crafted Pizza & Tap | April 4th | 9 am – 2 pm
Hop on over to Crafted Pizza & Tap at the Ridge Hotel for our Easter Brunch. Our springtime menu awakens with a fresh crudité and salad station, smoked salmon and soup followed by an enticing list of entrées – from honey glazed ham and leg of lamb to grilled chicken alfredo ribs and grilled swordfish. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Easter Take & Bake – Lake Lawn Resort | April 4th | 9 am – 11 am
Let Lake Lawn Resort help make your Easter eggstra easy and relaxing this year. Order a Take and Bake ham dinner for you and your family to enjoy. Must be pre-ordered by Thursday, April 1st at 5pm.

Easter Brunch – Lake Lawn Resort | April 4th | 9:30 am – 3 pm
Indulge in the the lavish Easter Brunch Buffet on Easter Sunday from 9:30am until 3pm. There will also be complimentary professional family photos in the Great Room from 10:00am-4:00pm, and an Easter Egg Hunt for resort and Easter brunch guests at 9:00am! Reservations are required.

Easter Brunch – The Grandview Restaurant | April 4th | 10 am – 6 pm
Gather your family around the table with a family-style Easter feast! Porchetta, fresh seafood, and house-made pasta are just a few of the wonderful selections you and your loved ones can enjoy while taking in the spectacular views of Geneva Lake. Reserve your seat today.

Easter Brunch – Hawk’s View Golf Club | April 4th | 10 am – 2 pm
Celebrate this special day with your family at Hawk’s View! The famous brunch buffet is fully loaded with all of the classic brunch items that are sure to please. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Easter Brunch – The Fireside | April 4th | 10 am – 1 pm
Celebrate Easter with the Fireside Theatre’s Easter Brunch. Reservations are required and can be made through this website. Seating is limited to parties of 6 or less to allow us to correctly follow both CDC and Jefferson County social distancing guidelines.

Easter Brunch – Grand Geneva Resort | April 4th | 11 am – 3:30 pm
Celebrate Easter with an extravagant family-style served brunch with unlimited mimosas and an all-new complimentary Bloody Mary Bar, excellent service and beautiful countryside views for the best Easter photo backdrop. All brunch guests and resort guests are invited to join us for an Easter Egg Hunt at 12pm outdoors. Ages 5-12 are welcome! Reservations are required.

Easter Dinner To-Go – Geneva National | April 4th | 11 am – 1 pm
Simplify your Easter dinner prep with a celebratory meal prepared by Geneva National’s in-house culinary team. Orders must be placed by Thursday, April 1 at 2pm

Easter Dinner – Hunt Club Steakhouse | April 4th | 12 pm – 7 pm
Don’t let hosting Easter turn you into a basket case. Relax, enjoy and set up your spring celebration in our charming farmhouse: in the woods where we’ll be serving up a spring-inspired three-course menu along with a limited version of our regular menu. Reservations are required.

Doggie Egg Hunt – Fontana | April 10th | 1 pm – 2 pm
Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs! You and your four-legged friend will scour the grasslands of Duck Pond to find kibble-filled eggs. Advanced registration and proof of vaccination are required.

For more events and Easter hotel packages, go to www.VisitWalworthCounty.com. Hoppy Easter!