Shore Walkers - Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva, Fontana, Williams Bay (Walworth Cty)

Back to relive some very old childhood memories. In 1970-s, there were no posted signs marking the lake path. Shore walkers did not exist as a class of tourists. This post isn't really to advertise that the shore path exists. There are plenty of ways of learning that. But for the sake of being consistent to the Wheretogo viewers I promise to provide such details. This post is a purely selfish move so that I can relive my most recent excursion into reliving this particular time in my life. I am returning again, hopefully later after the Chicagoans have all gone home. While the shore hike was pleasant and relatively bug free (if you don't count the humans, of course), it was too humid and it the clinging haze really effected some of the shots.

This leg of the shore path starts from Linn Rd, heading east towards the Country Club. This headstone is the last remaining piece of a family plot that existed long ago, now gone. To see more details I would recommend reading my Shore Walker Photostream. It doesn't make sense to use up my precious blogger space with photos that also exist on my Flickr page, plus they don't really move the story along.

The Shore Path (or lake path as I always called it) was originally an Indian Footpath and in order for this path to remain for public use a county ordinance was set. For lakefront owners who fought the right of way, the city had historical relevance to rest upon. The shore path is unique to Geneva Lake. I know of no other place that allows unfettered access onto private property. My last visit, about 10 years ago, those cute shore path signs didn't exist. I know that because my oldest, who was 14 at the time would not follow his mother onto the lake.


WheretoFind:The lake path can be picked up at several points around the lake: Big Foot Beach State Park (Park Sticker Req'd) also Big Foot Beach Park same area,different parking lot), Lake Geneva's Library Park, Williams Bay Beach, Fontana Beach, Chapin Road, Linn Pier Road. A list of distances between hiking points on the shore path as provided by silentsports.net:
Fontana to Williams Bay 3.2 miles
Williams Bay to Chapin Road 3.3 miles
Chapin Road to Library Park, town of Lake Geneva 3.3 miles
Library Park to Linn Pier Road 5.3 miles
Linn Pier Road to Fontana 5.2 miles



What to expect: 
If you decide you want to hike the entire tour around the lake, plan about 14 hours, and to choose a starting point beside Lake Geneva's downtown area. I suggest the Linn Rd location, but there are probably better points but that is my preference.  It is isolated from the madness that is part of Lake Geneva every summer.  This location is also a popular boat launch, so arrive early.


Update 04/03/2015:  For the shore walkers that are still in town, there are little boat taxi's called Mouettes that run 4 routes.  These are not the same as the water taxi.

Newspaper articles discussing the history of the City's Name
It is Geneva Lake
Old records tell story of the discovery and naming of beautiful Lake Geneva

Appleton Flickr Wallk 09-14-08

I was apprehensive as I wove my way through downtown Appleton, watching for Drew Street. This was my first blind meeting and knew nothing of what was going to happen. We were to meet at City Park at 10:30 am at the fountain, and that was all I knew. Appleton Flickr Walk 09/14/08
Originally uploaded by WheretogoWisconsin
Eventually I found the Park and right at the fountain stood 5 cameras attached to their owners, so I had no concerns that I was approaching the wrong group, my own EasyShare tucked safely in my back pocket.

I share this experience for others who have never done a blind event such as a Flickrwalk. It is smart to be cautious when meeting people you know from some online group. At some point you judge the situation and either join or decline. Personally I am on a mission to lose my hermit-in-training status.


We wandered the grounds of Lawrence University and surrounding neighborhoods, attempting to stay out of the shots that others were making. It was a tad nippy, but I preferred it to the mugginess as of late. No one complained!

The pace was slow and the conversation easy. The buildings and grounds made for an interesting study, so I am curious to view the uploads and will update the post accordingly. I particularly enjoyed the smiles pasted on various hydrants, waste baskets and one member found one that was on glass. Someone out there knows how to appeal to my mischievous nature.

The whole thing lasted about 2 hours and if it wasn't for the fact that I left my purse in my car we would have had lunch, so I felt bad about that. We agreed that it was a success and made plans to do this regularly and each member is to play host.


Watch the Fox Cities Discussion Group for our next event.