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Fontana-On-Geneva Lake History

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake is a village located in Walworth County, Wisconsin, in the United States. The village sits on the shores of Geneva Lake, a popular resort area that has attracted visitors from Chicago and other nearby cities since the late 19th century.

The history of Fontana-On-Geneva Lake dates back to the mid-19th century, when settlers began to arrive in the area. The village was founded in 1870, and by the turn of the 20th century, it had become a popular vacation destination for wealthy Chicagoans.

During the early 20th century, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake was home to several grand resorts, including the Hotel Fontana, the Abbey Resort, and the Geneva Lake Hotel. These resorts offered guests a wide range of amenities, including swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses, and other recreational activities.

In addition to its resorts, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake was also home to several notable residents, including novelist Zane Grey, who owned a home on the lake, and wealthy industrialist Wrigley family, who owned an estate in the area.

During World War II, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake served as a training ground for the 10th Mountain Division, a specialized unit of the United States Army that was trained to fight in mountainous terrain. The area's rugged hills and steep slopes made it an ideal location for this type of training. Today, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake remains a popular vacation destination, known for its scenic beauty and its wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, golfing, and skiing, depending on the season. The village is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a popular destination for tourists and vacationers from around the world.

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake Top Tourist Attractions

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake has a variety of tourist attractions that appeal to visitors throughout the year. Some of the top attractions include:

• Geneva Lake: The lake is the centerpiece of the village and a top attraction for visitors. It offers numerous opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming.
• Big Foot Beach State Park: This state park is located on the shores of Geneva Lake and features over 270 acres of natural beauty, including sandy beaches, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
• Yerkes Observatory: This observatory is owned and operated by the University of Chicago and is located in Williams Bay, just a few miles from Fontana-On-Geneva Lake. Visitors can take guided tours of the observatory and view its telescopes and other equipment.
• Abbey Resort and Avani Spa: This luxurious resort offers guests a variety of amenities, including a spa, multiple restaurants, and access to a private beach on Geneva Lake.
• Fontana Village Hall: This historic building was built in 1911 and served as the village hall until the 1990s. Today, it houses the Fontana Historical Society and is open for tours.
• Gordy's Boat House: This popular restaurant and bar is located on the shores of Geneva Lake and offers great views, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
• White River State Trail: This 19-mile trail runs from Elkhorn to Burlington and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, bike, or snowmobile through the beautiful countryside.
• Geneva Lake Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the Geneva Lake area and features exhibits on Native American life, the area's resorts, and local industry.
• Lake Geneva Canopy Tours: This outdoor adventure park offers visitors the chance to zip line through the trees, climb high ropes courses, and explore the forest in a unique and exciting way.
• Lake Geneva Balloon Company: This company offers hot air balloon rides over the beautiful countryside around Lake Geneva, providing stunning views and a truly unforgettable experience.

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake Climate

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake has a humid continental climate, which means it experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. The village is located in an area that receives moderate to heavy snowfall during the winter months and has an average annual snowfall of around 47 inches.

The summers in Fontana-On-Geneva Lake are warm and humid, with average high temperatures in the mid to upper 70s °F (around 25-26 °C) and occasional heat waves pushing temperatures into the 80s or even 90s °F (around 32 °C). The summer season runs from late May through early September.

Fall in Fontana-On-Geneva Lake is typically mild and pleasant, with cool temperatures and changing foliage. The fall season runs from late September through November.

Winter in Fontana-On-Geneva Lake is cold and snowy, with average high temperatures in the 20s to low 30s °F (around -5 to -1 °C). The winter season runs from December through February. Spring in Fontana-On-Geneva Lake is cool and damp, with occasional snow or freezing temperatures in early spring. The spring season runs from March through May. Overall, Fontana-On-Geneva Lake's climate is characterized by distinct seasons, with warm summers, cold winters, and moderate precipitation throughout the year.

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake Geography

Fontana-On-Geneva Lake is a village located in Walworth County, Wisconsin, in the Midwestern region of the United States. The village sits on the shores of Geneva Lake, a large freshwater lake that is approximately 8 square miles (20.7 square kilometers) in size.

The village is surrounded by rolling hills and forests, which provide a beautiful backdrop for the lake and the surrounding area. The topography of the region is characterized by glacial hills, formed during the last ice age, which provide a scenic and unique landscape.

Geneva Lake is fed by a number of small streams and creeks, including White River, which flows through the village and empties into the lake. The lake itself is known for its clear water, which makes it a popular destination for swimming, boating, and fishing.

The village of Fontana-On-Geneva Lake covers an area of approximately 2.5 square miles (6.5 square kilometers), with a population of around 1,700 residents. It is located about 80 miles (129 kilometers) north of Chicago and about 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of Milwaukee. The village is situated along U.S. Route 12, which runs through the heart of the village and connects it to other nearby towns and cities.