Geneva Lake in Wisconsin is known as the "Newport of the Midwest" for its stunning scenery and abundance of Gilded Age mansions. These mansions were built by wealthy industrialists and railroad barons in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and they offer a glimpse into a bygone era of luxury and opulence.
Some of the most popular Gilded Age
mansions on Geneva Lake include:
Villa Louis: This 33-room mansion was built in
1892 by Frederick Pabst, the founder of Pabst Brewing Company. The mansion is
now a museum that tells the story of Pabst's life and the Gilded Age in
Wisconsin.
Stone Manor: This 7-level mansion was built in 1899 by Otto Young, a
German immigrant who made his fortune in Chicago real estate. The mansion is
now made up of six luxury condominiums, and it still features its original
grand ballroom and rooftop garden with a swimming pool.
The Abbey: This 23-room
mansion was built in 1902 by Edward Doheny, an oil magnate. The mansion is now
a private residence, but it is occasionally open for tours.
Forest Lawn: This
27-room mansion was built in 1905 by Henry Phipps, a steel magnate. The mansion
is now a bed and breakfast, and it features a beautiful garden and a view of
the lake.
In addition to the mansions, there are a number of other sights to
see at Geneva Lake.
These include the Geneva Lake Museum: This museum tells the
story of Geneva Lake from its early days as a Native American settlement to its
current status as a popular tourist destination.
The Yerkes Observatory: This
observatory was founded in 1897 and is home to the largest refracting telescope
in the world. The observatory offers tours and stargazing events.
The Geneva
Lake Trolley: This trolley takes visitors on a narrated tour of the lakeshore
mansions and other sights.
Whether you are interested in history, architecture,
or simply beautiful scenery, Geneva Lake is a great place to visit. With its
abundance of Gilded Age mansions and other sights, it is a place where you can
step back in time and experience the luxury and opulence of a bygone era.
