Things to do in the Lake Geneva Area

Haunted Hayrides…

~ bwebster


Watch out for things that go bump in the night…

365 Things To Do in Lake Geneva, WI suggests that you consider the Dan Patch Stables at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa when making plans this fall season.

The stables are offering their very popular Haunted Hayrides again this year. The rides started at the end of September and will be running through Saturday, October 29th. Rides run from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. The 6:00 p.m. rides each evening have been toned down to make them a more family-friendly ride for the little ones in your group. However, each ride following the 6:00 p.m. ride is an “all bets are off” so be prepared to be scared.

Dan Patch Stables offers on-site concessions and a bonfire on hay-ride nights. Please note that all tickets are CASH ONLY.

Plan to spend some time at this great facility located on Hwy 50 just east of Lake Geneva.

Oktoberfest in Elkhorn…

~ bwebster

Bet there are a lot of you out there that think that there isn’t anything better on a crisp fall day than Beer, Wine and Chili. Are we right? If so, 365 Things To Do in Lake Geneva, WI thinks that you’ll be excited to hear that they will be offering tastings of all 3 at the 12th Annual Elkhorn Oktoberfest celebration on Elkhorn’s Downtown Square, Veterans Park and Pocket Park this Saturday, October 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Beer and wine tasting will be available from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Pocket Park and on Wisconsin Street. Sample a variety of German beer and wine, along with some seasonal selections as well.

The Chili Cook-off Contest and Tasting will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Unfortunately, registration to enter your “best chili recipe” closed on October 16th, but fear not, with amateur and professional categories, there will be plenty of chili for tasting.

Don’t miss the 8th Annual Oktoberfest Car Show in the Government Center’s parking lot off Court Street from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The entry fee is either 5 non-perishable food items or a $5.00 donation to the Elkhorn Food Pantry. Space is limited so it will be first come – first parked. Dash plaques will be provided to the first 75 show cars. Plan to vote for your favorite car, as there will be a People’s Choice contest.

New this year is the Elkhorn Oktoberfest 5K Run and 2 Mile walk. Event fee includes the race, a long-sleeved T-shirt, free admission to the wine and beer tasting, a goodie bag, awards for top finishers and more. Click here for registration information.

The entire day is packed full of activities for the young and old alike. Kids, plan to have some fun with games, pumpkin decorating and a bounce house. Shop the street vendors for food, craft items and fresh fruits and vegetables. Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the day on the Main Stage in Veteran’s Park.

This event is so big that they are closing down Wisconsin Street to accommodate everyone. Don’t miss the chance to meet up with friends and family and celebrate Oktoberfest in Wisconsin.
Elkhorn’s 12th Annual Oktoberfest is being brought to you by the Elkhorn Area Chamber of Commerce along with sponsors from many local businesses.

Hotel Transylvania…

~ bwebster

Looking for something fun and affordable to do with the kids tomorrow night? Why not consider attending Family Movie Night at Reek Elementary School. They will be showing Sony’s animated Hotel Transylvania on the Big Foot Mega Screen at 6:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Reek Elementary School is located at the corner of Maple Ridge Road and S. Lake Shore Drive.

Admission is only $1.00 and concessions will be available, so dress in your comfy clothes and bring along a pillow or blanket. This is a great way to spend an affordable evening with your family and friends. Please note that patrons under the age of 10 must be accompanied by someone who is at least 13 years old.

Kishwauketoe Harvest Fest…

~ bwebster

365 Things To Do in Lake Geneva, WI likes to bring our readers fun filled, affordable and family friendly events, and this one fits the bill on every level. Plan to join family and friends at the Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy in Williams Bay this, Friday, October 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to celebrate the 25th Annual Kishwauketoe Harvest Fest.

Plan to bring a few lawn chairs so you can sit and relax around the campfire, and make sure you don’t forget a stick for grilling so you can enjoy free hot dogs with all the trimmings, along with apples, cookies, marshmallows and more.

The evening’s activities include a night hike through the conservancy, music and more. Please plan to dress accordingly and if you plan to hike after sundown a flashlight is recommended.

Fall Flavor Fest…

~ bwebster

Apple and Pumpkin picking means Fall is here…

365 Things To Do in Lake Geneva, WI has found a fun, affordable and family friendly event and it comes with a great big bonus to all you apple and pumpkin lovers out there. The Apple Barn Orchard and Winery in Elkhorn is open for apple and pumpkin picking this weekend!

Enjoy free admission, free parking and free tractor rides from 10:00am – 6:00pm on Saturday and from 11:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. Plan to head out into the orchards to pick your own apples, or pick a few pumpkins.

Shop for arts and crafts, check out their selections of award winning apple and pear wines, buy an Apple Barn cookbook, or check out the store with goodies galore including apple cider donuts, caramel apples, pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, Wisconsin cheese, honey, salsa, jellies and jams. Not into shopping? Just come out, sit and enjoy the entertainment they have scheduled. This is just a great and affordable way to spend a nice day with friends and family.

Clean Sweep…

~ bwebster

The Walworth County Public Works Department will be conducting their Annual Clean Sweep program this Friday, October 6th and Saturday, October 7th, so now is the perfect time to start purging those outdated products! The yearly program helps Walworth County residents dispose of unused and unwanted products that contain chemicals that are labeled poison, caution, flammable, warning or danger.

The program is free of charge to Walworth County household residents and no appointment is necessary. This is the time of year to check your garages, sheds and basements for products that have expired or are no longer needed. Safely dispose of fertilizers, pesticides, varnish, stain, motor oil and more. See Clean Sweep for a complete list of what items will be accepted.

Collection locations and times have changed since last year, so please take a moment to check for the location nearest you. Household items will be collected on Friday, October 6th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 490 Richmond Road (CTH M & P) in the City of Delavan and at the City of Whitewater Public Works Complex, 150 East Starin Rd. in Whitewater. Collections will be accepted on Saturday, October 7th from 8:00 a.m. to noon at the Walworth County Public Works Department at W4097 County Road NN in Elkhorn.

Since 1992 the Household Clean Sweep program has collected well over 514,000 pounds of hazardous waste from county residents. Properly disposing of these items is an important part of keeping our county’s natural resources and ground water clean and uncontaminated.