Some Gilded Age Attractions in the “Newport of the Midwest”

The Midwest offers a number of sights and attractions worth seeing that don’t include the obvious choices of Chicago, Milwaukee, and other large urban centers. The Amana Colonies in Iowa. The picturesque community of Galena, Illinois. The natural beauty and recreation opportunities of Door County, Wisconsin. To that list can be added Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, the “Newport of the Midwest.”

I visited Newport, Rhode Island last year and was enchanted by the coastal environment, the deep, rich history of the city, and the opulence and splendor of the extravagant, massive, Gilded Age homes and estates. I even had the opportunity to visit a couple. Newport is a charming city, particularly for someone like myself with an interest in early United States history, maritime history, and military history. But the “Newport of the Midwest” is certainly worth a visit.

Lake Geneva is conveniently situated between Chicago, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Madison, Wisconsin. It offers year-round recreational opportunities and is a place of natural beauty. And there are some spectacular examples of architecture in the mold of that found in coastal Newport.

Below is a link to an article on eight attractions that you should consider seeing should your travels take you to Lake Geneva and the surrounding communities. I have traveled past Stone Manor on both the land and the waters of Geneva Lake. I have been to Black Point Estate as part of an Edgar Allan Poe-inspired event (https://www.apirateontheprairie.com/post/some-halloween-fun). I have done a mailboat cruise and other cruises on Geneva Lake including the aforementioned Poe outing. And while I haven’t toured the Baker House or stayed there in one of their guest rooms, I have stayed next door and admired its beauty. Yet I have yet to check off all eight attractions and I look forward to my next visit to the area. If you visit the area, I am certain that you will find something enjoyable to do. If Gilded Age opulence and splendor are appealing to you, you should definitely click on the link below and start planning your getaway to Southern Wisconsin.

“8 stops on a Gilded Age tour of Lake Geneva, known as the ‘Newport of the Midwest’”

https://roadtrippers.com/magazine/lake-geneva-the-newport-of-the-midwest/