Geneva Lake audio guide for boats: stories from the water

Geneva Lake is more than a beautiful body of water—it’s a living chronicle of opulence, ingenuity, and natural wonder. On this audio boat tour, you’ll cruise past some of the most storied shoreline in the Midwest, uncovering how a quiet, pristine lake evolved into a coveted summer refuge for Chicago’s most powerful families and America’s early captains of industry.

From the water, you’ll get a front-row view of architectural treasures designed by masters like Howard Van Doren Shaw and Harold Zook, all while learning about the colorful characters who shaped the lake’s remarkable legacy.

The VoiceMap app will guide you with a clear route line along Geneva Lake’s shoreline, allowing you to cruise in either direction with ease. You'll pass lavish estates like Stone Manor, a 40,000-square-foot Italian-inspired palace built by retail magnate Otto Young, and the site of Black Point Estate, constructed by beer baron Conrad Seipp in 1888. As you navigate the waters, you'll hear stories about famous residents like the Wrigley family and their sweeping stretch of shoreline estates, and retail pioneer Harry Selfridge, whose innovations transformed shopping worldwide.

During this 120-minute audio guide, you’ll have the chance to:

• See Aloha Lodge, the impressive 16,000-square-foot retreat built by the founder of Chicago’s Drake Hotel
• Marvel at Glanworth Gardens, which set a Wisconsin real-estate record when it sold for $36 million in 2022
• Cruise past the summer home of Charles Wacker, namesake of Chicago’s famed Wacker Drive
• Discover Black Point Estate and Gardens, now a museum preserving one of the Midwest’s most complete Victorian collections
• Hear about notable estates that once lined the lake—grand homes lost to fire, redevelopment, or the passage of time

This scenic boat tour offers the perfect way to experience Geneva Lake's fascinating blend of natural beauty and human history. Whether you're interested in architecture, Chicago history, or simply enjoying the pristine waters, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for this jewel of the Midwest.