Lake Geneva & Anderson Gardens Day Tour

From$133
10 hours
Chicago, USA

About this activity

Enjoy a full-day excursion from Chicago to Lake Geneva and Anderson Japanese Gardens, featuring scenic drives, historic sites, and cultural experiences.

Highlights

  • Scenic drive through Wisconsin countryside
  • Explore historic Lake Geneva
  • Stroll through Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Learn about local history and culture
  • Relax in serene natural surroundings

Full description

Escape the hustle and bustle of Chicago with a delightful full-day tour to Lake Geneva and Anderson Japanese Gardens. Begin your journey with a comfortable ride through the picturesque Wisconsin countryside, arriving in the charming town of Lake Geneva. Here, you'll have the opportunity to explore its historic landmarks, quaint shops, and beautiful lakeside views. Afterward, immerse yourself in the tranquility of Anderson Japanese Gardens, a serene oasis offering meticulously landscaped grounds, koi-filled ponds, and traditional Japanese architecture. This tour provides a perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city.

Included / Excluded

  • Round-trip transportation from Chicago
  • Guided tour of Lake Geneva
  • Admission to Anderson Japanese Gardens
  • Meals and beverages

Itinerary

1

We will depart from Chicago early in the morning and arrive at the small town of Lake Geneva. Here you can stroll along the lakeside paths surrounding Lake Geneva and get up close to historic estates and charming homes with beautiful grounds and gardens. You can also choose to take a cruise on Lake Geneva at your own expense and enjoy the scenery of Lake Geneva in the middle of the lake. Afterwards, we will take a bus to the Anderson Japanese Gardens, one of the most exquisite Japanese gardens in the world, to experience the Japanese-style gardening landscape. After the tour, we will return to Chicago with a good mood, ending this day's nature trip! Itinerary: Chicago -- Distance: 135km,Time: 1.5Hrs -- Lake Geneva (3 hours, boat ride) → Anderson Japanese Gardens (1.5 hours) --Distance: 140km,Time: 1.6Hrs Chicago

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

The Shore Path around Geneva Lake offers you an up-close view of historic estates and stunning homes with beautifully landscaped gardens. As you enjoy a walk along the lake's shore, you'll be mesmerized by the clear blue waters and the tranquility of sailboats, excursion boats, and antique vessels gliding across the pristine waters. Sunsets over Geneva Lake are as special as they come, and watching one from anywhere along the Shore Path is an experience you won't soon forget. There is so much beauty that you'll want to explore it again and again, taking in new sights from different segments of the path. The shoreline of Geneva Lake is about 21 miles; the path reaches almost 26 miles as it weaves through wooded areas. In autumn, trees around Lake Geneva turn red, orange, and yellow, their colors reflecting on the lake. A boat tour offers a different view and is a popular way to enjoy the maple leaves.

Duration: 3 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

Anderson Japanese Gardens is a beautiful outdoor setting that inspires the mind and calms the soul. It is a twelve-acre Japanese garden with streams, waterfalls, winding paths and koi ponds. Originally a personal vision to create a unique retreat for the Rockford area, the Anderson Japanese Garden has grown into an internationally acclaimed public garden. The founder's philosophy of original design, first-class craftsmanship and world-class maintenance has made the garden one of the finest Japanese gardens in the world.

Duration: 1h 30mAdmission: NO
4

Return to Chicago with unforgettable memories of a remarkable journey.

Duration: 1h 40mAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE

Meeting point

Start Location

Unknown location

Important information

Know before you book

  • Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
  • Pets are not permitted on the tour

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes for garden exploration
  • Bring a camera to capture scenic views and garden beauty
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps
  • Easy Public Transport
  • Stroller Accessible

Good to know

  • 50% Off for Kids in July & August 2025:Children aged 3–11 can enjoy half-price admission on all day tours, or as the 3rd and 4th child sharing a room on multi-day tours. This is a final special offer with no additional discounts.
  • Age and Safety: Customers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women may join if under 24 weeks by the trip's end.
  • Tickets and Charges: City Passes and personal attraction tickets are not accepted. Attraction prices may change, and tickets are non-refundable.
  • Booster Seats: Children under 8 require a booster seat. Please ask for more information in advance.
  • During spring time, especially during the month of May-Between04/29 and 05/16, the tulips blossom at their fullest height forging an unforgettable scenery. Meanwhile, strolling through Holland, the local tour guide will take you on a tour of this European-style town in stead of ordinary itinerary.
  • Collect the Memories:Guests will receive an exclusive Local Exploration Travel Passport. For every Local Exploration tour you join, you’ll collect a unique stamp. Gather 10 stamps to receive an invitation to the Annual Explorer Gala — a joyful celebration where travel lovers connect, share stories, and relive their favorite moments on the road!
  • Closed Attractions: If a scenic spot is closed, an alternative will be provided.
  • Booking Details: Ensure all booking details (name, contact, flight info) are accurate. Errors will result in personal costs.
  • Itinerary Changes:Tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for smooth operations.
  • Health Requirements: Guests with disabilities must provide advance notice. Wheelchair-accessible buses are not guaranteed without prior approval.
  • Tour Adjustments:The tour guide may alter schedules based on weather, traffic, or other conditions.
  • Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions may change—check the product website for updates.

Additional information

50% Off for Kids in July & August 2025:Children aged 3–11 can enjoy half-price admission on all day tours, or as the 3rd and 4th child sharing a room on multi-day tours. This is a final special offer with no additional discounts. Age and Safety: Customers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pregnant women may join if under 24 weeks by the trip's end. Tickets and Charges: City Passes and personal attraction tickets are not accepted. Attraction prices may change, and tickets are non-refundable. Booster Seats: Children under 8 require a booster seat. Please ask for more information in advance. During spring time, especially during the month of May-Between04/29 and 05/16, the tulips blossom at their fullest height forging an unforgettable scenery. Meanwhile, strolling through Holland, the local tour guide will take you on a tour of this European-style town in stead of ordinary itinerary. Collect the Memories:Guests will receive an exclusive Local Exploration Travel Passport. For every Local Exploration tour you join, you’ll collect a unique stamp. Gather 10 stamps to receive an invitation to the Annual Explorer Gala — a joyful celebration where travel lovers connect, share stories, and relive their favorite moments on the road! Closed Attractions: If a scenic spot is closed, an alternative will be provided. Booking Details: Ensure all booking details (name, contact, flight info) are accurate. Errors will result in personal costs. Itinerary Changes:Tour operator reserves the right to adjust the itinerary for smooth operations. Health Requirements: Guests with disabilities must provide advance notice. Wheelchair-accessible buses are not guaranteed without prior approval. Tour Adjustments:The tour guide may alter schedules based on weather, traffic, or other conditions. Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions may change—check the product website for updates.