LAKE GENEVA, Wis. – Seeking refuge from the summer heat in the 19th century gilded age, Midwestern city dwellers adopted Lake Geneva, Wis., as their summer playground, building palatial seasonal homes along the lake. On May 4, guests can visit one of the area’s first lakeside homes when Black Point Estate and Gardens, a Wisconsin Historical Society site, opens for the season.
Built by Chicago Beer Baron Conrad Seipp in 1888, the 20-room Queen Anne-style home surrounded by beautiful gardens offers a peek into turn-of-the-century life. Guests embark upon a three-and-a-half-hour cruise, arriving by boat just as family friends would have in a bygone era, and enjoy a home tour led by historical interpreters who relay family tales while pointing out architectural elements and interior décor details characteristic of the period.
“The Seipp’s well-loved home, with its welcoming Veranda and rooftop cupola overlooking the lake, gives guests a glimpse of gilded-age life,” said David Desimone, director, of Black Point Estate and Gardens. “We are fortunate that the home remained in the family until donated to the State of Wisconsin in 2005, as we inherited all of the original furnishing and artifacts.”
In partnership with Lake Geneva Cruise Lines, the narrated boat cruise offers commentary on the historic homes along the lake and an interior tour of Black Point Estate and Gardens. The cost is $51 for adults, $49 for teens (13-17) $49 for seniors (65+) and free for children three and under. Visit blackpointestate.org for more information or to purchase tickets. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive a $16 discount on tours and a 10 percent discount on ticketed events.
The spring season runs from May 4-26 with tours on Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The summer season is from May 27-Aug. 30 with tours Monday-Thursday at 10:30 a.m. and Friday-Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Fall hours are from Aug. 31-Oct. 31 with tours Monday-Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tours depart from Riviera Docks in Lake Geneva.
Click here for images of Black Point Estate and Gardens.
Upcoming Events at Black Point Estate and Gardens:
Remarkable Women of Lake Geneva Cruise – Sunday, May 12, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
The narrated Mother’s Day boat cruise travels past many of the lake’s historic homes and landmarks, with a historic interpreter sharing stories of the fascinating women who lived and worked along its shores. The experience includes a tour of Black Point Estate and a complimentary glass of wine. The cost for adults is $55 per person and free for children under five.
Beer Barons of Lake Geneva Cruise – Saturday, June 15, July 13, August 10, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
This afternoon cruise explores the stories and legacies of beer barons—including the famous Schlitz family—who once vacationed and lived on Lake Geneva. In addition to a tour of Black Point Estate, guests are treated to a beer tasting highlighting brews unique to the region. The cost for adults is $70 per person.
Paranormal Parlor Games with Joe Diamond – Friday, June 21, July 19, Aug.16, 7 to 9 p.m.
In true Victorian fashion, this evening taps into the world of spiritualism, mesmerism and telepathy at Black Point Estate. Radio host Joe Diamond leads visitors on a first-floor tour and explores the estate’s mysterious side through games and storytelling. The cost is $90 per person.
An Evening with Agatha Christie – Saturday, June 22, Sept. 21, 6 to 8 p.m.
Guests experience an intimate evening tour of the first floor of Black Point Estate followed by a conversation on the veranda with one of the most successful mystery writers of the 20th century, Agatha Christie, brought to life by local historian and actor Chris Brookes. The cost is $35 per person.
Maple Park Neighborhood Walking Tour – Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 to 3 p.m.
Leaving from the Lake Geneva Public Library, the walking tour showcases the Veteran’s Memorial and Poppy Sculpture in Elm Park along with the history of the Ice House Pier. Architectural styles representing bungalows, arts & crafts, Queen Anne and Italianate are highlighted throughout the tour. The cost is $20 per person.
Spiritualism in the Victorian Era – Friday, Oct. 4, Oct. 11 and Oct. 25, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Discover the Victorian’s fascination with death and communicating with the departed at this intriguing evening event. Hear tales of the Fox sisters, and leaders in the spiritualism movement, and learn how spiritualism became a social and religious 19th-century movement. Open to just 13 guests, this is a rare opportunity to experience the estate after dark. The cost, including a cordial, is $75 per person and advance registration is required.
Sordid and Scandalous: A Walking Tour of Lake Geneva – Saturday, Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Explore the mysteries of Lake Geneva on this guided tour through the city’s beautiful and historic downtown and Maple Park neighborhoods. Hear captivating tales of bank robberies, riots, prohibition gangsters, sea serpents, and more from Black Point Estate and Gardens historians. The cost is $20 per person and advance registration is required.
