With its proximity to Chicago and Milwaukee, coupled with a wide range of activities from passive to adrenalin-pumping, Wisconsin’s Walworth County makes for an ideal getaway destination for both the “day tripper” and weekend guest.

Known for its rolling hills carved from ancient glaciers, pristine state parks and forests, beautiful farmland and wetlands, trophy winning fishing, historic towns, sparkling lakes and the famed resort town of Lake Geneva, Walworth County is the ideal destination for the outdoor enthusiast and for those looking to escape the “big city.” It might even surprise some to find out that there does exist an edgier side to the seemingly laid-back area – Walworth County is home to a myriad of extreme sports including hang gliding, parasailing, mountain biking, hot air ballooning and ice sailing. Walworth County is also the perfect destination if your plans call for a little rest and relaxation. Whether you’re traveling as a family or looking for a romantic escape, you’ll discover an abundance of dining and lodging options, attractions, outdoor activities and pristine nature areas to make your great escape a memorable adventure.

Highly regarded for its extensive trail system, the 21,000-acre southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest provides for a unique recreational resource. Located near Eagle and Whitewater, the forest offers some of the best mountain bike trails in the country and the six main trails that wind through the park’s glacial depressions are truly a hiker’s paradise. There’s also a hiking trail that is handicap accessible. Walworth County is also home to numerous lakes where fishing, canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed. Some of the regions larger lakes provide the space needed for water skiing, parasailing, and wave jumping with jet skis and other personal watercraft. Throughout the summer months, visitors are drawn to Walworth County for art and antique shows, local festivals, outdoor concerts, fish and lobster boils, world-class golfing, full-service spas, and eclectic nightlife.

Family-friendly attractions are another reason why Walworth County is a popular summertime destination. The East Troy Electric Railroad affords train aficionados the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the surrounding countryside as antique electric rail cars take visitors on a 10-mile excursion from the town of East Troy to the renowned Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. In nearby Lake Geneva, visitors can board a twin-stacked Mississippi paddle wheel steamer for a narrated cruise on pristine Geneva Lake. Not only is this a relaxing way to learn about the area’s rich history, but it’s also the perfect means to view the many mansions that helped Lake Geneva earn the moniker, “Newport of the West.”

Located in the town of Eagle, Old World Wisconsin is the largest outdoor museum of rural life in America. A living museum, Old World Wisconsin portrays the history of immigration and resettlement in late-19th and early 20th-century Wisconsin. Of course, there’s always the Walworth County Fair, a time-honored tradition for family fun since 1851. Walworth County is located in southeastern Wisconsin, less than 90 minutes from Chicago and 45 minutes from downtown Milwaukee. For a complimentary guide of area activities and accommodations, contact the Walworth County Visitors’ Bureau.