Beloit, WI Outdoor Activities

Lake Geneva Cruise Line received the 2012 Service Excellence Award at the Conference on Tourism, recognized by Governor Scott Walker for its continued commitment to unique, memorable experiences afforded by their daily tours and private charters. Tourists can traverse the picturesque waters of Lake Geneva in their stylish ships equipped with bars, snack bars, and restrooms. During tours, knowledgeable guides dispense narration about local history and guests provide their own soundtrack during afternoon ice-cream socials and sundown cruises. Evening cocktail cruises keep libations flowing for two hours as musical notes played by local musicians float out across the dark, sparkling water before they're gobbled up by jumping fish.

Be Active Outdoors organizes physical and recreational activities for adults and children of all fitness levels. Regular events challenge locals to break their sedentary habits with 10-mile bike rides, lessons on revitalizing waterways, and group adventure races. An annual river-basin tournament combines a focus on conservation with thrilling paddleboat and shoreline fishing. The Amped Up Adventure race complicates traditional adventure racing with urban elements including biking, running, paddling, and an obstacle course to get people moving in their home environments.

A tractor rumbles along the rolling hills of Green Meadows Petting Farm's back 40 as it pulls hayride passengers toward the farm’s animals' barns and pens. There, hands of all ages can snuggle on the fuzzy fleece of a baby goat or sheep, brush against the bristly hide of the 700-pound Patty the Pig, or comb fingers into the soft mane of Lad the Pony. Farmers on the staff also share insights and anecdotes on the farm and its four-legged friends as guests roam the farm at their leisure. For Charlie and Mavis Keyes, of all the sights and sounds on a farm that's been in the family since 1964, the ones they enjoy most watching and hearing are from the children and parents who come to visit. It's a thrill, Charlie says, to hear the kids say that they had "the best day ever," providing a happy counterpoint to childhood days that include trips to the doctor's and punishments to file and catalogue a sister's dolls' dresses.

Since the 1950s, Wingra Boats has outfitted groups and individuals for treks along the serene, wake-free Lake Wingra with their fleet of water vessels. Starting out with a small squad of canoes, the company has grown to include more than 100 canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats across two locations. In addition to supplying rentals, the staff keep limbs limber with yoga—performed on dry land or atop paddleboards—and strengthens cores with standup paddleboard lessons. Youngsters get in on the action during camp sessions, where they learn to cast, reel, and ask fishes for any seven cards, or paddle aboard kayaks and canoes. The staff also lead guided tours and birding expeditions, and tuck boats away for the off-season with docking and storage services.

Kettle Moraine Golf Club's 18-hole course weaves through an emerald tapestry of tranquil wetlands and towering arbors for 6,406 yards of leisurely golf. While not an overwhelmingly long course, length and precision off of the tee will allow players to cut corners on the course's multiple dogleg fairways, though airborne orbs must remain vigilant of the course's rippling ponds, thickets of marsh grasses, and naturally blossoming bogey plants. Alongside the pristine par 72, clubbers can groove shots at the club's driving range, where they may encounter PGA pro Rick Callies sanding down the rough-edged swings of attentive pupils. The course's gently undulating fairways and greens converge at the Scorecard Lounge, where guests can recapitulate memorable shots over a frothy pint or glass of freshly squeezed range balls. The Club also encompasses a fully stocked pro shop and a stately banquet hall, which overlooks the grounds and sports an elegant stone fireplace.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,406 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 70.5 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 120 from the farthest tees
• Three tee options
• Link to scorecard