LAKE GENEVA, Wis. — Lake Geneva, known as the “Newport of the Midwest,” is a popular spot for its scenic views, Gilded Age estates and luxurious lake excursions.
Mayor Todd Krause, a lifelong resident, joined Spectrum News 1 to share how city commissioners are balancing commercialism with the aesthetics of a small town.
One substantial project in the works is the transformation of an approximately 230-acre site bought by the city.
Once a golf course and then vacant land with varied terrain, topography, and ecosystems, the Hillmoor Property is split into five zones to guide thoughtful planning.
“It’s an area we’re looking to do something like an amphitheater, perhaps skating rink… something that we can have more of a spot for residents to gather away from the lakefront,” Krause said.
Another long-term plan is to improve approximately 2.5 miles of WIS 50 (Main Street) from Forest Street to Grand Geneva Way.
“They will completely redo Highway 50 all the way from one end of the city to the other,” the mayor said. “They’ll do the downtown in one season, and they’ll do the two outskirts in the other season.”
Aside from hard hats and road barricades, the city has lots of ways people can take a break from the winter blues.
Krause said he recommends lake tours, ice fishing and Winter Fest, which recently wrapped up for the season. It drew more than 40,000 visitors, eager to see the skill and artistry of snow sculptors.
Watch the full interview above.