Hovercraft rides return to Lake Geneva’s Winterfest in February
Lake Geneva is no longer just a summer destination. In addition to the Ice Castles being built in the resort town for the past three years, the city also boasts a large winter festival, Winterfest, that plays host to the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship.
For the second year, the festival will also offer a futuristic-sounding attraction: hovercraft rides.
The amphibious vehicles aren't so futuristic; they've been around since the '50s. And they aren't built for space but Earth, using a cushion of air to float above a variety of surfaces from mud and grass to water and ice.
Illinois-based TLS Windsled offered the rides at Winterfest for the first time last year. This year, rides are available Feb. 5-7 for groups of one to six people by reservation only. Rides cost $25 per person. To make a reservation, email tlswindsled2005@gmail.com.
Winterfest kicks off Feb. 3 when 11 teams — including three from Wisconsin — begin their creations for the snow sculpting competition on Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park. Visitors can vote for their favorite sculptures on Feb. 6, and the winners will be announced at 2 p.m. that day.
More sculptures — of the ice variety — will be on display in front of more than two dozen businesses downtown Feb. 5-7.
For adults, the Baker House is hosting a Fire & Ice Bar featuring specialty cocktails, including hot toddies, and warm food. The historical hotel will have a fire pit, heated cabanas and an indoor warming lounge. The bar will be open Feb. 3-14. Space is limited and advance ticket purchase is recommended. They cost $15, which includes a complimentary drink, and are available at bakerhouse1885.com or by calling (262) 2484700.
Other activities at Winterfest include s'mores and bonfires on Riviera beach from 5 to 9 p.m. Feb. 5-6, a cocoa crawl with free samples downtown from 4 to 6 p.m. Feb. 5 (registration required), and a marketplace with food and beverage vendors.
For more information, see com/winterfest.
Contact Chelsey Lewis at clewis@journalsentinel. com. Follow her on Twitter at @chelseylew and @TravelMJS and Facebook at Journal Sentinel Travel.