The Biggest Mansions EVER Built in Lake Geneva

Discover the untold story of how a small town in Wisconsin became the playground for America's elite.

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Location: Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
CC BY 2.0 Photos from: Flickr User: atramos, Teemu008
CC BY-SA 3.0Photos from: Wikipedia User: Ronincmc
Assets from: Envato Elements
Music from Epidemic Sound

[randomwilliamsbay]

My home built in 1896, makes the briefest cameo in this video which was fun to see. There is so much more to the history and the homes so if you have not been to Geneva Lake, you can take a boat tour and get the narrative of the history and mansions pointed out to you.

[papi]

My stepmother grew up in a mansion on Lake Geneva. Her father the the first radio station in Chicago and would later become WGN. She was Miss Chicago in the 1940"s. She later became Miss America Runner UP. She late did numerous advertisements for Coca Cola and was one of the original Betty Crocker cover women. Her Maiden name is Marge Nelson. Needless to say she was very beautiful and one of the sweetest women I ever met. She died at the age of 94
a couple of years ago.

[wendycalkins]

I didn't want the video to end! I live in Wisconsin and have visited, knew about the history of Lake Geneva but getting a more detailed look at the homes was fabulous! Awesome video ❤

[christophermarx]

I worked in Lake Geneva in the late 80's, the town itself is really nice. The other aspect that may not be apparent in the video is the sheer size of the lake itself, great example of Wisconsin at it's best.

[carcar]

I loved the dining room in the Selfridge mansion. The craftsmanship in ALL these houses is/was superb! It would take a fortune today to maintain these buildings. Thank you!

[megfuchs]

I especially loved this video! Each house was beautiful in it's own way! I like how the houses were cozier than say the Newport mansions. Also liked all the trees!

[mavinajfan]

I was just in Lake Geneva during spring break at the school I work at. It is still so beautiful there. I couldn’t believe how clear the lake was and even though I was born and raised in Wisconsin I had never been there before. It’s just a really nice place and I’ll definitely be visiting again. The mansions are particularly cool to look at.

[oltedders]

How refreshing that "wrecking ball" and "razed by fire" weren't mentioned a single time in this video!

[BusterTucker]

I am a Wisconsinite I have been to Lake Geneva many times for water skiing and work it's truly still beautiful!
The Playboy mansion is now The Grand Geneva Hotel and spa!

[markeedee]

Fantastic collection of homes! Eye candy for days!!!

[walterstelmach]

This was one of my favorites. I wish you would have lingered longer on each of them. I had to pause to get a good look.

[dawnhenderson]

OMG we used to boat on Lake Geneva when I lived in Illinois been in Texas for 37 years, how awesome for this video😊

[gimpygardner]

Many years ago I took an architectural boat tour w/lunch around Lake Geneva. It was a lot of fun. Anyone rich in Chicago in the late 1800's had a summer home at Lake Geneva.

[littlefoot]

nice video of lake Geneva, I am living in lake Geneva myself. It is a beautiful town friendly people an not to mention lots of fun here.

[jameskiehm]

One of your best videos. My absolute favorite is the Harris Trust estate!

[Rocketjay]

I have friends who have summered in Lake Geneva their whole lives. I've spent many summers for the last 40 years with them as well and now they live there most of the year round. I've biked and run around the lake a few times and have seen many of these magnificent homes up close since every home along the lakefront has a public access path at the waters edge.

[David-tmsl]

Such a collection of styles! Great tour.

[deeaye-bt]

Wadsworth Hall is stunning!.. and those gardens!! Thanks Ken!

[joeyrobinson]

I went to school (Art Institute) in Chicago but every other weekend I would spend it in Lake Geneva. It’s was a short trip out of the city and the historic factor was fascinating. Thank you so much for sharing your precise information on Newport of the mid west. Joey

[blossom]

Wow these homes are so beautiful & beyond anything I could imagine. With the stately old Trees & lawns they even make the “Kennedy’s” look like the country cousins! Thanks for sharing this ✌️