Have you ever wanted to learn more about the homes along Geneva Lake AND actually tour one? Experience the best of both worlds with a tour of Black Point Estate, the historic 1888 summer retreat of Chicago Beer Baron Conrad Seipp. Accessible only by boat, just as it was in Seipp’s time, the tour begins with a scenic 45-minute cruise on Geneva Lake, followed by a 1.5-hour exploration of the mansion’s first two levels. The well-informed docents help visitors paint a picture of how lake life was in the 1800s. Nestled amidst stunning lake views, Black Point Estate offers a glimpse into Victorian-era opulence with its exquisite architecture and period furniture, making it a must-visit landmark in Lake Geneva.
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to Black Point Estate for the purpose of this review; however, all opinions expressed are my own. Post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links.
Getting Started at Black Point Estate
The only way to reach Black Point Estate by boat! Find parking around the downtown area (they have free parking too!) and make your way to the Riviera Docks at 812 Wrigley Drive (one block south of the main downtown intersections of Broad Street & Main Street (Hwy. 50). to the dock. They start boarding 15 minutes before the ticketed time.
Enjoy time on the water
Back in the days, there were no roads leading to Black Point for the Seipp family so we experienced arriving to the majestic estate like people did back in the 1800s – by boat! The boat ride is 45 minutes and the tour guide highlights the mansions and estates and million dollar yachts on the north shore of the lake. It was so informative and relaxing just being on the water.
Learn about the home
After docking, we then made the trek up 100 stairs to reach the estate grounds. And what a sight to see! Spanning eight acres of land and 620 feet of undisturbed shoreline, Black Point Estate sits atop a bluff overlooking the lake.
After brief introductions on the porch, our group was divided into smaller sections to create a more intimate tour experience. Our tour started outdoors through the beautifully maintained manicured lawn.
We learned about the history of the Seipp family and how it was living back in the days. We toured the first two floors of the Queen Anne-style mansion that includes 20 rooms. (Hopefully, they’re hoping to work on the third floor in the future.) The home features a collection of beautiful Victorian furniture and retains features as it was back during Seipp’s time.
The tour of the estate lasted about an hour and a half, it sure didn’t feel like it! Our tour guide did a wonderful job painting a picture of Victorian lake life.
Stop by the Gift Shop
After the tour, a must stop is the small gift shop. Since we were at the home of a beer baron Conrad Seipp, we couldn’t pass up grabbing a can of beer, brewed by none other than the Conrad Seipp Brewing Company, Seipp’s great-great-great granddaughter. Loved that they brought back the beer! We also picked up a couple bottles of soda for the kids.
Relax again on the water
Once you board the boat, you are treated again to a narrated tour of the lake homes but those on the south shore.
Tips to Enjoy Black Point Estate
- Boats leave from the Riviera building in downtown Lake Geneva (boats are all the way in the back of the building)
- Tickets should be purchased in advance online HERE.
- Show the confirmation email on your phone to board
- Craving a drink? There is a full cash bar and snack bar.
- They recommend the tour for those kids 12+ due to the duration. My 9 and 12-year-old both enjoyed the tour!
- Boarding is 15 minutes prior to departure (except for the mail boat tour which is 30 min prior to departure)
- Tours are 3.5 hours which includes boat ride to the estate, tour of estate, and return boat ride
- Get the membership which includes a $16 discount for the Black Point Estate Tour and admission to 11 other Wisconsin historical sites for free
- No onsite parking lot at the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva. Lake Geneva uses metered parking with kiosks or an easy mobile app. Learn more about parking in Lake Geneva here.
- Make sure to check out the Wisconsin Historical Society website for upcoming specialty cruises too!
Nitty Gritty:
Website: https://blackpointestate.wisconsinhistory.org/
Address: Riviera Docks at 812 Wrigley Drive
When: Spring, summer, and fall (Check website for departure times)
Cost: Adults (18-64): $51, Teens (13-17): $49, Senior (65+): $49, Child (4-17): $35
