Fontana Community Guide
Quick answer: Fontana-on-Geneva Lake is a village of about 1,700 year-round residents at the west end of Geneva Lake, about 10 miles from downtown Lake Geneva and roughly 85 miles from Chicago. It has a public beach, the Gordy’s marina complex on Lake Street, The Abbey Resort and harbor, and the Abbey Springs golf course.
Homes include west-end lakefront, lake-access homes, condos at Abbey Springs and near the harbor, and homes on bluffs and wooded lots. Public schools are Fontana J8 (4K to 8) and Big Foot High School in Walworth.
Fontana’s population swells by 3,500 to 5,000 property owners and guests in summer, according to the village. The area’s history goes back to the Big Foot band of Potawatomi, who lived along this end of the lake before Chicago families started building summer estates.
Fontana at a glance
| Fact | Fontana-on-Geneva Lake, WI |
|---|---|
| Type | Village, Walworth County |
| Population | 1,737 (Census Bureau ACS 2024 estimate); 3,500 to 5,000 more in summer per the village |
| Distance to Geneva Lake | On the lake (west end) |
| Distance to downtown Lake Geneva | About 10 miles, 15 minutes |
| Distance to Chicago | About 85 miles, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Distance to Milwaukee | About 60 miles, roughly 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Public lake access | Fontana Beach, public boat launch, Shore Path |
| School districts | Fontana J8 (4K to 8); Big Foot Union High School District |
| Village website | vi.fontana.wi.gov |
| Village Hall | 175 Valley View Dr. |
Is Fontana the right fit?
Things to do in Fontana
Gordy’s Lakefront Marine
BoatingSummerThe hub of Lake Street. Gordy’s runs a boat club, rentals, an in-and-out storage and service operation, a lakeside fuel dock, plus the Boat House, Surf Shack and Shore Shack for food.
Jerry’s Majestic Marine
RentalsPontoon, WaveRunner and captained Regal charter rentals, no membership needed. Pontoon renters must be 25 or older, and fuel is included. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989 needs a Wisconsin boating safety certificate to drive.
The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa
ResortSpaThe lakefront resort anchors the west end. Avani Spa covers 35,000 square feet, with an atrium pool, sauna and steam rooms. Abbey Harbor rents seasonal boat slips. See the resorts guide for how it compares.
Golf at Abbey Springs
GolfA 6,644-yard course that opened in 1972 and reopened in 2022 after a renovation that rebuilt the bunkers and greens. Several back-nine holes look over the lake. More courses on the golf trail.
Geneva Lake Shore Path
FreeFontana is a natural start or finish. The stretch north toward Williams Bay is wooded and less crowded; plan a ride back if you go far.
Fontana’s annual events
EventsJuly 4: fireworks at dusk from a barge off Fontana Beach. Early July: Dan Green’s Pig in the Park at Reid Park. Last Saturday in July: Big Foot Lions Club Lobster Boil & Steak Fry at Reid Park, music from noon, dinner 2 to 9 p.m. Saturdays, June to September: farmers market along Porter Court, 8 a.m. to noon. Summer also brings Movies on the Beach and Music in the Park.
Where to eat in Fontana
Most of Fontana’s food sits on Lake Street, across from the piers. Gordy’s Boat House is the pick if you’re arriving by boat.
| Restaurant | Address | Go for |
|---|---|---|
| Gordy’s Boat House | 336 Lake St. | Burgers and fish on the water; dock at 3 piers (closed Tue and Wed) |
| Gordy’s Surf Shack | Lake St. | Casual food after a day on the boat |
| Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn | 352 Lake St. | Longtime local bar and grill with bands |
| Little Bar | Fontana | Small bar, pizza only |
| Kimkasi Pub | 441 Mill St. | Cocktails, Old Fashioneds, local wines (Wed to Sun from 3 p.m.) |
| Coffee Mill | 441 Mill St. | Morning coffee, open daily |
| 240 West at The Abbey | 269 Fontana Blvd. | Harbor-view dinner and Sunday brunch |
| The Waterfront at The Abbey | 269 Fontana Blvd. | Cocktails and shareable plates |
Walworth, about 3 miles west, adds Sammy’s on the Square, Siemers Cruise-In, The 46 Tavern, Luna’s Mexican, Two Sisters Thai, King Dragon and Meggy Moos for ice cream. See the Village of Walworth guide.
Tip: For more, see bars and wineries, Friday fish fry and supper clubs.
Parks and the beach
Fontana Beach
BeachBoat launchA wide sand beach at the west tip of the lake, next to the public boat launch. It hosts the July 4 fireworks and Movies on the Beach. See the beaches guide for how it compares.
Reid Park and Duck Pond Recreation Area
Reid Park hosts the Lobster Boil and Pig in the Park. Duck Pond Recreation Area holds the Easter egg hunt the Saturday before Easter.
Schools
| District | Grades | School |
|---|---|---|
| Fontana J8 School District | 4K to 8 | Fontana Elementary School (about 280 students, 2 sections per grade) |
| Big Foot Union High School District | 9 to 12 | Big Foot High School, 401 Devils Ln., Walworth |
Big Foot High School serves students from the Fontana, Walworth and Sharon K-8 districts plus parts of the towns of Walworth, Linn and Delavan. Confirm any specific address with the districts.
Commute and getting here
| To | Distance | Typical drive | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walworth | About 3 miles | About 5 minutes | Hwy. 67 south |
| Williams Bay | About 5 miles | About 10 minutes | Hwy. 67 north |
| Downtown Lake Geneva | About 10 miles | About 15 minutes | Hwy. 67 and Hwy. 50 |
| Downtown Chicago | About 85 miles | About 1 hour 40 minutes | I-90 and US-14 via Harvard, or I-94 and Hwy. 50 |
| Harvard Metra (Union Pacific Northwest line) | About 15 miles | About 20 minutes | Hwy. 67 and US-14 |
| Milwaukee | About 60 miles | About 1 hour 10 minutes | Hwy. 67 to I-43 |
| O’Hare (ORD) | About 65 miles | About 75 to 90 minutes | US-14 to I-90 |
Harvard is the end of the Metra Union Pacific Northwest line, which makes Fontana one of the easier Geneva Lake towns to reach by train plus a short drive.
Types of homes in Fontana
Lakefront homes
Private pierLong lake viewsWest-end frontage on Geneva Lake, from older summer houses to large rebuilt estates, many with views east down the full length of the lake. The Shore Path crosses every lakefront lawn.
Bluff and wooded homes
Elevated viewsThe Cliffs sits on bluffs above the western shore, with homes looking down the lake. Indian Hills has wooded lots set back from Lake Street. Glenwood Springs is a residential area close to the water and village services.
Lake-access and golf neighborhoods
Association rightsGolfCountry Club Estates mixes classic and updated homes on tree-lined streets near a 9-hole course. Abbey Springs is a gated community with its own golf course, beach and marina. Lake rights differ by association, so read the covenants.
Condos
Low maintenanceCondo styles at Abbey Springs from about 600 to 2,300 square feet, plus condos near Abbey Harbor and The Abbey Resort. Association dues and club memberships are separate costs, so ask for both.
Acreage nearby
LandLarger lots and farm parcels in the towns of Walworth and Linn, 5 to 15 minutes from Fontana Beach.
Fontana by season
Summer (June to August)
Lake Street is busiest from July 4 through August. The Saturday farmers market, Movies on the Beach, the fireworks and the Lobster Boil fill the calendar. Book boat rentals ahead for weekends. See summer activities.
Fall (September to November)
The farmers market runs through September and boats come out in October. Fall color on the Shore Path toward Williams Bay is the reason to come. See fall activities.
Winter (December to February)
The Abbey and Avani Spa stay open year-round. Ice fishing starts once the west end freezes. See winter activities.
Spring (March to May)
The Easter egg hunt at Duck Pond kicks off the village calendar. Piers go in around May, and spring brings the most new lakefront and condo listings.
If you’re moving here
Summer and winter feel different. The village counts 3,500 to 5,000 seasonal owners and guests on top of its year-round population.
Line up a slip early. Marina slips on the west end are in demand. Ask about slip rights before you buy, or get on marina waitlists.
Read association rules. Abbey Springs, Country Club Estates and other associations each have their own lake-access, rental and membership rules.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fontana, WI known for?
Fontana Beach at the west end of Geneva Lake, the Gordy’s marina complex on Lake Street, The Abbey Resort with Avani Spa and Abbey Harbor, the Abbey Springs golf course, and July 4 fireworks off the beach.
What is the population of Fontana-on-Geneva Lake?
About 1,737 residents according to the Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey estimate. The village says another 3,500 to 5,000 property owners and guests arrive in summer.
How far is Fontana, WI from Chicago?
About 85 miles from downtown Chicago, roughly 1 hour 40 minutes in normal traffic. Take I-90 and US-14 through Harvard, Illinois, or I-94 and Hwy. 50 through Lake Geneva. The Harvard Metra station is about 20 minutes away.
What school district is Fontana in?
Fontana J8 School District runs Fontana Elementary School for 4K through 8th grade. High school students attend Big Foot High School in Walworth, part of the Big Foot Union High School District.
Does Fontana have a public beach?
Yes. Fontana Beach is at the west tip of Geneva Lake next to the public boat launch. It’s staffed in summer and charges a daily fee.
Where can you rent a boat in Fontana?
Gordy’s Lakefront Marine (boat club and rentals) and Jerry’s Majestic Marine at 352 Lake St. (pontoons, WaveRunners and captained charters). Pontoon renters at Jerry’s must be 25 or older.
What types of homes are in Fontana?
West-end lakefront homes, bluff homes in The Cliffs, wooded lots in Indian Hills, lake-access and golf homes in Country Club Estates and Abbey Springs, condos at Abbey Springs and near Abbey Harbor, and acreage in the surrounding towns.
What’s the difference between Fontana and Lake Geneva?
Lake Geneva is the lake’s city at the east end, with the biggest downtown and the tour boats. Fontana is a village at the west end built around its beach, marinas and The Abbey Resort, with its own K-8 school district.
Ready to look at the west end?
Kim and Joel Reyenga with eXp Realty know Fontana street by street, from bluff homes in The Cliffs to condos at Abbey Springs and lakefront a few minutes from Fontana Beach.
Search Fontana homes Equal Housing Opportunity. Reyenga Team, eXp Realty.