Explore the lakeside getaway of a Victorian era beer baron with returning favorite events and new experiences for the 2025 season
LAKE GENEVA, Wis.— Black Point Estate and Gardens, a Wisconsin Historical Society site, is opening for the spring season on May 3 with a lineup of special events including a new “Nooks and Crannies Tour” and an intriguing “Institute for Victorian Living” series that invites guests to step into the Gilded Age to master the hallmarks and social traditions of a lost era. Perched along the shore of historic Geneva Lake, the Queen Anne style retreat and surrounding gardens offer visitors a glimpse back in time to a period when beer barons reigned, and life moved at a slower pace.
“Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning guest, every visit to the site is an opportunity to learn something new and enjoy the little details that set the property apart from modern life. We’re excited to bring back annual favorite events along with new experiences to connect our guests with our gilded-age roots,” said Dave Desimone, director of Black Point Estate and Gardens.
Black Point Estate and Gardens, the pinnacle experience of a 3 1/2-hour Geneva Lake boat tour, will be open for the spring season from May 3 to May 25 on weekends with one morning tour offered each day. The summer season occurs from May 26 through Aug. 31 with a morning tour offered Monday through Thursday and both a morning and afternoon tour offered Friday through Sunday. The cost for the boat tour with Black Point Estate and Gardens experience is $53 for adults, $37 for teens (13 to 17), $51 for seniors (65+), $33 for children (four to 12) and $2 for children under four.
Tickets for the general admission experience are available through Lake Geneva Cruise Line. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive a $17 discount and 10% off select special experiences. Members are encouraged to pick up a Pastport for the 2025 season to start earning stamps towards special prizes for every Wisconsin Historical Society site visited!
Upcoming Events at Black Point Estate and Gardens:
Remarkable Women at Geneva Lake – May 11, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Come aboard the Lake Geneva Cruise Line for a special Mother’s Day celebration! Your afternoon begins with a narrated cruise along the picturesque shores of Geneva Lake, where you’ll hear the inspiring stories of the remarkable women who once called its shores home. Our engaging guide will bring to life the legacies and contributions of these trailblazing women as you take in the stunning lake views. You’ll embark on a self-guided tour of the property upon arrival at Black Point Estate. Sip and savor refreshments during a delightful tea service accompanied by an array of pastries, thoughtfully prepared to complement the serene setting. After your visit, return to the ship and glide back across the water as dusk settles over the lake. The cost is $68 for adults, $52 for teens (13 to 17), $68 for seniors (65+), $48 for children (four to 12) and free for children under four.
Nooks and Crannies Tour – Thursdays, June 5 – Aug. 28, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Go behind the scenes and uncover the mysterious secrets of this 1800s summer manor during a rare all-access tour. Explore all three sprawling floors of the historic mansion Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp once called home, traversing seldom seen rooms, forgotten nooks and quiet crannies full of long-forgotten history. Follow our expert guides as they take you to places unseen—including a glimpse into the iconic Black Point tower, a spire replete with colored glass windows and a gorgeous circular staircase. After your tour, raise a glass and toast to Seipp himself with your choice of beer or wine. The cost is $58 for adults, $42 for teens (13 to 17), $56 for seniors (65+), $38 for children (four to 12) and $2 for children under four.
Beer Barons of Lake Geneva – June 14, July 19 & Aug. 16, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Embark on a narrated cruise that dives into the stories and secrets of legendary beer barons who once called the shores of Geneva Lake home. Join us as we follow in the footsteps of the brewing magnates who used the glittering shores and quiet nooks of Lake Geneva to escape—see a collection of beautiful, historic manors and landmarks before docking at the stately Black Point Estate and Gardens. Sample tasty regional brews as you tour the 1888 Queen Anne-style mansion and learn about the beer barons who created lavish getaways on the shores of Geneva Lake. Enjoy a curated selection of beers, sample snacks and pick up a commemorative Seipp souvenir. The cost is $70 for adults and seniors.
An Evening with Agatha Christie – June 21, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
What better hostess than Dame Agatha Christie herself to greet you for an enlightening evening at this historic Queen Anne-style mansion on the shores of Geneva Lake? Experience an intimate tour of the first floor of Black Point Estate as well as a twilight conversation on our veranda with the most successful mystery writer of the 20th century, brought to life by local historian and actress Chris Brookes. Brookes will discuss Christie’s literary career, including her most famous novel, “Murder on the Orient Express,” and her wildly successful play, “Mousetrap.” Enjoy talks over a complimentary glass of wine as you immerse yourself in the allure of a timeless author in a timeless location. The cost is $35 for adults, seniors and teens (13 to 17).
The Institute for Victorian Living Series – July 12, Aug. 9 & Sept. 13, 5 to 7 p.m.
Black Point Estate is unveiling a new series of events inviting guests to step into the Gilded Age as they learn to master the Victorians’ most formidable social code. Victorian society placed great importance on maintaining a high standard of personal conduct throughout social classes. Immerse yourself in the customs of the age at this special series exploring three intriguing topics—the Language of Flowers on July 12, the Art of Politeness and Grace on Aug. 9, and Weddings of Geneva Lake in the Gilded Age on Sept. 13. Might we suggest all three for those that wish to ascend to the very pinnacle of society. The cost of each session is $75 per person.
She Sips & Sails: A Ladies’ Brew Adventure – Aug. 2, 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Gather your girlfriends and set sail on a one-of-a-kind afternoon getaway! Step aboard and embark upon an exclusive cruise where you’ll sip regional craft beverages as you uncover the fascinating history of the beer barons who helped shape the scenic Geneva Lake area. As you glide across the sparkling waters, our expert guide will share the captivating stories of these influential figures whose legacies still echo throughout the Greater Milwaukee and Chicago areas. Upon docking at Black Point Estate, the summer home of noted Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, you’ll be treated to a curated tasting experience perfectly paired with delicious snacks. Plus, you’ll leave with a unique memento: a Seipp Beer bottle opener, to remind you of this special day. The cost is $70 per person.
About Black Point Estate and Gardens
Black Point Estate and Gardens is one of the Wisconsin Historical Society’s 12 historic sites and museums. The Geneva Lake estate is a 20 room Queen-Anne style mansion built by Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp with construction completed in 1888. The lakeside summer home is surrounded by seven acres of gardens and natural areas. Visitors reach the site by boat just as family and friends did in a bygone era, and tickets can be booked through the Lake Geneva Cruise Line. For more information and a list of upcoming events visit blackpointestate.org or call (262) 248-1888. Wisconsin Historical Society members receive discounted admission to this site.
About Wisconsin Historical Society
The Wisconsin Historical Society, founded in 1846, ranks as one of the largest, most active and most diversified state historical societies in the nation. As both a state agency and a private membership organization, its mission is to help people connect to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing stories. The Wisconsin Historical Society serves millions of people every year through a wide range of sites, programs and services. For more information, visit wisconsinhistory.org.
