ice sculptures on the main streets of lake geneva, wI from winterfest 2024
Sometimes you don’t have the best framework for a given subject. And sometimes you’re in a hurry. I had a busy morning when I visited Winterfest 2024 in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. My earlier post details the snow sculptures I had been viewing. Outside of that, the stores on main street participated by having their own little ice sculpture just outside their entrance.
So, why the rush? We were trying to beat the crowds as Lake Geneva is 90 minutes north of Chicago. By afternoon even the sidewalks get a little crowded on weekends in the summertime. Being it was my first time checking out the ice sculptures, I wanted to make sure I got a few shots of the ones I really liked.
a close-up on the ice sculptures
Just outside the visitor center, we have the official ice sculpture for Lake Geneva. It made me think of a Christmas Wreath and was even already starting to melt. I came to visit on the Saturday of that weekend, the second last day.
I took a few shots of this, but it was challenging. Head-on was the best way to see the design.
Just outside a candy store, a distinguished penguin in a top hat and scarf. Very cute, and one of the few I tried incorporating the background. Wished I got lower to capture more the block and street. I struggled getting a good frame around these ice sculptures. Usually, you want to include more background or foreground but found it best to zoom in. And I’ll admit, some of these ice sculptures were in rough shape. I ran into one that was completely bathing in the sun; and melting fast. Another had a piece broken off, although it remained on the sculpture. Just in the wrong place. Kind of wished I got those pictures but felt bad at the time.
adding a touch of fantasy in the ice
A castle just outside a clothing store made me think of childhood. Another sculpture with the sun fully beaming on it. You can spot little arched windows in the towers and see the brick design on the main structure.
This sasquatch looked better and more detailed in person. Playful idea for outdoorsy store.
I was most impressed by this one, the DreamWorks logo. I’ve personally always liked the logo. I immediately assumed this was in front of a bookstore, but it’s an olive oil shop. You can spot the names of the business on the signs.
One of the simplest, a beer with foam on top. I liked the carton style. Also made sense for the business. Good job!
We’ve got a dragon for this one, stoically fighting the sun. There’s a puddle on the floor but I remember this one was dripping as I took the shot. This is one of my favorite shops in Lake Geneva. I visit each time I go, highly recommend a visit. The lawn is decorated with all sorts of large dinosaurs and mythical creatures. And there’s an entire land of lamps and table sculptures just inside.
Immediately upon entering from the one end, you’re met with large, lit up flamingos by the stairwell. It’s mostly a light store with many tiffany or vintage style lamps. The second floor has mostly table sculptures with a steampunk theme. There’s a lot of knick-knacks at this store. All over the place and even going up the wall. Always a fun visit.
the beauty of simplicity through sculpture
This little teapot was pretty cute on top a book (maybe a cookbook) since it’s outside a spice store. One I failed to get a shot of, was the best ideas for pictures. A single picture frame but completely open so you can pop your face behind it. I forgot the business but that was a great idea!
And my favorite of the day, it was the only ice sculpture I saw that incorporated color. This one was actually a little out the way, I had spotted it from a distance due to the color. I forced my family a bit, going out of the way for a picture. Glad I got it. A cheerful end to a morning roaming the main streets of Lake Geneva at Winterfest 2024. Go early if you want to get pictures without crowds. However, most of these stores open around 10am. Only the breakfast places are open before then. And if you go later in the day, the ice sculptures are little up at night. I haven’t done that yet, but it’d be a fun view!
walk on the frozen lake — if you dare
Before leaving, we stopped by both the lakeshore and beach. These pictures will be a mix of the two. Since I hadn’t walked on a frozen lake before I spent a bit of time people gazing. As I walked in, I was immediately alarmed at how thawed it was. I thought people were being careful out of fear, not because some spots were thin ice and watery. Not to worry, the first few feet in are not fully frozen. So walk quickly a few feet across, and you’ll hit the ice.
Taking a shot of the ice
Not as slippery as I thought and was able to walk normally after getting used to it. Some people fell once and then got the hang of it. I’m a little disappointed by my pictures. I remember there was a bit of a blue tone, especially the shadows. But that didn’t show in pictures. The difference might be by what between the beach and lakeshore but that doesn’t seem right. I noticed as I was taking them and couldn’t figure it out. But I plan on attending Winterfest 2025, information at the bottom of my post. So I’ll have another shot to get it right.
There was even a sled or hovercraft, as it was advertised, in the far distance.
But it wasn’t all pretty, entering the lake by the walking path is muddy. So fair warning. The beach was much cleaner.
If you’d like to go see Winterfest 2025, the 30th annual Winterfest will be celebrated January 29 through February 2, 2025. I’ve linked to the main site, there’s actually a map if you’d like to make a plan for the day and a list of stores participating. Click Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk. There are no designs or mentions of what they’ll be, so have fun exploring!