Getting around: transport options while you stay
The Abbey Resort and Avani Spa is reachable by car from Chicago or Milwaukee (driving times vary by traffic) and by air via Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) or regional airports. On site you’ll find self-parking and valet plus a scheduled shuttle (included in the nightly resort fee) for trips to downtown Lake Geneva; boats and rentals operate from the on‑site Abbey Harbor.
In this guide
Getting there by air and car
Nearest major airport: General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Milwaukee is listed by the resort as the closest commercial airport. O’Hare (ORD) in Chicago is also commonly used; drive times vary with traffic and season.
By car: The property address is 269 Fontana Boulevard, Fontana, Wisconsin. Travel sites note the drive from downtown Chicago is roughly 80 miles and from Milwaukee about 50 miles; exact travel time depends on traffic and route.
- Airport to resort: fly into MKE (Milwaukee) or ORD (Chicago) and drive or arrange ground transport.
- Car directions: use the resort address (269 Fontana Boulevard, Fontana, WI 53125) in your navigation app.
- Rental cars: available at major airports; Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport (JVL) is a smaller regional option for private or charter flights.
| Origin | Typical reference distance/time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Chicago | ~80 miles (drive time varies) |
| Milwaukee (MKE) | ~50 miles (drive time varies) |
| Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) | regional alternative — distance varies by source |
On-site parking, valet and resort shuttle
The property offers both self-parking and valet service; the nightly resort fee historically covers valet parking and shuttle service. Free self-parking is reported on site and no separate parking reservation is required.
The resort fee also includes scheduled shuttle transportation (reported to provide service to downtown Lake Geneva); schedules can change, so check with the front desk or the BookResorts agent for current times.
- Valet parking available (included in resort-fee inclusions reported by some sources).
- Free self-parking on property; no advance parking reservation needed.
- Scheduled shuttle service to downtown Lake Geneva is included in the resort fee per published information — confirm times with the concierge.
| Service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valet parking | Reported as included in resort-fee inclusions |
| Self-parking | Complimentary on site; no reservation needed |
| Shuttle | Scheduled service included in resort fee; confirm schedule at check-in |
Getting around locally: buses, taxis and ride-shares
Public transit options are limited in the Lake Geneva/Fontana area; most visitors use rental cars, taxis or ride‑share services for flexible local travel. Taxi and app-based ride services operate in the region but availability can be sparse at night or on busy summer weekends.
If you rely on rideshares or taxis for trips to nearby attractions (Yerkes Observatory, shopping in Lake Geneva, or the Shore Path), plan to book in advance or ask the front desk to assist arranging a car service.
- Ask the front desk or BookResorts agent to call a local taxi or town car if needed.
- Reserve ride-share or rental-car transport for evening entertainment or off-peak departures.
- For group travel, consider arranging a private shuttle or charter through the resort’s events team for set itineraries.
| Typical trip | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| Downtown Lake Geneva | Resort shuttle (scheduled) or taxi/ride-share |
| Yerkes Observatory | Taxi/ride-share or drive yourself |
| Big Foot Golf Range / Williams Bay Beach | Drive or arranged car service |
Marina, boat rentals and lake transport
The resort sits on Geneva Lake and guests have access to the on-site Abbey Harbor marina for boat rentals and activities. The home-page and site listings reference on-site boat rentals and the ability to book local narrated cruises or private charters.
Nearby operators in Fontana also offer pontoons and speedboat rentals; Lake Geneva Cruise Line runs larger narrated tours (Full-Lake and Black Point/estate tours) from the Lake Geneva area seasonally.
- On-site Abbey Harbor marina offers boat rentals and harbor access (reported on property listings).
- For narrated cruises (mailboat, full-lake, Black Point Estate) check Lake Geneva Cruise Line schedules; most tours operate May–October.
- Local rental companies in Fontana provide pontoons and other small craft — check availability and licensing requirements before arrival.
| Service | Where to book |
|---|---|
| Dockside rentals | Abbey Harbor marina / Fontana boat rental operators |
| Narrated scenic cruises | Lake Geneva Cruise Line (seasonal schedules) |
| Private charters | Reserve through resort concierge or local marinas |
Walking, Shore Path access and biking
Fontana Beach is about a one‑block walk from the resort, and the Geneva Lake Shore Path runs nearby — ideal for lakeside strolls and shorter out‑and‑back walks. The full Shore Path loops the lake but most guests choose shorter sections.
For short local trips, the resort grounds, Harbor Lawn and nearby beach are easily walkable. If you plan longer rides, bring or rent bicycles in town; confirm secure bike parking with the front desk.
- Walk one block to public Fontana Beach from the resort.
- Use the Geneva Lake Shore Path for lakeside walking segments; the full loop is approximately 21 miles (most visitors do shorter sections).
- Ask concierge about local bike rentals and suggested Shore Path access points.
| Walkable option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Fontana Beach | About one block from the resort — public beach access |
| Shore Path segments | Public easement around Geneva Lake; choose shorter out-and-back walks |
| Resort grounds | Harbor Lawn and marina-side paths for easy on-property walking |
Accessibility, mobility and helpful contacts
The resort is wheelchair accessible throughout common areas and guest spaces; accessible parking at the spa and accessible guest bathroom/shower features are listed in the property details. If you need a specific accessible room type or mobility equipment, contact the resort in advance.
At check-in you’ll be asked for government-issued photo ID and a credit card for incidentals. The BookResorts 24/7 phone number for agents is +1 (888) 605-1350 if you need booking assistance or have transport questions prior to arrival.
- Property accessibility: common areas and guest spaces are reported as wheelchair accessible.
- Accessible room facilities (showers/vanities) are available — request specifics before arrival.
- Contact for transport questions or special requests: resort front desk or BookResorts agents at +1 (888) 605-1350.
| Need | Who to ask |
|---|---|
| Accessible room features | Call the resort to confirm availability |
| Shuttle schedule or pick-up | Front desk / concierge |
| Special arrival assistance | Front desk on arrival or BookResorts agent |
