A Hotel On The Shores Of Wisconsin's Lake Como Offers A Serene Retreat With Scenic Vistas

If you're dreaming of a peaceful lakeside retreat with boutique inn amenities and easy access to the best attractions of Lake Geneva, just head to The French Country Inn in Wisconsin. This historic hotel is right on the shores of tranquil Lake Como but only minutes away from the more tourist-heavy Lake Geneva. The hotel dates back over a century and has a storied past as a hunting and fishing resort, gangster-beloved getaway (one of the owners was friends with Baby Face Nelson and members of the John Dillinger gang), speakeasy, and now, restored family-friendly lakeside resort.

Unlike larger resorts nearby, this lakeside inn is all about relaxation and scenery. Every room comes with a private balcony or patio overlooking the lake, meaning you can sip your morning coffee while watching the sunrise or unwind in the quiet evenings with a glass of wine in-hand. The peaceful environment makes it a favorite for couples looking for a romantic getaway, solo travelers craving some me-time, or anyone looking to avoid the busy boat traffic of Lake Geneva.

Of course, if you want a bit of action, Lake Geneva's lively downtown is just a short drive. There, you'll find boutique shopping, wine tastings, and other unique activities, like the drive-through wildlife adventure of Safari Lake Geneva. Adrenaline junkies may want to check out zipline adventures, while serenity can be found high in the sky with a quiet hot air balloon tour. With Lake Geneva's diverse activities not far away, The French Country Inn on Lake Como offers the best of both worlds.

The French Country Inn only has 33 rooms, so you can be sure your stay will be more intimate than at a larger resort. The comfy rooms are well-fitted, with extra features like in-room fireplaces and whirlpools. Wi-Fi is free, and a complimentary continental breakfast is available each morning from 8AM to 10AM. Room prices vary by availability and season, so check online for the most accurate pricing for your dates — a quick search showed a range of $169 to $400 per night.

The Inn's on-site restaurant, The Getaway, features live music on Mondays and daily specials, like all-you-can-eat "broasted chicken" on Wednesdays and a fish fry on Fridays. While full pricing isn't available on the restaurant's online menus, the daily special prices suggest you should expect to spend around $18 to $25 on an average entree.

For those who love the outdoors, The French Country Inn's location is unbeatable year round. Visit during the summer for hot, sunny days or later in the year when the fall colors are bursting along the shores. Whether you want to rent a kayak, relax with some morning fishing, or just stroll along the lake, there's plenty to do right outside your door. Plus, the inn offers packages you can add during your stay like half-price Thursdays, Valentine's Day theming, and fun murder mystery activities.

You might associate Lake Como with this lake in Italy that offers a rustic travel experience. But Wisconsin's Lake Como is a quiet community with a population just shy of 3,000. Smaller and more secluded than its famous neighbor, Lake Como is a favorite of locals who know where to find the best views and activities without crowds. It's a popular spot for fishing year=round (yes, you can ice fish here!), with opportunities to catch bass, trout, white perch, catfish, and more. You'll need a fishing license, which can run between $8 and $65 — check out the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for more info and to purchase. 

Boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all great ways to get out on the water, and the inn offers free rentals on-site for extra convenience. The inn recommends nearby Wake the Lake for pontoon rentals, or you can rent the inn's pontoon boats for around $500 a day. There are two public boat landings on the lake, but the inn has its own boat launch suitable for smaller boats.

For an upscale steak dinner, head over to Hunt Club Steakhouse on the west end of Lake Como. Other popular restaurants include Mars Resort for beachfront dining and live entertainment (popular dishes include ribs and fish fry), and DJ's in the Drink (closed on Thursdays) for laid-back bar vibes. Whether you're looking for a romantic weekend escape, a solo retreat, or a laid-back getaway with friends, the charming Lake Como will more than fit the bill.