Lake Geneva in Walworth County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Historic Indian Trail

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, April 28, 2025

1. Historic Indian Trail Marker

Inscription. The 26 mile lakeside trail around Geneva Lake was used by several Indian cultures starting as early as 2500 B.C. & continuing up to 1836 A.D.. Chief Big Foot's Potawatomi Tribe walked the trail between their villages at present Fontana, Williams Bay, & one at Lake Geneva, which is located in this park. Later, the trail became the workmen's path from Lake Geneva to summer estates of wealthy Chicago families.

Erected by Lake Geneva Historic Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.

Location. 42° 35.486′ N, 88° 26.442′ W. Marker is in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, in Walworth County. It is on Main Street (State Highway 50), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lake Geneva WI 53147, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

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the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Poppy (within shouting distance of this marker); Maple Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Maple Park National Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Lake Geneva Public Library (about 700 feet away); The Charles Wilson House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic Lake Geneva (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Riviera (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lake Geneva.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Maple Park (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, April 28, 2025

2. Historic Indian Trail Marker

Historic Indian Trail Marker looking east along the lake front toward "The Riviera" image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, April 28, 2025

3. Historic Indian Trail Marker looking east along the lake front toward "The Riviera"

Photographed by Susan Van Den Bosch, April 28, 2025

4. Historic Indian Trail Marker

Looking west away from downtown.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2025, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 258 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2025, by Susan Van Den Bosch of Almond, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.