Resort's $30-Mil Makeover Nears Completion

The 1,300-acre property, also known as the Americana Lake Geneva, underwent restoration and renovation before reopening in 1994 as Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. It is being reincarnated again as the new $30-million Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa.

Milwaukee-based Marcus Hotels & Resorts is finishing the 225-room Timber Ridge Lodge & 50,000-sf indoor-outdoor "Moose Mountain Falls" water park on the grounds of the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa. Rooms at the lodge include one- and two-bedroom suites. Not only does parent Marcus Corp. expect their newest property to compete with Wisconsin Dells, located two hours away toward the center of the state, but plans Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark to be a year-round destination in a town previously orientated to summer tourist activity.

"Lake Geneva has always been the place to go for a quick getaway, but has not been perceived as a family-oriented destination," says Timber Ridge general manager Daryl Taketa. "Prior to Timber Ridge, families have had to drive an extra two hours to the Wisconsin Dells to experience the type of family fun that we can now offer."The water park, the only one in southeast Wisconsin, and 111 suites are slated to open July 1. "Moose Mountain Falls" features two 300-foot winding slides that begin three stories above ground. The remaining 114 suites are scheduled to be finished around Nov. 1.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa will have two 18-hole golf courses, a full-service spa and sport center, ski and snowboard area as well as riding stables. The lodge will include three restaurants.