Black Point Estate and Gardens, the 1888 20-room Queen Anne Style summer cottage of Chicago beer baron, Conrad Seipp officially opened over the weekend.
“This will be the estates’ 131st summer season,” said David Desimone, director of Black Point Estate and Gardens for the Wisconsin Historical Society. “We have a lot of new, fun and interactive programming this season for guests and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to the estate.”
New this year, will be two first-person presentations, “An Evening with Agatha Christie,” July 29 and October 26 and a dinner with “Conrad Seipp” on July 27.
Agatha Christie will be brought to life by local historian and actress Chris Brookes. This intimate evening will begin with a tour of the first floor followed by a conversation with Agatha Christie in the parlor.
On July 27, guests will enjoy an intimate catered dinner in the Black Point dining room. Following dinner, attendees will relish in a conversation with Conrad Seipp, 19th-century Chicago beer baron and the original owner of the estate. This is a very rare opportunity to experience the estate. Conrad Seipp will be brought to life by Randy Witt, local historian and member of the Black Point staff.
Black Point Estate and Gardens is also offering yoga during the summer solstice and autumn equinox this year. These are private events and a fundraiser for Black Point. Guests will need to register. These events allow guests to stretch out on the estates’ front lawn or on the veranda as they enjoy the changing seasons.
Offering a variety of programs throughout the season other highlighted events include, Nooks and Crannies Tour, Beer Barons of Lake Geneva, Plein Air Art Invitational, East Troy Electric Railroad Beer Train and When Angels Carried Them Away.
To tour Black Point Estate and Gardens visitors travel by boat from the Riviera Docks in downtown Lake Geneva.
Tickets can be booked through Lake Geneva Cruise Line. The entire tour takes about 3-1/2 hours. The cost is $39 for adults age 18 to 64, $37 for senior age 65 and older, and $27 for kids age 5 to 17. Children 4 and younger ride for free.
Wisconsin Historical Society members receive a $13 discount (except for special events). Mention the membership at the time of purchase.
Walking tours are also offered by the site throughout the year and take place in Lake Geneva and not at the estate. Walking tours for the 2019 season include Legends and Landmarks walking tour, Sordid and Scandalous walking tour, Oak Hill Cemetery Walk and the Maple Park Historic District Lantern Tour.
For more information and a full list of scheduled events visit blackpointestate.org.
