Maple Park Historic District Sunset Tour in Lake Geneva is set for Saturday, Sept. 14. The tours begin at 5 p.m., stepping off from the Steppingstone, 817 Wisconsin St.
A little more t han 20 years ago, the residents of the Maple Park neighborhood, led by local resident Mary Tanner, embarked on a historic journey. The journey was to get the 15-block Maple Park neighborhood on the National Register of Historic Places. Their hard work paid off in 2005 when the entire neighborhood was designated as a historic district.
Over the years many of the homes in Maple Park have been restored and cared for. The beautiful old homes, tree-lined streets, well-manicured landscapes, all located within walking distance to downtown and Geneva Lake, make it a highly desirable neighborhood.
In October of 2017 the Maple Park Home Owner’s Association and staff members from Black Point Estate and Gardens offered the Maple Park Lantern Tour.
“The tour was so well received that we decided to offer it again in 2019” said Dave Desimone, Black Point’s director.
This year’s tour route was developed by local historian Christine Brookes and Maple Park Home Owners Association President, Kathleen Phillips.
“The tour is part history, part architecture and part love letter to Maple Park” Desimone said.
Charlene Klein, owner of Historic Steppingstone offered use of her home as the starting point for the tour. The restored Steppingstone contains all of the original architectural elements from 1875.
“Because of this year’s earlier starting time, we are now calling it the Maple Park Sunset Tour” Desimone said.
On the tour, which last about 90 minutes and covers about 1.5 miles, guests will be led on a meandering tour through the neighborhood. The tour will make 15 stops, including Maple Park, the original town square.
“We think a walk through a beautiful old neighborhood on an early end of summer evening is a perfect date night” Desimone said.
Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased by calling 262-248-1888. Tickets are limited so reservations are strongly recommended.
