Name: The Institute for Victorian Living: Parlor and Lawn Games
Start: 2026-07-11T17:00:00-05:00
End: 2026-07-11T19:00:00-05:00
Location: W4270 Southland Road , Lake Geneva, WI, United States, Wisconsin 53147

The Institute for Victorian Living: Parlor and Lawn Games

𝘼𝙣 𝘼𝙛𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙤𝙛 𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙩𝙮 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙬𝙖𝙞𝙩𝙨
Your devoted correspondent is breathless with anticipation over the social engagement of the season: an afternoon of games, leisure, and high society frivolity upon the verdant grounds of Black Point Estate, that most resplendent of lakefront manors. On this July afternoon, old acquaintances and new shall convene upon storied grounds to rediscover the recreational arts of high Victorian society—guests are cordially encouraged to arrive in their summer finest, be it of historical accuracy or otherwise, and familiarize themselves with the noble disciplines of croquet and lawn bowling. Those of high repute must, as they say, take a “swing” at things themselves.
Upon the veranda, our gracious hosts shall also introduce guests to parlor games of the era—diversions which modern minds have perhaps too hastily dismissed as the province of children, for they once served as the very scaffolding of adult society. Light refreshments shall be provided to sustain the frivolity into the evening, and as the golden hour approaches, the estate’s first floor will be made available for self-guided tours to interested parties.
Come and experience Black Point Estate as it was always intended: through laughter, play, and the very particular pleasure of a summer evening well spent.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲
Lawn games of the Victorian era, including croquet and lawn bowling
Parlor activities that once served as the social currency of high society
Light refreshments to fuel the afternoon's enchanting festivities
A self-guided tour of the marvelous Estate's first floor

𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁
$75/person
Recommended for guests aged 13+
Advanced registration is required
Society members receive a 10% discount, please verify your membership where prompted to receive discount at check out.
Book Tickets: https://wihist.org/49fcv46

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
Built in 1888 as a retreat for Chicago Beer Baron Conrad Seipp, Black Point Estate has persisted through the centuries as a historic place to relax, refresh, and explore the banks of Geneva Lake and beyond. Much like the Victorian VIPs who originally established the estate, visitors can enjoy the cool lake breezes on the grand veranda, sip Seipp beer, and listen to the soothing melodies of the authentic 1911 Chickering piano that rests just inside. As one of the oldest homes on Geneva Lake and a premier example of period architecture and furniture in the Midwest, Black Point Estate offers a glimpse into the rich and historic past of the Gilded Age.
Park at Reek School to get checked in and transported to Black Point:
W4094 South Lake Shore Drive
Lake Geneva, WI 53147

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗚𝗼 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆
Parking for this event will be off-site at Reek School, W4094 South Lake Shore Drive, Lake Geneva, WI 53147. A team member will be in the school parking lot to facilitate check-ins.
You will be notified a week before the event with any additional parking information.
The museum store is open during operating hours.
Except for water, outside beverages and food are not allowed.
Black Point Estate will provide food and drinks on-site.
Restrooms are available at the estate.
The estate will remain open rain or shine.
Guests are encouraged to wear good walking shoes and to dress for the weather.
The first floor of the estate is ADA accessible.
Guests with additional mobility needs are encouraged to contact the site directly for direct access to the estate at [email protected] or 262-248-1888.

𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀?
For more information, please contact the box office at 608-264-4848 or [email protected].