July 2025
Great Reasons to Visit Black Point Estate in Lake Geneva
While Lake Geneva has seen many changes over the years, some landmarks have stood the test of time, but none more striking than Black Point Estate. This beautifully preserved example of Queen Anne architecture offers a rare glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the late 19th century. Built in 1888 for Chicago beer baron Conrad Seipp, Black Point Estate remains one of the few historic lakefront mansions still standing in its original form, and the only one open to the public for tours.
Who Was Conrad Seipp?
Conrad Seipp was a German immigrant who became one of Chicago’s most successful brewers in the mid-1800s. By the time of his death in 1890, the Conrad Seipp Brewing Company was one of the largest breweries in the United States. Seipp built Black Point Estate as a summer retreat for his family, who traveled to the estate by steamship from Chicago and then by boat across Lake Geneva. Today, the home still reflects the charm and grandeur of its original purpose: a lakeside escape from city life.
How to Get to Black Point Estate?
Unlike any other tour on the lake, the Black Point Estate Tour is a true journey into the past, starting with the voyage there. The estate is not accessible by car, and Lake Geneva Cruise Line is the exclusive transportation provider. Your 3.5-hour experience begins onboard the Geneva, one of our classic vessels, with a narrated tour of the stunning shoreline and historic mansions dotting the lake. Along the way, you’ll learn about the estates that have helped shape Lake Geneva’s rich history.
What to Expect at Black Point Estate
Upon arrival at the private Black Point pier, you’ll be greeted by knowledgeable volunteers from the Lake Geneva area. You’ll then climb the original 100 steps from the shoreline up to the estate, just as guests did over a century ago. Once inside, your guided tour will lead you through a beautifully maintained home filled with period furnishings, family heirlooms, and stories of a bygone era. The lush grounds and panoramic lake views are an added bonus, offering a peaceful backdrop to your historical adventure.
A One-of-a-Kind Experience
Black Point Estate is the only home on Lake Geneva open to the public for tours, making this an experience you simply can’t get anywhere else. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon, the Black Point Estate Tour is a must-do.
Tours Offered at Black Point Estate
Step back to 1888 on this narrated cruise and guided tour of Black Point Estate, the stunning Queen Anne summer home of beer baron Conrad Seipp. Explore the mansion, stroll the gardens, and take in sweeping views as you discover Lake Geneva’s rich shoreline history.
Black Point Estate Nooks and Crannies Tours
Discover hidden corners of Black Point Estate on this exclusive tour, including all four floors, off-limits rooms, and the iconic tower. Hear captivating stories, admire intricate architecture, and raise a toast to Conrad Seipp with beer or wine.
Grab your girlfriends for an afternoon cruise featuring craft drinks, fascinating beer baron history, and a guided tour of Black Point Estate. Enjoy curated tastings, lake views, and a special Seipp Beer opener to take home from this women-created, women-focused experience.
Cruise Lake Geneva to Black Point Estate and explore the captivating tales of 19th-century beer barons. At the estate, enjoy a brewing history program complete with regional beer tastings, snacks, and a commemorative Seipp souvenir.
Set sail at moonlight and experience eerie live readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s classics at Black Point Estate. Afterward, enjoy a discussion on Poe’s life and explore the haunted mansion’s first floor—perfect for fans of history, mystery, and the macabre.
Book your tickets today with Lake Geneva Cruise Line and discover the magic of this historic treasure, only accessible by boat, and only available through us.
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