Walworth County, Wisconsin covers 576 square miles of rolling hills, prairies, marshes, forests and meandering streams.  Twenty-four spring-fed lakes dot the landscape, the largest being Geneva Lake, nine miles long.  Along its shores stands the city of Lake Geneva, one of the most prestigious and affluent communities in Wisconsin. 

Walworth County is located in the far southeastern corner of Wisconsin, bordering Illinois to the south.  The sprawling cities of Chicago and Milwaukee lie within easy driving range, making Walworth County a pleasant haven for escaping city dwellers.  Tourism is a strong factor in Walworth's economy.

Census 2000 data for Walworth County's population was 93,759.  Census estimates in 2003 show a steady increase, at 95,630.  The median household income was $46,274, more than $4,000 above the national average.  The per capita personal income has increased 20% since 1997.      

Thirty-two communities comprise Walworth County, WI, three of which are cities.  Whitewater, population just over 13,000, claims the title of "Hang Gliding Capital of the Midwest."  Gateway to Wisconsin's Kettle Moraine State Forest, an astonishing world of glacier-formed ravines and forested ridges, bogs and waterfalls, Whitewater tourists discover much to enjoy.  Wisconsin's thousand-mile scenic footpath, the Ice Age Trail, crosses through here, rivaling the East's Appalachian Trail in popularity.  Found here is the Indian Mounds State Park, prehistoric Indian burial grounds with twelve animal effigies remaining.

Walworth County's premier destination remains Lake Geneva, long known as the celebrated summer resort for the Midwest's elite.  Many summer-homes built in the 1800's nestle in the tree-shaded hills surrounding the lake, rambling mansions with more than 10 bedrooms, widows-walks and Victorian turrets.  Lake Geneva hosts the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship during their Winterfest celebrations.

Walworth County's third city and county seat is Elkhorn, WI.  This delightful community of 7,300 lies 45 miles from Milwaukee, and like many Walworth municipalities, sees steady growth as more people choose to live in the rural counties and commute to work.  Known as the "Christmas Card Town" for the wonderful artwork originally done by Cecile Johnson showing scenes of Elkhorn turned into enchanting cards, (now carried on by Jan Castle-Reed), Elkhorn's Christmas Parade brings visitors from all around.  The Walworth County Fair draws tourist trade in August.  Higher education facilities of Walworth County include the Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn, the Aurora University in Lake Geneva and University of Wisconsin in Whitewater.  

Located in Elkhorn are the Walworth County Performing Arts Center, Webster House Museum, 5 golf courses, ski slopes and water-skiing at Lauderdale Lakes.  The remaining communities of Walworth County are small towns and quaint villages, many offering enchanting inns and B & B's.  One can even stay in the village of Genoa City, which lent its name as the setting for the popular soap opera "Young and the Restless".