Location
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, located 1-hour southwest of Milwaukee and 1.5-hours northwest from Chicago, is central to the founding of the RPG industry. In 1973, long-time resident Gary Gygax, with his close friend Don Kaye, founded Tactical Studies Rules (later renamed TSR, Inc.) and first published Dungeons & Dragons. Prior to that, Gary Gygax had started a war games convention, called the Geneva Convention, as one of the officers in the International Federation of Wargaming. Today, that convention attracts about 70,000 attendees annually and is known as GEN CON, owned by Peter Adkison.
How to get to Lake Geneva: There's not a convenient mass transit solution to get to Lake Geneva for Gary Con. If you live near enough, you can drive from your home to Lake Geneva. If you're traveling from a greater distance, you can book a flight to either Chicago (O'Hare is most convenient) or Milwaukee (General Mitchell). It's possible to either book a shuttle or limousine service to-and-from the airport or rent a car and drive yourself; you'll want to search the internet to find the best deals. Some people defray transportation costs by using the Gary Con FB Group and/or the GC Discord Server to arrange ride sharing.
Gary Con Location: The Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is the current venue housing Gary Con annually:
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa ( map )
7036 Grand Geneva Way
Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States
(262) 248-8811*
Although staying onsite is most convenient for many attendees, getting rooms is extremely competitive when reservation blocks open. Since Lake Geneva and the surrounding area is a lovely tourist destination year-round, we've partnered with many nearby hotels to ensure there are comfortable, affordable options a short drive away!
Convention Map
Hotels & Lodging
Our hotel page is kept as up-to-date as our volunteer staff is able to manage. We will add to and update this information as is necessary. Please be aware that all hotel prices and fees are subject to change; however, we ask you to remember that these are at the discretion of the hotels themselves—not Gary Con or its staff and volunteers. Please let us know if any of the information available below is inaccurate.
Hotel & Lodging Partners:
Gary Con has worked with these partner hotels for the convention and has compiled this list for your convenience. The group rates have limited availability, so please make your reservations as soon as possible. Please confirm all the details outlined below with our partner hotels when making your reservation—by doing this, you will ensure all the details you need are accurate and up to date at the time of your booking.*
| Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva 300 Wrigley Drive Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(888) 746-7371 - Reservation Line |
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| Located about 2 miles away, the Harbor Shores on Lake Geneva provide kitchenettes and have an on-site fitness center, along with indoor and outdoor pools and whirlpools. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Rooms starting at:
Taxes: 13.5% |
| Best Reservation Method: | Visit the hotel booking website and use the booking code "GaryCon24" to get the group rate.
Call the reservation line at 888-746-7371 and request the "Gary Con Group Room Block" when making your reservation. The cutoff date for reservations at the group rate is February 18, 2024. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Reservations no longer require a minimum stay for the group rate!
Parking is for overnight registered hotel guests only. One parking space is allowed per guest room, but street parking is available if there are multiple cars per guest room reserved. Will not have a shuttle available, but recommend groups planning to make transportation arrangements call Lake Front Shuttle at (262) 203-4769 for shuttle service. |
| The Abbey Resort 269 Fontana Blvd Fontana, WI 53125 map800-709-1323 - Reservation Line |
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| Located within 12 miles and about a 20 minute drive away, The Abbey Resort offers complimentary Wi-Fi, spa services, and a 5 star experience. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 10.5% |
| Best Reservation Method: | Visit the hotel booking website to make your reservation under the "Gary Con 50th Anniversary" block to get the group rate.
Guests who call 800-709-1323 to reserve their rooms should request the "Gary Con 50th Anniversary" group rate. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Three (3) night minimum stay required—reduced from previous five (5) night requirement. At the time you place your reservation, a one night deposit will be taken. Currently, there are no plans for a shuttle service. However, if enough rooms are booked, The Abbey will provide a shuttle service to-and-from the convention site a couple times a day. |
| Bella Vista Suites Lake Geneva 335 Wrigley Drive Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 248-2100 |
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| Located just 2 miles away, Bella Vista Suites Lake Geneva offers Wi-Fi internet, an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and onsite spa services. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Rooms starting at:
Taxes: Please check with the hotel. |
| Best Reservation Method: |
Call the hotel at (262) 248-2100 to place your reservation and ask for the "Gary Con Rate." |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Please ask the hotel about any additional conditions when making your reservation. |
| The Cove of Lake Geneva 111 Center Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 249-9460 |
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| Located at 1.8 miles away, The Cove of Lake Geneva has an indoor pool, lobby coffee bar, fitness room, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an arcade room. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Rooms, for single and double occupancy, starting at:
The nightly rates above will vary per day over the reservation period. Taxes: 10.5% |
| Best Reservation Method: | Call the hotel at (262) 249-9460 to book your reservation and request the "Gary Con 2024" group rate. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | All attendee reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit, or guaranteed with a major credit card. Hotel will not hold any reservations unless secured by one of the above methods.
A cancellation less than 72 hours prior to arrival will result in a charge equal to one night’s room and tax, and the balance of the cancelled reservation will be considered when calculating any Group attrition charges. No-shows will result in the same charge and consequence. All individual reservations must be canceled according to the following cancellation policy: Cancel by 4:00 PM local hotel time at least three (3) days prior to arrival to avoid a one (1) nights cancel penalty charge. All cancellations will be charged a $15.00 processing fee for cancellation. You must be 21 years of age or older to reserve a suite at The Cove of Lake Geneva. |
| Lake Lawn Resort 2400 Geneva St. Delavan, WI 53115 map(262) 728-7950 |
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| Located 18 minutes away, Lake Lawn Resort has an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a fitness center, and an arcade/game room. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 10.5% (Please confirm tax rate with resort.) |
| Best Reservation Method: | Call the resort directly at 800-338-5253 to make a reservations.
Please request the rate for "Gary Con 50th Anniversary" to receive the group rate. A first night’s lodging deposit will be requested at the time of reservation. All guest room reservations require one guest 21 years of age or older occupying the room. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Reservations require a three (3) night minimum for the group rate. The Resort’s minimum stay policy requires that all guests commit to staying two consecutive nights, either Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. All guest room reservations are required to have one guest 21 years of age or older occupying the room. All reservations will be held after 4:00 PM and guaranteed for late arrival when guaranteed to the master account, accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed to a major credit card. Individual reservations must be cancelled by March 8, 2024 to avoid cancellation fee of one night’s room and tax. Reservation cancellation between March 9-15, 2024 will be charged a cancellation fee of two nights plus tax. Reservation cancellations after March 15th and no shows will be charged for all nights reserved. Individuals must present a credit card or deposit, for incidentals upon check-in. Transportation in advance can be arranged at a cost. Estimate $10.00 per person each way if multiple people; $20 minimum each way for one person. |
| The Ridge Lake Geneva W4240 WI-50 Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 249-3800 |
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| Located just 5.7 miles or 12-15 minutes away, The Ridge is your perfect home away from home while in Lake Geneva for the Gary Con 2024 Convention. It is parked along the wooded Lake Como shoreline and located just off Highway 50. The Ridge was also the home of the Gary Con Convention from 2010-2015 before the convention grew too large for the property.
Onsite amenities include: indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, fitness center, onsite dining options, complimentary wireless internet in guest rooms and hotel public areas, flat screen TV, Google Chromecast to stream entertainment, in-room coffee maker, mini fridge, hair dryer, and desk area. |
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| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates for single and double occupancy starting at:
Taxes: 11.5% |
| Best Reservation Method: | To make reservations, please call: (262) 245-7000 or (262) 249-3800.
Convention attendees should mention the "Gary Con 2024 Room Block" at time of booking. The Gary Con 2024 room block reservation terms at The Ridge are as follows: Cancellations within seven (7) days prior to arrival will be charged the full required three-night minimum stay room, resort fee & tax charge. No show fees will be assessed as applicable. Cutoff date for reservations at the group rate is January 30, 2024. Reservations made after January 30 may be available, but will be at The Ridge’s current best available rate. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Three (3) night minimum stay required. Full deposit is taken at the time of booking. Rooms are available at the Gary Con group rate from Monday, March 18 through Monday, March 25, 2024. Room types include the Standard Two Queen or the Standard King. Check-in is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Currently, a shuttle is not being provided to/from the convention site. |
| The Geneva Inn N2009 S Lake Shore Dr. Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 248-5680 |
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| Located only 12 minutes away, The Geneva Inn offers free Wi-Fi, coffee machines, and other luxury hotel amenities in Lake Geneva. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 10.5% |
| Best Reservation Method: | Call the hotel at (262) 248-5680 to book your reservation and request the "Gary Con Rate." |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Please ask the hotel about any additional conditions when making your reservation. |
| Holiday Inn Club Vacations At Lake Geneva Resort 7037 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(866) 915-4224 |
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| Located across the parking lot from the Grand Geneva, Holiday Inn Club Vacations are as close as you can get without staying at the event location. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 8.5% (Please confirm tax rate with hotel.) |
| Best Reservation Method: | ***BLOCK OCCUPANCY IS FULL.***
Use the booking website! ***Link will not work on mobile devices.*** When booking online, use the code "GCG" to receive the group rate. You must book by February 19, 2024 to receive the group rate. Call (866) 915-4224 to make a reservation by phone. When booking over the phone, mention the "GCG" code to receive the Gary Con group rate. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Three (3) night minimum stay required to receive the group rate. Check-in dates for this group rate may begin on or after March 20, 2024 and check-out dates for this group rate must be on or before March 25, 2024. |
| Comfort Suites 300 E. Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 248-2300 - Reservation Line |
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| Located less than 2.5 miles away, the Comfort Suites is an all suite hotel. Amenities include a free hot breakfast, free high speed internet, in-room refrigerator and microwave, and an indoor pool. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Rooms starting at:
Taxes: Please check with the hotel. |
| Best Reservation Method: | ***BLOCK OCCUPANCY IS FULL.***
Please use this booking link to make your reservation. Call the reservation line at 262-248-2300, to book your reservation and request the "Gary Con 2024" rate. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Two (2) night minimum stay. Please ask the hotel about any additional conditions and details when making your reservation.
Will not include a shuttle service this year. |
| Fairfield Inn Lake Geneva 1111 North Edwards Blvd Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 348-9000 |
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| Located about 1.4 miles away, the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott provides a very close option. The Fairfield will have a shuttle service from 7:30 AM Central to 11:30 PM Central, daily. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 13.5% (Please confirm tax rate with hotel.) |
| Best Reservation Method: | ***BLOCK OCCUPANCY IS FULL.***
Call the hotel at (262) 348-9000 to book your reservation and request the "GaryCon" group rate. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | One night charged at booking, three (3) night minimum required. Hourly shuttle. |
*Gary Con does not own or operate any of the partner hotels listed above. Prices, taxes, and fees are subject to change at their discretion. Please confirm all reservation details with our partner hotels before making your reservations.
Event Location & Resort:
| Grand Geneva Resort & Spa 7036 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(262) 248-8811 |
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| Staying onsite is convenient, but rooms sell out near immediately. Please do not rely solely on booking a room at the Grand Geneva if you prefer to plan early. There are many other hotels a short drive/ride away from the convention site. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 8.5% (subject to change without notice) |
| Best Reservation Method: | ***BLOCK OCCUPANCY IS FULL. NO VACANCIES.*** Booking link for Gary Con room blocks. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Group room rates are Run of House (unless specified otherwise); location and specific room type are not guaranteed until time of check-in. Hotel policy requires a credit card upon check-in. If the guest does not have a credit card, all room revenue and tax will be collected at time of check-in along with appropriate deposits. Any unused deposits will be refunded by check.
Room rates are quoted exclusive of state taxes and local taxes and Campus fee. If The Group guarantees individual guest rooms, one night’s room revenue plus tax will be billed to The Group’s Master Account for each guest who does not arrive on their scheduled arrival date or whose reservation is canceled less than (72) hours prior to arrival. The individual guest(s) reservation(s) will be cancelled for subsequent nights unless reinstatement is requested by the group contact. The campus trolleys are on a continuous loop starting at 6:30 am going until 1:00 am and then going on demand until 3:00 am. IF anyone misses the Trolley our overnight Public Safety Team will be available to take them down to Timber Ridge Lodge. Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM. on the day of departure. If the Group anticipates a large number of early arrivals, or if guests are in meetings past 11:00 AM on check-out day, arrangements for an appropriate baggage hold area should be made in advance. |
| Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark 7020 Grand Geneva Way Lake Geneva, WI 53147 map(866) 636-4502 |
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| Timber Ridge Lodge at Grand Geneva Resort features 50,000 square feet of year-round, indoor/outdoor waterpark. The Lodge is located on the same property as the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa! The Grand Geneva shuttle service (aka the Trolley) runs between Grand Geneva and Timber Ridge frequently during Gary Con. | |
| Gary Con Rate, Taxes, & Fees: | Room rates starting at:
Taxes: 8.5% (subject to change without notice) |
| Best Reservation Method: | ***BLOCK OCCUPANCY IS FULL. NO VACANCIES.*** Booking link for Gary Con room blocks. |
| Special Rate Conditions & Details: | Group room rates are Run of House (unless specified otherwise); location and specific room type are not guaranteed until time of check-in. Hotel policy requires a credit card upon check-in. If the guest does not have a credit card, all room revenue and tax will be collected at time of check-in along with appropriate deposits. Any unused deposits will be refunded by check.
Room rates are quoted exclusive of state taxes and local taxes and Campus fee. If The Group guarantees individual guest rooms, one night’s room revenue plus tax will be billed to The Group’s Master Account for each guest who does not arrive on their scheduled arrival date or whose reservation is canceled less than (72) hours prior to arrival. The individual guest(s) reservation(s) will be cancelled for subsequent nights unless reinstatement is requested by the group contact. Campus trolleys available. Check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out time is 11:00 AM. If the Group anticipates a large number of early arrivals, or if guests are in meetings past 11:00 AM on check-out day, arrangements for an appropriate baggage hold area should be made in advance. |
*Gary Con does not own nor operate The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa or its affiliates. Prices, taxes, and fees are subject to change at their discretion. Please confirm all reservation details with them before finalizing your reservation(s).