Walking Geneva Lake and its architectural hit parade

The Geneva Lake Shore Path rarely strays more than 20 feet from the water. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Tribune

Sept. 25, 2015 7:42 PM PT

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Spanning about 23 miles, the Geneva Lake Shore Path cuts right through the grounds of some of the swankiest digs in the Midwest.

Jerry and Kim Renninge,r of Aurora, have walked the entire length of the shore path — 23 miles — three times over the years. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

One of the tony homes along the path. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

Sign points the way. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

This massive Georgian Revival belongs to billionaire businessman and philanthropist Richard Driehaus. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

The path is well signed. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

A woman walks along the path circumnavigating Geneva Lake. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

The path passes many boathouses. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

A lakeside homeowner put up a bench, welcoming hikers to have a seat. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

Touches of whimsy line the path, such as this “magic mailbox” that contains a guestbook for hikers to sign. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

This International Style home resembles Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)

White pine salvaged from the Wrigley mansions was used to make the outdoor dining tables at Pier 290 restaurant in Williams Bay. (Lori Rackl / Chicago Tribune)