Welcome to the Gary Gygax Memorial in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a place celebrating the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in the world of gaming. Born on July 27, 1938, in Chicago, Ernest Gary Gygax is best known as the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, the groundbreaking tabletop role-playing game that has become a cultural phenomenon. Gygax’s journey into the world of fantasy and gaming began early in his life. After moving to Lake Geneva with his family in 1946, he developed a love for games and storytelling, often playing make-believe games with his friends, which laid the groundwork for his future innovations.
In the 1960s, Gygax founded the Gen Con convention in Lake Geneva, which has grown into one of the largest and most influential gaming conventions in the world. His work with Dave Arneson led to the creation of Dungeons & Dragons in 1974, a game that revolutionized the gaming industry and inspired countless others to explore the realms of fantasy.
The memorial park stands as a tribute to Gygax’s contributions not only to gaming but to popular culture as a whole. It serves as a gathering place for fans and gamers to celebrate his legacy. Each March, the town hosts Gary Con, a gaming convention in his honor, drawing enthusiasts from around the globe to Lake Geneva.
The memorial itself is a testament to Gygax’s impact and continues to inspire new generations of gamers and creators. As you explore this site, remember the creative spirit of Gary Gygax, whose imagination and dedication to storytelling changed the way we play games and perceive fantasy worlds.
