Delavan Lake has a circus past and an elephant in the lake
Delavan Lake is a community in southeast Wisconsin. It's right by the city of Delavan, which was the circus capital of the world in the mid to late 1800s. Delavan was the winter home for at least two dozen circuses and is considered the birthplace of P.T. Barnum's Greatest Show on Earth. In the winter of 1864, Juliet, a famous elephant, passed away and was "buried" in Delavan Lake. A hole was cut into the ice, and she was dropped into the lake because the ground was too frozen to dig a grave.
Tower Park is an homage to Delavan Lake's circus past.
Boater-friendly Delavan Lake is at the center of the community.
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A spot for summer homes since the late 19th century
Also in the late 1800s, city dwellers, including well-to-do Chicagoans, started building spacious vacation homes around the area's lakes. Examples of early 1900s summer homes include some designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. "Some are absolutely spectacular and the nicest Frank Lloyd Wrights that exist, just because of the way they were maintained," says Ryan Simons, broker/owner with Simons Realty Group.
Though Simons says about 70% of lakefront homes are second homes, he sees more homeowners staying year-round. "The majority of people who are buying around the lake and have been over the years were coming up from Illinois and purchasing second homes. But lately, we've seen a trend where people are actually making it their primary residence. Some are choosing to retire in Delvan Lake." The lake is about 8 miles north of the Wisconsin/Illinois border, roughly 55 miles southwest of Milwaukee and close to 90 miles northwest of Chicago.
Some homes in Delavan Lake were designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Large lakefront homes are common in Delavan Lake.
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Home age, size and proximity to the lake influence pricing
Single-family homes were built throughout the 20th century and into the 2020s. These include cottages, contemporaries, ranch-style, and custom-designed homes in various sizes. Prices are typically from about $135,000 to $550,000. Those closest to the lake can be pricer; large waterfront properties and estate homes extend into the multimillions. Large lots are common. Primarily built in the 1990s and early 2000s, condos range from about $140,000 to $430,000.
Some subdivisions include homeowners associations, private access, beaches and pier or boat slips. "If they have a property on the water, they usually will have multiple boats," Simons says. Some homes with basements have sump pumps as the lake has flooded in the past. Additionally, the CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Brightly-colored single family homes are common in Delavan Lake.
Quiet neighborhood roads are common in Delavan Lake.
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A family friendly lake with parks and other recreational sites
According to Simons, Delavan Lake is less of a tourist spot and more family friendly than nearby Geneva Lake. "There's not as much boating activity and traffic, so it's a little less congested. But it's still an all-sport lake. Meaning you can do all types of boating activities: sailing, water skiing, Jet Skis, wakeboarding. Not all lakes allow or are conducive to all those activities."
Delavan Community Park is free for residents and has a beach, a playground and plenty of fishing and volleyball. The Delavan Lake Yacht Club started in 1892 and is on Cedar Point on the west side of the lake. Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort on the north side of the lake has bookable tee times and a clubhouse.
Spend the day at Delavan Community Park on Delavan Lake.
Geese line the shore at Delavan Lake.
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Places to shop, eat and be entertained close to the lake or inland
The Delavan Lake Store and Lounge on North Shore Drive has grocery items, ice cream, a bar and a gift shop. It specializes in Wisconsin-made products and hosts events like an open mic, live music, theme nights and dance parties. Places to eat at the lake include the Village Supper Club, The Inn Between and Churchill's Lounge. About a mile from the lake's north shore are Walmart Supercenter, Aldi, Lowe's and other big-brand stores and restaurants.
Several miles east of the lake is The Dancing Horses Theater, a 300-seat venue showcasing horse talent and acrobatic trainers. "The dancing horses have been on national TV. It's a Las Vegas-style show that's right here in Delavan, Wisconsin," Simons says.
Boxed and Burlap is a popular café in Delavan Lake that also houses an art studio and a popular speakeasy.
Delavan Lake Store has been selling food, local products, and gifts since 2016.
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There's a lot to do around Lake Delavan all year long
Events include the Delavan Lake Memorial Day Festival, the Lakefest in June with a boat parade and the Rev-Up Weekend in July for classic cars. The Market at Tower Park is an outdoor vendor event held in downtown Delavan on Thursdays from June to September. During the off-season, activities continue, with celebrations like Oktoberfest and Winterfest, which includes a snowmobile show and ice carving competition. "In the wintertime, we have ski hills in the area, and there's even an ice-softball tournament each year. Ice fishing is huge on the lake, and we often have tent cities of ice fishermen," Simons says.
There is a perfect little beach at Delavan Community Park.
Locals contemplate handmade goods at The Market at Tower Park.
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A series of four schools in the Delavan-Darien District
Delavan-Darien School District serves the area and stands out in Walworth County as the only district to offer a Spanish/English dual language education program. Kids may start at Turtle Creek Elementary School for kindergarten through second grade, continue to Darien Elementary School for third and fourth grades, and then go on to Phoenix Middle School. All three receive a C-plus grade from Niche. Delavan-Darien High School has a B-minus. The high school has an early college credit program and tech and career pathways, such as those related to agriculture, architecture, construction and business administration.
Phoenix Middle School is a public, middle school in Delavan Lake, WI.
3rd and 4th graders in Delavan Lake can attend Darien Elementary.
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Car-dependent, with close access to major thoroughfares
Delavan Lake is car-dependent. Though there typically aren't sidewalks, some of the residential streets are in quiet areas without much traffic, so walking and biking are possible. Some roads are private. There's no bus service, but major roads in the area include Interstate 43 and state Route 50, which meet north of the lake. U.S. Route 14 is to the south. The Mercyhealth Walworth Hospital and Medical Center is about 4 miles from the east side of the lake.
Written By
Robin Silberman
Photography Contributed By
GL Moses
Video By
Vladislav Sedykh
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ryan Simons,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Adorable two-bedroom cottage in the coveted Jackson Park Subdivision on Delavan Lake. This recently updated retreat features a large front deck, enclosed front porch and spacious living area with wood floors and Lake Life charm. There is a large side yard with fire pit and space for lawn games and two large storage shed to house the boat toys. It is a short walk to the association park that
Beautiful 1.57 acre South Shore building site with 42 feet of prime Delavan Lake frontage and 155 feet along South Shore. The site currently has a four bedroom home that is being removed at the cost of the seller. There is also a newer four car garage on the property that will remain. Seller will provide building plans and permits to allow a new owner to get a quick start on the building process.
Delavan, Wisconsin development opportunity adjacent to recently constructed Fleet Farm and a proposed Meijer Store. The site has tremendous access to access to I-43. This approximate 70 acres is located within visual site of Delavan Lake and a very short drive to the Highway 50 retail corridor. Currently zoned RM-8 in the City of Delavan, this zoning will accommodate single family and
Wooded privacy surrounds this exceptional 3.7-acre Delavan Lake retreat with 90' of prime frontage and nearly 1,000' of depth. Set on a gentle slope with panoramic views and southern exposure, this well-maintained 3BR, 2BA ranch offers 2,467 SF of inviting living space. Features include a lodge-style living room with soaring ceilings, Lannon stone fireplace, and stunning lake views, plus a
Looking for lake life living... N2409 is nestled down the private road from America Marina on Delavan Lake with boat slips and in/out services available for purchase. This 4 bedroom, 3 full bath house is a showcase . Featuring custom trim work and textured walls through out the home, 2 show stopper staircases, stonework in the basement, details are definitely not missed. There are granite counter
Charming South Shore Manor Home with Delavan Lake Access and Rights. Second home, Airbnb, or full time home. Walk into a home that shows what a renovation is done when wanting to preserve the old charm and historical design. This bungalow is fully restored and updated. NEW Eco Star roof with 50 yr warranty, Furnace and A/C, Cement Stucco Application, Electrical, Plumbing.. you think it. It was
As Is house across from Delavan Lake- recently updated (light fixtures, countertop/sink and bath fixtures still not installed) or tear down for a new build. Parcel currently has two homes on it, split of the two is applied for, plus a vacant lot parcel 2 also available. Home currently has shared well with main house. No associations or restrictions on rentals. Small lake right access to Delavan
Affordable lake life!! This cozy 2BR ranch offers a fenced-in yard and a heated 1.5 car garage with electric - perfect for year-round use. Plus, enjoy lake rights to your private beach on Lake Delavan...your little slice of paradise awaits! Some Photos have been AI Enhanced.
A perfect Lake Delavan getaway just a short walk from the beach! Completely renovated down to the studs within the last 2 years, this home was thoughtfully rebuilt for easy lake living and weekend escapes. The main floor offers a spacious bedroom, full bath, large living room, dining area, and a beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops and high-end appliances. A main floor laundry
Exceptional opportunity for a private retreat or short-term rental near Lake Delavan. Set on a serene acre with lake views and a bubbling creek, this property features an in-ground pool, expansive deck, and gazebo--perfect for the upcoming season. The home offers 5 generously sized bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and ample living space, combining comfortable living with strong investment potential.
Phair-Hinton Group*Keller Williams Realty-Milwaukee North Shore
What an incredible piece of property on the North Shore of Delavan Lake. This listing is for two tax lakefront keys with multiple structures and a combined total of 138' of level frontage in a wildly desirable stretch of lakefront homes. The primary home is large, airy, and blessed with lakeside windows that capture those wide water views over the 113' of level frontage. The ''back'' parcel
Discover the charm of this cozy 4 bedroom, 2-bath lakefront home set on over an acre with an impressive 110 feet of frontage on beautiful Delavan Lake. This quaint residence offers a welcoming, cottage-like feel perfect for relaxing after a day on the water. The wonderful spacious great room with vaulted ceilings, stone fireplace & hardwood floors that open to a 4 season sunroom/porch & custom
Furnished three bedroom home with lake rights on Delavan Lake. Property includes a large fenced in back yard, updated kitchen, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances and spacious back deck. Home is located in the Highlands Subdivision which has the best beach on Delavan Lake. Rental must be for 12 months or longer. No short term rentals allowed. One month security deposit required and
Enjoy the lake life with this Delavan Lake South Shore rental that features 50 feet of gorgeous level lake frontage and a quaint four bedroom home. You will be able to spread out and enjoy the water front with the expansive front yard, fire pit, private pier and spacious deck to enjoy the sunset. The property is available for monthly rentals throughout the summer for a rate of $20,000 per month.
Spacious three bedroom, three bath home located off the scenic South Shore Drive of Delavan Lake. This rental consists of a large first floor bedroom, utility room and great room on the main floor. The upper level has two additional bedrooms, two full bathrooms, the kitchen and family room area. Open concept design with views of Delavan Lake. There is an attached three car garage. This property
Four bedroom, two bath rental in the town of Delavan on large parcel of land. Close to City of Delavan and Delavan Lake. Master bedroom is on the main floor with walk in closet and private bath. Large living room and family room area. Appliances included. Second bath on upper level with three additional bedrooms. No smoking and no pets.
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