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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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.
1/2
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
Heidi Bergstedt,
an experienced agent in this area.
Agents Specializing in this Area
Debra Truckey
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Metro Realty-Racine
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Enjoy views of Delavan Lake from your private balcony in this one bedroom Condo/Hotel. Located off the main floor with easy access to the main lobby and lounge area, this single unit is a great get-a-way that can produce some income to offset the monthly association fee. Spacious bedroom with queen size bed, gas fireplace in the living room, breakfast bar in kitchen area, lake views from all
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
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
Nestled in Delmar Subdivision with access to a sandy beach, swimming pier, playground, and boat launch on Delavan Lake, this 3 bedroom ranch home boasts an updated kitchen and tastefully updated interior, ensuring modern comfort throughout. The open concept living area invites relaxation, seamlessly connecting to a dining area that extends to a deck perfect for entertaining and enjoying those
DEEDED BOAT SLIP AND LAKE ACCESS! Experience a lifestyle where each day feels like a getaway! No more hassle with launching your boat. Simply keep it at your own boat slip, #34, located just a short walk from your custom built home, and savor your time on the water. The 27' x 20' garage w/ 11' ceiling & 10-foot high door features an epoxy heated floor, & is ideal for storing your watercraft
Set on a peaceful .89-acre wooded lot, this recently remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bath home is perfect for family living. Gather in the large family room by the fireplace, unwind in the private primary suite, or enjoy meals together on the roomy outdoor deck. With two fireplaces, a heated garage, security system, and space to explore outdoors, this home offers comfort, warmth, and plenty of room to
The Starboard Group*Berkshire Hathaway Starck Real Estate
Come take a look at this 3-bedroom home with Delavan Lake access! Located in the Delmar Subdivision, you'll enjoy a private beach with a playground plus access to a boat launch. Step inside from the back deck into a spacious living room featuring vaulted ceilings and a cozy electric fireplace. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the dining area, filled with natural light. Recent updates include an
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
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
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
