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
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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
With lake views and pier access, this charming 2BR 1BA ranch could be your lake escape. Placed in the cozy Rockford Colony on Delavan Lake's north shore this retreat features a private patio that looks out on the water and a manicured lawn surrounded with a classic white picket fence. The kitchen has been recently remodeled with new cabinets, tile backsplash, bay window and stainless-steel
Experience effortless lake life at the award-winning Delavan Lake Resort! This fully furnished condo is being offered with everything inside included, creating a truly turnkey retreat, vacation getaway or investment opportunity. Enjoy resort-style amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, a whirlpool, fitness center, arcade/game room, lakeside sun deck, boat pier and seasonal boat-slip
Welcome to this custom built lake retreat on Lake Delavan offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and panoramic water views from nearly every room on a .229-acre double lot just 200 feet from the shore. A boat slip, shore station and pier are all included. Inside, hardwood flooring, Anderson windows and doors, zoned climate control, a dedicated home office, and an open-concept layout create an inviting
Rare opportunity to own brand-new 5BR, 3.5 BA luxury lakefront residence situated on a spectacular 1.57-acre estate with 42 ft of private Delavan Lakefront. The existing home has been removed to make way for an architecturally designed luxury residence positioned significantly closer to the water, maximizing panoramic lake views while creating an extraordinary indoor-outdoor living experience.
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
This 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo with pull out couch is located within the sought after Delavan Lake Resort, positioned along the shoreline of Lake Delavan, and is being offered fully furnished with tastefully updated decor. Operating under a condotel structure, the property is run as part of the resort's hotel operations, appealing to buyers seeking a low maintenance lake retreat or income
Ready for Summer Fun? This 2 bedroom South Shore Manor Home with HOA for Delavan Lake Access with a sandy beach, park and possible renting of a pier or Bouy. Could be a Second home, Airbnb, or full time home. Short walk to lake or a quick Golf cart ride. When Walking into this home. You will see what a nice renovation is done when wanting to preserve the old charm and historical design. This
Waterfront living made easy at Geneva Landings on Delavan Lake! Main-level, no-step condo in the closest building to the lake and the on-site boat launch. Boat access options include convenient in/out boat service, on-property boat & trailer parking, waiting list for boat slip (for additional annual fees). Private entrance and open-concept floor plan with newer luxury plank flooring throughout.
Skip the build and move straight to the lake! Step into a brand new 4BR/3.5BA custom ranch built from the foundation up in Ravenswood - an intimate lake community on Delavan Lake where lake life is the everyday. Hardwood floors, custom trim, premium cabinetry. The open layout flows naturally from kitchen to living space, designed for gathering and entertaining. Generously sized BRs accommodate
Tucked within the Delavan Lake Resort community, this 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo sits directly on Lake Delavan and comes fully furnished with recently updated decor. As a condotel, the unit is operated within the resort's hotel program, offering owners a simple, low maintenance way to enjoy lake living while benefiting from rental potential when not in use. Residents have access to indoor and
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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.
Now offered for private lease, the iconic Clock Tower lakefront home on Delavan Lake. This fully furnished three-bedroom retreat spans three levels and rests along one of the lake's most pristine stretches, featuring 75 feet of frontage. A gated entrance welcomes you onto the private grounds, where a spacious private pier sets the stage for morning coffee or sunset cocktails, while the primary
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