$376,192Average Value$232Average Price per Sq Ft40Homes For Sale
Delavan transforms from the circus capital of the world to a boating and fishing spot
Between 1836 and 1848, Delavan, Wisconsin was home to 26 circus companies. Located 53 miles from Milwaukee and 58 miles from Madison, in 1847 the owners of the U.S. Olympic Circus chose Delavan as their winter homebase because of the city's location and its ability to house their horses and performance animals. Other circuses followed suit, and the P.T. Barnum Circus even founded its renowned “Greatest Show On Earth” in Delavan. Today, the only remaining link to this city's former trade is the life-sized statue of Romeo the Killer Elephant, at town center. A city of 8,500, nowadays it's Delavan Lake that's the main attraction, not the circus, and Delavan is known for its water-oriented lifestyle.
Visit Romeo the Killer Elephant representing Delavan's circus days in downtown Delavan.
Delavan Lake runs through the charming town of Delavan.
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New neighborhoods, established homes and million-dollar views
Because of summertime tourism in Delavan, there are many investment properties on the market here. However, Realtor Nicole Coleman-Vanwormer of Shore West Realty says there are also new neighborhoods full of permanent residents, too. Coleman-Vanwormer confirms the median home price in Delavan is around $330,000, which is lower than the national median. Styles here range from older, more established single-family homes that sell for between $250,000 and $300,000, to newly constructed Craftsman designs, typically priced between $450,000 and $550,000. There are also some multimillion-dollar lakefront properties in Delavan, with features like private docks.
A row of perfect tudor-style homes line the streets near downtown Delavan.
Delavan has large and lovely lake homes along Lake Delavan.
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Delavan celebrates its history every summer
Each August this city holds the Delavan Heritage Fest celebration. The festival acknowledges the city’s varied history over time, from its beginnings as the home of the Potawatomi, to its first European settlers, the influx of European and then Hispanic immigrants and, of course, its circus years. The festival typically has food trucks, craft markets and plenty of activities for kids.
Downtown Delavan is a quaint and quiet place to shop and dine.
P.T. Barnum Circus founded its renowned “Greatest Show On Earth” in Delavan.
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Delavan Lake loved by locals, tourists alike
The crown jewel of Delavan is Delavan Lake, a 1,900-acre lake with public boat landings, a public beach and a plentiful supply of fish, like panfish, musky, northern pike, walleye and bass. The lake is renowned in Wisconsin for both fishing and boating. In Springs Park, there are hiking trails alongside fresh-water springs, and Phoenix Park Bandshell has a covered performing area for live music. Congdon Garden is a peaceful park with a walking trail encircling a large pond. Numerous manicured gardens feature hundreds of different plants and flowers, including tulips, hydrangeas, peonies and daylilies.
Delavan Lake is a gem in the middle of Delavan, WI.
Hike alongside freshwater springs at Springs Park in Delavan.
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A cafe that does it all and good cheese curds in Delavan
Delavan has a brick-paved downtown with a small green space at its the center, and, according to Coleman-Vanwormer, a lot of charm. “It has a lot of older charm and a lot of newer charm,” she says. Boxed and Burlap is a popular café housed in an old barn house that has been transformed into a light, airy coffee shop. It also has a speakeasy bar downstairs, a library and an art studio. Coleman-Vanwormer particularly likes Ol’ Wisco, a local bar with a good atmosphere. “And I mean, obviously, the cheese curds are good,” she says. For groceries, there’s an Aldi and Walmart in a shopping center on E Geneva Street, a major thoroughfare.
Sip warm coffee by the cozy fire in the architecturally stunning Boxed and Burlap in Delavan.
Ol'Wisco in Delavan has mastered the art of the cheese curd.
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Major highways keep Delavan connected to Milwaukee, Madison
Drivers can take Interstate 43 straight to Milwaukee or to connect to Interstate 90, which leads to Madison. State Highway 11 is also nearby and connects to I-90 as well. The closest airport to Delavan is the General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, about 50 miles away.
Solid public schools plus the Wisconsin School for the Deaf
Delavan is part of the Delavan-Darien School district, which earns a B-minus overall from Niche. The district includes two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school, and also earns an A-minus for diversity. Delavan-Darien has a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio and is the only district in the county to offer a Spanish and English dual language education program. The Wisconsin School for the Deaf is also located in Delavan.
Delavan-Darien High School has a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Delavan has been home to the Wisconsin School for the Deaf since 1839.
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Crime
The crime rate in Delavan is slightly lower than the national rate, and property crime has been steadily decreasing since 2015.
Written By
Tanner Harding
Photography Contributed By
Hayley McCormick
Video By
Francisco de la Vera
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tony Wendorf & Associates Team*,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Delavan, WI sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Delavan, WI over the last 12 months is $340,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Dream Home on Delavan Lake This one truly is a dream come true. Enjoy brand-new construction backing to the lake in the prestigious Harbor Club at Lake Lawn. This stunning Nantucket-style home is thoughtfully designed and loaded with upgrades featuring a fourth bedroom, third full bath, gourmet kitchen, 11-foot ceilings on the main level, and a private study. Nestled along the scenic shores of
Welcome to 2803 Tilden Ave in Delavan, offering a rare opportunity with lake rights and a spacious fenced in lot. This 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features a functional layout, large basement, an attached 2-car garage, and plenty of room to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living. The large yard provides endless potential for entertaining, expansion, or simply enjoying the privacy and space that's hard
This is a one-of-a-kind Model Peachtree II with 2,625 sq. ft., 4 bed + Flex Room/2.5 bath/2 car garage, a 8' full unfinished basement with an added 3/4 rough in plumbing for future build out. This open concept stunner will not last with all of the upgrades: inviting front porch, 20' x 20' Concrete patio perfect for family gatherings or entertaining, direct vent fireplace with brick surround in
First floor king bed condominium/hotel room in the popular Lake Lawn Resort. Situated in the Boulder Lodge, this unit has a separate private patio where you can take in the views of the lake activity. The room is completely furnished and includes a microwave and refrigerator. Spacious bathroom with tile floors and granite counters. Remodeled in 2024, these units are fresh and nicely updated.
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.
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
Second floor king bed condominium/hotel room in the popular Lake Lawn Resort. Situated in the Timber Lodge, this unit has a separate private balcony where you can take in the views of the lake activity. The room is completely furnished and includes a microwave and refrigerator. Spacious bathroom with tile floors and granite counters. Remodeled in 2024, these units are fresh and nicely updated.
The best of both worlds, this parklike setting is home to this spacious 3 bed, 3 bath oasis while still being conveniently located to downtown Delavan! Enjoy sweeping views of Delbrook Golf Course or relax on the back deck and take in the massive, private backyard. Main level features a spacious open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and tons of natural light, onyx stone fireplace. Don't miss
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
Incredible opportunity to own your own vacation condo literally steps from the shores of Delavan Lake and collect rental income when you are not using it! Gorgeous first floor unit very close to the lake was fully renovated from top to bottom and completed only in March of 2024! Beautiful stone gas fireplace makes this a desirable rental unit year-round! Lake Lawn Resort offers an incredible
New Construction Available February 2026. One-level townhome with zero steps and a desirable location. The kitchen features an island with quartz countertops and SS appl. The open living room/dining room opens up to a patio. The oversized garage is insulated. New Construction Available Winter 2025. One level townhome with zero steps and a desirable location.
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
Now Building! This new construction ranch home offers appx 1,800 sq ft of thoughtfully designed space located on Evergreen Drive at Glen Oaks. Inside you'll find a spacious layout w/ volume ceilings, 3 beds and 2 full baths, perfect for comfortable family living. The open-concept design seamlessly connects the living area & kitchen, making it ideal for entertaining or relaxing. The main floor
Motivated sellers on this amazing 26 rooms, 8 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 half baths, 2 kitchens, 3 fireplaces along with a mirror imported from Germany are only part of the amazing Italianate archeteture in what is historically known as the DR. FREDERICK L. VON SUESSMILCH HOUSE . How will use it? It has been used as a hospital and later a school, a church and most recently a parsonage. The
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
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
Fully furnished two-bedroom upper apartment. Ideal for short term work assignment or relocation. Unit is available for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 12 months. Remodeled unit with full bath and small kitchen. Located in the downtown area of Delavan. Close to restaurants and shopping. No pets.
Updated, spacious, one-bedroom duplex in rural setting. New vinyl plank flooring. Large living room with picture windows. Enclosed front porch. Full kitchen with stainless steel appliances. In-unit laundry hook-ups. Central Air. Lawn care and snow plowing included. Serene country views. Just outside the city of Delavan. No smoking and no pets. One month security deposit and first month rent due
Adorable renovated upper unit in the Heart of Delavan now available! This unit boasts off street parking, vaulted wood planked living room ceiling, a large spacious eat in kitchen with new appliances, two bedrooms and a renovated bathroom. Pet friendly with an additional $35 per month per pet fee and registration on a third party pet screening site. Water/Sewer are included as well as lawn
Come check out our NEW property! Autumn Ridge Apartment Townhomes has all the charm and comfort you could want in Delavan. With Stainless Steel LG Appliances, Open Concept, 2 Car Attached Garage, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bathroom, and basement and more you will love all that this townhome has to offer.
Owner is offering 1/2 off of the first month's rent! Lovely First floor Unit in a 2 Family Home. This 2BR, 1BA unit has been updated beautifully and offers a bright and sunny living space, laminate and tile flooring throughout, off street parking and a storage unit. Don't miss the opportunity to make this your new home! 1 year lease. Pet friendly with pet registration and a $35/month/pet fee.
Parkside Village is a charming housing community that is specifically designed for adults age 55 and better and is conveniently located two blocks south of historic downtown Delavan, WI in a lovely park and residential location. We offer forty-six one or two bedroom apartment homes with a private balcony or patio in a variety of floor plans at an affordable price (1-bedroom plans begin at
Ideally located in a quiet area near the heart of Delavan, Wisconsin. Located just off of Interstate 43, nearby are parks, schools, shopping/food. The properties location features a 20 minute drive to Lake Geneva, and an hour commute to both Milwaukee and Madison.These apartments offer your choice of one or two bedroom apartments. A professional caring staff ensures that this is a perfect
Brassworks Units are professionally designed to meet the needs of today's households while keeping the charm of a loft-style apartment. Living in Downtown Delavan has never been better. New business opening, exciting events, great places to eat. Brassworks gives you the opportunity to experience what city living is supposed to be: the chance to live the connected life. And it goes beyond our
Welcome home to these updated residences. We have a 1bd/1bath unit available for July occupancy. Rent includes heat, sewer and water. You'll enjoy the park-like setting. The apartment building features a coin-operated washer & dryer and storage in the basement. Convenient location, you are going to love your new home. See our website or call Stacy for a showing.
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