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
Lien Team Real Estate Group,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Delavan, WI sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Delavan, WI over the last 12 months is $325,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming turn-key lake cottage! This adorable 2 bed/1 bath home is conveniently located near shopping, dining & Delavan Lake. Updated inside & out this property boasts a large fenced backyard w/storage shed. The lot size allows for additions to the house if desired, such as an attached garage or additional living space/bedrooms. Delavan Lake access is available nearby via subdivision lot & the
DESIRABLE 3 BEDS / 1.1 BATHS CONDO IN SHOREWOOD CONDO ASSOCIATION! This spacious condo has it allafeaturing an oversized living room and private dining room, a functional galley kitchen with breakfast nook, and a relaxing private screened-in porch. The large primary bedroom boasts vaulted ceilings, while two additional generously sized bedrooms on the second floor, Convenient second-floor
DELAVAN RANCH - MOVE-IN READY 2 BED / 2 BATH with FENCED BACKYARD! This immaculate home built in 2023 offers an inviting open floor plan with vaulted ceilings and beautiful flooring throughout. The spacious living room flows into a stylish kitchen featuring a chef's island, pantry, and dining area with slider to the private backyard. The primary suite boasts a walk-in closet and private bath,
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home nestled in the Crystal Bowl subdivision with access to Turtle Lake. The property features multiple lots with 2 tax keys with many recent updates and a versatile layout. Main Level Highlights: Spacious 14x22 living rm with natural fireplace, updated kitchen, newly remodeled bathroom. Lower level has a second natural fireplace
Resting just 25 feet from the water's edge, this spacious 4BR, 2BA lake access home is ready to enjoy. Located in the active Highlands Subdivision at the west end of Delavan Lake this charming two-story features a spacious deck with water views, separate family room and living room and yard between the house and two-car garage that is perfect for games and entertaining. The main floor includes
Rebuild opportunity on the South Shore of Delavan Lake. This four bedroom, three bath home rests on 1.57 acres of level lakefront with mature trees throughout the property. A circle driveway guides you around a newer 4-car garage with access from both sides. The home is tired and will most likely be replaced by a modern masterpiece of your choosing. There is currently one bedroom, a den and a
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.
This is a medium-term furnished rental only. Welcome to the Spacious Waterfront Home, a 5-bedroom, 3-bath retreat on a quiet inlet of Lake Delavan. Enjoy peaceful views, a large yard, and family-friendly amenities for summer or winter escapes. Inside, find hardwood floors, modern furnishings, and a full kitchen. Relax with cable, Wi-Fi, and decks for lake views. Outdoors, gather at the fire pit,
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