$378,337Average Value$242Average Price per Sq Ft66Homes 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
Stephanie Parent,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Delavan, WI sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Delavan, WI over the last 12 months is $339,500, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Looking for a turnkey farmette/horse farm with large outbuildings, fenced pastures, and all the equipment to take care of it all? This 15.25 Acres is in the quiet countryside with the convenience of a short ride to the lakes, restaurants, shopping, and highways. Equestrians, hobby farmers, and hunters will appreciate the 50 X 80 Pole Barn, 32 X 48 2-story barn with 4 horse stalls and a chicken
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
Step into the timeless charm of this Victorian style home in the heart of Delavan. Located at 507 Parish Street, this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home offers 1,472 square feet filled with character, natural light, and functional living space. The spacious living and dining areas create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the fenced yard and deck provide excellent outdoor space for entertaining, relaxing,
Second floor king bed condominium/hotel room in the popular Lake Lawn Resort. Situated in the Boulder 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.
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.
First floor Double Queen bed condominium/hotel room in the popular Lake Lawn Resort. Situated in the Norwood 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
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.
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.
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
Unique opportunity to purchase a heavily trafficked business site across from Delavan Lake and million dollar home sites. Currently utilized as a retail space that has been updated and expanded in 2009, this location has an average traffic count of 16,000 vehicles per day with a surge occurring during the summer months. The site consists of two tax keys with road frontage on Hwy 50 and Eagle
Spacious 2BR, 2BA condo with water views and plenty of light. This first floor Manchester model features an open floor plan, a wall of windows, private covered balcony overlooking the lake, and a first floor primary bedroom. The kitchen includes a new refrigerator, dishwasher and a breakfast bar for entertaining. The lower level can be a retreat for guests with its own bedroom and full bath. The
Partially wooded 1.26 acre parcel located at the edge of Delavan. This residential lot is located in the Darien Township offering lower taxes and no subdivision restrictions. Easy access from Hwy 11 yet large enough to create a rural setting. Driveway in place. Well and septic required for single family home.
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.
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.
Welcome to Falcon Ridge – Your New Home in Delavan, WI!Discover modern living at Falcon Ridge, a vibrant and welcoming apartment community in beautiful Delavan, WI—conveniently located next to Fest Park and just minutes from I-43 and Highway 50. At Falcon Ridge, you can truly live your way with a versatile selection of spacious floor plans designed to fit your lifestyle and
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
Prairie Fields Apartments offers comfortable, affordable apartment living in a peaceful residential setting designed for convenience and everyday comfort. Featuring spacious floor plans with natural light, fully equipped kitchens, ample storage, and inviting living areas, Prairie Fields provides apartment homes that are easy to personalize and enjoy. Residents benefit from well-maintained
Experience elevated apartment living at Autumn Ridge Apartments in Delavan, Wisconsin, where peaceful surroundings meet everyday convenience. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood on the border of country and city living, Autumn Ridge offers easy access to shopping, dining, socializing, and outdoor recreation, all just minutes from Delavan Lake, Lake Geneva, and I-43. Each thoughtfully
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.
Fields of Delavan - A great first floor location, private entry with patio. Spacious 2 bedroom, 2ba. Remodeled recently painted and new flooring throughout. Cozy fireplace, 2 car attached garage and a in-unit laundry rm, comes complete with all appliances. Available July 1st, $1,500 a mth, plus security deposit. No pets, non smoking.
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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