$387,202Average Value$253Average Price per Sq Ft81Homes 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
Heidi Bergstedt,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Delavan, WI sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Delavan, WI over the last 12 months is $335,750, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
New build of the popular Berquist II, this open concept 3 bed /2.5 bath/2.5 car garage home has 2,019 sq. ft. of living space with an additional full, unfinished lookout basement for storage or additional future build-out of space. This home is loaded with extras: direct vent fireplace in the Great Room, upgraded wide Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout most of the first floor, 42'' kitchen
NEW SHODEEN MODEL HOME showcased in our New Home Construction community! This is a one-of-a-kind Peachtree II with 2,625 sq. ft., 4 bed + Flex Room/2.5 bath/3 car garage, a Deep Pour full basement with an added 3/4 rough in plumbing for future bath build out. This open concept stunner is designed with a multitude of the upgraded features: inviting front porch, 20' x 15' Backyard Concrete patio
Affordable weekend Getaway or year round vacation style living! House has a fully walkout lower level and 2 car garage just 2 blocks from Lake Lorraine. Very scenic wooded hillside setting viewed from a large rear deck. Real hardwood flooring, original fieldstone fireplace with a partial lake view make this home feel like your on a vacation. Property is being sold as-is, and priced very low to
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
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.
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
New build of the popular Berquist II, this open concept 3 bed /2.5 bath/2.5 car garage home has 2,019 sq. ft. of living space with an additional full, unfinished lookout basement for storage or additional future build-out of space. This home is loaded with extras: direct vent fireplace in the Great Room, upgraded wide Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout most of the first floor, 42 kitchen
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.
This is a one-of-a-kind Peachtree IV with 2,625 sq. ft., 4 bed + Flex Room/2.5 bath/3 car garage, a 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 15’ Concrete patio perfect for family gatherings or entertaining, direct vent fireplace in the Great Room, upgraded 42
Introducing the Oakley III Ranch floorplan at The Shores of Delavan Lake, with 3 beds, 2 baths, 3 car garage and a full, unfinished basement. This open concept new build is going to be loaded with extras: vaulted ceiling in Great Room, direct vent fireplace, 12 x 18 concrete patio perfect for entertaining, 8' garage doors, low maintenance Luxury Vinyl Plank flooring throughout the first floor,
Beautifully updated, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath raised ranch is the one you've been waiting for! Step inside to find a fresh, modern interior featuring new flooring throughout, a brand-new kitchen, and new appliances. New windows add to the home's appeal while bringing in plenty of natural light and creating a bright, inviting atmosphere. The functional floor plan offers comfortable living spaces
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.
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.
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.
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
Completely furnished two-bedroom condo on the edge of Delavan available for rent starting July 15, 2026. The unit is ideal for someone relocating to the area or in need of a 12 month lease. All on the first floor, this unit has two spacious bedrooms, an open concept living area, private patio space and its own washer and dryer and a two-car attached garage with electric opener. All the
Live Connected. Live Comfortable. Live Inspired.OPENING THIS FALL!! Your dream lifestyle becomes a reality at Aspire Apartments. With easy freeway access, walking distance to shops, dining, schools, and recreation. Aspire Apartments, nestled in the heart of Delavan, offers thoughtfully designed interiors, and resort-style amenities tailored for your lifestyle. Aspire is more
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.
Recently remodeled 2BR 1BA ranch on 1 acre rural parcel. Open floor plan with new vinyl plank flooring. Full basement. 1.5 car detached garage. Landlord provides lawn care and snow removal. No smoking and no pets allowed.
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
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.
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