Looking for lakeside relaxation, historic charm, and small-town fun in Southern Wisconsin? Head to Delavan! Known for its beautiful lake, circus heritage, and family-friendly resorts, Delavan is a hidden gem just 10 minutes from Lake Geneva. Whether you're boating, antiquing, or splashing in a water park, Delavan offers the perfect mix of Midwest charm and adventure.
Delavan, WI Highlights:
- For Families: Splash at Lake Lawn Resort – Enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, lakefront fun, and on-site dining at this classic lakeside resort.
- For History Buffs: Discover Delavan’s circus past – Visit historic plaques and murals commemorating the town's 19th-century circus roots.
- For Boaters: Cruise Delavan Lake – Rent a pontoon or enjoy a lakeside picnic with beautiful water views and fishing access.
- For Shoppers: Browse downtown antique stores – Explore vintage finds and collectibles in walkable, friendly downtown shops.
- For Nature Lovers: Walk the trails at Paul Lange Arboretum – A peaceful green space with scenic paths and native plants.
Best Time to Visit Delavan, WI
The best time to visit Delavan is from late spring through early fall (May–October), when lake activities, festivals, and outdoor events are in full swing. Winter also brings charm with snow-covered landscapes, indoor water parks, and holiday festivities.
How to Get to Delavan, WI
- By Car: Delavan is located along I-43, just 10 minutes from Lake Geneva, 50 minutes from Milwaukee, and 1.5 hours from Chicago.
- By Air: The closest airports are General Mitchell International (MKE) in Milwaukee and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD), both within 1–1.5 hours by car.
- By Bus: Coach USA offers service to nearby Lake Geneva and Janesville, with short taxi or rideshare connections to Delavan.
Where to Stay in Delavan, WI
- Recommended for Families: Lake Lawn Resort – Full-service lakeside resort with golf, boat rentals, a spa, and indoor water play for all ages.
- For Budget-Friendly Comfort: Comfort Suites Delavan – Modern, spacious rooms with free breakfast and a pool near downtown.
- For a Cozy Stay: Sky Lodge Inn & Suites – Affordable and clean with easy access to Lake Delavan and nearby attractions.
Best Things to Do in Delavan, WI
⮕ For Music Lovers: Belfry Music Theatre
Watch live performances and enjoy intimate acoustics on a romantic weekend outing.
The Belfry Music Theatre aims to continue a legacy of engaging, inspiring, and entertaining the local Delavan community and the surrounding area by hosting professional productions with the whole family in mind, enriching lives and building memories.
Programs include art exhibits, children’s theater, comedy, drama, and musical theater in a historic building that uses state-of-the-art sound and lighting to enhance the live performance experience and other events. Parking is available across the road at the Mercy Hospital, with crossing guards present for event to help guests cross the street. Handicap parking is available in front of the Belfry Music Theatre.
Belfry Music Theatre, 3601 Wisconsin 67, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-394-6460
⮕ For Wellness Seekers: Calladora Spa
Relax with massages and unwind lakeside during a peaceful retirement retreat.
The Calladora Spa at the Lake Lawn Resort offers “beauty by the water” and is one of the most unique and relaxing spas in this area of Wisconsin, providing a serene setting that encourages guests to achieve a blissful state. The peaceful spa consists of treatment rooms, full-service locker rooms, and a lounge area. Guests of the Calladora Spa receive a personalized experience, whether they are staying at the resort or simply spending a day at Delavan Lake.
Calladora Spa, 2400 E. Geneva St, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-728-7950
⮕ For Families: Phoenix Park Bandshell
Bring a blanket and enjoy live music on an easy summer evening.
The Phoenix Park Bandshell in Delavan, Wisconsin is a place where travelers and locals alike can find free entertainment in the city. All of the shows hosted at the Bandshell are open to the general public with no admission fee. Food is often available during these events for purchase.
Guests can bring their own blankets and chairs to sit on during the music performances, during which they can choose to just sit and relax as they listen to the music or dance away. The Phoenix Park Bandshell is Walworth County’s only venue to provide all of its live music performances for free.
Phoenix Park Bandshell, 111 E Wisconsin St, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-728-8577
Where to Eat
⮕ For Foodies: Duck Inn Supper Club
Savor prime rib and classic cocktails on an affordable nostalgic dinner trip.
The Duck Inn Supper Club in Delavan, Wisconsin is the city’s historic supper club, originating during the country’s prohibition era, during which time the Duck Inn acted as a speakeasy. This means that patrons of the club would have to “duck in” secretly to have a drink, where a bartender would inform them to “speak easy” and be quiet.
Guests today can still “duck in” for dinner and a cocktail at the Duck Inn Supper Club. The menu includes several seafood, steak, and duck entrees, as well as homemade dessert created by the pastry chef and an extensive list of drinks.
Duck Inn Supper Club, N6214 WI-89, Delavan, WI, Phone: 608-883-6988
⮕ For Italian Food Lovers: Sweet Aroma Ristorante
Dine on hearty Italian dishes and enjoy warm service during a cozy family meal.
The Sweet Aroma Ristorante serves Italian cuisine made from recipes passed down for generations from the regions of Calabria, Sicily, and Naples in Italy. Dinner at the Sweet Aroma Ristorante features “Old World” flavors and food and is served European-style with family-style salad, soup, onion and tomato side salad, vegetables, potato, and pasta.
All dishes are cooked-to-order and include a variety of seafood, veal, chicken, and pasta entrees, as well as homemade desserts and pastries. The Sweet Aroma Ristorante provides a family-friendly setting and excellent service with a goal of making guests feel at home.
Sweet Aroma Ristorante, W7404 County Road X, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-728-6878
⮕ Riga Tony's
Feast on pasta and enjoy old-school vibes on a fun weekend visit.
Riga Tony's Delicatezzi in Delavan, Wisconsin has served traditional Italian fare to the community since 2002, however, Joseph Russo, the owner of the popular eatery, has worked in the industry since he was a kid, raised in a traditional Italian household in Chicago.
Customers will find packaged and fresh imported Italian products Rigatony’s, including imported cheeses, canned goods, Italian pastas, and homemade ravioli, as well as unique items, such as prime dry-aged steaks, homemade pizza, homemade Italian beef, and homemade sausage. There is also a deli-style counter for guests who would prefer to dine in at Rigatony’s Delicatezzi.
Riga Tony's, 5576 C State Road 50, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-740-2540
⮕ Boxed and Burlap, Delavan, Wisconsin
Sip craft coffee and shop home goods on a relaxing morning outing.
Boxed and Burlap is a small business in Delavan in Wisconsin’s scenic Walworth County that was started by what be described as an “American small town dream,” with the help of friend and family. Boxed and Burlap is a combined event space and coffeehouse serving coffee that is custom roasted for the shop and not served anywhere else in the Midwest.
The coffee shop aspect of Boxed and Burlap features a full-service espresso bar, along with a variety of pastries and tea.
Boxed and Burlap, 2935 State Road 67, Delavan, WI 53115, Phone: 262-374-5497
If you are interested in local events:
- For Family Fun: Delavan Scarecrow Fest (September) – Fall fun with craft vendors, food trucks, and decorated scarecrows downtown.
- For Holiday Cheer: Delavan Tree Lighting (December) – Festive lights, caroling, and community warmth to kick off the holiday season.
- For Music Lovers: Phoenix Park Summer Concert Series – Free weekly concerts in a charming outdoor setting.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–60 Minutes of Delavan, WI:
- For Resort Vibes: Lake Geneva (10 min) – Shop downtown, hike the lakeshore path, or book a lake cruise in this popular vacation town.
- For Scenic Hikes: Kettle Moraine State Forest (40 min) – Explore glacial ridges, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
- For Big City Fun: Milwaukee (1 hr) – Museums, breweries, and Lake Michigan beaches await just north.
- For Family Entertainment: Timber Ridge Waterpark (15 min) – Indoor slides and lazy rivers make it great for a rainy day.
- For Local Wine: Staller Estate Winery (20 min) – Enjoy a tasting and views of rolling vineyards in nearby Delavan countryside.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where is Delavan located?
- Delavan is located in the southeastern region of Wisconsin, less than an hour away from bustling Milwaukee, and offers an escape to a small-town setting with quite a long history.
- How does Delavan compare to Milwaukee in size?
- While the small city of Delavan is only around a fifth of Milwaukee’s size, there is still plenty to do for both local residents and tourists alike.
- What types of activities are available in Delavan?
- Along with several indoor attractions, Delavan is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
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