Delavan Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip to Delavan, Wisconsin with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the culturally important attractions, natural scenery, food and drink scene, where to stay, and everything you need to know before heading to this charming town.


Introduction to Delavan

Nestled in the heart of Walworth County, Delavan is a charming town full of natural beauty and rich history. It’s a perfect destination for anyone seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a peaceful getaway. This travel guide will help you plan your trip to Delavan:

List of Places to Visit in Delavan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history buff, Delavan won’t disappoint you. You can explore the rich heritage of the town by visiting the following cultural attractions:

  • Historic Downtown Delavan: Take a walk in the historic downtown and experience the charm and character of the town’s architecture and unique shops.
  • Wisconsin School for the Deaf Museum: Learn about the history of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf through exhibits featuring photographs, artifacts, and stories of its former students.
  • Downtown Historical Walking Tour: Explore Delavan’s historical downtown by following this self-guided walking tour. You can pick up a brochure at the Delavan Historical Society.

Natural Attractions of Delavan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For those who crave outdoor adventures, Delavan offers fantastic hiking, biking and water activities.

  • Lake Geneva Cruise Line: embarks on a sightseeing tour of Lake Geneva and marvel at the beauty of the lake and the stunning lakefront mansions.
  • Lake Geneva Canopy Tours: experience exhilarating zip-lining, trek through the treetops and trail adventure courses while enjoying the gorgeous views of the countryside.
  • Community Park: Spend a day enjoying the sun and playing in the water at the park situated on the shores of Delavan Lake.
  • The Dancing Horses Theatre: Witness beautiful horses from all over the world and their unique movements set to music put up quite a show to amaze spectators.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Delavan

Delavan has over 160 miles of hard surface and natural trails, perfect for hikers and bikers of all skill levels.

  • The Ice Age Trail: Experience the beauty of the Kettle Moraine State Forest by hiking on the Ice Age Trail. It is an 8-mile section of the trail that will take you across a wooden plank bridge and through a variety of terrains, making it a great choice for adventurous hikers.
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path: More than 20 miles of public footpath running in front of the private lakeshore estates. It offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Geneva.
  • White River State Trail: This 11-mile trail is ideal for cycling, horseback riding, and hiking. It starts in Elkhorn and runs through a rural agricultural countryside with the beautiful countryside view of Southeast Wisconsin

    Best Things to Do in Delavan: Activities and Tours

Delavan’s activities and tours are a great way to experience the town’s history and charm.

  • Yerkes Observatory Tour: Take a guided tour of the historic Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics, located in Williams Bay.
  • East Troy Electric Railroad: Museum - This museum features a collection of historic electric railcars and locomotives, and visitors can take an authentic electric train ride through the scenic Kettle Moraine countryside.
  • Lake Geneva Balloon Company: Experience Delavan’s beautiful scenery like never before with a hot air balloon ride over the surrounding countryside.
  • Apple Barn Orchard and Winery: Situated between Elkhorn and Delavan, this orchard and winery is open to the public for apple picking and wine tasting experiences

Week-Long Itinerary for Delavan

Day 1 - Arrival and check-in to your hotel Day 2 - Visit historic downtown Delavan and take the Downtown Historical Walking Tour Day 3 - Explore the natural beauty of Delavan Lake at Community Park Day 4 - Head out for a day trip to Lake Geneva Cruise Line Day 5 - Explore the beauty of Kettle Moraine State Forest by hiking at Ice Age Trail Day 6 - Go on a hot air balloon ride at Lake Geneva Balloon Company Day 7 - Departure from Delavan

Food and Drink Scene of Delavan

Delavan has a mix of cuisines that caters to the taste buds of everyone, from fine dining to small local cafes.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bratwurst: Find the best-tasting bratwurst in the area at Delavan’s popular sausage shop, Wilson Farm Meats.
  • Friday Night Fish Fry: Join the locals for the famous Friday Night Fish Fry at Lake Lawn Resort’s Frontier Restaurant.

Local Beverages

  • Delavan Lake Brewing: This local microbrewery produces award-winning handcrafted beers, created with the finest ingredients, including grains grown just outside of the brewery.

Where to Stay in Delavan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Delavan’s accommodations range from budget-friendly to luxurious.

  • Lake Lawn Resort: An ideal spot for families, located on the Delavan Lake shore.
  • Comfort Suites: A top-rated hotel with modern amenities, including an indoor pool.
  • Sky Lodge Inn & Suites: A budget-friendly motel, offering comfortable, clean rooms.

What to Buy in Delavan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • The Apple Barn Orchard and Winery: The orchard and winery offer freshly picked apples, local wines made from their own apple trees, and homemade apple cider donuts.
  • Beloit Auction & Realty: An auction house selling unique antique items, including glassware, collectibles, and antiques.

Local Culture and Customs of Delavan

Delavan’s culture and customs reflect its rich history and are a mix of German, Swiss and American traditions that influenced the town.

  • Cultural fairs: Delavan’s three German heritage and Swiss festivals throughout the year. The festivals feature traditional foods, crafts, and music.
  • Community events: Delavan is known for its community spirit and events like the Goose Festival and Scarecrow Festival, held annually.

Best Time to Visit Delavan

The best time to visit Delavan is from May to October, when the weather is mild, and the countryside is spectacular.

  • Summer: This is the town’s busiest season, enjoying the scenic beauty, popular activities, and festivals.
  • Fall: The town is alive with colors from the fall foliage, and the Apple harvest is in full swing.
  • Winter: Winter’s sub-zero temperatures do not stop the town’s winter sports, and attractions like the Ice Castles in Lake Geneva are not to be missed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Delavan

Do:

  • Explore the outdoors: Hiking, biking and water activities offer spectacular views of the countryside.
  • Join a cultural festival: Experience the taste, music, and traditions of the town’s German and Swiss heritage.
  • Try Local Food and Drink: The town has an abundance of local breweries, orchards and food producers.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Respect the town’s environment and facilities, and dispose of trash properly.
  • Overlook the natural scenic beauty: Delavan’s nature is unique and unmatched – keep the areas you visit clean and leave them as you found them.

Safety and Health

Safety in Delavan

Delavan is relatively safe, but like any small town, care should be taken.

Health in Delavan

Delavan has a limited number of healthcare facilities, and visitors should ensure their health insurance policy covers them for any unforeseen medical expenses before traveling.

Getting to Delavan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Delavan

  • General Mitchell International Airport which is about 60 miles from Delavan.
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport which is approximately 90 miles from Delavan.

Bus Stations Near Delavan

  • Lake Geneva Cruise Line - Tour company offers bus shuttle transportation from the Chicago-Milwaukee area to Delavan.

Other Options

  • Car rental: Renting a car is a popular option for visitors to Delavan.
  • Taxi: Local taxi services are available in Delavan

How to Get Around in Delavan

The best way to get around Delavan is by car. The town has limited public transportation, so having a car will give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Where to Go Next from Delavan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Delavan is a great starting point to explore other nearby Wisconsin towns and cities, including:

  • Lake Geneva: A picturesque resort town on the eastern shore of Geneva Lake.
  • Elkhorn: A historic city that offers cultural heritage tours and is home to several antique shops.
  • Madison: The state capital of Wisconsin offers an abundance of cultural attractions, including museums, galleries, and theaters.

Conclusion

Delavan is a perfect destination for those seeking both cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. We hope this travel guide has been helpful and inspires you to visit this charming town in Walworth County, Wisconsin.