Delavan Lake Insider Q&A — Answers Travelers Actually Ask

Getting there & around

Logistics

How was Delavan Lake formed?: Delavan Lake is a natural, glacially formed lake — 1,906 acres in Walworth County, Wisconsin, with a maximum depth of 52 feet. The Ho-Chunk called it Kay-chunk-er-rah ("turtle") and the Potawatomi called it Wau-ba-shaw-bess ("swan lake") before European settlement.
What's the closest airport to Delavan Lake?: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is the largest nearby hub, about an hour and 40 minutes by road. Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) is closer in miles, about 45 minutes away, with fewer direct flight options.

Groceries, gas, urgent care

Where's the closest grocery store to Delavan Lake?: Stinebrink's Piggly Wiggly on East Geneva Street in Delavan — a full-service grocery store in town, a short drive from the lake's marinas.
Where's the closest emergency room to Delavan Lake?: Aurora Lakeland Medical Center's emergency room, in Elkhorn — the Walworth County hospital, recently expanded with a new $14.5 million emergency department.

Where to eat

Where can I eat at Delavan Lake?: 1878 on the Lake, Lake Lawn Resort's signature restaurant, covers panoramic waterfront dining. Lookout Bar & Eatery, the resort's casual second spot, has pub fare and craft beer for a more relaxed meal.

What's worth doing

Is Delavan really a circus town?: Yes — 26 circuses wintered in Delavan between 1847 and 1894, starting when Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie's United States Olympic Circus stopped there and the brothers bought 400 acres. Local historians credit Edmund Mabie's circus with inventing pink lemonade. A historical marker downtown documents the circus colony.
What is Lake Lawn Resort's history?: The Mabie family's circus-era farm became a 50-room guesthouse in 1883, built by Anna Mary Phillips, Edmund Mabie's daughter. It's operated as a resort on the lake ever since, now with 271 rooms, a golf course, and the lake's largest marina.

On the water & on the trail

Where can I rent a boat at Delavan Lake?: Lake Lawn Marina, on the lake's northeast shore, is the largest at 261 slips with a full rental fleet. Delavan Lake Marina on North Shore Drive covers pontoons and fishing boats as a second option.

Seasons & weather

When's the best time to visit Delavan Lake?: Late spring through Labor Day for full marina hours and both Lake Lawn Resort restaurants at capacity. The resort's golf course and spa run year-round for a quieter off-season stay.