Overview
Delavan is a city in central, western Walworth County, in Southeast Wisconsin. Delavan is home to Lake Delavan and Comus Lakes, and to Lake Lawn Resort.
3 sights · 1 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Delavan
Downtown Delavan
Home of numerous quaint restaurants, bakeries, antique stores, clothing retailers and the famous circus statues at Water Tower Park.
Paul Lange Arboretum
One of Delavan's two arboretums, the Paul Lange Arboretum is also a canoe launch for Lake Comus and has a 1½-mile nature trail.
Rudy Lange Sledding Hill
During the winter, the Rudy Lange Sledding Hill is a major attraction for the city's kids.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 17°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Apr. (climate data from nearby Milwaukee)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport, Chicago/Rockford — 38 mi away. Directions
- MKE General Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee — 44 mi away (major hub). Directions
Delavan is accessible via Interstate 43 and is within 5 miles of US Route 14. Routes 50 and 11 are the primary east-west thoroughfares.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Downtown Delavan, Paul Lange Arboretum
- Lunch Elizabeth's Cafe
- Afternoon Rudy Lange Sledding Hill
- Evening The Inn Between
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The Delavan area was inhabited by Native Americans as early as 1000 BC, including the original mound builders and later by the Potawatomi. When Wisconsin became a state in 1848, development began and the City was home to roughly 26 circus companies between 1847 and 1894. This rich circus history is reflected across the city in statues and murals.
After the circus companies closed or moved on, the city's tourism industry picked up with Lake Lawn Resort as a major attraction. Though Lake Lawn had some difficult years, it is open and is again popular with vacationers.
Delavan has a large Hispanic population: roughly 24% of the population in 2024. The exceptional diversity of the community is reflected in the downtown, where English and Spanish businesses stand beside each other.
Get in
Delavan is accessible via Interstate 43 and is within 5 miles of US Route 14. Routes 50 and 11 are the primary east-west thoroughfares.
Get around
Delavan can be traveled by car or on foot. WI 11 and 50 provide access to the vast majority of the city.
See
See Paul Lange Arboretum
One of Delavan's two arboretums, the Paul Lange Arboretum is also a canoe launch for Lake Comus and has a 1½-mile nature trail.
See Rudy Lange Sledding Hill
During the winter, the Rudy Lange Sledding Hill is a major attraction for the city's kids.
Eat
Eat Elizabeth's Cafe
A country cafe serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Combo specials are inexpensive and delicious.
Drink
Drink The Inn Between
The historic "Inn Between" bar & grill on Delavan Lake is on 70 feet of prime waterfront with 2 piers to cater to the lake clientele and a large parking lot for those traveling by car or cycle. The last true tavern left on Delavan Lake features inside and outside dining along with a spacious picnic area for fun and games. Known as "the place to be" the Inn Between has many upgraded amenities including 10 beers on tap, outside deck with lakeviews and a Tiki Bar.
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My experience
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