So, you're looking for Delavan, Wisconsin. Maybe you're planning a weekend getaway, or maybe you just saw a weird photo of a life-sized elephant statue and wondered where on earth that was.
Delavan, WI is in Walworth County. It sits right in the southwestern pocket of the county, tucked away from the high-octane glitz of Lake Geneva but close enough that you can smell the expensive boat fuel if the wind blows the right way. Honestly, people get Delavan and the surrounding towns mixed up all the time because Walworth County is packed with these little lakeside gems that sort of bleed into one another. But Delavan has a vibe that’s entirely its own—a mix of old-school circus grit and surprisingly upscale lakeside living.
The Walworth County Connection
Walworth County is basically the playground of Southeast Wisconsin. It was established way back in 1838 and named after a New York judge, Reuben Hyde Walworth. He was a big-shot temperance guy, which is funny because if you've ever spent a Saturday night at a Wisconsin supper club, you know "temperance" isn't exactly the first word that comes to mind these days.
Delavan specifically was founded by two brothers, Henry and Samuel Phoenix. They wanted to start a "temperance colony" where nobody drank. They even put clauses in the property deeds saying you couldn't sell booze on the land.
Spoiler alert: It didn't stick.
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Today, Delavan is part of a county that includes heavy hitters like Elkhorn (the county seat), Whitewater, and Lake Geneva. While the "City" of Delavan is where most of the action is, there's also the "Town" of Delavan. It's one of those weird Wisconsin things where the city and the town share a name but have different governments. In 2026, the city's population is hovering around 9,055 people, and it’s actually growing faster than a lot of its neighbors.
Why Everyone Talks About the Circus
You can't talk about what county Delavan is in without mentioning the elephants.
Back in 1847, two brothers named Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie brought their U.S. Olympic Circus to Delavan to set up winter quarters. They chose this spot because the grazing was good and the water in Delavan Lake was clean.
Eventually, Delavan became the "Circus Capital of the World." Between 1847 and 1894, over 26 different circuses wintered here. The big one? P.T. Barnum’s "Greatest Show on Earth" was actually organized right here in Delavan in 1871.
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If you walk through downtown today, you’ll see the Walldogs murals—massive, gorgeous paintings on the sides of brick buildings—depicting this history. There’s even a statue of an elephant in Tower Park. It’s a bit surreal, but that’s Delavan for you.
Living and Working in Delavan
Economically, Delavan isn't just a museum for circus history. It’s a legit hub for the region.
The median household income here is around $71,121. That’s pretty solid for the area. Most people work in manufacturing, retail, or the massive hospitality industry that surrounds the lake.
- Lake Lawn Resort: This place is legendary. It started as a guesthouse in 1878 and now it’s a sprawling resort with a golf course and a massive footprint on the lake.
- Wisconsin School for the Deaf: Delavan has been home to this state institution since 1852. It’s a core part of the community’s identity.
- The Brick Street: Downtown Delavan features a stretch of Walworth Avenue made of "Vitrified Brick." It’s on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s bumpy, it’s loud when you drive on it, and the locals wouldn't have it any other way.
What to Do When You Get There
If you're making the trip into Walworth County to visit, don't just stare at the map.
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Go to Community Park. It’s 15 acres of lakefront property with a beach and a boat launch. If you aren't a resident, you'll have to pay a small fee to get in, but it’s worth it for the sunset views alone.
Then there’s the Dancing Horses Theatre. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Arabian horses performing stunts and "dancing" to music. It’s one of those "only in Delavan" experiences that feels like a throwback to the town’s showmanship roots.
For food? Aranda’s Mexican Grill is a local staple, and 1878 on the Lake (at Lake Lawn) is where you go when you want to feel fancy.
Practical Stats for the Curious
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| County | Walworth |
| 2026 Population (Est.) | 9,055 |
| Median Age | ~38 years |
| Primary Lake | Delavan Lake (1,906 acres) |
| Notable Landmark | The Allyn Mansion (Victorian style) |
Final Thoughts on Delavan
Delavan is more than just a coordinate in Walworth County. It’s a place that survived the collapse of the circus era, the Great Depression, and the transition from a temperance colony to a vacation destination. It’s got a weird, wonderful soul.
If you're moving here or just visiting, check out the Walworth County Government Center in nearby Elkhorn for any official business—it’s only about a 10-minute drive away.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Map your route: Delavan is about 90 minutes from Chicago and an hour from Milwaukee.
- Book a Tee Time: If you golf, the Delbrook Golf Course is one of the best municipal courses in the state.
- Check the Calendar: See if the Phoenix Park Bandshell has a free concert scheduled; they run all summer and are the heart of the town's social life.