Start Your New Holiday Traditions in Delavan

The Holidays are a time to be surrounded by loved ones and good food. Why not start a new family tradition with one of Delavan’s most iconic supper clubs, the Duck Inn!

In 1994, The Duck Inn was purchased by Jeff Karbash with the goal to restore it to a traditional supper club. The Karbash Family created an inviting atmosphere with casual fine dining in an elegant country setting. This is done with a historical duck theme, festive holiday decorations, friendly accommodating staff, and fine food & cocktails.

Start the night off with one of their many delicious appetizers. The Crab Stuffed Mushrooms definitely hits the spot and Mozzarella Logs are the perfect Wisconsin treat to add to any meal.

The Duck Inn is known for many of its dishes and it’s hard to pick a favorite. You can never go wrong with their Prime Rib or Alaskan King Crab Legs. You can even create your own Combination Dinner where you can mix and match items to get the full experience. One of our favorite Holiday dishes is the Roasted Half Duck. Served on wild rice, with your choice of sauce, a l’orange, mushroom, or cherry jubilee. If you can’t decide, you can upgrade to try all their savory sauces. Pair it with a Brandy Old Fashioned, an old Wisconsin favorite.

If you’re looking for the perfect drink on a cold winter’s night, then their Hot Butter Rum will have you saying YUM! Jeff was kind enough to share the recipe with us so you can make it at home this Holiday season.

What You’ll Need:

• ½ Cup of Butter Softened
• ½ Cup of Powdered Sugar
• ½ Cup Brown Sugar
• ½ Cup Vanilla Ice Cream
• Rum (Dark)
• Boiling Water

Makes 16 Servings (cut in half to ¼ Cup for 8 servings)

How to Prepare:
Combine powdered sugar, brown sugar, butter, and ice cream and blend together until mixed well.
Add 2 Tbsp of the mixture in highball then add 1-2 Tbsp of dark rum.
Pour 6 oz of boiling water and mix. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and whip cream and serve.

The Duck Inn is the perfect traditional supper club where you can enjoy the atmosphere, cocktails, and an exquisite meal. Be sure to visit Delavan for more Holiday fun!

Exclusive Fall Drinks You Don’t Want to Miss!

As chills through the air have begun to pick up the search for a new comfort drink begins. Delavan has no shortage of drink specials for you to choose from. Check out these crisp fall drinks to spice up your autumnal season!

Get Your Morning Fix

Looking for the perfect drink to start your morning? Boxed and Burlap in Delavan has you covered! You will Fall for their Pumpkin Spice Latte, made with real pumpkin! Their maple latte is made with pure maple syrup, is 100% natural, and nothing artificial. Not a huge coffee drinker? No problem! They also serve a frothed caramel apple cider. You can order it hot and frothed or iced and both are served with a bit of caramel sauce.

Rise and Shine

Want a little kick in your coffee? Duesterbeck’s annual coffee stout is back on the menu! Their Rise and Shine Vanilla Coffee Stout is made with a delicious cold brew. This fresh, crisp, vanilla cold press coffee brew finish is sure to put a pep in your step for the day.

Wet Your Whistle

The Whiskey Ranch – Delavan is next on our list with a full menu of fall drink specials in store! First up is a sweet Twisted Apple made with crown apple, caramel vodka, Sierra Mist, and cranberry juice. Want something a little more classic? Why not try their Pumpkin Old Fashioned or Apple Mule? The Pumpkin Old Fashioned is made with Great Lakes Distillery Pumpkin Liqueur, hand-muddled cherries and oranges with sugar and bitters. The flavors include, sweet, sour, or press. Their Apple Mule is made with crown apple, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. If you’re in the mood for something a little more on the fun side, they offer Homemade Apple Pie shots and a Cranberry Orange Sangria made with Moscato, cranberry vodka, Sierra Mist, and a splash of orange juice.

Spice Up the Day

A Vanilla Vodka Chai is the perfect cocktail for fall and Turtle Lake Tap & Grill is here to deliver!
This tasty mixed drink is made with chai tea, vanilla vodka, amaretto, half and half, garnished with a cinnamon stick. They also serve other fall favorites like, an apple pecan old fashioned, a pumpkin mule, TL apple cider hot toddy, jack apple fizz, and a salted nut roll shot.

And For Dessert

Are you in the mood for a non-alcoholic drink that still fits into the fall season? Patty’s Too serves up a cool drink to entice your tastebuds. The shake of the month is pumpkin pie! All the delicious flavors of an actual pumpkin pie in a chilled drink.

Whether you need a drink to start your day or one to spice up your evening, Delavan serves up exactly what you’re looking for. Visit Delavan to discover all of our Fall favorites!

Delavan’s Rich Circus History Includes Reported Haunted Cemetery

Come one, come all and learn about Delavan’s rich circus history! Delavan is known for being the birthplace of PT Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth but do you know where it all started? We have some stories and information for you about how circuses put Delavan on the map as the circus capital of the nation.

The Start of Delavan’s Circus History

The start of Delavan’s booming circus success began when brothers Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie were traveling with their US Olympic Circus and stopped in Delavan to hunt prairie chickens. Although they had merely been passing through, they noticed that the area provided the perfect amount of space, food, and water for their circus animals. The Mabie brothers ended up wintering in Delavan and even purchased up to 1000 acres of land – where Lake Lawn Resort now stands – to give their animals the environment they needed to thrive.

With their circus becoming so popular, it paved the way for over 26 other circuses and acts to bring their shows to Delavan. This is what reportedly gave William C. Coup, a retired circus manager, the idea to have PT Barnum start his own circus, specifically to be transferred by railcar not by wagon 20 years later.

In the 1870s Coup was said to have met with Barnum in Delavan to convince him of his traveling railcar circus proposal, thus Delavan was considered to be the birthplace of PT Barnum’s Greatest Show on Earth though some historians consider Coup to be the true founder, not Barnum. In 1871 the circus headed to Brooklyn, New York to begin its venture.

Circuses Become Part of Delavan Community

What started as circuses wintering in Delavan turned into them living and becoming active members of the community. Which helped Delavan grow, prosper, and be put on the map. But as railroad travel became more and more popular, Delavan slowly fell off the track for circuses to stop through. The reign of circuses in Delavan ended in 1894 with the EG Holland Railroad Circus closing its tents.

Members of the circus that ended up living their lives in Delavan are buried in the Spring Grove and St. Andrew Parish cemeteries. The number varies but nearly 250 members affiliated with the circus are said to be buried there, many have numbered plaques next to their gravestones noting they were associated with the circus in some way. After his death, William C. Coup requested to be buried in the Spring Grove cemetery, as well as members of the Mabie family. The former circus employees are said to haunt the grounds. People have claimed to see the ghosts of acrobats, clowns, and even horses wandering through the cemetery at night.

Delavan was a location that great acts and shows not only passed through but where many found a place to call “home.” If you’d like to learn more about Delavan’s spectacular circus history, be sure to check out our circus-themed Tower Park, murals, and other historical markers in Downtown Delavan, and visit the Delavan Wisconsin Historical Society. When you visit Delavan there are always fascinating things to learn and see!

5 Spots To Enjoy Fall Colors In Delavan

Going for a walk under the fall colors, enjoying the view with a drink, getting out on the lake for a panoramic view of all the red, gold, orange, and yellow trees…Delavan has plenty of ways to enjoy the colors this fall. Here are five of our favorite spots to experience fall and the beautiful leaves in Delavan.

Walk through fall colors at the arboretum

The Paul Lange and Ora Rice arboretums are nestled along the shores of Lake Comus, providing lake views of the fall colors while you’re also walking amongst the beautiful trees. The adjoining nature areas are more than 30 combined acres with nature trails and plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the views.

Enjoy some fall colors while golfing

Featuring 27 holes of public golf, Delbrook Golf Course’s original course was constructed in 1927, and golfers can still enjoy the shade and views from trees planted more than 80 years ago. Imagine the beautiful fall colors from all those trees! Grab a spot on their practice range, which allows you to hit your ball up to 275 yards while enjoying the view of the fall colors along their three courses.

Get panoramic views of fall colors on Delavan Lake

One of the best ways to enjoy fall colors on the lake is on the Lake Lawn Queen. The Queen is Delavan Lake’s two-level 76-foot cruise boat that takes passengers on a tour of Delavan Lake and its shores, with views of five Frank Lloyd Wright homes, other historical landmarks, and colorful fall vistas. The open-air top deck has lounge seating with amazing views from every angle, while the climate-controlled main level has various seating options and panoramic window views.

Experience fall colors and lake views from land

For a nice walk with lake views and plenty of fall colors to enjoy, head to Community Park in Delavan. Community Park, at the corner of Highway 50 and South Shore Drive, is 15 acres of lakefront property with a beach, playground, pavilions you can rent, and a long peninsula for shore fishing. The peninsula is also perfect for a lakefront stroll to enjoy the fall colors.

Grab a drink and enjoy the view of fall colors

What better way to enjoy the fall colors on Delavan Lake than with a group of friends and a drink! Head to Inn Between Bar & Grill right on the north shore of Delavan Lake with one of the best views on the lake. They serve lunch and dinner, plus have a full-service bar.

Head to Delavan this fall for a walk, boat tour, game of golf, or day of relaxing while enjoying the beautiful fall colors.

Delavan/Darien Rotary Artisan Festival

Delavan’s history is filled with more than just circuses and temperance rallies. It was also home to an art colony near the end of the 19^th Century. During this period students would come into Delavan from the Chicago Art Institute for more art training. Some of the artists made their homes here but only for about 15 years.

“Adolph Schulz did not like cows in his paintings,” said Terri Yanke, a Friends of the Library representative. Apparently, farmers were moving into the area with their grazing creatures. The artists moved down to Nashville, Indiana but left a lot of their paintings, which are now on display at Aram Public Library.          

Today these painters are gone but art has not left the city. To demonstrate the importance art and culture play in this area, the Delavan/Darien Rotary Club is hosting its first Artisan Festival at Congdon Garden, 1420 Hobbs Drive, Delavan on Saturday, September 24 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Funds raised will go toward Arts Scholarships for high school graduates. The festival will  feature an eclectic assortment of artists, crafters, vendors, food-artistisan, authors and performers.

“Covid took a toll on many artists of all genres,” said Carol L. Paur, Artisan Festival Chair. “We are hoping this festival will help artists showcase their works while meeting their fans. We’re also excited to see how we can help promote the arts in this area.” There will be activities for children, performers, and food trucks. For more information, contact Paur at storiesaua@gmail.com.

5 Fall Favorites to Experience in Delavan

The kids go back to school. Temperatures start getting a bit chillier and the leaves start to change. Fall in Wisconsin is really something special! The changing trees add color to everything everywhere, and everyday tasks like getting coffee and a donut get a little added Fall touch. Head to Delavan to experience the best of Fall in Wisconsin with five of our favorite activities.

Fall Favorite #1: Scarecrow Fest

Scarecrow Fest is a favorite in Delavan with this year’s event marking 22 years. The 22nd Annual Scarecrow Fest in Downtown Delavan on September 17 will feature live music, crafters and vendors, food, children’s activities, free pumpkins, a petting zoo, Walldog Mural tours, and so much Fall fun! Come to see what scarecrows Downtown Delavan businesses have created this year and stay to create your own with $10 DIY Scarecrow Kits.

Fall Favorite #2: Brew Walk

Another local Fall favorite is the Downtown Delavan Brew Walk. This year’s event is October 22. Walk around Downtown Delavan while tasting beer and exploring local businesses. Grab some family or friends, a tasting passport, and a map so you don’t miss any of the stops or event features. Halloween costumes are not required but are highly encouraged…so you never know who or what you might see on the Delavan Brew Walk! Oktoberfest in the Town of Delavan is also on October 22. Head to Community Park for more Fall festivities.

Fall Favorite #3: Fall Coffee Flavors

One of our favorite things to do when fall finally hits is grab a cozy cup of coffee and chat with friends. One of our favorite places to do that is Boxed and Burlap, and their seasonal coffee flavors never disappoint. Check out their seasonal menu (ahem…or maybe even the secret menu on their website) and grab a seat inside their cozy coffee shop or bundle up and enjoy some sun on their patio. Don’t forget a slice of babka or a giant chocolate chip cookie to snack on.

Fall Favorite #4: Apple Cider Donuts

If you haven’t had an apple cider donut…we need to change that! Apple cider donuts are the perfect combination of tart apple, sweet sugar, and cozy cinnamon. And one of our favorite places to grab one (or a dozen) is Delavan Homestyle Bakery in downtown Delavan. You’ll know they have them in the case when you drive by and see “APPLE CIDER DONUTS” on a chalkboard out front!

Fall Favorite #5: Fall Fun at Apple Barn

For an afternoon of fall fun head to the Apple Barn where you can pick apples and pumpkins, eat some yummy fall foods, and do some shopping. Labor Day marks apple season at the Apple Barn where they are open daily for pick-your-own apples. They have Cortland, Empire, Holiday, Honey Crisp, Honey Gold, Ida Red, Gala, Ginger Gold, Jona Gold, McIntosh, Paula Red, and Zestor varieties. Pumpkin season usually starts later in September with pumpkin picking only open on weekends. After you’ve picked your apples and pumpkins, head to the country store and bakery for cider, fruit wines, homemade baked goods, cider donuts, caramel apples, maple syrup, and so much more food, candy, and gifts.

Fall in Wisconsin is one of our favorite times of the year, and these festivals and places to stop will have you enjoying fall favorites during your visit to Delavan.

JOIN US to celebrate Delavan’s 125th Anniversary

Whether you’re enjoying one of our beautiful lakes, parks, local restaurants or shops, Delavan has a lot to offer and we’re celebrating all of that and our 125th Anniversary on July 23. Our annual Brick Street Day event has been moved to July to celebrate our 125th Anniversary with family-friendly activities, entertainment, vendors, food, and history.

We’re kicking off the celebration weekend with a 125th Anniversary Dinner and Fundraiser at Lake Lawn Resort. The Delavan Historical Society and the Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber of Commerce are hosting a dinner and program in honor of the city’s anniversary. There will be a cash bar, plated dinner, a history program, live music, and silent auctions to benefit the Delavan History Society and Delavan-Delavan Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

The main day of celebrating on July 23 starts around 10 am with activities and entertainment throughout downtown Delavan. Many exciting add-ons include a historical tour, guided mural tours, and other special surprises!

Main Stage:

10:45a – Duesterbeck’s Brewing Co. “Brick Street Red Ale” release

11a – DDHS Orchestra

11:45a – DDHS Choir

12:30p – Cream City Circus

1:15p – Delavan Hall of Fame Ceremony

1:30p – Gebel Girls

South 2nd & Walworth:

10a – 4p – Sidewalk Chalk Art

11:30a – 1p – Guided Wagon Walldog Mural Tour

2p -3:30p – Guided Wagon Walldog Mural Tour

Tower Park:

10a – 4p – Treasure Hunt

11:00 – 3:00p – Cousin Otto’s Clown Alley

1:30p – 2:30p – Birthday Cake

All Day – Historic Walk in Tower Park

Children’s Stage:

10:30a – Chris Fascione: Juggling Funny Stories!

11:30a – WSD – Teaching Kids Sign Language

12:45p – The Dance Factory

1:30p – Chris Fascione: Juggling Funny Stories!

2:30p – Magic Morgan & Liliana (with Sign Language Interpreter)

Terrace Street:

10a – 3p – 2nd Annual Downhill Derby (Participants may race in one of the city’s cars)

Adam Public Library:

10a – 2p – Discovering Delavanites Photo Essay Inside Library

10a – 2p – Drop-in Take Home Crafts

11a – 12p – Magnificent Motorcycles

Phoenix Park Bandshell:

7p – 9p – Take It Easy Eagle Tribute Band

Come to Downtown Delavan July 23 for fun, food, entertainment, and a little history to celebrate our city’s 125th Anniversary!

Thank you to our 125th Anniversary Sponsors. Without them, this historic community event would not have been possible.

Stream Dudes

Strategic Materials, Inc.

Noble Insurance

Meridian

Central Printing

Duesterbeck’s Brewing Company

The Dentist

Thorpe & Christian

Lakeside Center Delavan

Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly

5 Ways to Enjoy a Lake Day in Delavan

When the temperatures go up and the sun comes out, the best way to take advantage of a summer day is out on the water. And Delavan has options to enjoy the lake life for all groups and budgets.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Ready for a beach day in Delavan? Community Park on Delavan Lake has a playground area and beach that is free for Town of Delavan residents and $2 or $3 (free for kids under 5 years) for non-residents.

Get Out on the Water

If you want explore Lake Comus Delavan Paddle Sports offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Lake Comus is just a few blocks from historic downtown Delavan and has quiet waters and beautiful natural boundaries to explore at your own pace. Delavan Paddle Sports provides you with a kayak or paddleboard, life jacket, paddle, and some instructions to get you moving. Delavan Paddle Sports is open seven days a week during the summer. Rentals are $15 per boat during the week and $25 per boat during the weekend for 2 hours. They also offer a pass for 10 visits to save money for repeat renters.

To get out on Delavan Lake, Lakeside Bait & Tackle rents pontoon and fishing boats. Whether you are fishing for that trophy bass or taking a cruise around the lake with the family, they have you covered! They also rent canoes and kayaks. Pontoon rentals start at $325 for four hours. Fishing boats start at $150 for eight hours. And canoes and kayaks start at $25.

If you’re looking to get some time on the lake for watersports, Lake Lawn Resort has what you need. They rent out speedboats, tritoon boats, paddleboats, paddleboards, kayaks, and wave runners. They also rent out water skis and water tubes. Availability and pricing can be found on their website.

Enjoy a Lake Cruise

For a leisurely cruise around Delavan Lake, Lake Lawn Resort’s Queen might be more what you’re looking for. The Queen is a two-level 76-foot cruise boat with an open-air top deck full of lounge seating and boasting beautiful lake views. There is also a climate-controlled main level with panoramic windows. Tickets start at $27.50 for a 90-minute scenic cruise.

Learn Some Sailing Skills

Looking to learn some skills on the water? The Delavan Lake Sailing School offers individual and family lessons on different types of boats ranging in price from $75 to $150. DLSS is a nonprofit organization that teaches the art of sailing, and is open to all club members and non-members.

No matter what speed you want to go or type of vessel you want use, there are plenty of options to enjoy a day out on the water in Delavan.

How to Have Fun for Free in Delavan this Summer

Summer is just around the corner, and we’re gearing up to have as much fun as possible and take advantage of every warm day we can. Enjoying summer means different things to different people – hopping on a boat, going fishing, spending some time on a bicycle or motorcycle – but no matter how you like to spend your summer days, if options that don’t break the bank are at the top of your list, we’ve got ideas for you!

Free Summer Events in Delavan

June 4

Kicking off the summer during the first Saturday in June, Lakefest is held at Delavan Lake Community Park on South Shore Drive. The event is free to the public and features a kids fishing tournament, family activities and a waterski show.

June 25

Also at Delavan Lake Community Park is the Town of Delavan’s Independence Day Celebration with fireworks on June 25. The show starts at dusk, and can be seen from many points around the Delavan Inlet and Delavan Lake.

July 4

The City of Delavan Fireworks is held on the 4th of July at Congdon Gardens. Grab a parking spot nearby and enjoy the show from your vehicle, or bring some blankets and set up a late-night summer picnic to enjoy the show.

July 10

And on July 10, Delavan is hosting the annual The Cars Time Forgot Car Show. With previous shows bringing in more than 1,100 cars and more than 10,000 people, this year’s car show is not an event you want to miss. The show will feature beautiful cars on display, some cars for sale, and food and drink vendors at the Lake Lawn Resort Airport right here in Delavan.

Free Activities All Summer

Starting May 28, the Phoenix Park Bandshell hosts free music concerts, movies, and events. From Jazz and several tribute bands to movies in the park, community church services and student performances, the schedule of events has something for everyone through the middle of September. Check out the full schedule of events.

If you enjoy taking leisurely walks with great views Delavan has you covered. Congdon Gardens has several walking trails that take you around a pond and through gardens. The Paul Lange Arboretum has a 1.5-mile nature trail overlooking Lake Comus. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, fishing from shore, or launch a canoe or kayak to explore the lake. Another free spot to launch a canoe or kayak is onto Turtle Creek. The Turtle Creek Wildlife Area is a 1,035-acre property that starts on the west side of Delavan and goes into Rock County. There are 10 road crossings along the creek with spots to launch a canoe or kayak.

For a fun walk around Downtown Delavan, see how many Walldog Murals you can find! There are 20 throughout town with many of them on or behind buildings on Downtown Delavan’s historic brick road. Hint: If you start at Tower Park and head toward the Post Office you should find a bunch!

Delavan also has some specialty parks that are free to use. Andy’s Skate & Bike Park on Waterworks Drive across from Veterans Memorial Park is a fun time for bikers and skaters. The park features a 4-foot quarter pipe, 9-foot wall ride, and a 5-foot mini half pipe. Delavan also has two disc golf courses. There’s a 6-hole course around the back side of the Wisconsin School for the Deaf, and a 9-hole course the starts near the main parking lot of Delavan-Darien High School and plays around the school with the last hole ending in front of the football stadium.

Summer is all about fun, enjoying the sun, and making memories. Some of the best memories can be made right here in Delavan without breaking the bank. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

Visit Delavan For Cinco De Mayo & Try Local Mexican Restaurants

One of the first events to kick off the summer here in Delavan is a big three-day Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The annual Cinco de Mayo Festival in Historic Downtown Delavan’s Phoenix Park  will be held May 6-8. The celebration will include live music, dancing, a car show, and food and other vendors.

Cinco de Mayo Festival

Friday, May 6

5pm – DJ Rudy
6pm – Lizvette Duran
7pm – Anejo Norteno
Addios

Saturday, May 7

10am – DJ Rudy
10am-2pm – Car Show
12pm – Cedric Square
1pm – Comparsa Mexico
2pm – Jalapeno Contest/Car Show
3pm – DJ Rudy
4pm – Tlaloc Huerta
5pm – Selena Tribute
6pm – Alexandra Salgado
7pm – Los del 608
Addios

Sunday, May 8

10am – Mass
12pm – DJ Rudy
1pm – Groupo Folclorico Regional Tercera Generacion
2pm – Guadalupe Ibarra-Luna
3-5pm – Adrianna and the Boyz
Addios

Enjoy Delavan’s Mexican Restaurants All Year

Keep the celebration and fun going all year round by visiting one of the many Mexican restaurants right here in Delavan. Delavan definitely has a lot of options, and all of them offer their own unique menu and experience.

Best Margaritas: Arandas

Arandas has one of the largest menus with tacos, burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, steak, and chicken dishes. But they’ve also got a reputation as having some of the best margaritas in town.

Hidden Gem: La Guanajuato

Not many people know about La Guanajuato but it’s worth a stop. Hidden in the back of a local Mexican grocery store, La Guanajuato serves up fresh tacos (served the traditional way in corn tortillas topped with onions and cilantro), gorditas, and sopes. Our favorites on the menu are their massive steak taco salad and their Torta Cubana.

Newbie: Mama’s Cocina: Tacos y Birria

Mama’s Cocina is the newest addition to Delevan’s restaurant scene. They opened in March 2022 just southwest of the Delavan Inlet. They are a family owned and operated business that focuses on tacos and birria while also offering quality Mexican food made with the finest and freshest ingredients.

Other Local Favorites

Hernandez Mexican Restaurant has been one of Delavan’s favorite Mexican restaurants for more than 60 years. Their menu includes traditional Mexican dishes plus more exotic options. Your meal starts with homemade salsa and chips, and don’t forget to grab a margarita!

La Monarca is a family favorite with all the favorite homemade dishes. They also now offer online ordering, making it great grab and go option.

Looking for a hearty, satisfying breakfast? Head to Los Agaves, a local family owned restaurant that also serves a delicious breakfast menu in addition to lunch and dinner.

Taqueria La Estrella is a little bit off the beaten path on Delavan’s northwest side. They offer all the traditional dishes and breakfast. But make sure you have a bit of time because you’ll want to try all their salsa options they bring to your table with chips.

Once you’ve tried one or all of our local favorites, let us know which one is your favorite on our Facebook page!