Best lakes around Delavan offer diverse outdoor experiences in Walworth County, Wisconsin. Delavan Lake is a significant body of water known for recreational activities and a rich history, including a major restoration effort. Nearby, Lake Como provides a quieter, more serene environment with historical points of interest. The region features a mix of natural landscapes and cultural landmarks, providing opportunities for various outdoor pursuits.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Popular around Delavan
It's one of the four (4) restroom locations on the Geneva Lake loop.
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Lake Geneva Shore Path leads all around the lake and is almost 26 miles long. You can start the hike at different points of the path, as there isn't a 'start' or 'end'.
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Black Point Estate, on the south shore of Lake Geneva, is an old mansion of Beer Baron Conrad Seipp. It was built in 1888 and still remains a magnificent piece of architecture. In the summer, they offer guided tours through the estate.
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Williams Bay Beach, in the northwest of Lake Geneva, is a sandy beach with grassy areas. It's located in the town of the same name, which lies very close to the bay and offers multiple restaurants, coffee shops, supermarkets and hotels.
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Fontana beach lies on the western shore of Lake Geneva. It's a sandy beach, but there is a grassy area right next to it. Some restaurant and coffee shops are available a few minutes walking to the north of the beach.
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Lake Geneva has plenty to keep you entertained from zip lines to hot air balloons and spas. You can walk around the perimeter on the shore path. There's also plenty of shops and restaurants.
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On the banks of Lake Geneva, Fontana Beach is a wonderful place to relax. There's lots of grass in case you don't want to sit on the sand. The water is rocky so you might want to bring some beach shoes along. Pick up a beach pass from the beach house from 9am until 9pm.
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Delavan Lake is excellent for a variety of water sports, including boating, water skiing, and fishing. It's particularly known for its diverse fish population, such as Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. Public boat landings and a public beach provide easy access for visitors. You can find more details about Delavan Lake, including boating information, on the Wisconsin DNR website: Delavan Lake Boating.
Yes, Lake Como, located east of Delavan Lake, offers a more tranquil and serene environment. It's ideal for those seeking a peaceful getaway while still providing opportunities for fishing and various water sports in a less rough setting.
Delavan Lake itself has a rich history, including Native American roots and a past as a 19th-century resort town. Nearby, Lake Como features unique points of interest like the French Country Inn, whose lobby was brought from Copenhagen for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, and the historic Mars Resort, a popular lakeside supper club operating since 1923. Additionally, on Lake Geneva, you can visit Black Point Estate, a magnificent 1888 mansion offering guided tours during the summer.
The area around Delavan offers several hiking opportunities. A notable option is the Lake Geneva Shore Path, which spans almost 26 miles around Lake Geneva and can be accessed from various points. For more hiking routes, you can explore the Hiking around Delavan guide, which includes trails like the Kishwauketoe Loop and the White River State Trail.
Absolutely. Williams Bay Beach on Lake Geneva is a family-friendly spot with sandy and grassy areas, located in a town with amenities. Delavan Lake also has a public beach and is suitable for various water activities that families can enjoy. The town of Delavan itself offers dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
Delavan Lake provides several public boat landings and a public beach, ensuring easy access for visitors looking to swim or launch boats. These facilities are designed to accommodate various water activities.
Delavan Lake is renowned for its diverse and abundant fish population, including Musky, Panfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, and Walleye. It's particularly noted as an excellent lake for catching a variety of bass, with catch-and-release fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass open year-round.
Yes, the area offers dining options with scenic views. The historic Mars Resort on Lake Como, for instance, is a popular lakeside restaurant known for its supper club vibe, ribs, and fish fry. The town of Delavan also has various dining establishments along its shores.
The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for water sports, swimming, and enjoying the public beaches. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for hiking and fishing, often with fewer crowds. The successful restoration of Delavan Lake ensures a clean environment year-round.
Yes, there are several running trails in the area. The Running Trails around Delavan guide highlights routes such as the Delavan Lake loop and various loops around Fontana-on-Geneva Lake and Williams Bay Beach, catering to different distances and difficulty levels.
Delavan Lake is often considered a quieter alternative to the more bustling Lake Geneva. While Lake Geneva offers a wide array of activities like zip lines, hot air balloons, and numerous shops and restaurants, Delavan Lake provides a comprehensive lake experience with ample opportunities for fishing, water recreation, and a more relaxed atmosphere.


Still not found your perfect lake around Delavan? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.