I Stayed at the Historic Lake Lawn Resort and Savored Wisconsin Lake Life

A Wisconsin lakefront paradise was much closer than I realized. Just an hour from my Madison home, I found myself arriving at Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan, Wisconsin. Stretching along two miles of gorgeous Delavan Lake shoreline, this historic Wisconsin resort has been around for nearly 150 years, and it’s better than ever. It offers an ideal getaway experience: a relaxing dose of classic Wisconsin lake life and all the modern amenities that make travel easy and comfortable. My visit came at the perfect time - I’ve been working some long hours, and I really needed to press pause for a weekend. Lake Lawn Resort was waiting for me, and it was the perfect escape.

Per journalistic integrity, we disclose that the writer of this piece was invited to this location by Lake Lawn Resort, with expenses covered. However, all opinions and thoughts expressed in this piece are their own.

When I arrived at Lake Lawn Resort, I knew I was someplace special. I passed the resort’s airport, a nice perk for those who fly private.

I left my fleet of jets parked, but I enjoyed a first-class drive past the resort’s lush Majestic Oaks golf course.

When I checked in I was in for a treat. My room was incredible.

The resort recently completed a $10 million renovation to guest rooms, the latest improvements to this longtime resort. My room had a well-equipped kitchen, two bathrooms, a fireplace, and some tasteful lake life details – I felt like I had escaped to my own little lake home!

The water was just outside my window.

Guests have enjoyed this relaxing view for a very long time. In the 1800s, this was a the home base of a traveling circus, during the boom times of the circus era. A guest house was built in 1878, which was followed by the original 50-room Lake Lawn Hotel in 1883.

After welcoming decades of visitors, resort still retains a timeless feel, but it’s equipped to serve guests of today.

The golf course is incredible – holes 2 and 3 are right by the lakeshore.

You might have a hard time keeping your eye on the ball!

The resort welcomes a lot of weddings – it’s a huge property, so it can offer special events some nice and private spaces.

I saw staff setting up chairs by the lake. I bet it was a beautiful ceremony!

If you’re looking for some fun on the water, you can find it here too.

There’s a soft sand beach and kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, wave runners, power boats, and more. I took a kayak for a spin on the lake’s cool waters. If you have your own boat, the resort also has a 261-slip marina.

The Lake Lawn Queen departs from the resort, as well – its a 76-foot, two-level cruise boat.

It offers a variety of tours and excursions, including sunset cruises, trips past the lake’s Frank Lloyd Wright homes, and special wine and dinner cruises.

While I visited the resort on a beautiful summer day, it’s a four-season resort.

In the wintertime, some guests even go ice fishing or cross-country skiing right from the resort property. The resort also has a well-equipped fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and full spa services.

If you’re hungry, you’ll be glad you’re a guest.

I had the opportunity to enjoy lunch and dinner at 1878 on the Lake. The food was even better than the view!

I got to meet Ryne Harwick, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef who strives to celebrate the best of local Wisconsin cuisine.

“We have such an amazing growing climate,” he said. “My hope, as a chef in Wisconsin, is to make Wisconsin’s regional cuisine the heart of what we do here.”

There’s nothing like a stay in a historic Wisconsin Lake resort. My time at Lake Lawn Resort was over far too quickly - I’m hoping to plan a return trip! Learn more about Lake Lawn Resort on its Hotels.com listing. Planning a Wisconsin adventure? Here are some products that will make your time outdoors even better!