Delafield: Lakes, Trails and Culture

Delafield brings together three themes for trip planning: watersports on lakes, trails and nature near Lapham Peak Unit, and an outdoor performing arts stage. If you’re looking for a hotel in Delafield, you can first decide whether water, outdoor activities or culture is important to your trip. The destinations differ in their connection to the area and by season.

Lakes and Watersports

The western half of Pewaukee Lake lies in the Town of Delafield. Water skiing and sailing are possible on the lake, with ice sailing added in winter. If the season is important to you, ice sailing on Pewaukee Lake adds a distinct winter focus. Nagawicka Lake lies in the Town of Delafield and the Village of Nashotah and is popular with visitors for recreational boating.

Trails and Scenery Near Lapham Peak

Nearby Lapham Peak Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. It was formed 10,000 years ago, when a glacier covered large parts of Wisconsin. Its glaciated topography offers opportunities for hiking. Backpacking and cross-country skiing are also possible on the glaciated trails, including on lit trails. Nearby Prairie Path Trail is a 4.8-mile loop. Horseback riding is permitted on it west of County Highway C. The loop format and trail length provide a specific reference for planning routes if you want to include a named trail.

Natural History and Culture

Hausmann Nature Center is near the summit of nearby Lapham Peak. Its many windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. The building was the original 8,700-square-foot home of Bernice and Dr. Paul Hausmann. The Hausmanns donated their home to the State of Wisconsin with the wish that it be converted into a nature center to promote environmental education. In this way, the center connects views of the landscape and local history with a desire to promote environmental education.

Summer Stage adds the performing arts to the nature theme. The outdoor stage is located within nearby Lapham Peak Unit and provides a venue for music, theater, comedy and dance. If you want to consider culture alongside outdoor activities when planning your trip, Summer Stage is a destination in its own right.

Understanding Seasonal Differences

For planning your timing, it’s useful to compare the different details: Lapham Peak Unit is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., while ice sailing on Pewaukee Lake is a winter activity. One detail concerns the unit’s opening hours; the other concerns the season for a single activity.

Explore more destinations: Menomonee Falls, Sussex, Waukesha, Mukwonago, Dousman, Hartland, Brookfield, Pewaukee

Go to the main travel overview: Waukesha.