Delafield: Lakes, Sailing and Lapham Peak

Delafield combines lake activities with nature and culture in the surrounding area. The western half of Pewaukee Lake lies in the Town of Delafield; nearby Lapham Peak adds trails, landscape history, a nature center, and an outdoor stage. You can plan your stay around the focus that appeals to you.

Water Sports on Two Lakes

Water skiing and sailing are possible on Pewaukee Lake, as is ice sailing in winter. Nagawicka Lake is also in the Town of Delafield and in the Village of Nashotah. It is popular with visitors for recreational boating. If you are planning the water-based part of your trip, these are different points to consider: specific activities are named for Pewaukee Lake, while recreational boating is the focus at Nagawicka Lake.

For people traveling together with different preferences, this comparison can make planning your days easier. Consider whether you are primarily interested in the specific activities named for Pewaukee Lake or whether you would like to consider recreational boating on Nagawicka Lake. The western half of Pewaukee Lake is in the Town of Delafield; Nagawicka Lake extends across the Town of Delafield and the Village of Nashotah.

Glacial Landscape and Trails at Lapham Peak

The nearby Lapham Peak Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Its origins date back 10,000 years, when a glacier covered large parts of Wisconsin. The glaciated terrain offers opportunities for hiking. Backpacking and cross-country skiing are also possible on trails at Lapham Peak, including on lit trails. These provide different ways to experience the landscape. When conditions vary, it is worth checking the current trail conditions before heading out.

The nearby Prairie Path Trail at Lapham Peak is a 4.8-mile loop. Horseback riding is allowed on this trail on the west side of County Highway C. Its length, loop format, and local restriction give you specific points to consider when planning your time outdoors. The trails and activities are not all the same: hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding are distinct options that you can choose according to your interests.

Nature Center and Outdoor Stage

The Hausmann Nature Center is near the summit of nearby Lapham Peak. It was the original 8,700-square-foot home of Bernice and Dr. Paul Hausmann. Its many windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Hausmanns donated their home to the State of Wisconsin, hoping it would be converted into a nature center to promote environmental education. The building thus connects its former use as a home with the history of the nature center and its educational purpose.

Summer Stage, an outdoor performing arts venue, is also located at Lapham Peak. The outdoor venue provides space for music, theater, comedy, and dance. If you would like to include this cultural venue in your travel plans, check the event dates for your travel period. This way, nature and culture offer different ways to spend time in the area.

Choose a Vacation Rental Based on Your Travel Plans

When looking for a vacation rental in Delafield, you can first decide what matters most: is Pewaukee Lake and its water sports important to you, or are you more interested in the trails, landscape history, and Hausmann Nature Center at nearby Lapham Peak? For people traveling together with different interests, this comparison provides a concrete basis for planning your days. Then match the specific location of your accommodation to the experiences you would like to include.

Discover more destinations: Waukesha, Sussex, Pewaukee, Menomonee Falls, Hartland, New Berlin, Mukwonago, Brookfield.

Go to the main travel overview: Waukesha.