Lake Lawn History

Lake Lawn Resort isn’t just a getaway—it’s a living story that began in 1878 and continues to unfold today. Nestled in the Lake Geneva area, our grounds have witnessed centuries of history, culture, and unforgettable memories, making Lake Lawn one of Wisconsin’s most treasured destinations.

Ancient Roots & Sacred Mounds

Long before the first guest checked in, Delavan Lake was home to the Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi people. The Ho-Chunk called the lake Kay-chunk-er-rah (“turtle”), while the Potawatomi named it Wau-ba-shaw-bess (“swan lake”).

Our property still holds echoes of their lives—over 40 effigy mounds, dating back as early as 500 B.C., remain preserved here. These incredible formations, shaped like animals and humans, reflect ancient traditions and beliefs. Alongside them, countless spearheads, pottery, and artifacts tell the story of communities who lived in harmony with the lake for generations.

From Temperance to the Big Top

In 1836, Col. Samuel F. Phoenix staked his claim near what’s now the golf course’s 4th green, envisioning Delavan as a temperance colony. But after his passing, the settlement took on a new identity. By 1847, Delavan became the unlikely capital of the American circus. Nicholas Thorne sold land to brothers Edmund and Jeremiah Mabie, who ran the largest traveling circus in the nation.

Imagine the scene: elephants splashing in the lake, lions pacing in the fields, and performers rehearsing under the Wisconsin sky. Mabie’s Circus—credited with inventing pink lemonade—made Delavan its winter home. Soon, dozens of circuses joined, including P.T. Barnum’s, forever tying the area’s story to the wonder of the big top.

Hospitality is Born

When the circus era faded, a new chapter began. In 1878, Edmund Mabie’s daughter, Anna Mary Phillips, transformed her family’s farm into a guesthouse. Simple, modest, but warm—it was the seed that grew into Lake Lawn Resort.

By 1883, demand led to the construction of the first 50-room Lake Lawn Hotel. With every passing season, more travelers discovered this lakeside paradise, and the hotel expanded with new rooms and amenities. Word spread, and the tradition of hospitality flourished.

Growth, Glamour & Golf

In 1923, Commonwealth Edison purchased Lake Lawn as a retreat for its employees, ushering in a new era of recreation. The company added a PGA golf course, a grand ballroom, and cozy lounges, setting the stage for decades of unforgettable vacations.

Then came George W. Borg, local inventor of the automobile clutch, who purchased the property during the Great Depression. He opened Lake Lawn to the public and brought in the Mutual Broadcasting Network, which aired live performances from the ballroom. Lawrence Welk, among other big names, turned Lake Lawn into a must-visit stop for music and entertainment in the 1940s.

Four Seasons of Fun

By 1942, new owners Jay Reader, Harold Zilisch, and Russ Babcock transformed Lake Lawn into a year-round resort. Winters sparkled with dances, holiday celebrations, and lakeside adventures, while summers brimmed with sunshine, golf, and boating. From that point forward, Lake Lawn became more than a summer escape—it became a destination for every season.

The Modern Era

Through the 1950s and ‘60s, Lake Lawn kept evolving, always adapting to the changing tastes of travelers while never losing its charm. Even during its brief closure in 2010, the spirit of the resort remained strong. Thanks to a dedicated group of local investors, Lake Lawn reopened in 2011 after $4 million in renovations, blending its storied past with a bright new future.

Today, Lake Lawn Resort stands as a full-service getaway offering everything from lakeside dining and spa experiences to golf and boat tours. But beneath every new amenity and improvement runs the same current of tradition, hospitality, and history that began nearly 150 years ago.