Lake Delton, WI

Lake Delton is a man-made freshwater lake located in Sauk County, Wisconsin. The history of Lake Delton dates back to the 1920s when it was created as a result of human intervention.

Originally, Lake Delton was a small, natural glacial lake surrounded by forests and farmland. However, in the early 1920s, the Wisconsin River was dammed near the village of Kilbourn City (today known as Wisconsin Dells) to create a hydroelectric power source. As a result, the level of the river rose, submerging the original lake and nearby farmland.

The newly created lake, named after the nearby village of Delton, quickly became a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty and proximity to the Wisconsin Dells area. The lake offered opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, attracting many visitors over the years.

In the mid-20th century, Lake Delton's popularity as a tourist destination grew further with the development of the Wisconsin Dells area as a major vacation spot. Hotels, resorts, water parks, and other recreational facilities were built around the lake, creating a thriving tourism industry. The lake served as a centerpiece for various leisure activities, including boat tours, water sports, and events like the annual Tommy Bartlett water ski show.

However, Lake Delton experienced a major setback in 2008 when heavy rains caused extensive flooding in the region. The flood breached the dam that contained the lake, resulting in a catastrophic washout that drained the entire lake into the Wisconsin River. The sudden disappearance of Lake Delton shocked the local community and raised concerns about the economic impact on the tourism industry.

Efforts were made to restore the lake, and through a combination of reconstruction and redirection of the Wisconsin River, Lake Delton was refilled and reopened to the public in the following years. Today, Lake Delton continues to be a popular destination for tourism, offering a range of recreational activities and serving as a scenic backdrop for the thriving Wisconsin Dells area.

Kalahari Indoor Waterpark Resort

It is the largest indoor waterpark in Wisconsin, featuring thrilling water rides, slides, lazy rivers, wave pools, and more.

Wilderness Resort

This family-friendly resort offers various attractions including indoor and outdoor waterparks, zip lining, mini-golf, go-karts, laser tag, arcades, and more.

Tommy Bartlett Show

This iconic live water ski show has been entertaining visitors for over 70 years, showcasing breathtaking stunts, jumps, and comedic performances.

Mirror Lake State Park

Located just outside Lake Delton, this state park offers scenic hiking trails, beautiful picnic areas, and fishing and boating opportunities on the tranquil Mirror Lake.

Bigfoot Zipline Tours

Experience the thrill of ziplining through the lush forests of Lake Delton, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Play a round of mini-golf at this pirate-themed course, complete with waterfalls, caves, and challenging holes for all ages.

Del-Bar Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious meal at this iconic steakhouse known for its upscale dining experience and classic dishes.

Circus World Museum

Located nearby in Baraboo, this museum showcases the history of the American circus with exhibits, live performances, and restored circus wagons.

Wisconsin Deer Park

Get up close and personal with over 100 deer at this park, where visitors can feed and interact with the gentle animals.

Rick Wilcox Magic Theater

Watch a mesmerizing magic show performed by renowned illusionist Rick Wilcox, featuring mind-boggling tricks and illusions.

Lake Delton, Wisconsin experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by warm summers and cold winters. The climate is influenced by its location in the Midwestern United States, which brings distinct seasonal variations.

Summer in Lake Delton is usually warm and can sometimes be hot, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (24-29 degrees Celsius). Humidity levels can be high during this time, making it feel warmer. Thunderstorms and occasional rain showers are common during the summer months due to the instability caused by warm, moist air masses from the Gulf of Mexico mixing with cooler air masses.

Fall in Lake Delton is characterized by mild temperatures, with average high temperatures ranging from the low 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (16-22 degrees Celsius). The colors of the surrounding trees changing to vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues make it a beautiful season in the area.

Winter brings cold temperatures and snowfall to Lake Delton. Average highs range from the mid-20s to low 30s Fahrenheit (-3 to -1 degrees Celsius), with temperatures dropping even lower at night. Snowfall is common, with Lake Delton receiving an average of around 48 inches (122 cm) of snow per year. Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing during this time.

Spring in Lake Delton sees temperatures gradually warming up. Average high temperatures range from the low 40s to low 60s Fahrenheit (5-16 degrees Celsius). The area experiences occasional rain showers and thunderstorms during this season, as warmer air masses start moving in.

Overall, Lake Delton's climate offers a mix of seasons, with warm summers, colorful falls, cold winters with snow, and mild springs. It provides residents and visitors the opportunity to engage in various outdoor activities depending on the time of year.

Lake Delton is a small village located in Sauk County, Wisconsin. While it is not divided into multiple neighborhoods like larger cities, there are a few distinct areas within the village that offer different amenities and attractions. Here are some notable areas in Lake Delton:

Downtown Lake Delton

This is the heart of the village, where you will find a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. The downtown area is home to various shops, restaurants, and local businesses. It is a bustling area, particularly during the tourism season, due to its proximity to the lake and water-based activities.

Lakefront

As the name suggests, this area is situated along the shores of Lake Delton. There are several resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals that cater to tourists, especially during the summer months. This scenic neighborhood offers beautiful lake views and easy access to water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.

Wilderness Territory

Located on the eastern side of Lake Delton, the Wilderness Territory is a massive resort complex and waterpark. It is a popular attraction for families and offers various accommodations, including condos, cabins, and hotels. The Wilderness Territory is known for its indoor and outdoor waterparks, golf courses, recreational activities, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Kalahari Resort

Another major resort in the area is the Kalahari Resort, which is situated on the northern side of Lake Delton. This African-themed resort offers a large indoor waterpark, convention center, numerous dining options, spa services, and various recreational activities.

Residential Areas

Surrounding the commercial and tourist-centric areas, Lake Delton also has quiet residential neighborhoods. These areas consist of primarily single-family homes and provide a more peaceful atmosphere away from the tourist traffic.

Overall, Lake Delton provides a mix of commercial, residential, and tourist areas, centered around the beautiful lake and its recreation opportunities.