Delafield combines water sports on Pewaukee Lake with outdoor experiences nearby. The western half of the lake lies in the Town of Delafield; the Lapham Peak Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest is also nearby. This gives you two distinct ways to plan your trip: activities on the water and trails through a glacier-shaped landscape.

Water Sports on Two Lakes

Water skiing and sailing are possible on Pewaukee Lake, with ice sailing in winter. The western half of the lake lies in the Town of Delafield. Recreational boating is the focus at Nagawicka Lake: it lies in both the Town of Delafield and the Village of Nashotah, and is popular with visitors for this activity. This gives you a specific comparison of the water activities mentioned when planning: Pewaukee Lake offers sailing and water skiing, while Nagawicka Lake is known for recreational boating. Ice sailing adds an explicitly wintry touch.

Trails and Landscapes at Lapham Peak

The Lapham Peak Unit is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Its landscape took shape 10,000 years ago, when a glacier covered large parts of Wisconsin. The glaciated terrain offers opportunities for hiking and backpacking, as well as cross-country skiing; illuminated trails are also available for skiing. If you want to plan a particular route, the nearby Prairie Path Trail has a 4.8-mile loop. Horseback riding is permitted on the west side of County Highway C along the trail. The range of activities gives you several specific points to consider when choosing your outdoor focus. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

Hausmann Nature Center and Summer Stage

Hausmann Nature Center is located near the summit of Lapham Peak. The 8,700-square-foot building was the original home of Bernice and Dr. Paul Hausmann. They donated their home to the State of Wisconsin with the wish that it be converted into a nature center to promote environmental education. The site’s history thus brings together a private home and a purpose explicitly focused on environmental education. The many windows at Hausmann Nature Center provide panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Lapham Peak is also home to Summer Stage, an outdoor venue for music, theater, comedy and dance. If you would like to include a performance in your plans, check the event schedule in advance.

Choosing a Focus for Your Stay

The options described vary by location and theme, so plan around your own interests. For outings at Lapham Peak, take current trail conditions into account; for Summer Stage, the specific performance dates are key.

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

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