What’s happening with the Indian Mound located inside Community Park?: What’s happening with the Indian Mound located inside Community Park? The conical (dome) shaped mound located to the right of the entrance to Community Park in Delavan is being returned to its natural state.  Native American Burial Mound (WL-0009, Burial #BWL-0079) was identified in 1924 by archaeologist Charles E. Brown, along with other effigy mounds, one shaped like an 85 foot  bird and one shaped like a 132 foot long comet within Community Park.  Estimates suggest that as many as 100 mounds might have stood on the shores of Lake Delavan. Archaeology Inventory and Evaluation, Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.  David F. Overstreet, Ph.D., Principal Investigator.  9.1.76. Sarah T. Lahey, Lake Magazine, "Building Mounds, Unearthing History."  April 18, 2017. 11.30.23 Did you know the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus also has a rich history of Indian mounds? As the Town of Delavan looks into how to preserve and maintain our Indian mounds located in Community Park, the Parks and Tourism Committee reached out to Dr. Amy Roseborough for her advice and guidance.  Dr. Amy Rosebrough is a Staff Archaeologist with the Office of the State Archaeologist at the Wisconsin Historical Society. A native of the Missouri Ozarks, she has long had an interest in burial monuments and archaeology. She is an alumni of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she received her doctorate for region-wide re-analysis of Wisconsin's effigy mounds and mound builders. Click on the link to learn more from Dr. Roseborough and to tour the Indian mounds located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin which has more effigy mounds than any other university in the world. http://www.c-span.org/video/?322375-1/native-american-effigy-mounds Source:  Native American Effigy Mounds, C-Span Cities Tour.  American History TV. 11.08.23Community Park has Effigy Mounds? Yes, we do.  We have two!  In 1924 archaeologist Charles E. Brown identified a bird and a shape similar to a comet in Community Park.  (See photo).  Brown called them the “inlet mound group” because of their proximity to the Delavan Lake Inlet.   Archeology records confirm that 65 mounds existed as of 1926 and estimates suggest that as many as 100 mounds might have stood on the shores of Delavan Lake.  (Sarah T. Lahey) The ”bird effigy” located in Community Park measured 85 feet and the “comet” shaped effigy measured 132 feet long.   Effigy mounds represented an ancient belief system in which earth, air, and water spirits lived in balance with each other.  The air effigies, often shaped like birds, signaled the strong but kind force of the Upper World.  The water effigies, resembled turtles or lizards stood for the menacing force of the Lower World.  The earth effigies, shaped like bears or men represented everything in between.  Evidence suggests that mound-builders of this period (700-1100 A.D.) were ancestors of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Sarah T. Lahey, Lake Magazine, "Building Mounds, Unearthing History." April 18, 2017. Archaeology Inventory and Evaluation, Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.  David F. Overstreet, Ph.D., Principal Investigator.  9.1.76. What is the most famous effigy mound in the world? Serpent Mound is an internationally known National Historic Landmark build by the ancient American Indian cultures of Ohio.  It is an effigy mound shaped like a snake with a curled tail.  (see photo of Serpent Mound) Aerial image taken between 1960-1980 shows the full Serpent Mound site in Adams County, Ohio.  Photo courtesy of Ohio History Connection via Ohio Memory.  10.25.23What is meant by the term EFFIGY MOUND? Wisconsin is the geological center of effigy mound distribution, with more effigy mound sites than anywhere else in the world!    Effigy mounds are giant earthen sculptures that may be shrines built to honor the powerful spirits they represent.   Effigy mounds in southern Wisconsin and eastern Iowa typically were used for burial. The stories and legends of the Native Americans whose ancestors built the mounds describe the effigy mounds as ceremonial and sacred sites.  Archeologists believe the effigy mounds delineated territories of choice gathering and hunting grounds.  COMMUNITY PARK in DELAVAN contains at least two effigy mounds, one shaped as a serpent-like water effigy that measures roughly 132 feet long and an 85 foot bird effigy.   Delavan’s rich Native American history is important to preserve and the Town of Delavan Parks and Tourism Committee is dedicated to honor, remember, and respect this sacred gift left to our Town. Pictured below are effigy mounds of the Wisconsin River Valley, Man Mound Park located in Baraboo, Wisconsin and a falcon effigy of the upper Mississippi River. Watch for more information about Effigy Mounds and the Indian Mounds of Community Park in Delavan.  Effigy Moundbuilders, National Park Service, May 17, 2021. Archaeology Inventory and Evaluation, Walworth County Metropolitan Sewerage District.  David F. Overstreet, Ph.D., Principal Investigator.  9.1.76. Why return it to its natural state? Burial sites are universally considered sacred, and it is DNR policy that all such areas on DNR properties will be appropriately cared for, and will be treated with the respect they deserve.  No disturbance may take place near the perimeter or base of a mound; visitors should not walk over or picnic on burial mounds and other designated burial sites.  Mounds are considered to be human burial sites and are protected on all non-federal lands in the state of Wisconsin’s Burial Sites Preservation Law (Wis.Stats 157.70) and Wisconsin’s Field Archaeology Act (Wis. Stats 44.47).  Delavan is very fortunate to have such a rich history with Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi tribes settling on the shores of Lake Delavan.  There’s a newfound respect for the wishes of descendants. These sites are sacred sites to Native Americans and the Town of Delavan plans to meet those wishes. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.  Burials, Earthworks and Mounds Preservation Policy and Plan.  DNR Burial Site Maintenance Plan (Final).  Spring 2008.

TEST TW WEATHER

Boat Launch Pass

Spring/Summer Season Hours
April 1st-December 1st
When do the Piers Go In?
Winter Hours
November 1st - March 31st
Delavan Community Park is closed during the winter, however, if you wish to Ice Fish, on Delavan Lake, you are welcome to do so.  Please note that the Gate House is not staffed during the winter season.

BOAT LAUNCH REGISTRATION

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR YOUR 2023 SEASON BOAT LAUNCH PASS

CLICK HERE to register for a ONE DAY ONLY BOAT LAUNCH PASS

CLICK HERE for Boat Launch Application 2023

Town residents pay one fee for in/out service when the boat is put in the water for the season.

Military Discount

The Town of Delavan does NOT charge a Boat Launch Fee for any Active Duty Military with Proper ID.

To help the registration process go quicker and smoother, we are offering three ways to register.  The Boat Launch Fees are listed below or on the Registration Form.

  • Online Registration
    1. To Complete the Boat Launch SEASON PASS Registration Online CLICK HERE
    2. To Complete the Boat Launch ONE DAY ONLY PASS Registration Online CLICK HERE
    3. To Pay Your Boat Launch Fee Online Please CLICK HERE our website townofdelavan.com and/or go to > Lake Life > Boat Launch Pass > Click Here to Pay (at the top of the page) When paying, be sure to choose “Boat Launch Fee” on the “Type of Payment” Drop Down menu and include your name, address, and boat size to the Comment box along with your preference in receiving your Season Pass Stickers. Your Season Pass Stickers can be sent to you or picked up at the Gate House.
      1. There is a 3% processing fee when using Allpaid.
      2. Please make a copy of your confirmation email and bring with you to the Gate House to show proof of payment. Thank you.
  • In-Person
    1. Join us in person at the Town Hall - 5621 Town Hall Drive, Delavan, Wisconsin 53115
      1. You may pay cash, check, or credit card.
      2. You will receive your stickers immediately upon payment.
      3. Town Hall Hours are M-F - 8:30am-4:30pm.
      4.  Town residents pay one fee for in/out service when the boat is in the water for the season.
Delavan Community Park PARK HOURS

Public Park – Open 8am - 9pm

Address: 1220 South Shore Drive on the Corner of Hwy 50 and South Shore Drive
Google Map

The beach is open from 9am to 8pm

The Gate House is open 24-7. If no one is at the gate house when you arrive, please drop your payment in the YELLOW drop box by the Gate House or pay online.

Park Admission Fees

Town of Delavan Community Park
1220 South Shore Drive - Delavan, Wisconsin 53115

A Park Admission Fee is not required if you have purchased a Boat Launch Day/Season Pass, or if you are Town of Delavan Resident w/proof of residency.

RESIDENT DAILY ADMISSION
Daily Admission to the Park
(Includes Parking)
FREE

Town of Delavan residents have FREE ADMISSION TO THE PARK, which includes FREE PARKING.
You are a resident who qualifies for free entrance to the park and free parking
if you reside in or own property in the TOWN OF DELAVAN. A “resident” is a Wisconsin State registration designation by the DNR. Anyone living outside of the Town of Delavan is required to pay an Admission/Parking Fee to enter the park.

When you enter the park, please show our Harbor Master or Boat Launch Staff, proof of residency (Driver's License, Electric Bill, et). The Harbor Master or Boat Launch Staff will then provide both a resident or non-resident with a physical pass. Seasonal passes should be kept to show upon re-entry to the park throughout the season. each time. Regular admission into the park includes parking, general park activities, beach, shore fishing, playground, picnic tables, public restrooms, and access to the beautiful peninsula and walking trail.

If you are wishing to use the boat launch there are specific boat launch fees, which are separate from the Park Admission Fees. Boat Launch Passes, both one time/daily or annual, include parking.

TOWN RESIDENTS who place their boat in the lake for the season pay a ONE TIME Admission Fee (see below) for in/out service when the boat is in the water for the season. The Harbor Master or the Boat Launch staff will provide a special pass which should be kept to show proof of purchase at the end of the season.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A BOAT LAUNCH PASS

NON-RESIDENT DAILY ADMISSION
Daily Admission to the Park
(Includes Parking)
5 Years & Under
Free
6 -12 Years
$2 / Day
13 - 64 Years
$3 / Day
65 + Senior
$2 / Day

NON-RESIDENT SEASON PASS
Admission to the Park for the Entire Season
(Includes Parking)
$25
(Includes all occupants of a vehicle).

OVERNIGHT PARKING AVAILABLE

for $25 per each 24-hour period. Please contact the Gate House 262-740-2335 or the Town Clerk at [email protected] for more details

What Does Delavan Lake Community Park have to offer?

  • Beach with Swim Area
  • Public Boat Launch
  • Playground
  • Pavilions (available for rent for family events)
  • Waters Edge Event Venue (two spaces for rent -  Loft and Balcony and/or our entire 4,700 square foot, newly remodeled facility )
  • Volleyball Courts
  • Beautiful Nature Trail on the Peninsula
  • Native American Effigy Mounds
  • Shore Fishing

What Do I Need to Know Before I Boat on Delavan Lake?

If you are going to boat on Delavan Lake you need to pay a Boat Launch Fee.

The Boat Launch Fee depends on the size of your boat and whether or not you live in Wisconsin or if you live out of the state (ie: Illinois, Michigan, etc).  Please make a copy of the Boat Launch Registration Form or stop by the Town Hall to get a hard copy of the form.

 

Boat Launch Check-Off List

  1. Complete the Boat Launch Registration Online, in Person or Send in the Mail.
  2. Pay the appropriate boat launch fee (via cash, check or online).
  3. Make a copy of your boat registration and provide that to the Town for our records.
  4. If you have DAY PASS or drop box receipt please display it properly in the front window of your vehicle.
  5. Place your Season Pass Sticker (if applicable) on your Boat Trailer
  6. Place your Season Pass Sticker (if applicable) on your Boat

How Much Is the Boat Launch Fee?

Non-Motorized Boat

*A non-motorized boat is considered a canoe, kayak, sailboat, row boat, etc.

$8.50 per day | $85.00 Seasonal Pass

Boats Under 20 Ft

$11.75 per day | $117.50 Seasonal Pass

Boats Between 20 Ft and 26 Ft

$14.25 per day | $142.50 Seasonal Pass

Boats 26 Ft & Over

$17 per day | $170 Seasonal Pass

Out of State Residents (2021)

Non-Motorized Boat

*A non-motorized boat is considered a canoe, kayak, sailboat, row boat, etc.

$8.50 per day | $85.00 Seasonal Pass

Boats Under 20 Ft

$11.75 per day | $117.50 Seasonal Pass

Boats Between 20 Ft and 26 Ft

$21.25 per day | $212.50 Seasonal Pass

Boats 26 Ft & Over

$25.25 per day | $252.50 Seasonal Pass

*A non-motorized boat is considered a canoe, kayak, sailboat, row boat, etc.

What if you join us after hours? Please leave your Boat Launch Fee at the Gate House in the YELLOW DROP BOX.

Commercial Passes

DAILY FEE ($40)

Provides "in and out" boat service, shore lift service and barge services

Tier #1 ($400)

Provides "in and out" boat service/Fleet Rate for for 1-5 Boats

Tier #2 ($500)

Provides "in and out" boat service and shore lift services/Fleet Rate for 6-10 Boats

Tier #3 ($600)

Provides "in and out" boat service, shore lift and barge services/Fleet Rate for 11+ Boats

No barges will be allowed to launch or park on weekends for the months of May, June, July & August.

 Other “no launch” restrictions are on opening day of fishing in May, Memorial Day weekend, Independence day celebration, Labor Day weekend, and large fishing tournaments during the season.

No barge tie ups are allowed along the park shore line except for inlet launch area.

No commercial vehicles/trailers allowed anywhere in the park except in designated commercial parking area.

Daily barge rate is $40. The daily pass is good for one day only.

Commercial Tier 3 Parking Only

Tier 3 customers pay $6 per car to park (during rental time only). If you stay longer than your rental time, the Daily Parking Fee is $3 per adult and $2 per child.

Season Passes may be purchased online, at the gate house, paid in person at the Town Hall or mailed to the Town of Delavan.

Make Checks Payable to: Town of Delavan, Attn: Boat Launch, 5621 Town Hall Road, Delavan WI 53115

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and Town of Delavan regulations and policies, the Town of Delavan its offices and employees, are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by Town of Delavan.

DON'T GET FINED

Please note there is a $100 fine if boat launch fee is not paid at either Gate House or Drop Box. Boaters must complete and turn in the Boat Launch Registration Form and include a copy of your boat registration.

All transactions are final. 

NO REFUNDS DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS

NO REFUNDS FOR BOAT MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES

(dead battery, automobile failure, trailer malfunction)

NO REFUNDS FOR CHANGING YOUR MIND

Launch at your own risk.

What about Barges?

  • No barges will be allowed to launch or park on weekends for the months of May, June, July & August.
  • Other “no launch” restrictions are on opening day of fishing in May, Memorial Day weekend, Independence day celebration, Labor Day weekend, and large fishing tournaments during the season.
  • No barge tie ups are allowed along the park shore line except for inlet launch area.
  • No commercial vehicles/trailers allowed anywhere in the park except in designated commercial parking area.
  • Daily barge rate is $40. The daily pass is good for one day only.

How is the Launch Fee Set and Calculated?

All launch rates are set by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Rates are calculated by the number of services at the launch: Attendant, Restrooms. State tax is included in fee.