Lake Lawn: Where water meets the land

WHERE THE Water Land MEETS THE Lake Lawn offers activities that take advantage of its winning location

by Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

After months of self isolation, as we tried to protect ourselves and our families from the COVID-19 pandemic, many families are looking to enjoy some outdoor summer activities.

Most are ready to get out and enjoy the beauty of summer as restrictions are being loosened. Since foreign travel is mostly banned and concerns about travel within the United States are causing more residents to cancel trips, many people are considering a vacation closer home.

When looking for a romantic getaway weekend or a full week or more of family fun, an attractive option for many in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois is a visit to Lake Lawn Resort on the shores of

FROM TOP: This aerial view of Lake Lawn Resort shows its two miles of lake shore. The beautiful grounds with the large majestic oaks add to the appeal of the resort; Climb into this swan and pedal your way around the lake. This unique paddleboat will surely get you noticed as you pedal across the water.

Delavan Lake in nearby Delavan.

With more than two miles of shoreline, this resort, which first opened over 140 years ago, has been welcoming visitors to enjoy a variety of activities both indoors and out. With plenty of amenities available, there is sure to be enough activity for everyone in your group. And if quiet and relaxing time is what is sought, that too will be found.

“A visit to Lake Lawn will be a new experience,” General Manager Dave Sekeres said. “We have taken the time when we were in closure for mitigation for COVID to develop procedures not only for now but for use in the future. We have worked on determining how to make the facility safe for both employees and guests. We focus on what guests can expect from us and what we expect from guests to keep the facility safe for all of us.” Playing it safe

Safety procedures will be evident from the time you check in. Hand sanitizer stations are visible when first entering the building. Markings are placed at 6-foot intervals to remind visitors to remain physically distant. While one person from the group is checking in, space for the rest of the party is available away from the checkin desk.

“We do not require guests to wear masks but do request that they be worn,” added Sekeres. “With these safety programs in place, we ask for patience from guests while we all adjust to the new safer ways.”

The employees are checked for elevated temperature and other symptoms of illness before they are allowed to work. Masks are provided.

At this time most meals are ordered to go and may be eaten in the outdoor seating area or in guests’ rooms. In June the staff was working on opening the restaurants to dining-in and they planned to have it in place in July.

Lake Lawn has also used the time to renovate the banquet and meeting spaces, and the lake house. They have replaced the furniture with lighter items and have added new carpets also in lighter beach colors. Walls have been painted to reflect more lakeside colors similar to what is seen in the resort’s Calladora Spa. It’s peaceful and relaxing as a waterfront space should be.

Looking for some speed on the water? This boat will meet your needs and is available to rent at Lake Lawn Resort.

On the water

The newest addition, which is fast becoming a favorite of Lake Lawn visitors, is the new Lake Lawn Queen. This 76- foot, two-level cruise boat holds up to 125 visitors and can be taken on a narrated tour of Delavan Lake. The narrator will point out the historical landmarks on the lake, including the five Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes along the waterfront. Taking a cruise on the lakefront will allow visitors to relax, and enjoy the lake breezes and view the beauty of the water.

According to Sekeres, the boat was originally in Rhinelander. It was brought here after it was purchased about a year ago. After a major renovation including a new motor, new decks and a new pilothouse, it was deemed that the Lake Queen was ready for the visitors to Lake Lawn Resort. For a special view of the lake, take the Sunset Tour.

In addition to lake tours, the boat can be chartered for wedding rehearsal dinners with the food prepared by the Lake Lawn Resort staff. Private parties for any occasion may also be chartered on the boat.

Summertime is the time for all water activities and a stop at the marina on the east end of the resort property is just the spot to find the water vessel that suits your needs. If you enjoy the fast ride of a speedboat or want to enjoy waterskiing or tubing, the marina staff will find the boat for you. Pontoon boats are popular with families who can enjoy a leisurely ride on

the lake or to do a little tubing off the back.

Additionally they also rent wave runners, paddleboards, kayaks, and paddleboats. Enjoy an active time on the water or a more laid back experience. Let the motorboats do the work or enjoy physical activity on the kayaks and paddleboards. The choice is yours.

The lakefront itself is the place to enjoy a walk along the shore paths or time on the beach. The two outdoor pools are now open and the sounds of children and adults enjoying themselves resonates along the shore.

Golf course beckons

While many come to Lake Lawn Resort for the proximity to the water and all the water activities, there are those who come for the golf. Lake Lawn’s championship course, which first opened in 1921, has been called one of the Midwest’s premier golf destinations. The course is known not only as excellent for play but is also known for its scenic beauty. Set along the shoreline of Delavan Lake amid stately oaks, the course was re-engineered in 1990 by golf course architect Dick Nugent of Kemper Lakes.

The course will give players a challenging game due to its deep sand bunkers and many tiered greens. So if golf is your game be sure to reserve a tee time in advance. Or perhaps an individual golf lesson from the golf pro may be what you need to get your game up to par.

“As a protection to both golfers and

Serving You For Over 50 Years

Distinctive Landscape Design & Installation

The main entrance to Lake Lawn Resort is welcoming with its beautiful landscaping and many colorful flowers in bloom. It is located at 2400 E. Geneva St., just east of downtown Delavan and a short ride west from the hustle and bustle of downtown Lake Geneva.

• YEAR-ROUND TREE SERVICE • CERTIFIED ARBORIST • SNOW REMOVAL • FALL AND SPRING CLEAN UPS

262-248-3653 www.bandjlandscape.com

W2795 KRUEGER RD. LAKE GENEVA office@bandjtree.com

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