Leave St. Charles around 9:00 a.m. for the roughly 1-hour-20-minute drive to Delavan, following I-90 west toward Wisconsin and then local roads into town. Traffic is usually straightforward, though summer lake traffic can slow the final stretch. Drop bags at your lodging if possible, or use downtown parking before heading to Lake Lawn Resort. Spend about an hour walking the resort grounds and shoreline along Delavan Lake; it’s a pleasant way to ease into the weekend, but stay on marked public-access areas and confirm where day visitors may park. Resort grounds and the lakeshore are best enjoyed in daylight, and a short walk is free.
Continue to Hazel Ridge Farm, about a 10-minute drive from the lake, for roughly 45 minutes browsing seasonal products and locally made goods. Hours can vary by season, so check its current schedule before leaving the resort; this is a good place to pick up a small Wisconsin-made item rather than trying to fit in a formal lunch. From there, allow another 10–15 minutes to reach Dancing Horse Theatre for the scheduled Tie Dye attraction, planned as a 1½-hour visit. Verify the performance time and reserve tickets in advance—showtimes are limited, and the venue is outside the compact downtown core. Expect ticket pricing to vary by event, generally in the modest theater-admission range.
Head back toward central Delavan for dinner at The Village Supper Club, allowing about 15 minutes from the theater and arriving near your reservation time. Plan on approximately $25–$45 per person before drinks and tip; classic supper-club dishes and a leisurely pace make this better suited to an unhurried evening than a quick meal. Afterward, walk the Downtown Delavan historic district for about 45 minutes, taking in the older commercial façades, local murals, and quiet streets around the central business district. Bring comfortable shoes and a light layer—the lake breeze can make the evening feel cooler than expected.
Start at Lake Delavan around 8:30–9:00 a.m., when the water is generally calmer and the shoreline is less busy. Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for about two hours; expect roughly $25–$45 per person, depending on the craft and rental duration. Call ahead or reserve online, since weekend inventory can be limited in August, and bring water, sunscreen, and footwear that can get wet. After returning the equipment, walk or drive a few minutes to Community Park for an easy shoreline stroll and a relaxed break on the walking paths. Parking is typically straightforward, though the nicest spaces fill by late morning.
Continue to Paul Lange Arboretum, about a 10-minute drive from the lake area. Give yourself an hour to wander the landscaped grounds and mature tree plantings; it is a welcome change of pace after the activity on the water. The arboretum is best treated as a quiet, self-guided stop rather than a major attraction, so check seasonal access details before leaving and wear comfortable shoes. From there, allow approximately 15 minutes by car to Dancing Horses Theatre; arrive 20–30 minutes before the scheduled performance for parking, ticket collection, and seating. Performances generally run about 1½ hours, with ticket prices varying by date and seating section.
After the show, head back toward downtown Delavan for dinner at Jonathan’s on Brick Street, roughly 10–15 minutes away depending on traffic. Make a reservation for this popular weekend dinner stop, and plan on about $25–$45 per person for American and Wisconsin-style dishes. It is a good place to let the day wind down rather than rushing between more attractions; afterward, take a short stroll around Brick Street and the historic downtown blocks if you still have energy.