Nineteenth-Century Hotel in Migration Territory

Each fall, hundreds of thousands of Canadian geese congregate at Horicon Marsh—Wisconsin's massive stretch of wetlands—for a pit stop during their annual migration south. Less than 10 miles away, the Audubon Inn, an elegant 19th-century ornamented edifice in the Queen Anne style, stands as a testament to a tradition of American hospitality that resonates into the 21st century. The building's façade on Mayville's Main Street stands out with warm beige brick, rose-pink trim, and a towering rotunda that hints at a bygone time. Pedestrians sauntering by the building may notice a flash of navy in their periphery—a plaque that proudly declares the hotel's placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

Past the wooden front desk and carpeted staircase rest three stories of Norman Rockwell–esque charm. The domed turret serves as a luminescent atrium for an expansive common area bathed in shades of crimson. Plush sofas and armchairs ornament the space in a mix of subtle prints that reflect the disjointed but personal touches often found in a beloved family home or an eccentric's sock drawer. Within each bedroom, placards hand-painted with the names of different birds found in the nearby marsh reflect the inn's uniqueness alongside handmade quilts and vintage-style bath fixtures.

Adjacent to the hotel, the Beaumont Restaurant bustles with a coalesced clientele of Mayville locals and boarders at the inn. Flanked by varicolored stained-glass windows, wood furnishings, and John James Audubon prints, the dining area and bar fit snugly with their boarding counterpart in the age-old tradition of taverns and public houses.

Wisconsin: Outdoor Paradise

Equidistant from Madison and Milwaukee, Mayville sits just north of the beaten path, but visitors to the Badger State can venture into its urban centers with only an hour's drive. The town is a quaint stop on the outskirts of the famous Horicon Marsh with a glimpse into leisurely small town American life. Enthusiasts of outdoor activities discover myriad opportunities for hunting, bird watching, and exploring the rich landscape that surrounds; families and couples can canoe and hike in the wetlands. The public golf course makes for a laid-back 18 holes in a much tamer but equally lush landscape, while Mayville's picturesque Main Street is a relaxing backdrop for strolls amid restaurants, pubs, and small shops.