The Audubon Inn, celebrating our 112th anniversary, acquires its name from the French-American ornithologist, John James Audubon, who is noted for over 400 remarkable, scientifically accurate, bird paintings. The Horicon Marsh, just west of the city of Mayville, is one of America??????s top natural tourist attractions. This 32,000 acre refuge attracts thousands each year who come to enjoy hiking, biking, archeology, outstanding hunting and fishing, as well as watching over 260 species of birds which migrate through or reside on the marsh and surrounding area. During the peak seasons the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service estimate that upwards of one million Canada geese pass through the Horicon Marsh on their southern migration. Originally operated as The Beaumont Hotel, the structure is an example of Queen Anne architecture in a historical block. The three-story brick building is decorated with elaborate pressed metal cornices and bays. At the corner of the building is a polygonal domed cupola that rises from a corner bay. The hotel was constructed in 1896 by Jacob Mueller, editor of the Dodge County Pioneer, one of the important German language newspapers for southeastern Wisconsin. The weekly newspaper continues to operate today as The Mayville News. The Beaumont Hotel became a showplace of the area offering 30 hotel rooms, a confectionery shop, barber shop, several taverns, bakery and restaurant. The town??????s first post office and radio station were located on the second floor. A horse drawn jitney bus provided passengers services from the Mayville train station to the hotel. The hotel lobby was popular with huge leather chairs and rocking chairs set along the windows. People would gather to play checkers and cards, and tell stories. Many people made their home at the Beaumont. The hotel was extensively renovated and updated with elevator, including the return of the handsome turret on the exterior and declared a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest Inns in the state. Each of the sixteen rooms and suites are elegantly appointed in Old English Country style, beautifully crafted with custom-made queen size four poster-beds, queen size futons in select rooms, topped with handcrafted quilts, brass lamps, cable television, coffee makers, Scottish lace curtains, and private double whirlpool baths complete the effect. Suites include a DVD and CD player in the parlor. Breakfast is included in your stay. All rooms are non-smoking. Stacy and Mike Shewey, experienced hoteliers, purchased the Audubon Inn in June of 2008, and continue to operate the property as an elegant boutique hotel, pub, and award winning restaurant. Our bar has been hailed as ??????the most beautiful in Wisconsin??????my gourmet dinner rivaled anything I??????ve ever tasted in a fancy New York restaurant,?????? stated Country Inns of the Midwest. The Audubon Inn was selected as one of the top 54 Great Inns in the United States by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and has received attention in many other magazines, newspapers, and books as an exquisite place to visit. ??????One of the top six B & B destinations in Wisconsin,?????? said the Chicago Tribune. ??????Gracious lodging in the manner of a European country hotel and outstanding cuisine, save room for dessert,?????? states Wisconsin Trails Magazine. Midwest Living Magazine declared, ??????In tidy Mayville, the elegant 1896 Audubon Inn makes a perfect overnight and dinner stop.?????? Dennis Getto, food critic for the Milwaukee Journal- Sentinel, rates our restaurant in the Top 101 Restaurants in Wisconsin and Top 22 located within an hour drive from Milwaukee. The Great Wisconsin Touring Book stated, ????????????serves delicious food and is ranked one of the top restaurants in Wisconsin.?????? The Birder??????s Guide to Bed and Breakfasts in United States and Canada believe, ??????Even without its winning name, this inn would be worth the stay because of its elegance and service.??????