Discover Madison and Wisconsin History

The BEST WESTERN PLUS Inn on the Park Hotel has been a significant part of the Madison landscape for over 140 years. Established on the Capitol Square in Madison in 1871, the Inn on the Park Hotel (originally the Park Hotel) has been a Madison mainstay for more than a century. The Park Hotel was initially built by a group of Madison businessmen to accommodate the needs of the legislators and the growing community of Madison.

Since 1830, there had been many strides to relocate the capitol of Wisconsin to Milwaukee, which had better hotel accommodations. Juliet cigars, Ole Rye whiskey and lots of Milwaukee beer were distributed among legislators and lobbyists in an effort to encourage its move to Milwaukee. However, Madison's dedicated business leaders continued to campaign and fundraise to keep the State Capitol in Madison.

Credit for maintaining Madison as the capitol city must be given to the Madison businessmen who raised $100,000 to build a much-needed hotel that could accommodate visitors to the legislative seat of Wisconsin. Concerned citizens, who received only dinner for their great efforts, helped to complete the hotel's final construction.

In August 1871, the Park Hotel opened for business. Four stories high and composed of pressed brick, it was considered by many to be the most charming and elegant hotel in the entire state. All of the furniture was constructed of walnut, and Crosseley's velvet carpet covered the parlor. Room and board was only $3 per day. Since those exciting early days, the Park Hotel has undergone many structural changes and improvements but still retains its comfortable setting and distinguished service.

Today, the Inn on the Park stands as a reflection of Madison's history and the visionary people of Madison. The hotel remains an icon of hospitality and a true symbol of revival in downtown Madison.