Hawks Inn & Delafield History Center

This Greek Revival Inn, built by Nelson P. Hawks, has been described as an “unsurpassed example of an early stagecoach stop.” It was the center of social and political life in the frontier village of Delafield, Wisconsin.Built two years before Wisconsin became a state, Hawks Inn welcomed farmers in search of a homestead, trappers, traders, territorial politicians, and miners in search of a strike in the lead mines of western Wisconsin. Renovated and refurbished as a historic site, Hawks Inn is a Wisconsin Landmark on the National Register of Historic Sites and open for public tours. Modern visitors will find it easy to imagine themselves as pioneer travelers when they step across the threshold of Delafield’s historic Hawks Inn.

The Delafield History Center, adjacent to historic Hawks Inn, offers a collection full of fascinating information pertaining not only to Hawks Inn, but also the entire Delafield area. You will be amazed by the large photo collection: Delafield Then and Now, which has photos going back to the 1870’s. A wonderful map collection dating back hundreds of years that features area and state maps, is on site for map lovers to enjoy. A research library in the lower level contains books collected by our former curator. The topics range from antiques, collectibles, architecture, gardening, Wisconsin, local history and the Civil War to name a few. The history of Delafield comes alive for future generations through our collections and events.