Located in Wisconsin's Dane County, minutes away from the capital city of Madison, Stoughton gets its name from its founder Luke Stoughton. A resident of nearby Janesville, he saw the potential of the Catfish River for lumber mills and transporting goods. He purchased the surrounding oak-studded area in 1847 and plotted a village. Next, he built a sawmill to process lumber and a grist mill to grind the wheat grown by local farmers. He invited blacksmiths, doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs to come to settle in the new community.
The necessity of convenient transportation for ground wheat inspired T.G. Mandt to design the sturdy Mandt wagon and build a factory for its construction. These wagons were as popular as Wisconsin's wheat and were in demand in other American states like Minnesota and Iowa. Luke Stoughton furthered the town's prosperity by donating part of his land to the railway and building a train car depot.
After Wisconsin's farmers switched from growing wheat to growing tobacco, Norwegian immigrants arrived in Stoughton to work in the factories, stores, and tobacco warehouses and sorting centers. Their habit of taking a mid-day break to drink coffee and celebrating Norway's independence, Syttende Mai, both became part of Stoughton's traditions.
Today, Stoughton is a popular tourist destination with its well-preserved historical sections and lively small-town atmosphere. Music performances at the Stoughton Opera House and seasonal festivals also draw visitors. Whether you mean to stay for a couple of days, a week, or longer, you will need a comfortable hotel base before you can start on your city exploration.
What is the Seasonality of Stoughton, WI?
The city enjoys warm weather for nearly five months of the year, with some chances of rain. You can visit the city's 15 parks, and go walking, running, or skating on three multi-use trails or play Stoughton's disc golf course. Other outdoor attractions include a bike park, a skate park, a memory garden, and a community garden.
May through September is the best time for such warm-weather, outdoor activities in Stoughton. However, hotels tend to raise their prices in this period, so finding a good deal on a hotel room might be hard. You might also need to book a room ahead of time if you want to find a decent hotel room. From November to March, the temperature drops, and tourism slows down with the coming freeze. If you want to visit Stoughton during a less crowded time and don't mind the cold, you are likely to find a better deal on a hotel room during these months.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Stoughton, WI:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average nightly cost trends by star rating class in Stoughton, WI. Analyze these charts to determine the most cost effective time to stay in Stoughton for your upcoming travels.
What Are Some of the Luxury Hotels in Stoughton, WI?
4 Star Average Prices: £133.11
For a luxurious stay in Stoughton, WI, book your room at the Hilton Madison Monona Terrace. This hotel has 240 rooms, five meeting rooms, and banquet space for 80 people. The rooms have tea and coffee makers, telephones, TVs, radios, and hair dryers, and the hotel offers 24-hour room service. The hotel also has a 24-hour restaurant, a bar/lounge, an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and a fitness center and offers a complimentary shuttle to and from Dane County Regional Airport.
There is an ATM on the premises as well as a garage and private parking. During your stay, you'll get complimentary newspapers and free Wi-Fi, and breakfast and other meals are available for an additional charge. They welcome a maximum of two pets up to 50 pounds each for a non-refundable deposit.
Another luxury option is the AC Hotel Madison Downtown, which has 10 floors and 165 air-conditioned rooms. This hotel's elegant rooms have king and queen beds with ultra-comfortable bedding, televisions, telephones, hair dryers, and tea and coffee makers. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and has an on-site fitness center.
The AC Kitchen restaurant serves scrumptious breakfast, and you can have tapas and cocktails at the AC Lounge. Afterward, head to the rooftop and enjoy some breathtaking city views from the rooftop Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro. The hotel has valet parking, a laundry service, and a shuttle to and from the airport.
What Are Some Affordable Hotel Options Near Stoughton, WI?
3 Star Average Prices: £104.77
There are many affordable hotel options near Stoughton. Days Inn by Wyndham Stoughton WI is located on West Main Street. Along with rooms with king and queen beds, they have an indoor heated swimming pool and offer free continental breakfast, free in-room tea and coffee, and free Wi-Fi. There is also an on-site guest laundry. The hotel is within walking distance from the city's historic downtown area, and there are many restaurants, antique stores, jewelers, fine cheese shops, and cafes serving gourmet coffee nearby. You can even bring your pet when you come to stay.
Another great hotel option is the Quality Inn & Suites Stoughton Madison South, which has 50 non-smoking rooms with comfortable beds and soft pillows and amenities like flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. This hotel also has a laundry valet service, a basic business center with copy and fax services, and a meeting space for about 30 people. The hotel offers free hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi and has a heated indoor swimming pool.
2 Star Average Prices: £84.14
What are the Best Discounts near Stoughton, WI?
You can get the best discounts near Stoughton by staying at Comfort Inn Madison Downtown. This four-story property has 91 air-conditioned and non-smoking rooms and offers AAA, AARP, government, military, and senior discounts. All the hotel's rooms have king and queen beds and amenities like refrigerators, flat-screen TVs, radios, telephones, hair dryers, and tea and coffee makers.
Stay at this hotel, and you'll be able to enjoy a complimentary hot buffet breakfast, swim in the indoor pool, and work out in the fitness and health center. This hotel also offers free Wi-Fi and newspapers, and the lobby has spacious seating areas. The hotel is pet-friendly, but if pets are over 25 pounds a fee will be charged.
The Sleep Inn & Suites offers AAA, AARP, senior, government, and military discounts. This three-story hotel has 52 rooms with king and queen beds, a meeting room, a fitness center, and a heated indoor pool. During your stay, you can have a complimentary hot breakfast, free newspaper, and free Wi-Fi. They welcome pets weighing up to 50 pounds for a per-night charge.
What Are the Best Value Options near Stoughton, WI?
To avail of the best value options in the city, consider staying at some of the mid-range hotels near Stoughton. The Country Inn & Suites is about nine miles from Stoughton and has three floors with 87 rooms, a game room, an indoor pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, and a fitness and health center. The rooms have king and queen beds, refrigerators, ice makers, microwaves, TVs, radios, telephones, hair dryers, and tea and coffee makers. They offer a complimentary hot breakfast, free newspapers, and free Wi-Fi. Additionally, they have a lending library, a ready supply of cookies in the lobby, and fruit, granola bars, and hot beverages at the grab-and-go bar.
The Magnuson Grand Hotel, which is around 8 miles from Stoughton, has 100 rooms with king, queen, and double beds and amenities like TVs, radios, refrigerators, microwaves, ice makers, and hair dryers. There are three meeting rooms, a fitness and health center, a Jacuzzi, an indoor swimming pool, and ironing and laundry facilities. The hotel offers a free cold and hot breakfast that includes biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, sausages, and pancakes. You can also use the hotel's free Wi-Fi and free parking.
What Are the Top Stoughton, WI, Destinations?
If you stay in a hotel near Stoughton's historic downtown, you will be able to walk to most of the city's attractions. The Stoughton Opera House should be on top of the list for music lovers. As it hosts over 70 performances annually, you might be able to attend a few during your visit. There are also many art galleries worth visiting in the city. You should also stop by the Livreise Norwegian Heritage Center to learn about the generational journey of the Norwegian immigrants.
The Syttende Mai festival and parades take place in May. The Stoughton Junior Fair in July and the Victorian Holiday Weekend in December also can't be missed.
Take your time to explore Stoughton and its beautiful surroundings. There is so much of interest in this charming, historic city that you'll want to extend your stay. Fortunately, whether you are seeking affordable or luxury hotel options, you will find the right accommodations for your budget in this city.
FAQs about hotels in Stoughton