History

The Inn on Springbrook was originally built by Milwaukee hotel magnate H.B. Sherman when he purchased the 1,000 acre property in 1840. This location was originally used as farm land, but the 275-acre area, now known as Springbrook, had remained untouched. After purchasing the land, Sherman discovered a natural cold artesian spring that Native Americans had used for centuries as their source of water. To the Native Americans, it was a sacred place because they believed the water from the spring possessed healing powers.

Sherman built his mansion on the spring, in order to use it as both a source of water and as a natural refrigeration device to keep food cool. The spring still flows in the basement of the building today, and it runs from a duct into the creeks and streams present on the Springbrook Estate.

The mansion was originally built with three rooms, one of which was used as a lookout tower to protect the property from unwanted visitors.

In 1912, Fred and Lucy Rogers bought the property and used it as a farm, complete with icehouse, horse stables and dairy barn. The family took its business so seriously that they once paid $50,000 for a single bull, which at the time was unheard of. The Rogers family loved horses and even had their own personal trainer and horse arena. Their most noted and decorated horse, "Queen of Springbrook" is laid to rest on the estate. Their daughter, Anne, remained on the property until her passing in the mid 1980's. The name "Queen of Springbrook" to this day is synonomous with Springbrook Estates. Her exquisite stables were built to pamper her prize horses and still exist on the property today. The current owners, Karen and Dennis, have spent many years restoring the estate to its present grandeur.

This is the first time ever that the Springbrook Estate has been opened to the public since its 1840 purchase. Now, 164 years later, you can see why Springbrook was a picturesque refuge from modern society. Once you experience its history and beauty, you may never want to leave.