Business Details
Your Historic Retreat in Bayfield, WI
Rittenhouse Inn stands as Bayfield, Wisconsin's first country inn and gourmet restaurant, offering 20 guest rooms across two Victorian homes and a private cottage since 1890. Our historic properties combine timeless elegance with modern comforts, featuring fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and panoramic Lake Superior views. As stewards of this landmark, we have dedicated over five decades to perfecting hospitality, providing personalized service that feels like home while maintaining the highest standards of luxury.Our culinary team showcases regional and seasonal cuisine at Landmark Restaurant, earning recognition for exceptional dining experiences. The inn's Le Chateau property offers a second venue for weddings and events, featuring seven guest rooms and meticulously landscaped grounds. With a legacy rooted in Wisconsin's history, we continue to create memorable stays for travelers seeking romance, relaxation, and connection to the region's natural beauty.
Services
Bed and Breakfast
Gourmet Restaurant
Wedding Venue
Event Planning
Historic Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of expertise in Wisconsin hospitality since 1973
- Our award-winning Landmark Restaurant features seasonal regional cuisine
- Two unique wedding venues with Lake Superior vistas
- Historic preservation combined with modern luxury amenities
- Personalized concierge service for special occasion planning
Services
Bed and Breakfast
Our historic accommodations combine Victorian elegance with modern comforts across three unique properties. Guests enjoy fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and Lake Superior views in 20 beautifully appointed rooms and suites. The main inn features 12 guest rooms in a Queen Anne Victorian mansion, while Le Chateau offers seven luxury rooms with expansive gardens. The private Rittenhouse Cottage provides family-friendly accommodations with full kitchen facilities. All guests receive personalized service and access to premium amenities.
Gourmet Restaurant
Landmark Restaurant serves upscale American and French cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and Lake Superior fish. Our menu features seasonal specialties, fresh produce from regional farms, and an extensive wine list. Guests enjoy breakfast, lunch by appointment, and gourmet dinners in an elegant Victorian setting with panoramic lake views. The restaurant also hosts special events including holiday brunches and wine tasting weekends.
Wedding Venue
We offer two premier wedding venues with breathtaking Lake Superior backdrops. The main inn and Le Chateau property accommodate ceremonies and receptions for up to 100 guests, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces. Our experienced wedding coordinators provide full-service planning assistance, customized packages, and gourmet catering. The venues include historic ballrooms, garden pergolas, and private dining areas for intimate celebrations.
Special Packages
Our curated packages enhance stays with curated experiences and exclusive amenities. The Romance Package includes dinner, sparkling wine, and floral arrangements. Wine Weekend packages feature tastings and gourmet dinners. Seasonal specials offer holiday-themed experiences while elopement and vow renewal packages provide intimate celebration options. All packages include accommodations and personalized service tailored to guests' preferences.
Historic Preservation
As a National Register of Historic Places property, we maintain architectural integrity while providing modern comforts. The Queen Anne Victorian mansion features original woodwork, period furnishings, and seven-color paint schemes. Le Chateau, a 1907 lumber baron's estate, preserves early 20th-century design elements. Our preservation efforts ensure guests experience authentic historic ambiance combined with contemporary luxury in a setting that tells Wisconsin's architectural story.
People
Mary Phillips
Co-Owner
Mary Phillips co-founded Rittenhouse Inn in 1973 with her husband Jerry. With over 50 years of hospitality experience, she has transformed the historic property into Wisconsin's premier bed and breakfast destination while maintaining its architectural integrity.
Jerry Phillips
Co-Owner
Jerry Phillips co-owns Rittenhouse Inn with his wife Mary. Since acquiring the property in 1973, he has played key roles in its preservation and development, ensuring the inn maintains its historic charm while meeting modern hospitality standards.
Questions
What makes Old Rittenhouse Inn unique?
We are Wisconsin's first bed and breakfast, operating since 1890 in a historic Queen Anne Victorian mansion with Lake Superior views. Our property combines architectural preservation with modern luxury amenities.
Do you offer wedding planning services?
Yes, we provide full-service wedding coordination for events at both our main inn and Le Chateau properties, including venue setup, catering, and customized packages.
What dining options are available?
Landmark Restaurant serves breakfast daily, lunch by appointment, and gourmet dinners featuring regional cuisine. Reservations are available for both guests and the public.
Are there special packages available?
We offer romance, honeymoon, wine weekend, and elopement packages that include accommodations, dining credits, and curated experiences tailored to special occasions.
How do I make a reservation?
Book directly through our website or call us at (715) 779-5111. Gift certificates can be applied toward reservations by providing the code during booking.
What nearby attractions exist?
We're located near Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, offering kayaking, hiking, and lighthouse tours. Bayfield's fruit farms, wineries, and historic sites are all within easy reach.
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