Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield

Old Rittenhouse Inn - A historic lakeside bed and breakfast with gourmet dining and Victorian-era charm

Set in two Victorian homes and a private cottage, Old Rittenhouse Inn features 20 guest rooms with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and views of Lake Superior. The Landmark Restaurant serves seasonal regional cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, including Lake Superior fish, steaks, and signature dishes like homemade Hot Fudge Sauce. Property highlights include wine-tasting events, a wraparound porch, and proximity to the Apostle Islands, accessible via daily ferries from nearby Madeline Island (4 km away). Some rooms offer lake-facing balconies, while others contain double-sided gas fireplaces or TempurPedic(R) beds. A full gourmet breakfast is included for overnight guests at the restaurant, which also hosts Wassail Dinner Concerts during the holiday season.

Pros

The 19th-century Queen Anne Victorian architecture features original details like cherry wood staircases and antique furnishings.

Some rooms include whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, and TempurPedic(R) beds for added comfort.

The on-site Landmark Restaurant focuses on hyper-local ingredients, including fresh Lake Superior fish.

Strategic location: 500 meters from Big Bay Trail trailhead and 1 km from Bayfield's downtown waterfront.

Seasonal events like wine weekends and holiday concerts provide structured entertainment.

Cons

No televisions in guest rooms, though free high-speed Wi-Fi is available.

The historic property has limited ground-floor accessibility, with only two wheelchair-accessible rooms.