Good Nights in Wisconsin: 15 Favorite B&Bs, Hotels & Resorts
McCormick House Inn, Hayward, Wisconsin [1]
A refined British sensibility and traditional English breakfasts stand out in a North Woods town known for its fishing. At this 1887 Victorian, patrons enjoy pillow-top mattresses, Egyptian cotton sheets, preprogrammed iPods, original artwork in the rooms, a reflecting pool and an English-style garden. From $145 (715/934-3339; mccormickhouseinn.com).
Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin [5]
Stately Queen Anne architecture meets modern amenities on a hill overlooking Lake Superior. The exquisitely plush guest rooms seem to go on forever, and the dining room takes simple, seasonal dishes and infuses them with sophisticated flavor. From $140 (800/779-2129; rittenhouseinn.com).
Spider Lake Lodge, Hayward, Wisconsin [9]
The lodge, built in the 1920s as a rustic fish camp, authentically mimics the style of century-old New York Adirondack camps with log construction; stonework; and a long, low roofline. Now run as a bed-and-breakfast, the lodge is beautifully furnished in North Woods style. Gorgeous views of Spider Lake and access to the docks remind you why the remote location is part of the charm. From $159 (800/653-9472; spiderlakelodge.com).
Spider Lake Lodge [10]
The American Club, Kohler, Wisconsin [13]
The Midwest's only AAA Five-Diamond resort hotel, The American Club has luxurious rooms and suites, plus a spa. While you're there, break out the clubs for four incredible golf courses designed by Pete Dye, or visit The John Michael Kohler Arts Center with its striking vernacular art. Free three-hour tours of the Kohler Factory are offered weekday mornings; you can also peruse upscale plumbing fixtures at the Kohler Design Center. From $330 (800/344-2838; destinationkohler.com).
The American Club [14]
Journey Inn, Maiden Rock, Wisconsin [17]
Set on 66 acres, this modern farmhouse uses solar heating, aromatherapy, local food and organic decor to create an earth-friendly escape. Guests stay in four guest rooms and a one-bedroom cottage; weekend brunches feature a zucchini-egg-cheese frittata and edible nasturtiums, plus fresh blueberry pie. From $165 (715/448-2424; journeyinn.net).
Journey Inn [18]
Canoe Bay, Chetek, Wisconsin [21]
What is most noticeable at Canoe Bay near Chetek, Wisconsin, is what's missing. Kids. Traffic. Cell phones ringing. Few sounds break the spell of this 280-acre retreat surrounded by North Woods. Couples come to hide away on honeymoons or rekindle relationships in 23 rooms and cottages around Lake Wahdoon. Fresh flowers, baked goods and steaming coffee discreetly delivered each morning add to the atmosphere at this getaway. From $350 (800/568-1995; canoebay.com).
Canoe Bay [22]
Inn at Cedar Crossing, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin [25]
An on-site bakery churns out locally famous morning buns, and guests have them with muffins and eggs Benedict. The food keeps coming all day: chocolate chip cookies in the afternoon, excellent dinners and popcorn in the evening. From $125 (920/743-4200; innatcedarcrossing.com).
The Stewart Inn, Wausau, Wisconsin [29]
This stucco mansion was designed in the Prairie style by noted Chicago architect George Maher and completed in 1906. Public rooms feature original details such as a stunning fused-glass fireplace, while the five guest rooms offer a blend of past (claw-foot tubs, Arts and Crafts-replica beds) and present (organic bath products, fine linens). From $170 (715/849-5858; stewartinn.com).
The Stewart Inn [30]
Delafield Hotel in Delafield, Wisconsin [33]
Cherry accents, Colonial-Era art and Kohler spa tubs give the 38-room Delafield a swanky, country-club vibe. The luxury lodging provides a great base for a weekend getaway; within easy driving distance are Madison (about 50 miles west), Milwaukee (30 miles east), the acclaimed Erin Hills Golf Course (20 miles north) and the Southern Unit of Kettle Moraine State Forest (15 miles south). From $210 (800/594-8772; thedelafieldhotel.com).
Delafield Hotel [34]
Sundara Inn and Spa, Wisconsin Dells [37]
For adults only, this resort has 26 suites and 12 villas primed for romance and relaxation. The resort, named for the Sanskrit word for beautiful, hides among tall pines on a winding side road outside Wisconsin Dells. Float through a seamless series of hot tubs, steam rooms and heated towels. Though Sundara provides free chauffeur service to area entertainment, you might not choose to leave. From $199 (888/735-8181; sundaraspa.com).
Sundara Inn and Spa [38]
InterContinental Milwaukee [41]
The sleek lobby and contemporary furnishings ooze cool at this building near the RiverWalk. Dine at Kil@wat, the hotel's hip restaurant. From $169 (800/424-6835; intercontinentalmilwaukee.com).
White Gull Inn, Fish Creek, Wisconsin [45]
The elegant Fish Creek inn, opened in 1896, features sweeping porches and antiques-furnished rooms. The inn hosts fish boils four nights a week during the summer (and on Fridays the rest of the year). From $155 (888/364-9542; whitegullinn.com).
White Gull Inn [46]
Mansion Hill Inn, Madison, Wisconsin [49]
This luxe B&B in Madison's pretty Mansion Hill district is within walking distance of downtown, including Wisconsin's capitol. Ten airy rooms in the 1857 home feature plush linens and gas fireplaces. Breakfast is served buffet-style. From $200 (608/255-0172; mansionhillinn.com).
Mansion Hill Inn [50]
Honeybee Inn Bed and Breakfast, Horicon, Wisconsin [53]
Bird-watchers visit Horicon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge then come to this Victorian to relax on four-poster feather beds and in showers with wall-mounted jet sprays. If you skip breakfast for early-morning birding, you can get fresh, hot muffins to go. From $139 (920/485-4855; honeybeeinn.com).
Wild Eagle Lodge, Eagle River, Wisconsin [57]
Relax along the shores of the Eagle River chain of lakes, where you can stretch out on the lodge's sand beach or take to the water in a kayak, canoe or rowboat (complimentary with your room). A playground, sand volleyball court, indoor pool and tennis court also are on the grounds. Family-friendly lodging ranges from one- to three-bedroom condos, all with living rooms and kitchens. From $225 (877/945-3965; wildeaglelodge.com).
Wild Eagle Lodge [58]