The perfect gift for every occasion

  • Welcome to Old Rittenhouse Inn in beautiful Bayfield, WI.
    Room X: the Champagne Suite - This expansive third-floor suite was the original ballroom of this grand Queen-Ann Victorian. It features the original warm wood, a massive window seat that provides views of Lake Superior, and a seating area with two-sided wood-burning fireplace. The king bed is dressed with rich color and pattern. Adjacent to the private bath with tub shower is a double-seating whirlpool. A ceiling fan and air conditioning add to your comfort during the summer months.
    Rum Baba with Poached Bayfield Apples: one of several specialty desserts you may encounter at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. Dine in a nationally recognized gourmet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner served year round, with seasonal brunch, lunch, and special events. We offer a unique dining experience combining refined atmosphere and cuisine emphasizing regional products. Our goal is to exceed guest expectations by delivering a memorable meal with exceptional service and hospitality.
    The Rittenhouse Inn is Bayfield, Wisconsin's first Bed & Breakfast and enjoys a reputation as one of the premier inns of the Midwest. Stay just 4 blocks from majestic Lake Superior at the gateway to the Apostle Islands. Relax in one of 24 guest rooms and suites, each with individual charm and décor. Dine in a nationally recognized gourmet restaurant serving breakfast and dinner served year round, with seasonal brunch, lunch, and special events. Featured in Gourmet, Midwest Living, Victoriana, Bed & Breakfast America, Wisconsin Trails, Wisconsin Bride, Minnesota Monthly, Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine, New York Times, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, Milwaukee Journal, Wisconsin State Journal, more.
    Bedroom One at the Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, Wisconsin. This cozy guest room is one of the Inns four original bedrooms. With a Queen bed and private bath, it also features a breezy lake view, afghan for snuggling and a writing desk. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.
    No visit to Bayfield is complete without a stay at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. This Queen Anne-style home was completed in 1890 as a summer residence for Allen C. Fuller, an Adjunct General for the state of Illinois during the Civil War. Mary and Jerry Phillips purchased the home in 1974 and named it the Old Rittenhouse Inn. The name recognizes Charles Rittenhouse of Philadelphia who was one of the original investors in Bayfield. When the Phillipses opened their home as an Inn, the idea of a Bed & Breakfast was just gaining acceptance in the Midwest. Thus, the Old Rittenhouse Inn was Wisconsin's first Bed & Breakfast. The exterior of the house is a combination of native Lake Superior brownstone, creamy brick, and cedar shingles. Twelve guest rooms are available for nightly rental, including three luxury suites on the third floor with whirlpools, fireplaces, and views of Lake Superior and Madeline Island.
    Bedroom Two at the Rittenhouse Inn. Furnishings of birds eye maple are highlighted in this original guest bedroom. A comfortable Queen bed and wood-burning fireplace add warmth to the gorgeous wood floors. Many sunny windows offer views of Lake Superior. The private bathroom has a shower. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.
    Bedroom 3 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: This room is second-floor, front and center. The front of the house faces beautiful Lake Superior and Madeline Island. It features a queen bed, original fireplace and private bathroom with shower. The archway, textured ceiling and artsy wallpaper add visual interest to this original bedroom. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.
    Room 5 at Old Rittenhouse Inn. This room features a four-post queen bed, fireplace and whirlpool tub. The private bath has a tub shower. Subdued colors suggest a tranquil atmosphere. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months. This room also has a full size sofa sleeper to accommodate up to two additional guests.
    Room 6 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: This spacious second-floor room delicately balances masculine and feminine features. Enjoy the luxury of your king bed and private bath. An overstuffed leather sofa is the perfect place to sip wine beside a glowing fire, while the corner whirlpool tub serves to relax and rejuvenate you. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.
    Room 7 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: Added during the 1985 addition to the Inn, this popular room features an Oriental décor. Dark wood furnishings, rich colors and artifacts frame the king bed, wood-burning fireplace and whirlpool tub. The large private bath has a tub shower. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.

    Room 8 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: This is one of the Inn’s two first-floor, handicap accessible rooms. It is spacious, has a king bed, wood-burning fireplace and private bath with a tub shower. Beside the whirlpool tub are two intricate stained glass windows reflecting the Phillips' love for music and the arts. The room is unique in that it has a private entrance from the porch. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.
    Room 9 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: This is one of the Inn’s two spacious first-floor, handicap accessible rooms. It features a king bed, snuggly love seat and wood-burning fireplace. The whirlpool tub is placed on a pedestal, the area draped with a romantic curtain and lit by stained glass windows depicting Bayfield’s commercial fishing heritage. The private bath has a tub shower. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months. This room also has a single sofa sleeper to accommodate one additional guest.
    Suite 11 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: This spacious third-floor suite is one of our most popular. Entrance into the main room reveals a majestic king size bed, writing desk and two window seats offering views of Lake Superior and the wooded ravine. The deluxe private bath features black marble, his and her sinks, and a lavish steam shower. The second room of this amazing suite opens into a cathedral ceiling highlighted by an opulent crystal chandelier. A comfy leather sofa, whirlpool tub and wet bar are just a few of the amenities offered. Guests may enjoy a bit of sunshine and solitude on their own private deck. Air conditioning adds to your comfort during the summer months.
    Suite 12 at Old Rittenhouse Inn: The Moroccan Suite is one of the most popular guest rooms. This magnificent third-floor luxury suite has Moroccan-influenced decoration including hand-hammered copper and brass lamps and fixtures, supple leather, intricate fretwork, decorative plants and tassels, animal print fabrics, colorful silks, and much more. Features include a double-sided gas fireplace, king size Tempur Pedic bed, private bath, partial lake views, and a two-person whirlpool tub.
    Master Suite at Le Chateau: This is a stately two-room suite with unobstructed views of Lake Superior. The bedroom features a king bed bathed in the golden glow of sunlight. Relax in the sitting room and relish the ambience of the wood-burning fireplace. The large private bath with tub shower is bright and airy. The home is cooled by central air during the summer months. This room also has a sofa sleeper to accommodate up to two additional guests.
    North Room at Le Chateau: This is a mid-size room decorated in sage and flowers with period antique furnishings. Both the plush queen bed and whirlpool tub overlook the romantic wood-burning fireplace. The private bath has a tub shower. A wall of bright windows overlooks the Chateau’s croquet lawn. The home is cooled by central air during the summer months.
    Tower Room at Le Chateau: This room features a stunning Lake Superior view. This sunny room is located on the second floor of the turret tower where it overlooks the manicured lawn, Lake Superior and Madeline Island. The curved windows and wood-burning fireplace are both visible from the cozy double bed. A spacious private bath features a tub shower. The home is cooled by central air during the summer months.
    The Turret Suite at Le Chateau: This grand third-floor suite is the top of the turret tower, offering amazing views of Lake Superior and Madeline Island from both the sitting room and the bedroom. A gorgeous king-sized brass bed and wood-burning fireplace add to the charm of this beautiful suite. The private bath has a tub shower. The home is cooled by central air during the summer months.
    Old Rittenhouse Inn's onsite Landmark Restaurant offers breakfast and dinner to the public. On summer weekends, visitors can enjoy a 3 course Victorian Brunch.
    The dramatic Le Chateau at night
    Le Chateau's fountain garden and pergola, with views of Lake Superior and the Bayfield harbor, makes a perfect venue for weddings and special events.
    Le Chateau, part of Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, WI
    Le Chateau's large wraparound porch offers spectacular Lake Superior views and is a great spot for catered parties, weddings, special events, or just enjoying a good book or glass of wine.

    • Address 301 Rittenhouse Avenue
      Bayfield, WI 54814
      USA
    • Phone+1-715-779-5111
    • Fax+1-715-779-5887
    • Toll free+1-800-779-2129
    • EmailContact Innkeeper
    Inn's website

    An elegant Victorian inn and gourmet restaurant with 20 guest rooms in two historic Queen Anne-style mansions and a private cottage near Lake Superior. Most guest rooms feature lake views, whirlpool tubs, and working fireplaces. Underneath massive gables, a wraparound veranda is filled with geraniums, petunias, white wicker furnishings and spectacular lake views. The Rittenhouse's Landmark Restaurant is one of Bayfield's favorites, serving breakfast and dinner year round.

    Professionally Inspected

    Diamond Collection Inspected and Certified

    Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 29 Reviews

    4.6 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  4
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    4.6 out of 5
     

    Amazing staff, incredible food, a simply beautiful inn.

    May 11, 2013

    The Old Rittenhouse Inn is absolutely beautiful and the kindness and responsiveness of the staff is unmatched. We stayed in Room VII. It was HUGE, comfortable, clean and the bathroom was gigantic, including a second tub with shower --- way more than I have ever seen in any room at a B&B. The only issue with our stay was a lack of hot water in the later evening (around 7pm) on Saturday night. It must have been a case of too many jacuzzi tubs at once because the problem did not reoccur the second night. Overall, we loved the Rittenhouse Inn and would gladly stay again.

    5 out of 5
     

    Wassail

    April 18, 2013

    Enchanting & renewing. Wonderful food, entertainment, and accommodations.

    5 out of 5
     

    One Day Getaway

    November 21, 2012

    We had a great time at the Inn. The people there are very friendly and attentive. We stayed in room #2 which has 4 windows that overlook the downtown and give a great view of the lake and Madeline Island. Breakfast was exceptional. Julie, our waitress, was a fountain of enthusiam and knowledge of the house, town, and area. You can't go wrong staying here.

    5 out of 5
     

    Absolutely Perfect

    October 07, 2012

    The personal service, physical amenities, and quality cuisine impressed me so favorably that I will make the long journey to experience it all again.


    Location

    Innkeeper Information

    Innkeeper(s)

    Jerry and Mary Phillips, Mark and Wendy Phillips

    Innkeepers Description:

    Former music teachers, the Phillips' first opened their doors to innkeeping in 1976. Since then they have created a comfortable, romantic escape inspired by their love of fine food and wine, historic homes, antiques, and music. The Phillips' son, Mark, and his wife, Wendy, rejoined the business in 2004 and look forward to many happy years of innkeeping at Old Rittenhouse Inn.

    The innkeepers speak:

    • English

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  • Rooms & Rates

    • Nightly Rate $99 - $325

    Policy

    Reservation Policy

    • Check In: 3:30pm    Check Out: 11pm

    • Deposit Amount Required: A nonrefundable deposit equal to the first night's lodging is required within 10 days of making a reservation.

    • Cancellations: Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to arrival are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. The balance of the deposit will be refunded in the form of a gift certificate. Cancellations made less than 10 days prior to arrival result in full forfeiture of the deposit. Early check-outs will be charged the full rate for the room, unless it is re-rented by 10:00 p.m. Please note: Cancellation Policy differs for Special Events. Saturday-only stays will incur an additional charge of $25.

    • Open All Year Round: Yes


    General Policies

    • Smoking Allowed: Limited

    • Guest Pets Allowed: No

    • Drinking Allowed: Yes

    • Drinking Description: Wine list available, beer, cocktails, specialty drinks

    • Drinks Available: Yes

    • Suitable For Children: Yes

    • Childcare Provided: Limited : Child care available with advance notice


    Discount Type

    • Government

    • Off Season

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  • Reviews

    Score Breakdown based on 29 Reviews

    4.6 out of 5
     
    • Guest room  5
    • Services  5
    • Value  5
    • Cleanliness  5
    • Dining  5

    Explanation of Our Ratings

      Outstanding
      Exceeded my expectations
      Met my expectations
      Okay, but below average
      Unsatisfactory
    4.6 out of 5
     

    Amazing staff, incredible food, a simply beautiful inn.

    May 11, 2013

    The Old Rittenhouse Inn is absolutely beautiful and the kindness and responsiveness of the staff is unmatched. We stayed in Room VII. It was HUGE, comfortable, clean and the bathroom was gigantic, including a second tub with shower --- way more than I have ever seen in any room at a B&B. The only issue with our stay was a lack of hot water in the later evening (around 7pm) on Saturday night. It must have been a case of too many jacuzzi tubs at once because the problem did not reoccur the second night. Overall, we loved the Rittenhouse Inn and would gladly stay again.

    5 out of 5
     

    Wassail

    April 18, 2013

    Enchanting & renewing. Wonderful food, entertainment, and accommodations.

    5 out of 5
     

    One Day Getaway

    November 21, 2012

    We had a great time at the Inn. The people there are very friendly and attentive. We stayed in room #2 which has 4 windows that overlook the downtown and give a great view of the lake and Madeline Island. Breakfast was exceptional. Julie, our waitress, was a fountain of enthusiam and knowledge of the house, town, and area. You can't go wrong staying here.

    5 out of 5
     

    Absolutely Perfect

    October 07, 2012

    The personal service, physical amenities, and quality cuisine impressed me so favorably that I will make the long journey to experience it all again.

    4.6 out of 5
     

    Awesome

    October 06, 2012

    We have stopped by this place before and always wanted to stay but it was pricey. We were on our way through town to go to Duluth and stopped to see what was available they offered us a price that we had to stay and change our plans just so we could stay at this B&B. It was "awesome." The breakfast & staff were outstanding!

    4.8 out of 5
     

    Perfect Wedding Weekend!

    October 03, 2012

    We had an amazing, small wedding while using The Rittenhouse Inn rooms and their Cottage for our accommodations last weekend! All the rooms were very clean, wonderfully decorated, and comfortable with wonderful views and the Cottage worked perfectly for the 9 of us to gather. We especially enjoyed utilizing the whirlpools in the rooms we stayed and enjoyed the chair swing on the front porch of the Cottage. The Rittenhouse Events Coordinator, Wendy, was a great help ensuring everything went swimmingly! We had the perfect flowers delivered as well as professional and accommodating photographers for our event! Wendy also set up reservations at the Old Rittenhouse for our reception dinner with a 5 course, knock-your-socks-off, meal! Even our 4 year old had his own 5 course version and enjoyed the experience! Thank you Wendy and Rittenhouse staff! We truly could not have asked for anything better or more accommodating! We wouldn't have changed a thing!

    3.8 out of 5
     

    Magical Get Away

    September 24, 2012

    What a wonderful place to have the world melt away, relax, and regenerate. One night wasn't enough but our stay was magical. Well worth the expense.

    4.2 out of 5
     

    Memories

    September 04, 2012

    We stayed on the 3rd floor at the Chateau Boutin. Beautiful view. Had breakfast at the Old Rittenhouse Inn. Loved it.


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  • Location Type

    • Apostle Islands

    • Lake Superior

    • Lakeside

    • Village

    City - Duluth

    • Distance to city: 100 miles

    • Directions to property:
      Located on the corner of 3rd Street and Rittenhouse Avenue(Hwy 13 becomes Rittenhouse Avenue)

    Airport

    • Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis-St. Paul Intl.)


    Area Attractions

    • Antique Shopping

    • Art Galleries

    • Beach

    • Casino

    • Concert venue

    • Gourmet/Fine Dining

    • Historical interests

    • Lake

    • Live Music

    • Museum

    • National/State parks

    • Nature area

    • Apostle Islands Nat'l Lakeshore 50 block Historic

    • Lake Superior

    • Big Top Chautauqua

    • Maritime Museum

    • Madeline Island

    • Performing Theater

    • Religious Services

    • River

    • Ski area

    • Winery

    • Bicycle rental

    • Bicycle riding trails

    • Bird watching

    • Boating

    • Canoeing

    • Cross-country ski trails

    • Downhill Skiing

    • Fishing

    • Golfing

    • Hiking trails

    • Kayaking

    • Mountain Bike trails

    • Margarita Weekend

    • Beer & Wine Weekends

    • Gingerbread Weekend

    • Wassail Holiday Dinner Concerts

    • Chocolate Lovers Weekend

    • Mystery Weekends

    • Sailing

    • Shopping

    • Sight-seeing

    • Ski rentals

    • Snow shoe rental

    • Snow shoe trails

    • Swimming

    • Water sports

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  • Amenities

    Type:

    • Bed and Breakfast

    • Guest Cottage

    • Country Inn

    • Historic Inn

    Property highlights

    • Fall Brew Weekend

    • Murder Mystery Weekends

    • Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's getaways

    • Valentines Getaway

    • Wassail Dinner Concerts (December)

    • Wine Tasting Weekends

    • Antiques/decor

    • Business travel

    • Excellent views

    • Gourmet food

    • Group events

    • Honeymoons

    • Luxury

    • Nature

    • Peaceful getaway

    • Romantic escape

    • Weddings

    On-site

    • BBQ grill

    • Board games

    • Conference Rooms

    • Copier

    • Fax Machine

    • Piano

    • Telephone

    • Wedding Facilities

    • Wi-Fi

    Guest room(s)

    • Air conditioning

    • Alarm clock

    • Bath robes

    • CD player

    • Ceiling fans

    • Desk

    • Fireplace

    • Hot tub/whirlpool tub

    • Ironing Board

    • Private entrance

    • Radio

    Other

    • Full Service Restaurant

    • Room Service

    • Baby Sitting

    • Wine List

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  • Breakfast

    • Type: Continental and Full

    • Cost: 12

    • Time Served: 7:30 am to 10:00 am

    • Serving Location: On-site restaurant

    Signature Dish

    Apple Glazed Pork Chop
    A two-inch thick center-cut tenderloin chop seared to seal, then slow roasted for hours in a rich stock until fork tender. Served with our home made apple cider marmalade, a brown sauce made from the roasting juices, and fresh slivered apples on a bed of wild rice.

    Special meal options

    • Low fat

    • Restrictive

    • Vegetarian

    • Brunch 10:30-1:30

    Recipes

    Main Dish

    Apple Glazed Pork Chop
    Serves: 6
    Prep time: 4

    Sauce

    Apple Cider Marmalade
    Serves: 10
    Prep time: 1

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