Wild Rice Retreat

Question 1

How do I get to Bayfield, Wisconsin and Wild Rice Retreat?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat is located at 84860 Old San Road, Bayfield, Wisconsin 54814. Our location is 1.5-miles south of Bayfield, Wisconsin in the far northern part of the state on the shores of Lake Superior. Wild Rice Retreat is 240 miles or an approximately four-hour drive from Minneapolis/St. Paul and 90 miles or an approximately two-hour drive from Duluth, Minnesota.
The airports nearest to Wild Rice Retreat are either the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP) or the Duluth International Airport (DHL) in Duluth, Minnesota. Both airports offer car rental services. Travelers may also wish to check the Gogebic-Iron County Airport in Ironwood, Michigan (IWD). Car rental at the Ironwood airport is not reliable. Ironwood, Michigan is 65 miles from Bayfield.
Wild Rice Retreat offers one-way or round-trip shuttle services from either the Duluth, Minnesota airport or the Ironwood, Michigan airport. Arrangements for shuttle service should be made more than 30 days in advance of arrival and are based on availability and are offered for an additional charge.
Driving directions:
From the south:
Wild Rice Retreat is approximately 10 minutes or 11 miles north of Washburn, Wisconsin on Hwy 13. You will turn right onto Old San Road about a mile after you pass Pike’s Bay Marinas. The driveway leading to Wild Rice Retreat will be on your left approximately one tenth of a mile after turning onto Old San Road.
From the north:
Wild Rice Retreat is 20 miles (or 20 minutes) from Cornucopia, Wisconsin. Follow Highway 13 to the north to Bayfield and continue through town. The left turn onto Old San Road will be approximately one mile outside of town. The driveway leading to Wild Rice Retreat will be on your left approximately one tenth of a mile after turning onto Old San Road.
If you wish to check road conditions for either construction or weather-related closures, please use www.511wi.gov.
Please call our offices at (715) 779-0178 or email info@wildriceretreat.com with any travel-related questions or to arrange shuttle service.

Question 2

Is there a shuttle available to Wild Rice Retreat?

Accepted Answer

Shuttle services are available through Wild Rice Retreat from either the Duluth, Minnesota airport or the Ironwood, Michigan airport. Arrangements for shuttle service should be made more than 30 days in advance of arrival and are based on availability and will result in an additional charge.

Question 3

What are the options for transportation once onsite?

Accepted Answer

Once onsite at Wild Rice Retreat, guests may use the Brownstone Trail to walk to Bayfield (approximately 1.5-miles one way). The Brownstone Trail is a relatively flat trail running along the top of a cliff overlooking Lake Superior.
Alternative transportation while onsite includes e-bike rental from Howl Adventure Center and a team member can help arrange. A variety of bike types may be rented on daily or multi-day basis.
The Bayfield area does not have taxis, Uber, or Lyft. Car rentals may be made in Duluth, Minnesota or Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota.

Question 4

What is near Wild Rice Retreat?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat is located 1.5-miles south of the small picturesque town of Bayfield, Wisconsin in the far northern part of the state on the shores of Lake Superior. Bayfield is known as the gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a national park made up of 21 islands made famous for stunning sea caves (which become ice caves in the winter), great sailing, kayaking, amazing hiking trails and a plethora of year-round outdoor adventure. Madeline Island, the biggest of the islands, is a short 25 minute ferry ride away.
Bayfield itself is a small town of fewer than 500 people and is a celebrated tourist destination. Free of chain restaurants, Bayfield offers a quaint downtown filled with shops boasting local art, pottery, clothing, sweets, and other curated offerings. A variety of restaurants (many are seasonal though several are open year-round with adjusted hours), galleries, museums, the national park headquarters, and adventure galore await tourists of all ages and in all seasons.

Question 5

What is the weather like in Bayfield?

Accepted Answer

Due to our location on the shores of Lake Superior, the weather can change often and without warning. We recommend throwing any weather forecast out the window and be prepared with layers, a rain jacket, hat and any other desired accessories for all types of weather. If you plan to be out on the lake, note that temperatures can be 20 – 30 degrees colder than on the mainland.
Typical temperatures for June – September can be 60 – 80 degrees during the day, with slightly higher daytime temps during July and August. January and February tend to be the coldest months when daytime temperatures can be below zero with a wind chill.

Question 6

How do I get trip insurance?

Accepted Answer

Where available, we encourage guests to research travel insurance. Wild Rice Retreat is not responsible for cancellation of travel due to weather, natural disasters or government mandated emergencies.

Question 7

How is Wild Rice Retreat different from a hotel?

Accepted Answer

Unlike hotels, Wild Rice Retreat offers daily class offerings for all retreat guests. Classes may include yoga, meditation, movement practices, cooking classes and demonstrations, garden classes and demos, mixology, essential oils guidance, and much more. For more information on daily class and demonstration offerings, click here.
Wild Rice Retreat offers simple luxury designed for maximum relaxation. WRR’s facilities do not feature televisions, rather, the spaces offer a quiet environment for rest and renewal. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the grounds, facilities and amenities throughout their stay. While some guests may focus on learning and creativity, others may be maximizing relaxation, rest, and quiet time in nature. whether through a scheduled guided or unscheduled personal retreat.
Wild Rice Retreat asks all guests to adhere to quiet hours of 10:00 pm to 6:00 am for the peaceful enjoyment of all guests. Guests should refrain from making loud noises and avoid disruptions to other guests at all times, but especially during quiet hours. We ask guests to refrain from playing loud music at any time of day.

Question 8

What time is check-in? What time is check-out?

Accepted Answer

Guests may arrive onsite on the first day of retreat beginning at 4 pm. Lodging accommodations are available after 4 pm. Guests are welcome to settle into lodging, enjoy retreat amenities, trails, and lounge and deck areas upon arrival.
Check-out is 11 am on the final day of your scheduled retreat. Guests may arrange to leave luggage with Wild Rice Retreat staff in the main building following check-out if retreat schedules or offsite activities require additional time in the area.
Early check-in requests must be made 48 hours in advance of arrival and we may or may not be able to accommodate the request depending on availability. Late check-out may also be requested but subject to availability.

Question 9

Do you have private rooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Wild Rice Retreat offers many private room options. Please refer to our lodging page for specifics on the number of beds and additional details on each lodging type. Another guest will never be assigned to your room and all rooms are private unless a retreat guest specifically books with a companion(s).

Question 10

Can I share a room?

Accepted Answer

Yes, at your option. Several lodging types may be shared by a retreat guest and a companion(s). Wild Rice Retreat will not assign a guest to your room. Treehaus Lodging includes 4 private rooms with their own private bathrooms with a shared kitchen and common area only. Treehauses are the only lodging type with shared common space.

Question 11

Can I change my lodging type after I arrive onsite?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat aims to optimize all spaces for the comfort and enjoyment of all. For this reason, we may or may not be able to accommodate last minute upgrades or changes. All retreat guests are encouraged to ask questions and research appropriately to be sure the desired level of privacy and amenities are fulfilled by the selected lodging. If upgrades or changes are accommodated, prevailing pricing – potentially higher than rates published at the time of booking – will apply and payment will be due at the time of the change.

Question 12

Is Wild Rice Retreat ADA accessible?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat’s main building, NOVO, the PeacePod and the SaunaHaus and Rain Room and designated lodging units meet all requirements for ADA compliance. Please call the office at (715) 779-0178 or email info@wildriceretreat.com to make specific inquiries about spaces and ADA-accessible lodging. While the Wild Rice Retreat team is happy to provide reasonable accommodations to all guests, please provide your requests at time of booking.

Question 13

Can a companion (friend or family member) join me while I participate in a Guided Retreat?

Accepted Answer

If you would like friends or family members to join you, they must be registered as a Guided Retreat Companion or they can register for a Personal Retreat. Advanced registration is required of all guests. Companions may enjoy all the commons spaces and amenities Wild Rice Retreat has to offer and are entitled to enjoy the same meals Guided Retreat guests. Wild Rice Retreat team members are happy to offer adventure recommendations in and around the Bayfield area.

Question 14

Can I bring a pet?

Accepted Answer

While we love our furry friends, Wild Rice Retreat has a no pet policy for the peaceful enjoyment of all guests. However, persons with disabilities may bring trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs onsite with advanced notice. Please contact the Wild Rice Retreat team by calling (715) 779-0178 or email info@wildriceretreat.com to arrange for specific lodging if you will be bringing a service animal with you
From time to time, Wild Rice Retreat may allow emotional support animals onsite. A request must be made in advance and an additional cleaning fee will be applied. Decisions regarding emotional support animals are at the sole discretion of Wild Rice Retreat. Animals are not allowed in NOVO or other indoor gathering spaces onsite.
Guests with approved animals onsite must comply with local animal control and public health requirements, so please be sure your service animal meets all vaccination requirements and is properly registered and licensed.

Question 15

Can I bring my children?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat is an adult-focused facility. Guests over the age of 16 are welcome as part of all retreat types, unless otherwise specified by a group leader or Guided Retreat instructor. Those between the ages of 16 – 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All guests must be registered with appropriate ages noted. Prices are based on a per person cost, regardless of age. Infants and children under two are also allowed onsite.

Question 16

Are RVs allowed onsite?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat cannot accommodate RVs onsite. There are RV accommodations at the nearby Apostle Islands Campground, Dalrymple Campground, Buffalo Bay Campground, and Thompson’s West End and Memorial Park Campgrounds in Washburn.

Question 17

Are the lodging units air conditioned?

Accepted Answer

Nests and RicePods offer controllable air conditioning in each unit. The Treehauses also feature controllable air conditioning in all communal spaces. Individual sleeping rooms are not air conditioned. Due to the proximity of Lake Superior there are only a handful of summer nights on which the temperature is likely to be above 70 degrees. All rooms are outfitted with windows that open to allow access to fresh air and cross ventilation at all times. Should temperatures soar, fans will be provided to Treehaus guests.

Question 18

What retreat amenities are available onsite?

Accepted Answer

The Wild Rice Retreat grounds offer a system of trails, the Sauna Haus, Sanctuary Meditation and Fire Circle area, spacious decks for outside relaxing, and onsite classes offered as part of both the Guided and Personal retreat experiences. Retreat amenities are offered to registered retreat guests. Onsite class offerings will be made available to all retreat guests in the week leading up to time onsite.
Wild Rice Retreat is located 1.5-miles south of downtown Bayfield, Wisconsin. Retreat guests may wish to walk to downtown Bayfield via the Brownstone Trail, a trail running along brownstone cliffs overlooking Lake Superior and Madeline Island. Currently, a portion of the trail is rerouted along Highway 13 due to a washout.

Question 19

Can I book a massage or other spa services while on retreat?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat is happy to assist with booking spa services at Bayfield’s Superior Body Massage & Spa or guests may wish to book their own treatments.

Question 20

What onsite classes are offered as part of my retreat and when are they offered?

Accepted Answer

Classes are offered multiple times per day to all registered retreat guests. Classes such as yoga, meditation and subjects such as gardening, cooking, essential oils are offered to those enjoying any type of retreat and are filled on a first come, first served basis. There is no need to register in advance; however, all guests are asked to check in with the instructor upon arrival to class to verify guest registration.

Question 21

When is the sauna available for use?

Accepted Answer

The Sauna Haus is available for use by any registered retreat between the hours of 6 am - 10 pm, daily. Guests will be provided sauna access as part of their retreat package. The Sauna Haus offers a large, single sauna room for use by all guests (swimsuits or other suitable coverings are required). A private bathroom and open shower room with rain shower experience and cold plunge option are also available for use as part of the sauna experience. Robes are available as part of lodging units and towels are available for guest use associated with time spent in the sauna. Guests should plan to come to the sauna with either their swimsuit on or with then to change into prior to entering the sauna room and appropriate change of clothes and any needed toiletries for after-sauna use.
Note: COVID-19 restrictions are currently in place. Please contact us for more information on specific Sauna Haus policies and information via email at info@wildriceretreat.com or by calling (715) 779-0178.

Question 22

When are the onsite trails available for use?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat onsite trails are open for use by all registered guests. Maps and other trail information may be obtained from any Wild Rice Retreat team member if not provided at the time of check-in. Guests are advised to not feed or approach any wildlife while on trails.
The Brownstone Trail is a public trail running via an easement through the Wild Rice Retreat property closest to Lake Superior. This trail is open year-round for use by the public and is maintained by volunteers coordinated by Landmark Conservancy. Currently, the trail has a detour onto Highway 13 of about ¼ mile due to a washout. Retreat guests are welcome to use the Brownstone Trail to walk or bike to/from downtown Bayfield (approximately 1½ miles, one way) and should adhere to all posted detour information.

Question 23

Where are the nearest health services?

Accepted Answer

In case of emergency, Wild Rice Retreat team members can provide basic first aid and can coordinate emergency medical services. Due to our somewhat remote location, we recommend that you bring any needed medications with you. The nearest emergency room is approximately 25 minutes away. There are pharmacies in Washburn and Ashland Wisconsin, 12 and 25 minutes away, respectively.

Question 24

Will my cell phone work onsite and is there wifi access?

Accepted Answer

Cell phones are usable at Wild Rice Retreat. A land line phone is available to guests in the main building. You may wish to check with your mobile carrier to gauge the strength of your network in far northern Wisconsin and make plans accordingly.
Guests are welcome to use two access a password-protected guest network at various points around the property. A computer is available in the main retreat center lobby for those guests who may need to view or print a limited number of documents while onsite.
Guests are asked to refrain from taking calls or spending time on phones or other devices during meal times to preserve the communal atmosphere of Wild Rice Retreat and the important role meals play in the overall retreat experience.

Question 25

Is there an ATM available?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat does not have an ATM onsite. There are 2 – 3 ATMs located in downtown Bayfield, which is approximately 1.5-miles from Wild Rice Retreat. Wild Rice Retreat can accept cash or credit card onsite for any Wine Bar, Gift Shop, or Guided Retreat supply fees. Wild Rice Retreat does not have access to credit card information following your initial payments or deposit. You may run a tab while onsite. Any tabs must be taken care of prior to check-out with cash or credit card.

Question 26

Is smoking allowed onsite?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is prohibited on the entire Wild Rice Retreat property. Those found smoking onsite, whether inside or outside, face a possible fine.

Question 27

Can I take a tour of the site and just walk around the property?

Accepted Answer

For the privacy and security of our guests, we ask that those not attending a retreat make plans with a Wild Rice Retreat staff member for a private tour prior to arriving onsite. To preserve the sanctity of the experience at Wild Rice Retreat, self-guided tours and walkabouts are also prohibited. Membership and day-pass programs are being developed and may be available in the future.

Question 28

What is the age limit on campus?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat is an adult-focused facility. Guests ranging in age from 16 – 103 are welcome as part of all retreat types, unless otherwise specified by a group leader or Guided Retreat instructor. Those between the ages of 16 – 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. All guests must be registered with appropriate ages noted. Prices are based on a per person cost, regardless of age.

Question 29

Can a visitor stop by to see me while I’m on retreat?

Accepted Answer

To make the most of our registered guests’ privacy and for the safety and well-being of all, we ask that outside visitors refrain from entering the grounds of Wild Rice Retreat unless for a specific delivery or attendance at a special event.

Question 30

What are the hours of access for the buildings and common areas onsite?

Accepted Answer

Registered guests will have access to their own lodging and those common buildings associated with their specific retreat type at any time. Guests are asked to adhere to the quiet hours of 10 pm – 6 am for the enjoyment and comfort of all guests.

Question 31

What is the security onsite?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat is a private retreat center, though does not have a fence around the perimeter of the 114-acre site and cannot keep curious visitors from entering the site. Surveillance and security cameras are placed throughout the site and the extensive state-of-the-art lock system used on all doors provide added layers of security. All lodging buildings are locked at all times, accessible only to registered retreat guests. Common areas and instructional buildings are unlocked during daytime hours and when staff are onsite to monitor arrivals and departures. Common spaces and specific classroom spaces are also accessible to all registered guests during posted times, which often includes after-hours access.
Overnight guests will be provided, upon arrival, information on how to contact a Wild Rice Retreat team member for after-hours emergencies, as well as basic information for contacting the local authorities, if needed.

Question 32

What kind of food and beverage do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat offers delicious locally sourced and prepared breakfast and lunch options for registered retreat guests in NOVO, Wild Rice Retreat’s Nourishment Center, delivered to your room in our thoughtfully curated Provisions baskets. Dinner is offered Wednesday - Saturday weekly. Meals are served at set time frames and reservations for dinner are required 24 hours in advance including prior to arrival. Guided retreat guest dining schedules may vary from this plan. A full menu of creative beverage options are also available including spirited wines, ciders and beers and non-spirited creative and beautiful options curated by our Nourishment Team. We welcome you to explore, stay curious and open your mind and palette to new experiences.

Question 33

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat will make every effort to accommodate dietary restrictions. Please make known food allergies and dietary restrictions known at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before arrival.

Question 34

Can I bring my own alcohol onsite?

Accepted Answer

In compliance with Wisconsin State law, Wild Rice Retreat cannot allow any off-site alcohol to be brought onsite or consumed in any public or common area. Wild Rice Retreat’s license requires WRR to sell and serve all beer and wine onsite. No other alcoholic beverages may be consumed in any public spaces, including anything you purchased elsewhere and transported onsite.

Question 35

What are the alternatives to dining onsite?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat offers breakfast and lunch daily for registered retreat guests. Dinner is offered certain nights of the week. Please check your Guided or Personal Retreat schedule for offering dates or call (715) 779-0178 or email info@wildriceretreat.com for more information. Meals are served during set timeframes to allow for enjoyment by all guests and to contribute to the sense of community built around shared meals.
Bayfield and the surrounding area also offer a plethora of dining options. Upon check-in, guests will receive a list of area restaurants and Wild Rice Retreat staff members are happy to provide personal recommendations upon request. Retreat guests may also wish to do their own research on area dining options by visiting www.bayfield.org.
Some of the Wild Rice Retreat lodging options do provide space and amenities for onsite in-lodging cooking. Shared living areas within the Treehauses offer full kitchens (refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot and stovetop). Nests also offer limited cooking amenities (microwave, french press and small refrigerator). RicePods feature a coffee pot, hot water teapot, and small refrigerator.

Question 36

What is the cost to stay?

Accepted Answer

Pricing for Guided Retreats includes retreat tuition, most meals, and then varies based on the selected lodging. Personal Retreats include selected lodging, breakfast and lunch each day. All retreat options include access to onsite class offerings once or twice per day, depending on offerings and the time of year (for Guided Retreats, these class offerings would be in addition to specific programmed retreat learning time).
For onsite retreats, dinners are served two or three nights per week, depending on the time of year, and, when served, are open to all registered retreat guests. Please check the daily Guided Retreat schedule ahead of your visit to learn which evenings dinner will be served during your stay or, for Personal Retreats, refer to the published daily schedule available 1-2 weeks in advance of your arrival.
Virtual retreat offerings provide retreat guests access to Wild Rice Retreat’s high-quality instructors from the comfort of your own home studio or living room. Virtual retreats are conducted through Zoom and include direct access to instructors, their work and teachings. Virtual retreat offerings vary based on the time of year and instructor preferences and may vary in length from one hour to multiple hours spread over days or weeks. To learn more and explore virtual retreat offerings, click here.

Question 37

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellation policies apply depending on the type of retreat you are attending. Please see detailed information on cancellation policies here.
Personal Retreat: Prior to 30 days of arrival, fully refundable, less a $25 processing fee. 30-14 days prior to arrival, the deposit is forfeited. Any cancellation made within 14 days, the full value of the retreat is forfeited.
Guided Retreat: The deposit is fully refundable, less a $25 processing fee if the cancellation is made 60 days prior to the start of the retreat. The deposit will be forfeited should a guest cancel between 60-30 days prior to the start of the retreat. Any cancellation made within 30 days of the start of the retreat will result in full forfeiture of the retreat.

Question 38

What types of payments are accepted?

Accepted Answer

Wild Rice Retreat accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, ApplePay for deposits and retreat payments. Gift cards issued by Wild Rice Retreat may also be used for deposits and retreat payments, though may not be usable for online registrations. Call (715) 779-0178 to pay with a Wild Rice Retreat gift card.
Cash can also be accepted onsite for purchases at the Wine Bar or Gift Shop. If you so wish, a credit card may be placed on file once you arrive to be charged for any incidentals or purchases made during your stay. Please speak with a Wild Rice Retreat team member upon arrival to make arrangements to start a tab once onsite.
Wild Rice Retreat does not have an ATM onsite. ATM’s are available in downtown Bayfield. Please plan accordingly.

Question 39

What kind of deposit is required to secure a reservation?

Accepted Answer

Personal Retreat: 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is to be paid at checkout.
Guided Retreat: 50% deposit at the time of booking. The remaining balance is to be paid at checkout.

Question 40

I have a Wild Rice Retreat Gift Card.  How can I use it?

Accepted Answer

Gift cards issued by Wild Rice Retreat may be applied to Guided or Personal Retreat registrations handled by Wild Rice Retreat. Wild Rice Retreat gift cards have no expiration date. Gift cards issued by Wild Rice Retreat may also be used in the Wild Rice Retreat Wine Bar or onsite Gift Shop.

Question 41

I have a promotional discount code. How do I use it?

Accepted Answer

Discount codes or promotional codes must be applied at the time of initial registration to be applied (no retroactive codes shall be applied). For registrations completed online, the code should be entered in the area of registration indicated. For assistance with the application of codes, whether for an online or phone registration, please call (715) 779-0178.

Question 42

Does WRR offer scholarship or financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

At this time, the Wild Rice Retreat team is working to build a scholarship fund and corresponding program. We hope to unveil the program sometime in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions