As a lifelong Minnesotan, this is hard to admit, but Wisconsin is home to one of the best resorts in the Midwest. Hailed by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top five resorts in the region and marked with one of the luxury hotel industry’s highest stamps of approval—the prestigious fleur-de-lis of the Relais & Châteaux collection—Canoe Bay is an adults-only getaway tailored specifically for couples. It’s a destination where guests can focus exclusively on spending quality time with their special someone.
Canoe Bay
Just two hours from the Twin Cities, Canoe Bay spans 300 acres of secluded hardwood forest in Chetek, Wisconsin. The property is home to three spring-fed lakes, miles of hiking trails, a large organic garden, a library, and, of course, a collection of luxury cottages and side-by-side cabins. In its current form, Canoe Bay may seem far removed from its past life as a farm-turned-1960s church camp. But through the resort’s stewardship, emphasis on connection, and appreciation of nature, the spirit of its history remains.
If first impressions are everything, the views that unfold along the entrance to the property set the tone for the guest experience. Upon arriving for our weekend stay, my partner and I meandered down the resort’s winding drive, slowing to admire the stunning works of architecture peeking through the trees. A distinctive, Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired style is present in each of Canoe Bay’s 34 unique accommodations—two of which were designed by Wright protege John Rattenbury himself, with others crafted by Kelly Davis of Minneapolis-based SALA Architects. Characterized by Prairie-style features, such as warm wood, stone, and expansive windows, every cottage and villa offers a luxurious spin on the cozy cabin aesthetic Midwesterners know and love.
Canoe Bay
General manager Renee Nyhus escorted us to our home for the next two nights: the Hilltop Spa Signature Cottage. As its name suggests, this standalone cottage features an en-suite spa, complete with a whirlpool tub, steam shower, and Finnish sauna. We were greeted with fresh flowers and a gluten-free charcuterie spread; the Canoe Bay staff took note of my dietary restrictions before our arrival and provided accommodations throughout our entire stay, with no reminders needed. For guests with allergies or specific dietary preferences, this small act of hospitality can turn a good experience into an exceptional one—and for the team at Canoe Bay, this level of intentionality is the standard.
We settled in quickly, admiring the views of the surrounding forest from the cottage’s cantilevered deck. The space felt peaceful, secluded, and entirely our own. The landscape below was ablaze with golden-hour sunlight, and a deer stopped briefly to graze in the distance. As my partner and I cozied up on the sofa and listened to goose calls echoing off the lake, we agreed that this felt more like someone’s home than a guest suite.
Of everything the resort had to offer, I was most looking forward to dining. Canoe Bay’s on-site restaurant curates three-course, prix fixe dinner menus that change nightly and use fresh, seasonal ingredients from the organic garden and local farms. Guests can choose to venture over to the lakeside dining room or opt into delivery right to their cottage’s doorstep—a thoughtful touch for those who want a more private experience.
Canoe Bay
Nyhus noted the food program’s mission is to be simple, beautiful, and delicious—and it was. Our meal started with the Autumn Colors Salad: a surprisingly flavorful plate of roasted red beets, golden beet puree, microgreens, lemon-thyme goat cheese, and a honey-poppyseed vinaigrette. For the main course, we savored every bite of Alaskan halibut glazed with Wisconsin maple syrup, parsnip puree, roasted sweet potato, charred broccolini, and a white-wine maple reduction. Dessert was the cherry on top: a house-made cheesecake with blackberry coulis, honey whip, and candied pecans. It was outstanding. From the service and presentation to the dishes themselves, the meal struck a perfect balance between elegance and simplicity.
The next morning, we woke to a delicious breakfast delivered to our cottage in a picnic basket—another thoughtful touch that allows guests to focus solely on their experience rather than logistics.
Canoe Bay
We spent our second day enjoying the property’s natural beauty and peaceful seclusion. It’s hard to find time to unwind in our daily lives, but tucked away in the forest, relaxation was everywhere. Hours slipped away without us checking the time or reaching for our phones, which was a luxury in itself.
Whether your idea of slowing down includes moving your body, being outdoors, or curling up with a book, Canoe Bay has something up your alley. We explored the resort’s hiking trails, walked through the garden, and took a kayak out on the lake—other warm-weather activities include swimming, fishing, and canoeing, and there’s a golf course nearby for guests looking to venture off the property. Those who want to hang out indoors will love the library at The Lodge, which is filled to the brim with books to enjoy during your stay (or head up to the second-story loft for reading with a lake view). You can also take advantage of the fitness room or book a massage in the comfort of your cottage.
Canoe Bay
Dinner that evening included a wild mushroom ravioli with a Gruyere Mornay sauce and caramelized onions; herb-crusted beef tenderloin from Wisconsin-based Peterson Craft Meats, served with pommes puree, roasted red cabbage, sauteed snap peas, and a red-wine berry reduction; and layered dark chocolate cake with espresso frosting and hazelnut ice cream. It was as decadent as it sounds, with melt-in-your-mouth textures and rich, harmonious flavors. Selections from the resort’s award-winning wine list are also available, or guests can book the private table in the wine cellar for a one-of-a-kind experience.
After a few delicious meals, many hours of fresh air, and two great nights of sleep, neither of us was ready to reenter the real world. Yet, we felt energized. That, I realized, is Canoe Bay’s greatest luxury: It felt less like leaving a resort, and more like saying goodbye to a place that was just as comfortable as home, without the stressors of routine. Its elegance isn’t flashy or in your face; it’s subtle, consisting of intentional experiences designed to create space for connection and make your life easier for a few days. If you ask me, that’s worth crossing state lines for.
