Wild Rice Retreat:
A Holistic Experience on the
Shores of Lake Superior
The Wild Rice Retreat is an excellent destination for baby boomers and empty nester travelers looking to get away from it all. Nestled along the banks of Lake Superior in Bayfield, Wisconsin, this center for health and wellness offers its guests the opportunity to rest, relax, and recharge. With a focus on nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, Wild Rice Retreat offers all-inclusive holistic experiences that cater to each individual guest. These experiences feature a variety of program offerings, including self-guided and group retreats, as well as on-site restorative amenities that aim to promote wellness, relaxation, and individual growth. Whether you are a novice or experienced retreat attendee, you’re sure to find everything you need for a relaxing getaway at the Wild Rice Retreat.
The History of Wild Rice
Prior to becoming the Wild Rice Retreat, the center served as the Wild Rice Restaurant. Originally built by artist Mary H. Rice, for whom the center is named after, the restaurant became one of the top fine dining establishments in the area. In 2018, the center was purchased by Heide Zimmer, who transformed the space into what we now call the Wild Rice Retreat. Her hope and vision was to take the legacy of the Wild Rice Restaurant, which focused on nourishing the body, and expand upon it to offer a holistic experience that also served the mind and the spirit. Today many of Mary H. Rice’s original influences can be seen and felt throughout the center, in the artwork she has left behind.
Wild Rice Retreats
As a guest at the center, you’ll have the option to choose between a personal or guided retreat experience. While personal retreats focus more on the individual and provide flexibility in terms of day-to-day activities, guided retreats are geared towards building community and include structured group activities. Regardless of which retreat you choose, you’ll be provided with accommodations and meals and will have full access to all of the amenities on the property. Some of the most popular amenities, especially among the over 50 travelers, include the sauna house, rain room, and meditation/yoga spaces. In addition to this, there are several drop-in courses offered each day that you are welcome to join. These courses cover a wide variety of topics, including apothecary, yoga, painting, gardening, nature walks, tai chi, meditation, and sauna rituals.



Relaxing Accommodations
All of the lodging at the Wild Rice Retreat is situated amongst nature, nestled within 100 acres of forested land. The center offers three main types of accommodations that you can choose from, all Scandinavian-inspired. For a communal style of lodging, you can opt to stay in the Treehaus. Here you’ll find four individual suites, each outfitted with a bed and private bathroom, as well as a community gathering space, kitchen, and outdoor patio. Or, if you prefer more private lodging, you can choose a Ricepod or Nest. Both of these are individual cabins that offer private bathrooms and small kitchenettes. The difference between the two lies in their size; while the Ricepods can only accommodate two people, the Nests can sleep up to four. Regardless of which type of accommodation you end up choosing, you’ll be treated to incredible views of the woods and Lake Superior – a perk that is sure to further nourish your overall well-being.
It goes without saying, but Wild Rice Retreat is a truly unique place that offers the perfect opportunity to get away from all. Whether you come to the center looking for community development or individual exploration, you’re sure to have an enlightening experience that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
References:
- Wild Rice: https://www.wildriceretreat.com/
- For a trip to Bayfield: https://bayfield.org
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