Cedarburg Bed and Breakfast

History

Cedarburg’s history began with the advent of several grist and fabric mills taking advantage of the hydropower of nearby Cedar Creek in the 1840s. German immigrants dominated the early population of the community that sprang up around the mills. The 1870s saw the first train line connect Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul, Minnesota, with a stop in Cedarburg. This greatly enhanced the small town's commerce as the mills' products found new and larger markets. Electricity came to Cedarburg in 1897 with the implementation of the first electric generator.Cedarburg continued to prosper for decades until the 1960s. By then, most of the mills had closed and the town’s growth slowed. It wasn’t long, though, before tourism started to make an impact as people from the busy urban centers looked for places to relax and unwind from the daily grind of big-city life. Hotels, inns, and restaurants began popping up, providing visitors with comforts and amenities that blossomed into the bed and breakfast industry prevalent today.

Activities

Set aside a full day to explore The Historic Third Ward just south of historic downtownMilwaukee. Over 70 buildings from the renowned Milwaukee Public Market are included on the National Historic District list. The scenic Third Ward Riverwalk courses throughout and entices shoppers to seek out the next deal at upscale retailers, high-end boutique shops, and creative art galleries. Enjoy international cuisine at one of the many creative cafes or a brew pub along the way that will make your day.Another famous destination to be explored is the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Museum in Milwaukee. With over 450 bikes on display, the oohs-and-ahhs won’t stop even if you’re sworn to the safety of a car.Major leagues sports always draw the crowds, and Milwaukee has you covered, summer or winter. The Milwaukee Brewers bring baseball’s best to town, and you can lounge in the stands sipping an ice-cold local one. The Milwaukee Bucks provide high-flying entertainment as your favorite hoops stars challenge for bragging rights above the rim.Not all activities near Cedarburg are located at points south. A short 45-minute drive north to Sheboygan, WI, is where you’ll find the enchanting Bookworm Meadows. This wireless zone is a highly engaging 35-acre wonderland for kids of all ages (maybe some adults too!) to explore nature, art, music, and reading that have references to over 60 famous children’s books. Quiet nooks and crannies inspire inquisitive minds to learn more about their surroundings. A visit here may convert your techie toddler to a dirt-digging wonder!

Natural Features

Cedar Creek is the feature that gave rise to the community over 180 years ago when the first mills were constructed to harness the water’s power. Today, the creek maintains its pristine nature while playing host to historic mill sites, covered bridges (great for photography), and canoe and kayak put-ins.Two other terms come to mind that define this region: bogs and boreal forests. Despite its ominous-sounding name, Cedarburg Bog State Natural Area is the location of diverse flora and fauna. Beautiful stands of ash, beech, and oaks carpet the area comprised of six small glacial-era lakes. Both the lakes and forests are more typical of the boreal forests of northern Wisconsin.Just to the east, of course, is the inland-ocean Lake Michigan. Home to sailors and fishermen for centuries, the lake is an essential route of commerce between Milwaukee, Chicago, Green Bay, Detroit, and points farther east to New England and Canadian ports of call.

Things to Do

The Ozaukee Interurban Trail is a beautiful path that connects several of Ozaukee County’s other small towns with Cedarburg. Winding thirty miles across the region, hikers, bikers, skaters, and cross-country skiers maintain their fitness year-round on a scenic trail. Named “The Great Wisconsin Birding Trail,” due to its many wildlife sightings, it is one of the few tracks in the state that remains free for pedestrian use.As a community forged on the milling of fabrics, it’s no surprise that The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber is a popular destination. With over 8000 quilts on display, the museum hosts classes and workshops on quilting for children and adults. It also hosts artists’ lectures and luncheons as well as special events and fundraisers.After all that finger-numbing work, head over to the Cedar Creek Winery for more exciting history. The winery began as a woolen mill in 1864 and ran strong for 105 years until synthetic thread made its appearance in the market place. Lying vacant until 1972, a winemaker completely redesigned the property into today's very popular destination.Historic Cedarburg is home to another exciting attraction at the Cedarburg Cultural Center on Washington Street. Functioning as the area's cultural hub for over thirty years, adults and children will find classes and events related to music, art, and theater.

Weather

Cedarburg’s weather is an interesting mix of what is termed continental climate. With its proximity to Lake Michigan, an interesting phenomenon occurs during the mid-day called “lake breeze.” With the heating of the day, convection brings a breeze from the water 5-15 miles inland that cools off hot summer afternoons. At night, this process reverses with a “land breeze,” resulting in a warming of the late nighttime hours. These lake and land breezes do not occur daily but tend to influence the forecast when west, southwest, or north winds are not as prevalent through the area.While high humidity levels make a summer day feel hot and sticky, rarely does it get much warmer than the upper 80s. Winter lows can reach well below average, though, courtesy of icy winds from the far North. Thunderstorms can be surprisingly violent across the region all summer, and spring occasionally will produce a tornado to keep things interesting.

Food & Drink

Wisconsin is home to more dairy farms than any other state in the US. It also has a professional sports team named after beer. This would naturally lead one to conclude that cheese and beer are two of the predominant food “groups” statewide. Even the football fans share the humor, wearing over-sized blocks of “cheese” in the form of hats at famous Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers. Humorous cheeseheads aside, dairy and beer is serious business.The Stilt House in Cedarburg is an iconic destination whose clever original owner put his bar on stilts to by-pass a local ordinance forbidding food to be served on the second floor of an establishment. Today it offers craft beers, various wines, small plates, as well as a full menu.Vintage Café and City Deli has casual cuisine of wraps and sandwiches, fresh-made soups and salads for some lighter fare. First-class views come with the gardens and scenic Cedar Creek flowing nearby.Get down-in-the-dough at Tomaso’s, Cedarburg’s family-owned pizzeria. Known for their fresh ingredients and knack for exquisitely layering the pizza’s toppings on the bottom of the pie, you gotta dig deep for the good stuff.

Cedarburg Bed and Breakfast FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed & Breakfast in Cedarburg, WI?

You wipe away frost from the inside of the window, again, for that beautiful view you can’t seem to get enough of. An impossibly comfortable chair beckons near the fireplace. This is why you choose a boutique country inn over just another hotel room. Pamper versus pragmatic. North-country B&Bs have a way of winning their guests over like that. Host-friendliness, coupled with a weekend getaway and relaxing scenery rounds out the sensory delight.Bed and breakfast inns work hard to please their guests and with good reason. Innkeepers are passionate about the service they provide. While comfort and extravagance are at the forefront of the guest’s experience, the hosts are extremely safety-conscious to ensure all rooms and facilities are safe and clean. This includes precautions about the current state of affairs with Covid-19. Speak with your hosts at check-in to address any questions you may have regarding their health and safety protocols.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a Cedarburg, WI Bed and Breakfast?

Amenities at your favorite bed and breakfast inn can range from the expected to the luxuriant. Free wifi, baby-soft linens, the option of a Jacuzzi, and organic bath products are often staples today in all guest rooms. Other basics can include free parking, bicycles for about-town touring, snowshoes, and cross country skis.Many inns will offer private baths or whirlpool tubs. The height of luxury is spa tubs next to a fireplace nearby for added ambiance, especially when booking a private guest house. Farm-to-table freshness can be counted on with any gourmet, and continental breakfast enjoyed in the dining room or the comfort of your guest room.Though not needed during most of the year, air conditioning may be helpful during the humid summer months. Be sure to check your inn’s website or with your host before making reservations if you feel this is necessary.

How can I get around Cedarburg, WI?

The most convenient air service to Cedarburg is by way of Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. Although located in the state’s southeast corner, drive times to points west and north are very reasonable. Depending on flight times and fare pricing, an alternative air destination would be Madison, WI, just a ninety-minute drive away.For B&Bs located near Main Street or the historic district, you will have easy access to desired attractions, including shops, restaurants, and museums, often within walking distance of your inn. Many inns offer free use of a bicycle. For ventures farther afield, consider a bike ride for some exercise or the convenience of a cab, Uber, or rental car.

What are the different types of B&Bs in Cedarburg, WI?

For an extravaganza of the exquisite, Washington House Inn is top of the ticket. Offering a choice between several different room types, this 34-room beauty of a retreat is so confident you’ll love the sheets and linens, they allow you to purchase them. Sounds smooth as silk!Located on Main Street in the historic downtown, the Stagecoach Inn Bed and Breakfast began as just that; a stagecoach stop between Milwaukee and Green Bay. It has nostalgia, class, and location in abundance right in the heart of town for convenient access to all Cedarburg has to offer.Which one to choose? The fun part of this conundrum is to try them both. Then decide which qualifies as the best bed and breakfast, Cedarburg-style.