Woodenheart Inn
11086 Hwy. 42
Sister Bay
920-854-9097
877-854-9097

From the garden and forest outside your cozy room to hot breakfasts in the rustic and warmly decorated dining area, you’ll fall in love with Woodenheart Inn.

Find this B&B about 1.4 miles north of downtown Sister Bay. Constructed from full cedar logs, Woodenheart Inn welcomes guests who traverse a paved winding walkway and step onto the front porch (make a note to try out the swing and the rocker later). 

And if all this curb appeal doesn’t win you over, past customers probably will.  Guests write comments on small white rocks, which decorate the outdoor entryway.  Ring the heart-shaped doorbell, and step inside to see why people like Rose and Mike say the Inn makes their say in Door County “so memorable.”

There are five rooms in this B&B, which was constructed in 1992 by local builder Carlson & Erickson.  After innkeepers John and Judy Hurlburt purchased the place in February 2002, they added two rooms on the lower level to supplement the three original guest rooms upstairs.

The Hurlburts, who hail from Appleton, are delighted to be close to their family in Wisconsin again after owning an inn in northeastern Georgia for about five years.

The innkeepers gave us a private tour of Woodenheart Inn for DoorCountyNavigator.com.

“It was built to be a B&B, which is nice because there are private baths in each room,” John says. 

But before checking in your room, take in the lovely great room with volume ceilings, fieldstone fireplace and interior walls constructed with l/2 logs and chinking.  There’s a sitting area and a baby grand piano (John admits he can be coaxed into playing, and guests also are welcome to play). 

Hot and homemade breakfasts

The great room is open to a dining area, the place to be each morning at 8:30 a.m. when Judy serves up one of her homemade hot breakfasts. That’s right: homemade and hot.  She opens with fresh fruit and homemade granola, and even makes pastries from scratch. The main entrée may be quiche, stuffed French toast or pancakes. 

“I love reading cookbooks and take a little of this recipe and a little of that,” Judy explains.

“And she even keeps records so if someone stayed here before, they won’t get the same,” John adds.

“Unless it is their favorite and they request it,” Judy says.

For early risers and, err, caffeine addicts, Door County Coffee is available before breakfast at 7 a.m. in the guest loft. 

Themed rooms

But you may decide to sleep in. The rooms are decorated with unique themes and antiques.  For example, there’s the Apple Room with a westerly view, antique bed and an antique dresser repurposed as a sink.

In fact, all the rooms display antiques dressers or cabinets converted to sinks—a charming decorating touch, which has been adopted by many guests in their own homes.  In addition to the private baths, all the rooms have queen-sized beds, except the Garden Room, which has a king.

The Heart on the Door Room, overlooking the woods to the east, is decorated with red and white bedding and lots of love.  The Door County Cherry Room also overlooks the woods to the east and is decorated with red and white accessories.  Door County’s cherry orchards inspire the art in this room.

The two rooms on the lower level are Minnie’s Room and Garden Room.

Named for Judy’s mom, Minnie’s Room is located near the front entryway.  It overlooks the perennial garden and has an angel decorating theme. 

There’s a vintage bed here, and the antique dresser converted to a sink is especially lovely in this room—it affords shelving in a side cabinet. 

Formerly a gift shop, the Garden Room is the most spacious guest room with exposed cedar ceilings, about 18 feet high, and cedar walls.   The room has its own private entryway, refrigerator, coffee service and television.

And why not television in the other rooms?

Judy explains:  “I think people who come up have the beauty of Door County in mind and romance.”

Near the fun 

The Hurlburts are full of ideas and recommendations for Door County activities and dining.  Just south of Woodenheart Inn are Sister Bay’s shopping area and restaurants on Hwy. 42.  Kayaking, fishing charters and sailing are also accessible.  There is a small walking trail on the inn’s three-acre property, or you can head south to hike, bike and cross country ski on more challenging trails in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek.  Or proceed north to Newport State Park in Ellison Bay. 

Many guests like to chill right at Woodenheart Inn, where John opens up an antique armoire, repurposed as wine storage, and asks guests to choose a bottle.  You can take a glass of wine outdoors and enjoy it on the deck or in the pretty gazebo. 

Gardens galore

In the spring and summer, sit on benches and enjoy an exploding garden of wildflowers and perennials.  John, who maintains the garden himself, adorns it with pretty water fountains and some funky items like an antique phone.

Also, a dozen edible plants grow here, and many find their way to the breakfast table. 

“I am super proud of the garden--I love it. I spend a lot of time there. I am happiest when my fingers are dirty, and I am grubby,” John says.

And people seem to be happy with Woodenheart Inn.  About 70% of the Inn’s guests are returning customers.  Make your reservations early especially for August and October weekends. 

Daily rates for peak season are reasonable for this classy place – check their website for accurate rates and additional room details.  Please note that off-season specials are available.

“This is people’s home away from home. A lot come here every year at the same time of year,” Judy says.  “I think they are comfortable and feel at home.”

Reserve your room at Woodenheart Inn online at www.woodenheart.com, and please mention this DoorCountyNavigator.com review. Thank you!