Our Story

Who We Are

Get to know us...

Mackenzie • Guest Services

I grew up in the Twin Cities and achieved my bachelors degree in communications at UW Superior. So grateful this opportunity led me to Canoe Bay, where I've spent over 4 blissful years. I've loved getting to meet so many wonderful people. You'll know me as the designer loving, iced coffee connoisseur who enjoys outdoor adventures with my wonderful husband, Ryan, and adorable pup Ollie.

Kristin • Guest Services

Beginning with behind the scenes in housekeeping, to now helping you at the front desk, I'm honored to be a part of the Canoe Bay family. You'll often see me photographing around property or creating content for our socials. I keep busy achieving a marketing degree, training horses, spending time with family, and of course photographing.

Johanna • Guest Services

My roots are out east where I first learned of my passion for hospitality. My life has been growing here in Wisconsin where my husband and I are now raising our precious little one. Canoe Bay has become the perfect second family for the past 6 years and has truly made Wisconsin feel like home.

Melinda • Head Housekeeper

When I'm not caring for the cleanliness at Canoe Bay, I'm often found in the outdoors with my son Kyle, daughter Kelsa, and our newest addition, puppy Dekko! However, complete freshness and neatness of a clean cottage is so refreshing to me. It brings me so much happiness knowing my team and I play a part in helping others make wonderful memories at Canoe Bay.

John • Chief Gardener

Hello. I was born in Denmark and have been a professional gardener my entire life. Plants and I have a special relationship. Stop and see me; we'll talk shop!

Joy • Executive Chef

I love the satisfaction of plating a meal harvested locally and from our organic garden. Cooking & baking have always been a passion of mine from a young age. When I'm not in the kitchen, you'll find me enjoying family time with my four beautiful daughters and loving husband.

Renee General Manager

I grew up in the mountains but now my family and I reside in the countryside of the Wisconsin Northwoods. When I'm not at this piece of heaven, I'm likely in my garden, on the lake, snowmobiling, or adventuring out west. Quality time with my son, daughter, and husband is of utmost importance to me. I'm eager to help you experience your own restorative quality time here at Canoe Bay.

Lisa Dobrowolski Co-Founder

My husband Dan and I designed Canoe Bay to give couples the perfect getaway. Having lived the high pressure life in Chicago, we "get it." What an amazing blessing to live here. Welcome!

Our History

How did we get where we are?

Fence Posts Made Of Sausage

Stan & Mary with chubby little Dan

Over a century ago, Dan’s grandfather, Stan, was floating logs logs down the Danube River in eastern Europe when he heard that in America the fence posts were made of sausage! Not exactly 'the streets are paved with gold', but for a dirt-poor youth, the mere thought of sausage fence posts was enough to get him on a ship for America.

Not many years later, Stan and his wife Mary settled just a bit east of Canoe Bay. Their family grew to include 10 children, and life on their small farm wasn't easy. The lake and wildlife of Canoe Bay were critical to the family’s survival, providing fish, berries, and game year-'round. While they did not own the Canoe Bay property, they loved and cared for it.

Seventh Son

That's George

The seventh of Stan & Mary’s children was George—Dan’s father. (One of Dan’s earliest memories is fishing with his father and uncle on Canoe Bay's main lake, when, for the first and only time, he actually caught a turtle!) In the 1960’s, a church group acquired the property and developed a summer camp that they operated here for some 20 years before relocating the facility to southeast Wisconsin.

In 1991, George brought to his son's attention that this very special place was for sale, and...18 months later—on May 1, 1993—Dan & Lisa welcomed their first guests to the revamped Lodge at Canoe Bay.

The Inn and the Lodge, with their massive beams and fieldstone fireplaces, are among those original camp buildings.