Sustainability at Canoe Bay
We take pride in sourcing from local farms and our organic garden. We are embracing wildlife, plants and trees, and seeing positive effects from prairie restoration.
Organic Garden
3 acres of exceptional produce and flowers for your viewing and consumption. The large array of plants allows pollinators to thrive in harmony. If you watch closely you'll often catch a bumble bee or monarch butterfly resting on a flower in their perfect environment.
Master Gardener, Jon, has been tending to the gardens at Canoe Bay for many years. Chef Joy and Gardener Jon work closely to orchestrate a symphony of marvelous produce for the kitchen to incorporate daily. Taste fresh organic produce in every bite with the confidence of knowing it's grown on-site benefiting pollinators, lessening fuel emissions, and completely pesticide free.
Indulge your taste buds with savory herbs garnished on every meal.
Wander through pebble stone walkways lined with flowers, plants, and vegetables. Experience true tranquility and feel at one with nature.
Our 300 Acre Forest
Multiple life forms in an ecosystem promote an overall healthy biodiversity. While taking a stroll you'll often see deer roaming about, birds singing, and squirrels scurrying.
We understand trees are crucial to our planet earth and provide a balance of oxygen and carbon. Canoe Bay truly takes pride in being a refuge to nature left in peace while explored, understood, and admired.
Sourcing Local Purveyors
Farm fresh, locally grown, organic food and gift shop products sourced from local companies to you.
Peterson Meats (Osceola, Wi): A 100% family owned operation that began in the 1960's, based out of Osceola. Our outstanding source for organic locally raised beef, has a butcher shop located in Weyerhauser, just 10 miles from Canoe Bay.
Hillcrest Pottery (Colfax, Wi): Willem has pottery techniques that are thousands of years old. He wood fires his stoneware and porcelain pots, uses a handmade kiln with handmade glazes, and operates a foot-powered kick wheel to produce beautiful, unique pieces. He only has electricity for one pug mill to mix clay and a few lightbulbs around his studio. His full time operation has been very successful as he is in collections throughout the U.S, Europe, Middle East, Australia, Japan, and our very own gift Shoppe at Reception!
Driftless Provisions (Viroqua, Wi): High quality premium products with pork being their heart & soul. They use premium products that honor the land, animals, and farmers.
Green Leaf Farms (Chetek, Wi): Specializing in locally grown fresh fish and chemical-free, dirt-free year-round vegetables. Their produce utilizes nutrients generated by its own process meaning no fertilizers, insecticides or harmful chemicals. Visit their farm store just 10 mins north west of Canoe Bay!
DragSmith Farms (Barron, Wi): DragSmith Farms is a locally family-run organic vegetable farm that has been producing fresh products and hosting a variety of fun activities since 1988. They strive to make the most of everything the great outdoors has to offer. Visit their farm store just 20 mins north of Canoe Bay!
Sugar Wood (Cumberland, Wi): A local artisan who creates delicious handmade caramel treats. Chana started her business in honor of her grandmother who she baked with as a child. Her caramel business was a way to feel connected with her grandma and to pass on a tradition with her daughters of baking caramel treats as way to serve others. Their goal at Sugarwood is for us to feel love in every bite of caramel deliciousness! We carry such special treats in our gift Shoppe and also a sample to welcome you.
Prairie Restoration
Controlled burns bring back vegetation and flowers stronger than before.
Prairie restoration efforts have significantly been improving our grounds for years. When a burning occurs it naturally nitrogen fixes the soil and promotes healthy growth of our native plants. Not to mention, prairies absorb abundant amounts of rain which reduces erosion and run off.
Photo credits: K.N Photo - kristinnicolephotos.com - Kristin Nicole Photography