Queen’s View Bed & Breakfast is an historic estate overlooking Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands. Located in Bayfield, Wisconsin, this stately Queen Anne home blends Victorian-era charm with modern amenities.
Queen’s View honors the memory and whimsy of Mary H. Rice, Bayfield’s Queen, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and Mostus Hostus Regus.
we recognize. We honor.
The Queen’s View property is on the traditional lands of the Ojibwe. Following a migration from the east, the Ojibwe lived on what is now known as Madeline Island and other areas surrounding Lake Superior. In the 1800s, the Ojibwe were forcibly removed to the Red Cliff and Bad River reservations. As descendants of early settler imperialism, we take responsibility in acknowledging the original inhabitants of this land, acknowledging the violent colonial history resulting in the displacement of the Ojibwe from their homes, and acknowledging their ongoing resistance.
The Ojibwe are an important and pivotal piece of the fabric of our community and our community is stronger because of their presence.
A view Fit for a Queen
Queen’s View Bed & Breakfast is an historic estate atop a hill overlooking Lake Superior in beautiful Bayfield, Wisconsin. Queen’s View Bed & Breakfast provides sweeping views of the 22 Apostle Islands; 21 of the islands make up the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
The stately Queen Anne home is comprised of the original home, built in 1892 (see more, below), and an addition, constructed in 1986. Queen’s View is dedicated to and operated in honor of the late Mary Hulings Rice, Bayfield’s community-appointed Queen, generous philanthropist, entrepreneur, and the life of any party.
One cannot visit Bayfield without experiencing Mary Rice’s impact. As the “Queen of Bayfield,” Mary was larger than life in all she pursued as an entrepreneur, generous philanthrope, accomplished artist and singer, and gracious host to friends, community members, and artists from around the world.
Mary was introduced to Bayfield as a child, traveling each summer to the area when her father, Bill Hulings, purchased the Shaw Farm on Sand Island prior to the creation of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Upon her permanent move to Bayfield in 1980, Mary immediately began building her legacy, opening Maggie’s restaurant. The iconic restaurant where the pink flamingo was the mascot, was closed in 2021. The flamingo has become one of Mary’s most identifiable symbols. Her restaurant and food related businesses spanned Bayfield and Madeline Island, including Mainstreet Maggie’s, Bates Bar, The Egg Toss, and The Clubhouse restaurant on Madeline Island. In 1999, Mary established the James Beard-nominated eating experience, Wild Rice Restaurant, on the shores of Lake Superior, in the woods, located just south of Bayfield. Wild Rice closed its doors as a restaurant in 2017, though the experience “in the woods and on the water” lives on in the form of Wild Rice Retreat under new ownership.
Mary had a hand in starting many local businesses such as Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua, Madeline Island Music Camp, CORE Community Resources, to name a few; and served on the boards of organizations including Northland College and the Madeline Island Ferry Line. She encouraged the development of not-for-profits such as the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservation, Apostle Islands Area Community Fund, and Mount Ashwabay Recreation Area.
Mary was the “Mostest Hostus Regus,” organizing countless dinners, parties, events, mystery tours and celebrations spanning all seasons. Mary was founder of the Blue Moon Ball, Northern New Years, the Fun Hogs, the Rump Committee and F.U.N. (Flamingos Up North), the umbrella holding company for her many restaurants. Her home in Bayfield was open to everyone—no knocking on the door, just walk in. She would hold court from her chair in the Solarium, where one could find her planning the next gathering of friends and community.
Mary touched many lives with her seemingly unending generosity while demanding excellence from those organizations and people she supported. She was discerning and strategic in her philanthropy yet immediately responded to emergency needs in her community, no matter the cause. Her giving wasn't encumbered by her ego; she embraced the concept of providing a foundation and letting the organization or individual run with their plans.
While she loved the fanfare and notoriety that came with being the “Queen,” she also felt a deep responsibility for Bayfield’s welfare. Mary continues to be deeply missed since her passing in December 2020, and her legacy lives on in the preservation of her estate and throughout the Chequamegon Bay community.
The History of The Knight House.
Queen’s View Bed & Breakfast occupies what is known locally as The Knight House. The Knight House is named for its original owner, William Knight. Mr. Knight built his beautiful home in 1892. The Queen Anne home is on both the National and State of Wisconsin Historic Register.
William Knight was operator of a trading post in Wyoming Territory who came to Bayfield in 1869 to take over the Indian agency run by his brother, Captain John Knight. William Knight organized the Lumberman's Bank in Bayfield in 1890’s and was active in the promotion of fruit horticulture in the area. He is considered to be one of Bayfield’s pioneer settlers, expanding the area’s established agriculture from potato farming and starting what would be the first commercial cherry and apple orchards in the area. Today, Bayfield’s plentiful fruit orchards are one of the many draws to the peninsula, and the unique microclimate has become a landmark of the area.