By Joy Summers, The Minnesota Star Tribune
Waterparks, riverboats and … fine dining? That’s the plan for a new destination coming to the Wisconsin Dells area, thanks in part to local restaurant group Morrissey Hospitality, which will open the Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant in spring of 2025 with Uphoff Resorts.
The new project is inside the historic (and relocated) Dawn Manor and will be a period-themed restaurant, bar and speakeasy. According to a release, the house was built in 1855 by Capt. Abraham Vanderpoel, “a personal friend of Lincoln’s and a signer of the Wisconsin Constitution.” Past guests included Frank Lloyd Wright, Agnes Moorehead and Andrew Carnegie.
Just a few miles from the home’s original site, the house is being re-created in Lake Delton with many original materials, including the Potsdam sandstone exterior, stained glass, hardware, handmade grand staircase and more. The new era of Dawn Manor will span more than 12,000 square feet, including a three-story restaurant with seven themed dining rooms that explore different areas of 19th-century history.
Wisconsin chefs Justin Draper and Jayson Pettit will draw inspiration from the era to create the all-day American menu. In addition to the food, there will be roaming musical and theatrical performers to enhance the experience. The lower level will warp ahead to a 1930s speakeasy with Prohibition-era cocktails, entertainment and a wine cave. Outside, an expansive patio deck will overlook Lake Delton with views of the dam.
Back home, Morrissey Hospitality is the group behind the St. Paul Grill, St. Paul Hotel, Tria, Freight House Restaurant and more.
