Our Story
Becoming Harbor Hill Inn
The story of the Harbor Hill Inn begins with a drive.
Rob and Jan were living in Minneapolis when they discovered the charm of Pepin, Wisconsin through weekend visits to their favorite restaurant—the Harbor View Café. The scenic route along the Great River Road quickly became more than just a drive; it was a tradition, a retreat, and the beginning of something unexpected. Their visits grew more frequent as they began sailing on Lake Pepin. Rob and Jan joined a sailing charter and purchased a boat where they could spend weekends living at the marina and learning everything they could about sailing. Rob even earned his captain’s license. Pepin, with its lake breezes, friendly faces, and peaceful pace, slowly became more than just an escape—it started to feel like home. When the time came to sell their house in Minneapolis, they asked themselves a simple question: Where do we really want to be?
That’s when Rob spotted the Harbor Hill Inn was for sale. Once a grand and welcoming place, the inn had been largely unused for about five years. But they saw potential—beauty waiting to be revived. Without hesitation, they put in an offer. And just like that, they became innkeepers. What started as a single building has grown into something even more special. Rob and Jan restored the original inn and then expanded by purchasing and renovating the ranch house next door—turning it into two luxurious rental units for guests looking for a peaceful, romantic stay. They also revitalized the carriage house, another cozy space filled with character and charm. But they didn’t stop there. Just down the road, they brought new life to a little shop behind the carriage house on the village’s main road. Now known as the Harbor Hill General Store, it’s a delightful stop for travelers exploring the Great River Road—offering unique treasures, local goods, and gifts with heart.
Today, Harbor Hill Inn & Lodging is a place where visitors can slow down, soak in the scenery, and experience the best of small-town hospitality. It’s a story built on passion, vision, and love for a special corner of Wisconsin.
We hope you’ll come and be part of it.
Inn History
The Harbor Hill Inn, originally built as a home for Captain Newcomb's daughter in 1873, has three guest rooms and a solarium lounge area for reading, conversation, and enjoying a morning coffee. Newcomb was the captain of the Red Wing ship and created the iconic widow's walk atop the Inn as a viewing point for his wife, who was considered a widow as Newcomb was away at sea for such long periods of time. The lookout was used in the 1800s as a way to see if ships were coming into the harbor. All the rooms overlook the mighty Mississippi as a tribute to Captain Newcomb's trips at sea.
About Pepin
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Pepin, the Village of Pepin, Wisconsin, boasts a rich tapestry of history dating back to the late 1600s. Named after French-Canadian explorers Pierre and Jean Pepin, who ventured into the region in 1679, the area became a hub for fur traders and early settlers . Officially platted in 1855, Pepin was first incorporated in 1860, briefly disbanded, and then re-incorporated in 1882 . The village gained literary fame as the birthplace of Laura Ingalls Wilder, whose “Little House in the Big Woods” vividly recounts her early life here. Today, visitors can explore the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and a replica of her childhood cabin, immersing themselves in the pioneer spirit that defines Pepin’s enduring charm .
