St. Paul, Minn.-based hospitality management company Morrissey Hospitality has partnered with Uphoff Resorts for the full-service management of The Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant in Wisconsin Dells, Wisc. Set to open in January, Dawn Manor will be a historic period-themed destination restaurant, bar, speakeasy and gift shop. This is Uphoff Resort’s fifth project and Morrissey Hospitality’s first in Wisconsin Dells.
“Despite owning various business assets and restaurants across the country, this project is deeply personal to me,” Steve Uphoff, CEO of Uphoff Resorts, said in a statement. “Our family has been in the Dells since 1873, for six generations, and I grew up across the street from Dawn Manor. I have fond memories of this historic, one-of-a-kind house and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share this very special place with the public. Morrissey is a highly capable and proven partner who has impressed us with their passion and commitment in bringing this project to life.”
Dawn Manor dates back to 1855 and was first constructed by Abraham Vanderpoel, a personal friend of President Abraham Lincoln’s and a signer of the Wisconsin Constitution. The house had various notable owners and prominent guests such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Agnes Moorehead and Andrew Carnegie. In 1945, the house was purchased by Helen Raab and painter George Raab, and it stayed in the family until 2017 when Uphoff purchased it from George Raab III, the great-grandson of Helen Raab. A reconstruction is now underway, using all of the original exterior Potsdam Sandstone and many original materials including stained glass, the handmade oak grand staircase, hardware, fireplaces and furniture. The house is being relocated, stone by stone, to the shores of Mirror Lake in Lake Delton, just a few miles from its original site.
Uphoff Resorts’ recreation of Dawn Manor will have more than 12,000-square-feet of space across a three-story restaurant. The restaurant will have seven historically accurate themed dining rooms with 249 seats. Each themed dining room will evoke 19th-century history, complete with antique furnishings and select original artwork from George Raab, whose work was in the original manor and is now part of the Uphoff’s personal collection. The menu, crafted by local chefs Justin Draper and Jayson Pettit, will serve contemporary American cuisine with historical inspiration from the 1880s.
The lower level will have a recreation of the original 1930s Uphoff rotunda bar. This speakeasy will have prohibition-era cocktails, live entertainment and a wine cave for private events. A 2,000 square-foot raised patio deck overlooking Mirror Lake will have panoramic views of the Mirror Lake Dam, first built in 1860, five years after the completion of Dawn Manor. Additionally, a gift shop will sell period-themed souvenirs, gifts and apparel.
“We couldn't be more excited to partner with Steve to bring The Original 1855 Dawn Manor Restaurant to life,” said Richard Dobransky, president of Morrissey Hospitality. “As history enthusiasts, we share Steve’s passion for creating a mid-19th century dining experience in 2025. Our guests will enjoy innovative culinary offerings, exceptional service and a truly memorable experience.”
Morrissey Hospitality is engaged for its full suite of services, including concepting, interior design, menu development, branding, marketing and full operations management. Additional collaborations with Uphoff Resorts are currently in the works on future ventures.