Smiling Pelican Bake Shop

Introduction / Overview: The Charm and Quality of Smiling Pelican Bake Shop

Located right along the scenic route of Highway 35 in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin, the Smiling Pelican Bake Shop is a cherished local landmark and an essential stop for anyone traveling the Great River Road. This is not your average bakery; it is an artisan establishment where every item is "crafted from scratch daily," embodying the true spirit of high-quality, homemade baking. Operating successfully since 2001, Smiling Pelican Bake Shop has earned its reputation as "The little bakery that could," consistently drawing crowds from all over the region—some driving over an hour just to visit a few times a year.

What immediately sets this bake shop apart is its deep commitment to making everything by hand, using top-quality ingredients and incorporating seasonal local produce when feasible. Customers are routinely delighted by the experience of grabbing warm, out-of-the-oven bread and cookies, a hallmark of their commitment to freshness. Their menu goes well beyond the basics, featuring a wide selection that ranges from hearty quiches and comforting artisan breads to decadent pies, cheesecakes, and uniquely flavored treats like ginger carrot muffins and their famous lavender cookies.

The bakery’s success has made it exceptionally popular, leading to a unique operational style that many locals have come to love—a system where the spirit of trust and community is central to the transaction. While its popularity sometimes means lines, the experience of visiting is enhanced by the charming, inviting atmosphere, including a beautiful garden patio where you can relax and enjoy your purchases. The entire operation is geared toward providing exquisite desserts and baked goods that are well worth the trip through beautiful Western Wisconsin.

Location and Accessibility

The Smiling Pelican Bake Shop holds a prime location right on one of Wisconsin’s most scenic routes, making it highly visible and convenient for both the Maiden Rock community and tourists exploring the region.

The physical address is:

W3556 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750, USA

Located directly on State Road 35, the bakery is an easy pull-off stop, which is perfect for travelers needing a Quick visit to grab coffee and freshly baked goods. For local patrons, this central location ensures accessibility for regular visits. While specific details on physical accessibility (ramps, designated parking) are not explicitly listed in the provided data, the highly local and community-oriented nature of the bakery suggests a focus on welcoming all patrons.

Given its status as a destination that people drive over an hour to visit, the location’s picturesque charm, including its visually appealing garden and inviting outdoor seating area, is a significant draw. The primary service is Takeout, allowing customers to swiftly collect their purchases—be it a loaf of warm bread or a delicious pie—and either enjoy them immediately on the garden patio or take them home. Customers are advised to plan for a quick visit, as the popularity of the shop often leads to rapid turnover of products, meaning early arrival is recommended for the best selection.

Services Offered

Smiling Pelican Bake Shop is an artisan operation that provides a diverse and high-quality array of baked goods and services, specializing in scratch-made comfort food and creative desserts for the Wisconsin market.

The core services and product offerings available include:

• Artisan Bread and Rolls: Daily production of scratch-made, warm out-of-the-oven bread and rolls, which form the heart of their offerings.
• Gourmet Cookies and Bars: A vast selection of cookies, including fan favorites like the creative ginger carrot muffins and signature lavender cookies.
• Pies and Cheesecakes: Specializing in high-quality desserts, featuring indulgent options such as the highly praised banana cream pie made with natural whipping cream.
• Savory Items: Offering convenient savory lunch and breakfast options, including freshly baked quiches, scones, and sometimes soups.
• Coffee Service: Providing fresh Coffee and other beverages to perfectly complement their baked goods, ideal for those stopping for a quick morning or afternoon treat.
• Takeout and Quick Visits: The main service option is Takeout, optimized for a Quick visit due to the shop's small size and high demand, ensuring customers can quickly secure their desired items.

Features / Highlights

The unique features of Smiling Pelican Bake Shop contribute significantly to its high customer appeal and local legend status along the Wisconsin River Road.

Key features and highlights include:

• The Honor System Model: Operating with a unique honor system that speaks to the trust and tight-knit community feel in Maiden Rock. This unique retail approach is part of the shop's charm and authenticity.
• Commitment to Scratch Baking Since 2001: A long-standing history of producing hand-made baked goods since 2001, ensuring a consistent, high standard of quality that brings back customers year after year.
• Seasonal and Creative Offerings: Demonstrated through unique flavors like ginger carrot muffins and lavender cookies, and community engagement through events like the gingerbread mansion raffle.
• Outdoor Garden Patio: A charming visually appealing garden area with outdoor seating where patrons can relax and enjoy their purchases, enhancing the overall experience.
• Focus on Freshness: Renowned for serving goods that are literally warm out-of-the-oven, ensuring the ultimate fresh-baked experience that delights the senses.

Contact Information

For Wisconsin patrons wishing to confirm seasonal hours, check daily inventory, or inquire about ordering specialty items, the Smiling Pelican Bake Shop provides direct and clear contact information. It is always wise to call ahead, especially considering the high demand and unique honor system.

Address: W3556 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750, USA

Phone: (715) 448-3807

Mobile Phone: +1 715-448-3807

The business’s known seasonal operating schedule typically runs from Mid-March through December 23rd, with limited weekly hours (often Friday through Sunday). Due to the high demand that causes popular items to sell out quickly and the operational constraints of a small space, calling or checking their public platforms for current hours and availability before making the drive is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons on the Great River Road. The dual phone numbers ensure customers can easily reach the shop for inquiries.

What is Worth Choosing Smiling Pelican Bake Shop?

For Wisconsin locals and visitors, choosing Smiling Pelican Bake Shop is choosing a unique, authentic slice of the state’s artisan food culture. What is most worth choosing is the shop’s unwavering commitment to exceptional, scratch-made quality paired with its charming, community-focused business model.

The quality is indisputable, with customers raving about everything from the warm bread to the delectable banana cream pie and signature lavender cookies. They offer a full array of baked goods that consistently showcase creativity while remaining rooted in classic techniques. The experience itself is part of the draw: the little bakery, which has been hand-making its goods since 2001, operates with an honesty and warmth that is rare, creating a truly memorable stop.

While the popularity means the bakery is best suited for a Quick visit with Takeout service, the ability to enjoy your purchase on their lovely garden patio adds to the charm. For those willing to make the drive and embrace the delightful popularity of the place, Smiling Pelican Bake Shop offers a taste of authentic Western Wisconsin that is consistently described as simply scrumptious and well worth the journey.

Smiling Pelican Bake Shop

W3556 WI-35, Maiden Rock, WI 54750, USA