Well Entrepreneur is excited to welcome Heidi Zimmer, Founder and Owner of Wild Rice Retreat, for a conversation on the value and necessity of rest along the entrepreneurial path. 

Tune in to the conversation below.  

Heidi Zimmer is a real estate development professional and creative entrepreneur with over 25 years of industry experience. As Founder of Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, WI, Heidi is shaping 114 acres of land with sustainable practices, innovative design, and creative development practices. The $10 million arts and wellness retreat center sets a new standard in hospitality for its thoughtful approach to composition, construction, guest immersion, and experience in nature. Featuring modern Scandinavian design the center includes 22 tiny homes, lodging units, studio spaces, wellness facilities, outdoor trails, and amenities. Wild Rice Retreat received acclaim as a top destination retreat center in Forbes, Harper’s Bazaar, Travel + Leisure, and Food & Wine.  

As a seasoned developer with a focus on affordable housing for creative professionals, Heidi brings a compassionate, inclusive, and creative approach to her work. Beyond building Wild Rice Retreat, she provides consulting services to local municipalities and developers seeking solutions to affordable housing and economic development challenges, strategies for effective community engagement, and overall site selection and development planning services. 

Heidi holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota and a BA in Political Economy from James Madison College at Michigan State University, Phi Beta Kappa. She is a member of the Board of Directors, National Housing and Rehab Association and holds professional affiliations with Lamda Alpha International, Urban Land Institute, and the ULI MN Housing Council and ULI MN Technical Assistance Panel. 

Heidi is also a yoga teacher, registered through Yoga Alliance 200 RYT. She teaches at Wild Rice Retreat and offers a variety of virtual classes from beginners to advanced.  She is passionate about integrating movement and mindfulness into a holistic approach. Heidi aims to teach, lead, and mentor young professionals in pursuit of their dreams.