Wisconsin, known for its picturesque lakes and lush forests, has a fascinating connection to the gangster era of the 1920s and 1930s. During the prohibition years, notorious figures like Al Capone and John Dillinger sought refuge in the state’s remote areas, turning it into a popular hideout. Today, you can step back in time and experience a piece of this history by staying overnight at two infamous gangster hangouts in Wisconsin.
The Legacy Lodge – Winter, Wisconsin
Built in 1929 by the famous Chicago gang leader, beer baron, and speakeasy operator “Polack Joe” Saltis, the Legacy Lodge (formerly known as Barker Lake Lodge) is a rustic two-story cedar log lodge that cost an estimated $100,000 to construct.
Located near Al Capone’s own hideout estate, the property features 9 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and 6 other lakeshore cabins for guests to choose from. Visitors can stay in the historic lodge, rent one of the cabins on a weekly basis, and even play golf at the Barker Lake Golf Course.
Dillman’s Bay Resort – Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin
After escaping the FBI shootout at the Little Bohemia Lodge in 1934, Baby Face Nelson sought refuge at Dillman’s Bay Resort. He spent three nights in Cabin 5, also known as the Fisherman’s Cabin, with an elderly Ojibwe couple before stealing a car and heading back to Chicago.
Today, Dillman’s Bay Resort offers a variety of accommodations, including cabins, lake homes, condos, and hotel rooms. The resort is known for its creative art workshops, held from mid-May to mid-October.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s connection to the gangster era is a fascinating part of its history, and these two overnight stays offer a unique opportunity to experience it firsthand. Whether you choose to stay at the historic Legacy Lodge or the Dillman’s Bay Resort, you’ll be able to walk in the footsteps of some of the most notorious figures of the time and immerse yourself in the rich lore and legend of Wisconsin’s past.