Little Bohemia Lodge-Dillinger's Big Shoot Out
For those of you who have already visited, Little Bohemia, you already know the eerie feeling you get just walking through the doors. Ask the cook how many times he can't find back his cooking things! Look at the bullet holes and then up at the tiny windows that seem to have someone peering back at you.
Little Bohemia is located just south of Manitowish Waters, in the upper portion of Wisconsin, on Hwy 51. The exterior has been kept up and the interior is now a really wonderful restaurant and bar. It's entire demeanor from the moment you walk through the door is one of someone looking over your shoulder. More then once I thought a waiter was behind me and turned to make sure I wasn't in his way, only to discover nobody was there at all.
The cook has experienced many of his items being out of place, but prefers to chalk it up to his own hurried actions misplacing things.
Little Bohemia was a favorite lodge that Dillinger and his mob used to love to come to for fun and relaxation. While the assumption was that they were blood thirsty mobsters, the truth as I learned from an ex-waitress, is that the entire gang was actually quite respectful to other patrons and the staff at the lodge.
When the big shoot out occurred at the lodge in 1934, most all fled alive. Dillinger, Tommy Carroll, Baby Face Nelson, Three Finger Jack, and Homer Van Meter were present and carrying their usual big firearms.
Government agents were tipped off and had the place surrounded. They lay in wait for the gangsters to come out. However, the three that came out were civilian conservation workers and were fired upon leaving two injured and one dead. Dillinger and gang were alerted inside and returned gunfire.
Dillinger and the entire gang made it out the back windows, fleeing into the protection of the thick north woods forest. The botched raid went down in history as yet another famous getaway of Dillinger.
Bullet holes are not all that still remain in the lodge. Although the cabin once occupied by the dead worker is now a game room, it would appear the worker has decided to continue tenancy.
A drive to 'Little Bohemia', will certainly be a fun adventure. Sit in the amazing bar and down a pint and then enjoy a fantastic meal on the porch overlooking a pristine lake. Soak in the creepy, yet intriguing history of Wisconsin.