The bar was frequented by railroad workers after their shifts, and even features a toy train that runs above the bar.Īlthough it hasn't always been called the Cop Shoppe, the tavern was opened in 1940 as a place for the owner to play his music. At this tavern, participants in the tour will have a chance to hear from a re-enactor playing a railroad worker.

The Domino was opened in the 1930s, after prohibition ended. Learn more about the history of the tavern, the brothel and the customers from re-enactors and bartenders who will all be dressed up to reflect the early days of the bar. Bartender Trish Hartwig said that bar legends say there would be a red light outside of the tavern to indicate there were women in the 'cathouse,' or brothel.Īccording to owner Stefanie Jamgochian, there was a buzzer underneath the bar that the bartender could press to signal the ladies upstairs to be ready, and that it was still there before her family remodeled the bar and added on a restaurant. The Hiawatha is part of Wausau's 'red light district' where men could go to find women. Started as a bar for passengers aboard the Hiawatha passenger line, it not only served as a watering hole, but also as a hotel and brothel. The Hiawatha has one of the most detailed histories, dating back to 1903. Started in 1905, B&R will give participants a chance to hear about how prohibition affected Wausau and central Wisconsin. Learn about the heavy fines bars had to pay if they were caught serving alcohol and how bartenders went to jail for selling. Participants will be able to learn about the back bar, which is original to the establishment, and how when the owners remodeled, they found a gun hidden in the wall. Back in the day, Loppnow's was the working man's bar, and a popular spot to meet up with friends after a hard day of work for a beer before going home to the family. Started in 1893, the bar used to be home to a bottling company, Remmel Bottling. Loppnow's is now a popular spot to grab a beer and watch a Packers game, but that wasn't always true. The restaurant behind the bar has become popular with the community. The Polack Inn dates back to 1910, but unfortunately not much is known about the establishment other than that it has been a tavern since then.Īlso restored recently, the Polack Inn used to be called the Northwestern House. The barrel is now used as a decoration, and will be on display this weekend.įinally, hear about how Chicago gangsters such as John Dillinger would frequent Wausau taverns such as The Glass Hat after hopping off of trains on their way to their Northwoods Wisconsin hangouts. One anecdote: In renovations, owners discovered an old barrel under the floorboards, supposedly used to hide moonshine or sarsaparilla. Participants in Sunday's tour will be able to hear about the Prohibition history of the bar. Original aspects were incorporated, such as glass blocks made to look like the original under the bar even the bar stools are modeled after old pictures. Started in 1880, the Glass Hat owner Gisela Marks boasts that the establishment is the oldest consecutively run bar in Wisconsin.Īlthough the bar was remodeled between 20, much of the history is still intact. Almost every guest we’ve had has said they want to come back and many have expressed an interest in someday moving here.Wausau's oldest pub is a must-see on this tour. We are absolutely sure you will love Wausau.

It’s the best place Sara and I have ever lived and it’s a place where we consistently hear our guests say “we never knew Wausau was such an amazing place.” Even our young adult children who have lived in Madison and the Twin Cities say they love Wausau. It has a vibrant arts and cultural scene (including two renowned museums and a world class theater), great restaurants, one of the nicest downtowns in all of Wisconsin, friendly people, affordable lodging, two gorgeous and well-preserved historic districts, the best ski resort in Wisconsin (and one of the top resorts in the midwest), an Olympic qualifying kayaking and canoeing course, two fantastic micro-breweries (three, if you include the Great Dane which has multiple locations in Wisconsin), a class “B” biking rating, a wonderful new distillery and, of course, the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin. Wausau is Wausome! It’s an amazing place to live and a fantastic place to visit. About a year ago, we heard someone describe Wausau as “Wausome” and frankly we couldn’t think of a better word to describe this amazing small city in Central Wisconsin.

Intermission wausau