Hiding Out In Wisconsin, The Original Gangster Way

June 26, 2009 at 11:14 AM | by cmb | 0 Comments

Public Enemies, starring Johnny Depp and Christian Bale, opens nationwide on Wednesday to the usual Hollywood hype, but what sets the movie apart is that is was actually filmed where the real-life action once took place. Based on the life of gangster John Dillinger, who hid out for a short time in Northern Wisconsin until an FBI raid in 1934, the movie filmed in the dairy state. And since northern Wisconsin is still a popular getaway for Chicagoans, thanks to its picturesque lakes and small town feel, we've compiled a little guide to staying in Wisconsin, Original Gangster-style.

Where to Stay:
A favorite hotel of another equally famous gangster, Al Capone, was the the Four Seasons Resort on Miscauno Island. The Four Seasons forces visitors to get away from it all (ahhem hideout), as the only way onto the island is by a single lane, one hundred-year-old steel bridge; access to the outside world can thus be easily regulated.

The resort features large rooms with private porches, several restaurants, a golf course and activities including biking, fishing and canoeing. It also offers special packages year-round like the Silver Golf Package, with two days of golf, use of a cart, and one night at the lodge for $169 per person.

Where to Eat:
In 1934, John Dillinger and his gang hid out at the Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters, WI. The lodge manager became suspicious after noticing they were all carrying guns, and he tipped off the FBI who later raided the joint in the what become one of the most infamous shoot outs in American history. The FBI failed and Dillinger got away, but The Little Bohemia is still in business today. Now, the lodge's restaurant serves dinner seven nights a week including their specialty dish, the Dillinger Medallions, an 8 ounce fillet, grilled & sliced, topped with sauteed peppers, onions and a Cabernet wine sauce.

What to Do:
To truly get into the gangster spirit of the film, take a ride south to Oshkosh, WI, where Johnny Depp spent several days filming Public Enemies' bank robbery scene at the First National Bank.

This Sunday, Oshkosh is giving visitors the opportunity to tour the location as part of �The Historic Tour of Oshkosh �The Age of Dillinger�. The tour will run from from noon to 1 p.m. at three sites around Oshkosh: the vault at the First National Bank Building, 404 N. Main St., and two homes, 1219 Bayshore Drive and 1027 Algoma Blvd. The event costs $15 for adults and is free for children 12 and younger. Tickets are available at each site, and visitors can begin the trip through the �Age of Dillinger� at any of the three locations.

Related Stories:
· Celebration planned as 'Public Enemies' hits the big screen next week [Post Cresent]
· Where Public Enemies Went for a Little Peace and Quiet [NY Times]
· Movie Set Travel [Jaunted]

[Photo: Slash Films]

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