Dam Saloon

Driving down I35 I saw a Open sign and a barge in the water, so I turned around to check out what it was? It turned out to be exactly what I wanted a bar! Also a really divey dumpy interesting bar. One of my top 5 bars I have ever been to. I hope to be able to go back sometime soon and have more than 1. According to the Owner they open up sometime in March and usually stay open until November 25^th.

Linda H’s review is spot on!
This is one of the funkiest places I’ve been to in years!
We were on a Wisconsin Road Trip and decided to pull over and see the Lock and Dam 5A. I wanted better pictures so we meandered over the tracks and down to the water for better pics as a barge was going through.
It was then that we spied a vessel in the water, floating a few feet offshore, with flags and open signs blinking.
Just like she said, the «gangplank» is a mixture of grates and ramps all hinged together that works if you dare. Ignore the No Trespassing sign.
There wasn’t anyone there other than the bartender when we stopped but could only imagine if the walls could speak in this place. A menagerie of oddities hung all over and spoke of the characters that have visited.
A few picnic tables were outside, one tied up to the boat on a separate float.
The bartender was very pleasant and friendly. My husband asked how they delivered the beer and distributors brought product. She answered that they hated the Dam Saloon and thinks that all the newbies are given their stop. They go up the gangplank just like we did. That in and of itself might be worth the stop!
People from all over the world have stopped in there and I know I will be going back there again and bringing friends.
Come by boat, by bike, by car-it’s a must see bar!
Note: Carol? the bartender said that they will be closing in two weeks for the year.
I gave it a four star but it might had been less if I would have had to use the port–
a-​potty!

You HAVE to stop here if you’re anywhere near the area. Seriously, you haven’t been to a bar like this before – I’m going to call it a cultural experience.
First, where the hell is this place and who was the first to find it? I have no idea – on either count. There are no signs (that I recall) on the road and no obvious driveway. My best advice is to follow the directions on your phone and keep a sharp eye on the water for a barge with five American flags flying proudly. Second, yeah, that’s right – this bar is on a barge in the water. Third, when you do find the driveway and get out of your car, you have to walk a rickety, lawsuit-​waiting-​to-​happen plank (of sorts) to get to the bar. It’s uneven, doesn’t have any type of railing, and makes you think you’re testing it’s limits with every step you take – that walkway is not one you’d want to tangle with after having a few drinks.
The bar itself is about as big as your living room. There’s enough sea, fishing, and pirate décor to make you think you’ve been transported into Black Beard’s ship. It’s a visual onslaught that could easily take hours to fully grasp. Once you have a seat at the bar though, the drinks are strong, the bartenders are friendly and welcoming, and there’s always a fun-​loving crew out for a good time bellied up next to you.
One thing to note: those porta potties you saw lined up outside the bar when you walked in? Those are your bathrooms.
Oh, and if you’re into full frontal female nudity, you can watch a slideshow of the Dam Saloon’s annual wet t-​shirt contest on a loop on the flat screen TV set up at the bar.
It’s a cultural experience.