The Hiawatha Inn was built in 1938 by a retired employee named Martin Sounders. The back bar was built in 1904, although its exact origins is rather vague. Originally named "Bagdad Corners," the clientele would gather at the tavern and wait for the "Hiawatha Special" train which brought tourists north.

Barb Mercatoris (sister of Bob Nickels) and her husband bought the tavern in '42 and renamed it the Hiawatha Inn, after the "Hiawatha Special." Ozzie and Bernice Blomberg purchased the tavern on May 1, 1948. On May 15th (opening day of fishing season) that first year, the Blomberg's son, Larry, was born. Ozzie recalls that Bob Nickels caught a walleye that day that weighed more than their newborn son. The tradition of fine food began with the Blomberg's, who started serving food during deer season of '48. In fact, from our research, we believe the Blomberg's were the originators of the "fish fry" which is so popular in the northwoods today.

The menu was brief in those days and consisted of shrimp (shrimp was .75/lb. then), French fries, cole slaw and hush puppies for $1.25. Ozzie and Bernice operated the Hiawatha Inn for 22 years 'til May 1970. The restaurant passed through several owners 'til March 1973 when the Jacobi family bought it. Since then it has gone through quite an evolution.

As we have matured, so have our goals in life and our restaurant has metamorphised in a similar manner. Pam and Allan strive to bring you uncompromising quality in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. We are proud of what we have to offer our guests and will continue the tradition of fine food started by the Blombergs many years ago.