Little Bohemia Lodge

Little Bohemia Lodge is one of Wisconsin’s most famous historic destinations, a Northwoods resort forever linked to one of the most notorious chapters of the American gangster era. Built in 1929 on the shores of Little Star Lake, the rustic lodge gained national attention in April 1934 when members of the John Dillinger gang, including Baby Face Nelson, Homer Van Meter, Tommy Carroll, and John Hamilton, checked in for a weekend getaway while evading authorities. What followed would become one of the most embarrassing and consequential operations in early FBI history.

After learning of the gang’s presence, FBI agents led by Melvin Purvis launched a raid on the lodge on April 22, 1934. The operation quickly descended into chaos when agents mistakenly opened fire on a vehicle carrying innocent lodge patrons, killing one man and alerting the gang. With the lodge improperly surrounded, Dillinger and several gang members escaped through the rear of the property and disappeared into the surrounding wilderness. Baby Face Nelson engaged agents in a gun battle before escaping as well. The disastrous raid resulted in civilian casualties, wounded agents, and the complete failure to capture the gang, leading to widespread criticism of the FBI and helping shape future federal law enforcement tactics.

Today, visitors can step inside much of the same lodge that stood during the infamous shootout nearly a century ago. The property preserves its gangster-era atmosphere and remains a popular stop for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and fans of the film Public Enemies, portions of which were filmed on location here in 2008. Guests can view original bullet holes left from the 1934 gun battle, explore displays of Dillinger and FBI memorabilia, examine artifacts connected to the raid and left behind the Dillinger gang, and dine inside the historic lodge while overlooking the lake. The combination of authentic crime history, preserved architecture, and Northwoods scenery makes Little Bohemia one of Wisconsin’s most significant gangster-era landmarks.

According to legend, Dillinger escaped during the raid through the back door with a suitcase full of $200,000 in unmarked bills, allegedly burying it a few yards north of the lodge where it is said to remain to this day. Treasure hunters have searched the grounds and the lake to no avail.