Wittnebel’s History
The Story of Wittnebel’s Tavern
From small-town gathering spot to historic treasure, Wittnebel’s Tavern has journeyed across time and Wisconsin landscapes to find new life at Old World Wisconsin. This authentic early 20th-century taphouse, with its rich history spanning over a century, invites you to step back into the post-Prohibition era when such establishments served as the heart of community life. Discover how this beloved tavern was moved 27 miles from Old Ashippun to become a living museum and functioning taphouse, preserving both the physical structure and cultural legacy of Wisconsin’s storied tavern traditions.
Moving the Tavern
The Original Wittnebel’s Tavern
Wittnebel’s Tavern was constructed in 1906—when Teddy Roosevelt served as president and Prohibition was a distant future. Originally located about 30 miles north of Old World Wisconsin in Old Ashippun, the taphouse was a typical small-town, family-friendly bar operated continuously under Frank Wittnebel and his children until shuttering in 1987.
Moving the Taphouse
For 30 years, the two-story taphouse remained closed to the public. That changed in 2018 when the Wisconsin Historical Real Estate Foundation purchased the tavern and worked with the Wisconsin Historical Society to plan an incredible undertaking: moving a nearly 120-year-old fixture 27 miles to re-open at Old World Wisconsin.
A Grand Reopening
Wittnebel’s has officially reopened to the public with a purpose: recreating authentic Wisconsin taphouse history and sharing it with a new generation of guests. The move honors the Wittnebel legacy while offering a faithful interpretation of cultural and social traditions in the post-Prohibition era.
The Restoration Process
Exterior Renovations
After moving the taphouse 27 miles to Old World Wisconsin, meticulous exterior renovations began. In addition to restoring the building edifice, an adjoining Biergarten was added to evoke outdoor communal spaces popular throughout Wisconsin in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Interior Renovations
You might say interior renovations to Wittnebel’s Tavern began as early as 2017—when the front and back bar, wooden walk-in beer cooler and original bar stools were loaded onto a truck and donated to the Wisconsin Historical Society for restoration and re-installation. Interior renovations were completed in 2024 with decor designed to represent 1930s bar culture.
Why the Post-Prohibition Era?
While Wittnebel’s tavern was built in 1906, the bar today most closely resembles a 1930s American taphouse—the height of the post-Prohibition era. This was a conscious choice to capture a golden age when Wisconsin’s taverns transformed from hidden speakeasies into vibrant community hubs.
Plan Your Visit
to travel through time and the stories of America’s heartland.