Art Laha was born and raised here in Winchester, Wisconsin. In the early 1950’s he and his family built a local grocery store and home in downtown Winchester. His wife Ruth and family would work the store as Art pursued his passion for bow hunting. During the bow hunting season, he would guide hunters from all over the US and some foreign countries. In the late 60’s the Bear Bar was built, and eventually the lodge and dining area were added. The lodge style housing was built to house bow hunters that Art would guide. In the early 70’s bow hunters would sign up for a package deal that would include: a guide, a place to sleep, and meals for $110.00 a week. Then, during the winter hours, the lodge and restaurant would become home to many downhill skiers that would travel to the ski hills in upper Michigan. The bar and lodge have been through 2 fires: one in 1977 due to lightening and the other in 1987 due to electrical issues. That left the buildings to be rebuilt showing just some of the many diversities that this restaurant and lodge along with his family have survived.

Through all of Art’s adventures he became a local and national legend. He is a member of the Bow Hunters Hall of Fame. With his hunting and fishing travels, he shared those experiences with others through films, lectures, books, and demonstrations and teachings. We hope that you enjoy basking in the history that he and his family left behind for all of us here in the Bear Bar Restaurant and Lodge. Art Laha’s tradition lives on through us all.

Check out our Dorm Style Lodging - The most affordable lodging in the northwoods. Also New is our Stormy Kromer Dining Room.