This Speakeasy Hidden In An Old Harness Shop In Wisconsin Is Perfect For A Date Night
By Ben Jones|Published April 23, 2024
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Ben Jones
Author
Ben Jones is at heart an adventurer who delights in inspiring others. A former reporter and photojournalist, he explored towns large and small as a Wisconsin correspondent for USA Today. He later became a lead photographer and senior copywriter for an award-winning destination marketing agency, before founding Boldland Creative, a company that produces photography, video, and other content for travel destinations. Jones has completed photography and content projects in more than 15 states and when he’s not looking through a camera or at his Macbook you’ll find him exploring the world’s lakes and forests.
In Wisconsin’s downtowns, you’ll find history on just about every corner. In Fort Atkinson, there’s an old Victorian commercial building that’s home to a little speakeasy that’s perfect for a night out. Proof is a Wisconsin speakeasy in an old building that’s had a few lives, and it’s just hitting its stride. Here’s why you need to take your date to the Proof.
Fort Atkinson is a city in Jefferson County. It's located on the Rock River and is about 30 miles southeast of Madison. It’s an easy day trip from the Milwaukee area, as well.
The city has a long history - it’s named after a fort that was built here in the 1800s. After the fort was decommissioned, a city grew. Today, much of the downtown is in a historic district that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A total of 51 buildings were listed in the district.
One of the buildings is located in the corner of Main and Water streets. The three-story Italianate building was built in 1888, and it has been home to many businesses over the years, including a harness shop, a doctor’s office, a hardware store, and a hat shop.
But in more recent times, it’s been home to Proof Speakeasy. You don’t need a password to get in here - just step in, check out the cool chandelier, and order a drink.
Proof is also a lively spot – it sometimes hosts live music, and on weekends, it has a popular brunch. It also has some awesome cocktails and some great bourbons.
I love discovering Wisconsin’s smaller cities and towns – there are a lot of wonderful places to experience. Learn more about Proof Speakeasy on the establishment’s Facebook page. Have you visited this Wisconsin speakeasy? Let us know in the comments! Make your Wisconsin travel plans on Booking.com, and here are some more places for an awesome Wisconsin adventure.
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