5 Shocking Secrets And The Massive New Plan For Al Capone's Wisconsin Hideout
Profile: Alphonse "Al" Capone and His Wisconsin Connection
Alphonse Gabriel "Al" Capone remains the quintessential American gangster, a figure synonymous with the roaring twenties, Prohibition, and organized crime. His presence in Wisconsin was not a mere rumor but a documented escape from the heat of Chicago and the relentless pursuit of federal law enforcement.
Al Capone Biography Snapshot
- Full Name: Alphonse Gabriel Capone
- Born: January 17, 1899, in Brooklyn, New York
- Died: January 25, 1947, in Palm Island, Florida
- Notorious Alias: Scarface
- Criminal Enterprise: Leader of the Chicago Outfit
- Major Crimes: Bootlegging, gambling, prostitution, and the St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1929)
- Imprisonment: Sentenced for tax evasion in 1931, served time in Atlanta and Alcatraz.
- Wisconsin Tie: Capone and his brother, Ralph "Bottles" Capone, frequently used the Northwoods as a hunting and fishing retreat. The remote, isolated nature of northern Wisconsin provided an ideal sanctuary and a strategic location for their bootlegging operations, often serving as a key distribution point for illegal Canadian whiskey.
The Current Status: Famous Dave's Pitches a Massive Redevelopment
The biggest news surrounding the Al Capone Hideout in Couderay is the ambitious redevelopment proposal pitched by entrepreneur Dave Anderson, the founder of the Famous Dave's BBQ restaurant chain. This plan, announced in early 2025, aims to transform the 407-acre property into a vibrant tourist attraction, blending historical preservation with modern hospitality.
The property, officially known as "The Hideout" and located on the shores of Lake Pine (formerly Cranberry Lake), was purchased by the Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribe in 2010. Dave Anderson, a member of the LCO Tribe, is leveraging his experience in hospitality to craft a vision that honors the site’s past while creating a sustainable economic future for the area.
The Redevelopment Vision
The proposal focuses on utilizing the property’s unique features, which include 11 existing buildings, the 32-acre Lake Pine, and the famous stone lodge itself. While specific details are still emerging, the overall goal is to create a major Northwoods destination.
- Historical Tours: The central feature will be the stone lodge, which is rumored to have 18-inch-thick walls and secret passages, making it an ideal spot for guided historical tours detailing the gangster era.
- Resort and Dining: The plan likely includes a dining establishment and possibly lodging, similar to its past life as a "super club" restaurant and tourist stop, but on a grander scale.
- Economic Impact: The LCO Tribe's long-term goal is to make the hideout a major tourist attraction, providing significant economic benefit to the Couderay and Hayward areas of Sawyer County.
5 Shocking Secrets of The Hideout in Couderay
The legends surrounding Al Capone's "The Hideout" are as compelling as the man himself. Situated deep in the Wisconsin Northwoods, this isolated estate was a critical hub in the Chicago Outfit’s operations, far from the prying eyes of federal agents.
1. The Secret Airfield for Canadian Whiskey
During the height of Prohibition, the Chicago Outfit needed a reliable way to transport massive amounts of illegal alcohol. One of the most persistent and well-supported legends is that hydroplanes landed on Cranberry Lake (now Lake Pine), ferrying Canadian whiskey directly to the hideout. This made the location a crucial nexus for the bootlegging distribution network extending down to Chicago.
2. The Built-in Guard Towers and Fortifications
The property was designed as a fortress. The stone lodge, built in 1925, featured walls up to 18 inches thick, capable of withstanding small-arms fire. More notably, the property was rumored to have two guard towers positioned to overlook the grounds and the lake, providing a 360-degree defensive perimeter against rivals or law enforcement raids.
3. The Myth of the Escape Tunnel
A classic gangster hideout wouldn't be complete without an emergency exit. Local lore suggests the existence of a secret tunnel leading from the main lodge to the lake shore. While the existence of a complete, functional tunnel is debated by historians, the possibility of a concealed escape route adds to the site's dramatic legend and fuels the curiosity of every visitor.
4. The Lesser-Known Second Wisconsin Hideout
Capone was a frequent visitor to the Badger State and may have utilized more than one property. While "The Hideout" in Couderay is the most famous, some reports and historical documents suggest Capone's lawyers also purchased a lodge near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, on another Cranberry Lake. This indicates that the Northwoods was a general area of refuge, not just a single location.
5. The Property Was Foreclosed Before Tribe Ownership
The Hideout’s history is not just about gangsters; it’s also about modern financial drama. In 2008, the 407-acre wooded estate went into foreclosure. It was eventually auctioned off on the steps of the Sawyer County Courthouse. This financial turmoil set the stage for the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe to acquire the property in 2010, ensuring its preservation and paving the way for the current redevelopment plans.
The Future of Gangster Tourism in Wisconsin
The redevelopment of Al Capone's Hideout is a major win for regional tourism and the preservation of Prohibition-era history. The site has long been a source of fascination, attracting history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a unique Northwoods experience.
With a respected entrepreneur like Dave Anderson pitching a plan to the LCO Tribe, the future looks bright for this secluded retreat. The blending of the property's authentic, rugged history—complete with its stone lodge, guard towers, and Lake Pine setting—with a modern, culturally respectful tourism strategy promises to establish the Al Capone Hideout as a premier destination in the Midwest. Visitors in the coming years can expect to walk the same grounds where "Scarface" and his associates once plotted their bootlegging empire, offering a tangible connection to the state's rich and sometimes dark past.
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