Ever wondered what it’s like to sip a beer while a stuffed bear watches your every move?

Welcome to the wild world of the Moccasin Bar in Hayward, Wisconsin!

Nestled in the heart of Hayward, a charming town known for its outdoor adventures and lumberjack championships, sits a bar that’s more than just a watering hole – it’s a full-blown wildlife museum with a liquor license.

The Moccasin Bar isn’t your average tavern.

It’s a place where the spirits flow freely, and I’m not just talking about the kind you drink.

From the moment you lay eyes on the unassuming white building with its green roof, you know you’re in for something special.

The sign proudly proclaims “World Record Musky” and “Wildlife Museum,” two phrases you don’t often see side by side, let alone on a bar front.

But hey, this is Wisconsin, where cheese curds are a food group and taxidermy is an art form.

As you step inside, prepare for your jaw to drop faster than a lumberjack’s axe.

The interior is a veritable Noah’s Ark of stuffed critters, frozen in time and arranged in scenes that range from the majestic to the downright comical.

It’s like someone took a nature documentary, added a dash of whimsy, and served it up with a side of beer nuts.

The centerpiece of this furry fantasia is the world-record musky, a fish so legendary it makes Moby Dick look like a goldfish.

Caught in 1949 by Louis Spray, this 69-pound, 11-ounce behemoth holds court in a place of honor, its glass eyes seeming to say, “Yeah, I’m big. Deal with it.”

But the musky is just the beginning of this taxidermic treasure trove.

As you sidle up to the bar, you’ll find yourself face-to-face with a menagerie of Wisconsin wildlife.

There are deer, of course – this is the Midwest, after all – but they’re not just standing around looking pretty.

Oh no, these deer are engaged in all sorts of activities that would make a wildlife biologist scratch their head in confusion.

One diorama features a group of white-tailed deer playing poker.

Yes, you read that right.

Poker.

It’s like they’ve wandered straight out of a Gary Larson cartoon and into this bar.

The attention to detail is impressive – one deer even appears to be bluffing, its hoof hovering over a stack of acorn chips.

Move over, Dogs Playing Poker, there’s a new absurd animal artwork in town.

But wait, there’s more!

(And no, I’m not trying to sell you a set of steak knives.)

Another display showcases a family of raccoons engaged in what can only be described as a midnight raid on a campsite.

These masked bandits are caught in the act of pillaging a cooler, their tiny paws clutching cans of beer and bags of chips.

It’s a scene so relatable, you half expect to see a frustrated camper in pajamas chasing after them with a flashlight.

The bar doesn’t stop at land animals, though.

Oh no, they’ve gone aquatic too.

A massive fish tank dominates one wall, filled not with living fish, but with perfectly preserved specimens of local aquatic life.

It’s like an underwater diorama, minus the water.

And the life.

But somehow, it works.

It’s educational, it’s fascinating, and it’s a great conversation starter when you’re three beers deep and can’t remember if you’re supposed to be discussing the Packers’ latest game or your cousin’s new baby.

Speaking of beers, let’s not forget that this is, in fact, a functioning bar.

While the decor might be straight out of a hunter’s fever dream, the drinks are very real and very refreshing.

They offer a selection of local brews that would make any beer enthusiast raise their glass in approval.

From crisp lagers to hoppy IPAs, there’s something for every palate.

And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can always ask for the “Musky Mule” – a house specialty that packs a punch stronger than a beaver’s tail slap.

Now, you might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but what about the atmosphere?

Is it just a bunch of stuffed animals staring at you while you drink?”

Well, yes and no.

The taxidermy is certainly a major part of the ambiance, but it’s not the whole story.

The Moccasin Bar has that warm, welcoming vibe that only a true Wisconsin tavern can provide.

The wood-paneled walls, the friendly bartenders, the mix of locals and tourists all contribute to a unique and inviting atmosphere.

It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends over a shared appreciation of the absurd.

Where else can you debate the finer points of deer antler growth while a stuffed owl looks on disapprovingly?

But the Moccasin Bar isn’t just about quirky decor and cold drinks.

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It’s also a repository of local history and lore.

The walls are adorned with old photographs and newspaper clippings, telling the stories of record-breaking catches, legendary hunters, and the evolution of Hayward itself.

It’s like a time capsule, preserving the spirit of the North Woods in amber (and formaldehyde).

One particularly intriguing display tells the tale of the “Hodag,” a fearsome creature of Wisconsin folklore.

Part dinosaur, part bull, part who-knows-what, the Hodag is said to roam the forests of northern Wisconsin, striking fear into the hearts of lumberjacks and tourists alike.

The Moccasin Bar’s rendition of this mythical beast is… well, let’s just say it’s unique.

Imagine if a porcupine mated with a rhinoceros, and their offspring decided to become a lumberjack. That’s pretty much what you’re looking at.

It’s terrifying, it’s hilarious, and it’s pure Wisconsin.

As you make your way around the bar, you’ll notice that every nook and cranny holds a new surprise.

There’s a stuffed albino deer that looks like it’s seen a ghost (which, given its surroundings, isn’t entirely implausible).

A family of otters engaged in what appears to be a heated game of charades.

And let’s not forget the squirrels. Oh, the squirrels.

These little guys are everywhere, posed in increasingly ridiculous scenarios.

There’s one water skiing behind a toy boat, another doing a handstand on a miniature balance beam.

It’s like the taxidermist decided to answer the age-old question: “What if rodents had Olympic aspirations?”

But perhaps the most impressive (and slightly unsettling) display is the “Four Seasons” diorama.

This massive installation showcases the same forest scene in spring, summer, fall, and winter.

It’s a masterpiece of taxidermy, with animals and vegetation changing to reflect each season.

It’s beautiful, it’s educational, and it’s just a little bit creepy when you realize that the same deer has been “alive” for all four seasons.

Talk about immortality goals.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “This all sounds great, but what about the food?”

Well, my friend, the Moccasin Bar isn’t exactly known for its culinary prowess.

This isn’t a place you come for a gourmet meal. But what they lack in fancy cuisine, they make up for in good old-fashioned bar snacks.

We’re talking pretzels, peanuts, and if you’re lucky, some of Wisconsin’s finest cheese curds.

Because let’s be honest, after a few rounds of “spot the weirdest taxidermy scene,” you’re going to need some sustenance.

As the night wears on and the stories get taller (much like that world-record musky), you might find yourself wondering if you’ve had one too many or if that stuffed beaver really did just wink at you.

But that’s the magic of the Moccasin Bar. It’s a place where reality and fantasy blur, where the line between the living and the… well, formerly living… becomes delightfully fuzzy.

It’s a testament to the quirky, wonderful spirit of Wisconsin – a state that’s not afraid to embrace its wild side, even if that wild side is now permanently frozen in taxidermic glory.

So, the next time you find yourself in Hayward, Wisconsin, do yourself a favor and stop by the Moccasin Bar.

Order a cold one, settle in at the bar, and prepare for a night you won’t soon forget (even if you try).

Just remember, when you’re sharing your wild tales of the evening with friends back home, they might not believe you.

But don’t worry – the stuffed bear in the corner will back up your story. He’s seen it all before.

When you’re ready to embark on your own taxidermy adventure, use this map to guide your way to this one-of-a-kind watering hole.

Where: 15820 US-63, Hayward, WI 54843

Trust me, it’s an experience that’ll have you stuffed… with laughter and amazement.