WISCONSIN — An ice bar on Lake Winnebago is attracting visitors despite the frigid Midwest winter.
Located a mile from the shore, the bar is run by Sturgeon Spirits of Oshkosh. Karl Loewenstein, founder and president, explained the unique setting.
“So we are standing on about two feet of frozen ice as we made our way out here, and you can see what we have. We have a nice pop-up bar, we have cocktails, we have bottles,” said Loewenstein.
The bar operates legally thanks to a change in alcohol laws in 2024, allowing a second location without specific restrictions. Loewenstein shared how this law change inspired the venture.
“It said the second retail license could be anywhere; it didn’t have any specifications. And I said, from the very minute I started thinking about this, I’m like, how do we sell our product on the lake during sturgeon season,” said Loewenstein.
Visitors like Alia Swingle from Appleton find the experience worthwhile.
“It was a little scary at first driving out, but it’s been so much fun. Everybody that’s been here so far has stopped by, had a couple drinks, talked. I met a few people who are sturgeon spearers. I caught my first sturgeon, yay!” said Swingle.
Jordan Kurkowski from Fond Du Lac expressed enthusiasm about the local business.
“It’s pretty neat. It’s cool that it’s a local business and everything. Lot of people have always talked about someone should put a bar and sell drinks out here, they’d probably make a killing. Now someone’s doing it,” said Kurkowski.
Loewenstein emphasized the bar’s appeal to a wide audience.
“I think a minority of people are actually spearers. They needed an excuse to get together, get out on the lake, enjoy a beautiful day, have a cocktail with friends. And that’s really what Sturgeon Spirits is about,” said Loewenstein.
The ice bar will remain open for the next two sturgeon spearing weekends, closing on February 22.
