TAVERN OF THE MONTH

Featured Tavern

   Tavern Tours is excited to feature the Buckhorn in Exeland Wisconsin, the Trout Capital of Wisconsin. The Buckhorn is a small town tavern that is perfect if you are in the family mode with separate dining area. On the other hand, if you feel like letting your hair down, people can party at the bar! Either way, the service is fast, the beer is cold, and the food is awesome! 

  LeMar Johnson purchased the tavern on Labor Day 1999. He had been searching for small town tavern that would entice a variety of people such as snowmobilers, campers, etc. and still fulfill the local working class people needs on a day to day basis. The Buckhorn is located on Highway 48 in the small town of Exeland. The bar is situated near a campground, and has a variety of lakes and recreation areas close by. Not only does the Buckhorn support the community with an establishment large enough to seat 150 people for community events, weddings, and other parties, people enjoy the daily meals and drink specials offered. You have to stop in a try the Broasted Chicken! 

  Prior to owning the Buckhorn, LeMar was a livestock and hog farmer in Albert Lea Minnesota for 38 years. When he left farming, he ventured into the position of the Administrator at the Moose Lodge in Albert Lea. It was at the Moose Lodge that he started tending bar and occasionally cooking. Throughout the years LeMar vacationed in the Exeland area, enjoying snowmobile and ATV runs. He made Exeland his home when he bought the Buckhorn. The bar had been added onto approximately 4 times over the years and was a little bigger than what he originally wanted, but LeMar figures it worked out pretty good. 

  LeMar is not afraid of working hard. When Tavern Tours arrived to do the featured tavern interview, he was waiting on tables. Every once in awhile during the interview, LeMar would excuse himself to make sure people were taken care of. LeMar stated "I like the people". He bartends during the day all week, and works the weekend nights in the kitchen. Like that wasn't enough, he purchased the Exeland Hotel next door about three years ago, and manages that also. He says that the hotel was a nice addition. He likes to run snowmobile specials for the rooms as well as in the tavern. He also like to give the crews that come through from the railroad and construction sites hotel and food specials. 

  The Buckhorn prides itself in the food. LeMar estimated that 70% of his business is food. The Broasted chicken is the big seller. But don't forget the Friday night Fish Fry, Saturday Prime Rib, or the Wednesday hamburger. The Buckhorn also serves for weddings, parties, and banquets. During the annual Trout Fest held over the Fourth of July, LeMar likes to make his special marinated and grilled pork on a stick. Its always a hit, especially during the big parade.

  Even with all the hours that LeMar works, he does have help throughout the week. He has had friends with him for many years helping him with bartending, waiting on tables, and cooking. The help is as dedicated as LeMar, and the three have been with the tavern and him for 10-13 years. LeMar also has help on the weekends from his friend Doris. 

  Everyone needs a little rest and relaxation. LeMar and Doris head to Arizona each April with their ATV's to run the mountain trails. Since he has such trusted friends, LeMar is able to take the whole month of April to 4-wheel. He also still enjoys a snowmobile ride when possible, and loves being in the woods.

   Throughout the years the Buckhorn has sponsored local baseball teams, dart teams, and pool leagues. Every year the Buckhorn hosts a Car Show the last Sat. in July. There is an average of 55 cars each year. The cars line up right on Highway 48 for the judging, trophies, and prizes. There is also the annual Trout Fest in the town that always stirs up extra activities and specials at the Buckhorn. Every year the Buckhorn also hosts a huge Super Bowl party with raffles, drink specials, and food specials. In addition to the big screen TV at the bar, extra TV's are strategically paced throughout the dining room. There is not a bad seat in the house to be had! 

  So take a drive, enjoy the beautiful country, and visit the Buckhorn in Exeland. Fill your bellies with some Broasted Chicken and a couple of beverages. Chances are you will be waited on by LeMar! You may even want to spend the night next door at the Hotel.