Destination Driftless: Lee & Leona's Tavern and Dance Hall

This little country tavern out in Bangor, WI has been around for over 70 years. The duo behind the name, Lee and Leona, bought this place in 1951 as a place for friends to gather and play euchre. Swearing wasn't allowed and if you'd had too much to drink, Leona kicked you out. They lived up above the bar and Leo had a garden out back. I don't know if it's still there. The bar is nothing fancy but it sits on this beautiful ridge and surrounding bluffs are the backdrop. The tavern is now co-owned by a number of individuals who seem to be staying true to the Lee & Leona style. I think swearing is now allowed.

Rumor has it that a certain group of NFL players used to frequent the tavern. When the New Orleans Saints did their training camp at UW-La Crosse they apparently wanted a quiet place to hang out and this is where they landed.

Fayme Rochelle and the Waxwings with their raw country, bluegrass originals.

The dance hall out back is beautiful. While watching the performers, you can see the sun setting over the fields and a huge windmill slowly turning. And then there's the dancing.

This couple danced and danced and danced at this Waxwings show. This was some of the fastest couples dancing that I've seen. She never lost her footing or stepped on toes and just stayed in sync the entire time. I missed getting a picture of all of the couples who went out on the floor this night. We had a magical night at the dance hall.