The Guide's Inn

The Guide’s Inn stands out as a beloved landmark with a rich history. Liquor has been served on the property for over 100 years, and stories from the logging and resort eras made The Guide’s Inn a destination for decades.

In 1984, Jimmy Dean Van Rossum purchased The Guide’s Inn and launched what became an amazing 40-year culinary experience. Both Jimmy Dean and his son Jessie Van Rossum graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, delivering consistently excellent cuisine from a robust menu. When Jimmy Dean passed away in early 2022, Jessie stepped up and ran The Guide’s Inn until the end of February 2024.

The Guide’s Inn historic property began as a humble “blind pig” (that is, an illegal tavern) and cache for lumberjack whiskey during the Prohibition era. By 1930, Boulder Junction transitioned from the rowdy lumber era to a fishing and hunting destination for tourists. In 1936, a bar named The Guide’s Inn was established as a classic destination for 35 years. Tourists often bonded with their hunting and fishing guides, and elected to celebrate at a variety of taverns and restaurants. 

Starting in 1971, numerous owners tried to make a go of the property and even renamed the property, The Junction. Ultimately, proprietors wisely chose to return to this historic property’s roots, renaming the property as The Guide’s Inn. Fishing and hunting guides and clients continued to frequent this historic tavern, and donations of pictures, prints, mounts and artifacts were encouraged.

Jimmy Dean Van Rossum hailed from the Fox Valley of Wisconsin and, as a young man, entered the United States Marines in service to his country. He then studied at the Culinary Institute of America and discovered his gift for culinary creativity and service. After training at several restaurants, Jimmy Dean headed to Wisconsin’s Northwoods to run his own restaurant.

In 1984, Jimmy Dean started his version of The Guide’s Inn, ultimately enjoying the longest tenure on this historic property. Immediately, residents and visitors noticed that the menu was different, robust and loaded with entrees. Additionally, the large bar and restaurant worked well to provide both a fun cocktailing area and dining room, but the dining area was small. Originally, The Guide’s Inn was a refurbished home and lacked the space for a growing culinary destination. Ultimately, Jimmy Dean nearly doubled the dining area with the addition of the Guide’s Room that connected with the original dining area.

Jimmy Dean was known for his interaction with guests, sharing culinary secrets and then modifying dishes based on comments from guests to better serve his customers. Jimmy Dean supported local fundraisers, providing food service to groups and collaborating with the local elementary school to serve veterans at Camp Manitowish. 

Attempting to describe and document the barroom and dining experience at The Guide’s Inn within this narrative would be difficult. To better understand The Guide’s Inn experience, please click on the YouTube entry at the bottom of this Clio entry and view “Tribute to The Guide’s Inn, a Northwoods Treasure for 40 Years.” Three other YouTube videos will also be linked below that show Jimmy Dean in action preparing dishes like pan fried walleye.

Northwoods guiding traditions continued to be prized at Van Rossum’s version of The Guide’s Inn. Generational donations of art hung around the bar and dining area, creating a museum-like feel. The art was rather eclectic, including prints, paintings, stained glass, decorative plates, taxidermy and other mediums. Artistic themes included hunting, fishing, guides, Northwoods wilderness, culinary celebrations and more. Many of these art pieces were gifts from patroons or employees, who wished to deliver a special thank you for their time at The Guide’s Inn.

Framed photographs complemented the art pieces in the bar and dining areas. Many historic images of guides, clients and fish cover the walls. A special concentration of both artwork and photos commemorated Porter Dean, the famed barefoot guide. Jimmy Dean’s love of hunting and hunting dogs has a special corner in the original dining room. Van Rossum’s culinary achievements were another concentration of photos, and newspaper and magazine articles. Jimmy Dean’s support of veterans was showcased in photos celebrating the service of recent veterans.  

Taxidermy mounts are present throughout the building, celebrating guiding traditions that was the business’ namesake. Diverse species of fish are particularly present in the barroom and entry area. Customers on their way to the dining room from the bar enjoyed a panoramic view of musky, walleye, bass, perch, crappie and blue gills.

Sadly, Jimmy Dean Van Rossum passed away on January 11, 2022. Jimmy Dean’s son Jessie and The Guide’s Inn staff continued to operate the barroom and restaurant at historic high standards until February 29 2024.

Van Rossum, Jimmy Dean. The Guide's Inn Menu. Boulder Junction, WI . The Guide's Inn, 1994.

Osep, Rachel, Interview at The Guide's Inn, 2-22-2024.

The Guide's Inn, Facebook page.. https://www.facebook.com/theguidesinn.