Desert John’s Saloon Museum has been closed and all artifacts removed. A new exhibit will appear here shortly.
Two large rooms at the back tell another kind of story about the Old West. It is here that Desert John’s Saloon has a home. For those who love the lore of the Old West saloon, this place is a time machine. Everything is pre-Prohibition.
Upon entering, a visitor is greeted by an automated saloon keeper. He stands behind the gleaming wooden bar and tells a tale of how it was shipped up the Missouri River from St. Louis. Turning from the bar, patrons are greeted by walls covered in dozens of colorful signs and trays, posters and calendars, all promoting early brands of whiskey. They feature scenes of satisfied drinkers, lovely young lassies with come hither looks, and folks enjoying the sporting life.
Early whiskey bottles from around the country fill countless shelves. Beside them stand flasks of every size, shape, and color. Etched shot glasses compliment the bottles and feature brand names which echo those on the bottles: Old McBrayer, Old Prentice, Old Blue Ribbon, Samaritan Rye, and Golden Link. Back bar bottles and decanters, their fancy lettering done in gold, or silver, or in white enamel, are found upon still more shelves. Stoneware jugs, large and small, all emblazoned with the names of liquor dealers long since gone, fill a large section of one room.
The above is excepted from an article that appeared in the NORTH STAR BOTTLE NEWS, by Steve Ketchum, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Open during the Summer Season only, please check opening times before visiting.
