Wisconsin’s Most Historic Dive Bar Is Quite the Site to See

Wisconsin is full of dive bar options to choose from, but Jackson Clinic Bar in Mauston is a beloved one due to its chalk autograph walls and possible chicken sightings.

Wisconsin Dive Bar Adventure

When this week began I didn't intend to go on a virtual tour of Wisconsin dive bars, but that is exactly what happened.

The first stop on our Wisconsin dive bar tour was Moquah Bar, aka, the Plywood Palace.

This shabby delight is made out of plywood, has outdoor bathroom facilities, and rumor has it the bartender likes to scoop ice for drinks with his hands.

Just when I thought I would never find a place that sets the dive bar status lower than the Plywood Palace, a listener alerted us to White Creek Tavern in White Creek, Wisconsin.

Yes, this bar looks ROUGH on the outside, but the inside is FAR worse. Seriously. It's a straight-up hoarder's paradise...

After talking about White Creek Tavern on air, another listener sent us an app message that said;

"Check out Jackson clinic in Mauston, Wisconsin for a dive bar.

Ok, don't mind if I do.

Jackson Clinic Bar in Mauston, Wisconsin

Before I show you some pics of Jackson Clinic Bar, I must state for the record that this bar is FAR from the scary level of the Plywood Palace or White Creek Tavern, and it definitely looks like a place that would be fun to down a few at.

Here's what it looks like from the outside...

And here's what it looks like on the inside...

Reviews of Jackson Clinic Bar in Mauston, Wisconsin

When I looked up Jackson Clinic Bar on TripAdvisor, I was a little surprised to see positive reviews of the place. One reviewer said;

This was a stop on our motorcycle ride north. What a cool place. Small roadside shack, with cheap beers and cool people. Don't forget to ask for some chalk!!

Another review says;

Friends and I went to this tucked away establishment after work one day. It's....rustic. But holy cow cheap! 5 beers cost me less than 8 Dollars.

The decor will keep you entertained. Years and years of drunks writing their naughty or obscene thoughts on the walls provide conversation fodder.

Rumor has it Jackson Clinic Bar used to have dirt floors and chickens running through it, but in recent years they must have upgraded to chipped linoleum instead. I think I would have liked to see the dirt and chickens.

FYI, Jackson Clinic is also featured in the book "Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin's Historic Bars and Breweries" which may make a cool Christmas present for the bar lover in your life.