The Buckhorn Inn is located in Trout Lake, Michigan, only 30 miles from the Mackinac Bridge in the heart of the Hiawatha National Forest in the eastern Upper Peninsula. (Map)

The story of the Buckhorn Inn begins 70+ years ago in the 1920's during the prohibition era when Barney Barager, a man in construction and timber production, decided to build a gas station on the corner of Front and Spruce Streets. (as seen second from the right in the picture)

In 1933, the business was transformed into a beer tavern. Barney Barager decorated the walls using 30 mounted deer heads and antlers to support the establishment's name, The Buckhorn. In 1947 he sold the tavern to his son-in-law and daughter, Luke and Marie Jankowski. Paul Barager took over the operation of the Buckhorn until he sold it to "Yogi" Bryce Mowery who renamed it "Yogi's" Buckhorn Inn. Yogi then sold the tavern to Bob & Elsie Bouchard who replaced "Yogi" with "Toby's". In 2003, the ownership of "Toby's" Buckhorn Inn was transferred one more time and today the Buckhorn Inn is owned by Lisa Wayman.

Throughout the 1900's, the Buckhorn was a central part of the Trout Lake Community. Many people recall when you could buy candy at the "Candy Counter", or purchase ice cream hand-dipped. Now it remains a Bar and Grill, without the general store atmosphere, but our customers are always ready with a story about the adventures at the "Buckhorn"!