Have you ever heard of Orphan Annie?
Well, at Camp Wandawega you’ll discover that in the 1930’s the tavern, which was nicknamed Orphan Annie’s after the Madame herself, was the hangout for numerous criminals, gangsters, as well as local Police. Later, Anna Beckford Peck was eventually sentenced in 1942 to serve time in the women’s prison near Fon du Lac.
If you enjoy interesting historic stories check out the book by Austin Sailsbury: American Getaway: 100 Years of Saints & Sinners at Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin.
Jump Into Summer At Camp Wandawega
If walls could talk, then Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin would have plenty of wild tales to tell. This was once a organized crime hub, and where Flappers and good time tunes played in the Prohibition-era speakeasy. In the 1950’s the camp welcomed families, who enjoyed summer fun and songs around the campfire.
Later, the site was transformed into a Catholic Church retreat. Today, Camp Wandawega is connecting people to the simple pleasures of simpler times in a picturesque setting that offers several cabins as well as a Bunkhouse set among 25-acre setting. Among the nearby activities and sites to explore are the Old World Wisconsin, which is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life. The East Troy Electric Railroad Museum, where you can travel on a historic rail car from East Troy to The Elegant Farmer in Mukwonago. or, check out Elkhorn Antique Flea Market, and other interesting sites in the area.