Why Minnesota’s Oldest Bar, Neumann’s, is Famous for Frogs

For many Minnesotans, gathering with friends at a favorite local watering hole is the highlight of the week. Wine Enthusiast says Budweiser is the top beer brand at Minnesota bars, and Consumer Affairs says Vodka is our favorite spirit.

I like Minnesota beers like Surly, Summit, Bent Paddle, and Castle Danger and I love trying new bars. Minnesota’s oldest bar, Nuemann’s, is next on my list because the place is full of history and I have to see the famous frogs.

Minnesota’s Oldest Bar, Neumann’s, Opened in 1887

With a little help from Hamm’s Brewery, Bill Neumann opened his bar in 1887. When you visit Neumann’s, check out the back bar (the area behind the bar where bottles are stored)  – it’s original from 138 years ago and was donated by Hamm’s.

Life looked quite different in 1887. There were only 38 states and cars had only been around for one year at that point so horse-drawn buggies were still the primary mode of transportation, and that's how beer deliveries reached Neumann's Bar.

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Neumann’s Got Creative During Prohibition

Prohibition began in 1920 when the 18th Amendment made liquor sales illegal. The country's major brewers survived by revolving. The History Channel says the Pabst, Busch, and Miller families were set up to make and sell soft drinks, malted milk, and fruit juices.

This era was much more difficult for small business owners like Bill Neumann.

When Prohibition hit in 1920, Bill didn’t shut his bar down. He got clever and sold bait and “near-beer” to local fisherman upstairs and turned the downstairs area into a secret speakeasy. Signs of the hidden club are still visible today.

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Neumann’s Bar is Famous For Its Frogs

In the 1930s, Jim Neumann needed to attract more customers so he came up with an idea to grab people’s attention as they walked by his storefront. He built a little pond in the front window and stocked it with frogs to get people to stop in and it worked.

Kids would drag their dads in on Saturdays just to feed the frogs worms and this frog-feeding tradition continues to this day.

If you’re looking for a bar with character this place has plenty of it. I can’t wait to check out Neuman’s the next time I’m in the area. Neuman’s Bar is located at 2531 East Seventh Ave. in North St. Paul.