- Exploring the hidden gems of Western Wisconsin—curating unforgettable stays and sharing the places locals love most.
On a summer night in Prescott, you can usually hear Muddy Waters before you see it. Walk down Broad Street toward the river and follow the sound of a band tuning up, and you’ll find the decks stacked above the St. Croix, every table full, boats easing in to tie up for the evening and a train rumbling across the railroad bridge right where the two rivers meet.
The name is a nod to both the legendary bluesman and the river out back, and there’s an autographed photo of Muddy Waters himself hanging inside to prove it. The music is the heart of the place. If you’re staying with us in the summer, this is the night out I’d plan for you, and here’s everything you need to know.
All summer long, Muddy Waters books live bands on the patio. Recent lineups have featured regional favorites like The Coxmen, Craig Clark Band, Brian Naughton Band, Erin McCawley, Justin Barts & The Way Out, Tyler William and Jason Burk, plus Bad Habits Brass and Innocent Reggae Band. So one night you might get a horn section and the next, reggae. Inside, there are always blues on the speakers.
The Sunday afternoon shows are the local favorite. The sun is warm, the deck fills up slowly and the whole thing feels like the best kind of backyard party, just with a better view. The new band schedule goes up each spring on the Muddy Waters website, so check it before you book your weekend.
Muddy Waters has three levels of deck on the river. From out here, you can watch the boats come and go, the trains cross the railroad bridge and the clear St. Croix run into the muddy Mississippi. On show nights, the deck fills fast, especially on warm weekends, so come early if you want a table near the band.
Down on the lower level, the Backwaters is a tiki-hut-style outdoor bar with its own lighter menu. It’s more casual, closer to the water and a great spot for an afternoon drink after a day on the river.
Here’s my favorite tip, and it’s the one locals know: when the deck is packed, grab two seats at the bar inside. The stools are comfortable, the bartenders are great, you get the full menu, and this is where you’ll end up talking with the regulars and hearing the best stories in town. Honestly, it’s my favorite seat in the house.
Muddy Waters smokes its own salmon and ribs in-house and cooks from scratch, and you can taste it.
Order the au gratin potatoes on the side no matter what you get.
The salads are named for blues legends (the B.B. King, the Koko Taylor, the Buddy Guy), and there’s a muffuletta that’s worth the trip on its own. On summer weekends, watch for the smash burger specials, like the “Smashtafarian” with Jamaican BBQ.
The house red sangria is a deck-night essential. If you’re settling in at the bar, order a Manhattan.
Make downtown Prescott your home base and book direct with us: The Port of Prescott for boutique king suites steps from the river, Port After Dark for romantic suites made for couples, The Harbor Hotel for themed rooms and extended stays, and The Cove Guest House for downtown condos and group getaways.
