Old Barn Converted To Popular Restaurant

Old Barn Converted To Popular Restaurant BUILDINGS Livestock 24-2-24 What began as a dairy barn built in 1886 is now one of the finest eating establishments in northern Illinois. Cliff Spence, general manager of the Fishermen's Inn near Elburn, Ill., says the barn was turned into a restaurant in the mid 1960's. It's now open only during the dinner hour from Tuesday through Sunday. Used as a dairy barn up until the 1950's, the barn was surrounded by what was considered a swamp. The "swamp" turned out to be artesian springs that make it possible to raise fresh rainbow trout for the restaurant. The grounds of the Fisherman's Inn include 50 acres with eleven ponds. There's a replica mill house, fountains and well-lit walkways that make the Inn a perfect place for weddings and a variety of celebrations. While the menu includes a variety of fish and steak offerings, it's the fresh Rainbow trout that bring people coming back for more. Cliff Spence says, "The artesian wells provide fresh water for a concrete raceway that uses 1,500 gallons a minute for the trout. When they get big enough we bring them in." Visitors from all over northern Illinois travel to eat at the Fisherman's Inn and enjoy the beauty of the scenery. Spence says the Inn can offer banquets for up to 500 people and that on Saturday nights, there's always a full house. One unique feature is a round private dining room inside the original silo. Up to 12 guests can be seated in this room for no additional cost. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Cliff Spence, Elburn, Ill. (ph 708 365-6265 or 9697).

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