Jumpers

Jumpers

Logo for the bar JUMPERS from 1994-2007.
Industry	Bar
Headquarters	Kaster Ave (One block north west of the Derelli Towers), New Prairie, WI
Owner	Jason Weiss
Number of employees	6

Jumpers is a legendary, highly frequented neighborhood bar located in the Downtown Core of New Prairie, Wisconsin, exactly one block away from the iconic Derelli Towers. Established in 1972, it survives the catastrophic events of the 1976 Great Fire and establishes itself as a multi-generational social hub. Striking a perfect balance between a comfortable neighborhood tavern and a slightly gritty local dive, Jumpers acts as a central social web for the city, connecting nearly half of New Prairie’s population through mutual friendships, chance encounters, and late-night unwinding.

History

Architectural Aesthetic & Design

Jumpers eschews the cold, imposing Brutalist-Modernist design of its corporate neighbors at Derelli Towers, instead opting for a warm, weathered mid-century aesthetic reminiscent of a slightly grungier, lived-in tavern layout.

The Sunken Bar

The venue's defining architectural trait and the explicit origin of its name. The main back bar area is structurally recessed directly into the ground floor.

The Name Lore

Upon its opening in 1972, high-spirited patrons who had enjoyed "one too many drinks" would routinely attempt to clear the drop by leaping directly down into the sunken bar area. The moniker stuck, shifting from a localized stunt into the bar's official identity.

The Atmosphere

Think brick-lined walls, vintage neon signs reflecting off worn wood surfaces, classic vinyl booths, and a buzzing, unpretentious energy. It functions primarily as the quintessential go-to gathering space for the city's mid-20s crowd and off-duty white-collar employees looking to step out of the corporate bubble.

Formation of Foolish Creeper

World-renowned rock band Foolish Creeper has its origins in the walls of Jumpers, where founding members Denis Porter and Lauren Jensen frequented the bar in their early days. Having just gotten out of another band, Porter needed to fill the itch and created what would eventually become Foolish Creeper with his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Jensen. The band performed weekend sets at the bar and quickly began developing a following that would have them return for special fundraising events.

Character Connections

• Denis Porter
• Ian Grada
• Lauren Jensen
• Garrett Moore
• David Ricci
• Ashley Sheppard

Appearances

Films

• None

Stories

• One Night (unreleased) (first reference)