Originally named Halls Bridge, Buckhorn was settled by John Hall in the late 1800’s. His love of deer hunting and his entrepreneurial spirit encouraged him to build a grist mill on the little island below his dam. The antlers of his bucks hung with pride outside the mill, later inspiring the name Buckhorn. The area progressed to lumbering, thriving for many years before eventually evolving towards tourism. The names of early visitors can be seen written on the bricks of Cody Inn Restaurant, formerly known as The Windsor Hotel. This landmark inn and other venues hosted guests from all over the northern states who arrived by horse and buggy. They were provided shore dinners and experienced guides who would spend the day paddling their guests in the pursuit of plentiful fish.