On the afternoon of April 20 , Nelson , Dillinger , Van Meter , Carroll , Hamilton , and gang associate ( errand-runner ) Pat Reilly , accompanied by Nelson 's wife Helen and three girlfriends of the other men , arrived at the secluded Little Bohemia Lodge in Manitowish Waters , Wisconsin for a weekend of rest . The gang 's connection to the resort apparently came from previous dealings between Dillinger 's attorney , Louis Piquett , and lodge owner Emil Wanatka . Though gang members greeted him by name , Wanatka maintained that he was unaware of their identities until some time later that night . According to Bryan Burrough 's book '' Public Enemies : America 's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI , 1933 – 34 '' , this most likely happened when Wanatka was playing cards with Dillinger , Nelson , and Hamilton . When Dillinger won a round and raked in the pot , Wanatka caught a glimpse of Dillinger 's pistol concealed in his coat , and noticed that Nelson and the others also had shoulder holsters
Little Bohemia Lodge
Little Bohemia Lodge
Baby Face Nelson