Wisconsin is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history—but it also harbors a dark side. From eerie mansions to haunted roads, the state is filled with ghost stories that have sent shivers down spines for generations.
If you’re a paranormal enthusiast, here are 12 of the most haunted places in Wisconsin that you need to know about.
1. Summerwind Mansion – Land O’ Lakes
Once an elegant mansion, Summerwind is now a ruin with a reputation for being one of the most haunted locations in Wisconsin. Built in the early 1900s, it was abandoned after multiple families reported terrifying paranormal activity, including apparitions, disembodied voices, and furniture moving on its own. It is said that the ghost of a former servant still roams the ruins.
2. The Pfister Hotel – Milwaukee
This luxurious hotel in downtown Milwaukee has long been rumored to be haunted. Guests and professional baseball players staying there have reported strange occurrences such as flickering lights, unexplained noises, and even ghostly figures appearing in their rooms. The spirit of Charles Pfister, the hotel’s founder, is believed to be the source of these eerie happenings.
3. The Bloody Bride Bridge – Stevens Point
Located on Highway 66, this bridge is infamous for the legend of a ghostly bride who appears on rainy nights. According to the story, a newlywed couple was killed in a car accident near the bridge, and the bride’s spirit lingers, appearing in the rearview mirror of unsuspecting drivers.
4. The Grand Opera House – Oshkosh
As one of the most haunted theaters in the Midwest, the Grand Opera House is said to be home to several spirits, including a ghostly stage manager. Visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and even seeing full-bodied apparitions wandering the aisles.
5. Dartford Cemetery – Green Lake
Dartford Cemetery is known for its restless spirits, including Civil War soldiers and a Native American chief. Visitors claim to have seen glowing orbs, shadowy figures, and even felt an invisible force pushing them away from certain graves.
6. Old Baraboo Inn – Baraboo
A former saloon and brothel, the Old Baraboo Inn is now a popular spot for ghost hunters. Guests have reported hearing voices, seeing shadowy figures, and even experiencing objects moving on their own. The ghost of a woman in a red dress is frequently seen wandering the halls.
7. Maribel Caves Hotel – Maribel
Nicknamed “Hotel Hell,” this once-grand establishment was destroyed by fire but still stands in eerie ruins. Locals claim that ghostly figures can be seen in the windows and that strange lights appear at night. The spirits of former guests are believed to linger in the area.
8. Boy Scout Lane – Stevens Point
This secluded road is surrounded by tragic legends involving a group of Boy Scouts who allegedly perished there under mysterious circumstances. Paranormal investigators have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and even seeing ghostly figures darting between the trees.
9. Riverside Cemetery – Appleton
Home to the famous “Blue Lady” ghost, Riverside Cemetery is a hotspot for paranormal activity. The spirit of a woman wearing a glowing blue dress is often seen near the grave of Kate Blood, a woman falsely accused of witchcraft in the 1800s.
10. The Karsten Hotel – Kewaunee
This historic hotel is believed to be haunted by William Karsten, the original owner, and a young girl named Agatha. Guests have reported hearing laughter, seeing shadows, and even having conversations with ghostly children who disappear into thin air.
11. Highway 12 Hitchhiker – Baraboo
Drivers traveling along Highway 12 have reported picking up a hitchhiker who suddenly vanishes from their vehicle. Many believe this is the ghost of a woman who was killed on the road years ago, forever trying to find her way home.
12. Clark County Insane Asylum – Owen
Once a mental institution, this abandoned asylum is said to be one of the most haunted places in Wisconsin. Paranormal investigators have captured eerie voices, footsteps, and even ghostly figures on camera. The spirits of former patients are believed to still roam the decaying halls.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these haunted locations in Wisconsin offer spine-chilling stories and unexplained phenomena. From ghostly apparitions to eerie voices, each site has a history that continues to haunt those who visit. If you’re brave enough, you might just experience the paranormal firsthand. Would you dare to visit any of these haunted places?
