Wisconsin: Beyond the Cheese Curds, Into the Creepy
Wisconsin is known for its cheese, beer, and beautiful natural scenery. But beyond the breweries and lakes, there’s another side to Wisconsin: a collection of haunted places steeped in history, folklore, and bone-chilling tales.
Many of Wisconsin’s most haunted locations are tied to the past, marked by tragic events or infamous figures. These historical connections deepen the intrigue, adding layers of context to the ghost stories that have been passed down through generations.
Ready to explore some of the most spine-tingling spots in Wisconsin? We’ll delve into their history and the ghostly legends that cling to them. From haunted hotels and asylums to eerie cemeteries and mysterious roads, we’ll uncover the stories behind the apparitions, unexplained sounds, and unsettling experiences reported at these creepy places in Wisconsin.
So, buckle up and prepare to explore the darker side of the Badger State. You may never look at Wisconsin the same way again.
Haunted Hotels and Inns: Checking into the Unexplained
If you’re looking for a spooky overnight experience, Wisconsin has a number of hotels and inns that are said to be haunted. Here are a few places where you might just encounter something that goes bump in the night.
The Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee
The Pfister is a luxury hotel that has hosted every U.S. president since William McKinley. It first opened its doors in 1893, and it’s well known for its Victorian architecture and its impressive art collection.
It’s also said to be haunted by the ghost of its founder, Charles Pfister. Guests and staff have reported apparitions, moving objects, and disembodied voices. Many professional baseball players who have stayed at the hotel have reported strange happenings, which they attribute to the hotel’s resident ghost.
Maribel Caves Hotel (“Hotel Hell”), Maribel
Known as “Hotel Hell,” this location has a dark history involving gangsters and tragic deaths. Built in 1900, the hotel is rumored to have been a haven for illicit activities.
Many people claim that the hotel is haunted by the spirits of people who died there, which only adds to its sinister reputation. Some say a coven of witches once used the hotel, and that the hotel is a portal to hell.
Brumder Mansion, Milwaukee
This historic mansion is supposedly haunted by a woman who doesn’t like dogs, as well as the original owner, George Brumder Jr.
Built in the early 20th century, the mansion has a rich history and unique architectural features. Guests have reported strange events and unexplained phenomena within the mansion’s walls.
Institutions of Unease: Asylums and Hospitals with Lingering Spirits
Old hospitals and asylums often have a reputation for being haunted, and Wisconsin has its share of these creepy locales.
Clark County Insane Asylum, Owen
Historical accounts paint a grim picture of the Clark County Insane Asylum, with stories of violence and inhumane treatment contributing to its reputation as a haunted place. The asylum was known for its harsh conditions and experimental treatments, which caused significant suffering for its patients.
Not surprisingly, there are reports of paranormal activity at the asylum, with many attributing the strange happenings to the ghosts of former patients who met a sad end within its walls.
Winnebago Mental Health Institute, Oshkosh
The Winnebago Mental Health Institute has a long and storied history of mental health treatment, which provides a backdrop for a number of ghost stories. Two of the more well-known spectral residents are John Flammang Schrank, who attempted to assassinate Theodore Roosevelt, and a former patient known only as Rufus.
St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield
This former hospital is another location rumored to be haunted, although specific details are harder to come by than with other locations on this list. That said, it’s easy to see why a hospital environment, with its constant presence of life and death, might lend itself to paranormal claims.
More research is needed to uncover the specific ghost stories associated with St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Wood County Insane Asylum, Marshfield
The Wood County Insane Asylum, built in 1909, served a large number of patients over the years. Today, there are reports of the ghosts of former patients and employees haunting the tunnels that run beneath the asylum.
The asylum’s history of unexplained occurrences ultimately led to its abandonment, further cementing its haunted reputation.
Roads Less Traveled: Legends and Cryptids on Wisconsin’s Backroads
Wisconsin’s backroads are rife with local lore, ghost stories, and tales of strange creatures. Here are a few of the spots that have captured the imaginations (and fears) of Wisconsinites for generations:
Boy Scout Lane, Stevens Point
The ominous name of Boy Scout Lane comes from a collection of stories about Boy Scouts who met their ends along this road. Accounts vary, but they range from tragic accidents to more sinister events. This road’s remote location and the thick woods that surround it only add to its unsettling vibe.
Bloody Bride Bridge (Highway 66), Stevens Point
Legend has it that a young couple crashed their car on their wedding night, and now the bride’s spirit roams the area, searching for her groom. There’s even a story about a police officer who had a strange experience on the bridge, which adds to the lore.
Witch Road, Ripon
The name “Witch Road” conjures up images of witchcraft or other occult practices, though details are often scarce. Roads with names like this tend to attract local legends and stories of paranormal events. More research would be needed to uncover the specific stories associated with this particular Witch Road. If you’re brave enough, maybe you could be the one to investigate!
Bray Road, Elkhorn
Bray Road is famous for sightings of a cryptid known as the Beast of Bray Road. Descriptions of the Beast vary, but it’s generally described as a wolf-like creature. Sightings date back to the 1930s, with a cluster of reports between 1989 and 1991, and even more recent sightings in 2020. The legend of the Beast of Bray Road lives on, fueled by these ongoing reports.
Graveyards and historic sites: Where history and the paranormal intertwine
Wisconsin’s historical graveyards and storied structures are prime spots for those seeking a brush with the supernatural. Here are a few that have gained a reputation for paranormal activity:
Dartford Cemetery, Green Lake
This old cemetery is known for its ghostly reports and paranormal activity. Its state of disrepair only adds to the eerie feeling, and the stories of Chief Highknocker’s drowning and sightings of Civil War soldiers add to the mystique.
Octagon House, Fond du Lac
Built in 1856, the Octagon House is a unique architectural landmark with a rich history. It’s also reportedly haunted by the ghost of its original owner.
Visitors have reported strange occurrences and unexplained phenomena within its walls. If you’re in the Fond du Lac area, it might be worth a visit — if you dare.
DeKoven Center, Racine
This former boys’ school and college has a long and varied history, and it’s also said to be haunted. People have reported hearing whispers, seeing figures in the windows, and experiencing other paranormal phenomena.
The DeKoven Center has ties to various historical figures and events, including two fires and a cemetery, which may contribute to the numerous ghost stories associated with the site.
Kemper Center, Kenosha
Built in 1861, the Kemper Center was once a girls’ boarding school, and it’s now said to be haunted by the ghost of a cruel nun, as well as other spirits.
The Kemper Center also has a rich history and unique architectural features. Numerous paranormal experiences have been reported at the site, adding to its haunted reputation.
Final Thoughts
Wisconsin’s creepy places aren’t just about things that go bump in the night. They’re a fascinating mix of history, folklore, and that undeniable sense that something otherworldly might be lurking just around the corner. Exploring these haunted locations gives you a glimpse into Wisconsin’s past, uncovering stories of tragedy, mystery, and unexplained phenomena.
Whether you’re a serious ghost hunter or just curious about the paranormal, Wisconsin’s spooky sites offer a chilling and memorable experience. From haunted hotels to ghostly graveyards, there’s something for every thrill-seeker.
Just remember to approach these places respectfully and with an open mind, acknowledging the history and legends that make them so compelling. Who knows what you might encounter?