by WISCONSIN — Wisconsin isn’t just known for its lakes, cheese, and breweries — it also has a darker side that draws paranormal enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. From abandoned asylums to haunted hotels, the state is filled with sites steeped in mystery, tragedy, and ghostly legends. Here’s a guide to 10 creepy and macabre spots in Wisconsin that should be on every ghost hunter’s radar.
1. Boy Scout Lane (Stevens Point)
Boy Scout Lane has achieved legendary status among paranormal enthusiasts. Locals tell chilling stories of a Boy Scout troop that supposedly perished in a mysterious fire decades ago. Visitors often report flickering lantern lights along the lane, unexplained sounds, and a feeling of being watched. The eerie atmosphere has made it a staple for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.
2. High Cliff State Park (Sherwood)
High Cliff State Park sits atop ancient Native American effigy mounds, creating an already mystical setting. Paranormal activity is reportedly concentrated near the mounds and old lime kilns. Hikers and campers have reported strange noises, shadowy figures, and the unnerving feeling of being watched by unseen presences.
3. Maribel Caves Hotel / “Hotel Hell” (Maribel)
The ruins of the Maribel Caves Hotel, once a luxurious spa destination, now exude a haunting energy. Destroyed by fire and storms, the site is known as “Hotel Hell” for good reason. Visitors and paranormal investigators report seeing apparitions in windows, hearing phantom footsteps, and witnessing objects move on their own. The eerie ruins are a magnet for those fascinated by ghost stories.
4. Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast (Milwaukee)
This historic mansion, once owned by a mobster, is now a bed and breakfast that attracts thrill-seekers. Guests report vivid dreams, ghostly sightings, and even mysterious blood appearing in a bathtub. The combination of its dark history and lingering spirits makes it one of Milwaukee’s most infamous haunted locations.
5. Pfister Hotel (Milwaukee)
The Pfister Hotel is a luxurious establishment with a notorious reputation for paranormal activity. Guests and professional athletes alike have reported encountering spirits, malfunctioning electronics, and sudden cold spots. Some visitors avoid staying here altogether due to the frequent paranormal sightings, while others come specifically to experience them.
6. Sheboygan Asylum (Sheboygan)
According to The River City Omaha, The abandoned Sheboygan County Insane Asylum has a grim history of mistreatment of patients. Ghost tours of the site reveal strange noises, shadowy figures, and an omnipresent feeling of being watched. The building’s dark past and abandoned state make it a prime location for those interested in Wisconsin’s macabre history.
7. Bloody Bride Bridge (Stevens Point)
Officially Highway 66 Bridge, this spot earned the nickname “Bloody Bride Bridge” after a bride was killed in a tragic car accident on her wedding night. Locals claim to see her wandering the bridge in a blood-stained dress, particularly on rainy nights. The chilling stories and eyewitness accounts keep the legend alive for thrill-seekers.
8. Riverside Cemetery & Kate Blood’s Grave (Appleton)
The grave of Kate Blood in Riverside Cemetery is the epicenter of chilling legends. Tales include blood oozing from her tombstone during full moons and ghostly apparitions seen around the site. Paranormal enthusiasts and curious visitors are drawn to the cemetery to witness these unnerving phenomena firsthand.
Read Also: 10 Creepy and Macabre Places to Visit in Florida for Paranormal Thrills
9. Kemper Hall (Kenosha)
Once a girls’ seminary, Kemper Hall is said to be haunted by the spirit of a headless nun, reportedly pushed down the stairs by students. Visitors to the historic building have reported seeing her ghost and feeling an oppressive, chilling presence. Its rich history and reported hauntings make it a must-visit for the macabre-minded.
10. Chances Restaurant (Rochester)
Housed in an 1843 building with a history as a stop on the Underground Railroad, Chances Restaurant reportedly hosts a lady in a green ball gown, waiting for her Civil War soldier. Paranormal activity is so well-known that the restaurant even references it on the menu. Patrons frequently report ghost sightings, strange sounds, and sudden drops in temperature.
Wisconsin’s Dark Side Awaits:
From haunted hotels and abandoned asylums to cursed cemeteries and legendary roads, Wisconsin offers a variety of creepy destinations for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the thrill, or the paranormal activity, these 10 locations are must-see stops for anyone intrigued by the macabre.
Pro Tip: Always check accessibility and visiting hours before exploring haunted locations, and be respectful of private property and historic sites.
For more spooky travel guides, paranormal updates, and creepy Wisconsin destinations, visit ridgecrestpact.org and join our community of ghost-hunting enthusiasts.
