The Most Haunted Places in Wisconsin (And the Stories Behind Them)
Just a short drive northwest from Milwaukee, the Pfister Hotel looms as a grand relic of the city’s Victorian past and a hotspot for ghost stories. Built in the late 19th century, this downtown treasure invites visitors to explore its opulent lobby and historic suites, many of which reportedly harbor lingering spirits. The hotel’s famed “Lady in Blue” is said to glide silently through the hallways, a spectral figure dressed in period attire. Guests often enjoy wandering the ornate corridors, soaking up the history and perhaps staying overnight in rooms where the paranormal encounters are most frequent. The best time to visit is in the quieter off-season months when the atmosphere feels more intimate and the old building’s creaks and murmurs seem more alive.
In the heart of Door County, just northeast of Green Bay, the Cana Island Lighthouse offers not only stunning views over Lake Michigan but also a chilling tale. Accessible by a short walk along a causeway that disappears with the tide, the lighthouse was once home to keepers who reported eerie noises and phantom footsteps. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the lantern room, taking in the expansive water vistas by day. The isolated location and shifting mists add an otherworldly quality to the site, especially during late autumn evenings when the wind whistles around the stone tower. The combination of maritime history and ghost lore makes Cana Island a memorable stop on any Door County itinerary.
Traveling west to La Crosse, the historic St. James Hotel stands near the Mississippi River bluff, boasting a storied past and a reputation as one of Wisconsin’s most haunted accommodations. The hotel’s elegant Victorian architecture houses stories of restless spirits, including a former maid who is said to haunt the third floor. Walking through the polished lobby or dining in the old-fashioned restaurant, guests can imagine the lives and dramas played out within these walls. The hotel frequently embraces its eerie reputation with ghost tours, a unique way to connect with La Crosse’s history. Fall evenings, when the air is crisp and the river fog rolls in, cast a particular spell over the hotel grounds.
Down in the southern part of the state, the Old Baraboo Inn in Baraboo, about a 90-minute drive west of Madison, invites visitors to uncover its paranormal past. This historic hotel, perched near the famous Circus World Museum, was built in the late 1800s and is said to be haunted by former guests who never quite checked out. The inn’s antique furnishings and creaky floors create an authentic old-time atmosphere to explore. Guests can stroll the quaint downtown area before retreating to the inn’s cozy common rooms, where flickering lights and mysterious sounds have become part of the lore. The inn takes on a particularly spooky ambiance during the late fall and winter months, when long nights encourage ghost stories by the fire.
About 30 miles north of Eau Claire, the Chippewa Valley Museum in Eau Claire offers more than just regional history; it also hosts exhibits and stories about local hauntings that reflect the area’s mysteries. Visitors can delve into displays on early settlement and Native American culture, and occasionally, special programs explore the paranormal history of the region. The museum’s connection to the community makes it a rich place to learn about the folklore and supernatural tales tied to specific sites in northwest Wisconsin. Planning a visit during the autumn months can enhance the experience, especially when paired with a drive along the nearby Chippewa River, whose banks have inspired many local legends.
Near the southern border, in the small town of Mineral Point, roughly 50 miles southwest of Madison, the Pendarvis Historic Site offers both architectural beauty and ghostly intrigue. This collection of 19th-century stone cottages, once homes to Cornish miners, preserves a slice of Wisconsin’s mining heritage. Visitors can explore the stone buildings, learning about the immigrant experience while sensing the lingering presence of past inhabitants. The site’s combination of authentic structures and stories of miners’ hardships gives it a hauntingly human dimension. Visiting in late spring or early summer, when wildflowers bloom around the cottages and the town hosts lively festivals, creates a striking contrast to the somber tales of toil and loss.
In Milwaukee itself, the Riverside Theater, a grand 1920s movie palace, provides a stage not just for performances but also for ghost stories that captivate both theatergoers and paranormal enthusiasts. The beautifully restored interior, with its lavish plasterwork and glowing chandeliers, has set the scene for many reported sightings and unexplained sounds attributed to former employees or performers. Attending a live show or touring the theater during special events allows visitors to soak up the glamorous ambiance and perhaps catch a glimpse of the past in action. Evening performances, when the house lights dim and the air buzzes with anticipation, heighten the sense of mystery that surrounds this Milwaukee landmark.