Haunted Hotels in Wisconsin You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Wisconsin with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Wisconsin with haunted hotels
11 Haunted Hotels Found in Wisconsin
Astor House Bed & Breakfast
637 S Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301, United States
Local legends suggest the Astor House retains echoes from its long history. Guests have occasionally reported subtle, unexplained occurrences such as faint whispers, doors closing gently on their own, or items slightly moving. While not intensely frightening, these gentle disturbances hint at lingering presences from past residents within this historic Victorian home. (Note: Specific details ideally sourced from haunting_url_source; generated placeholder due to interaction limitations).
The American Club
419 Highland Dr, Kohler, WI 53044
The American Club, particularly its oldest section in the east wing, is reported to be haunted. One account tells of a guest encountering a silent man in dirty, torn attire in the hallway, later seen on security footage talking to someone invisible. A more tragic tale involves Room #209, where a woman reportedly took her own life after her husband died in an industrial accident. Her spirit is said to appear wearing a blue hat, sometimes seen near the room's fireplace.
Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast
3046 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208, United States
The Brumder Mansion is known as one of Milwaukee's most haunted locations, with guests and investigators reporting encounters with at least three known spirits. Experiences include unexplained noises, cold spots, objects moving on their own, and vivid dreams, particularly in the 'Gold Suite' where a female entity named 'Aunt Pussy' reportedly makes her presence known. Past owner accounts mention strange occurrences like a mirror shattering inexplicably and droplets of blood appearing. Despite these paranormal activities, including a basement speakeasy history potentially tied to ghostly origins, the spirits are generally considered benevolent and curious rather than malicious.
The Pfister Hotel
424 E Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
Opened in 1893 by Charles Pfister, The Pfister Hotel is renowned not only for its luxury but also for persistent claims of paranormal activity. Guests, including numerous visiting Major League Baseball players, have reported encounters with what is believed to be the spirit of the hotel's founder, Charles Pfister. These experiences include apparitions seen roaming the hallways and staircase, unexplained knocking and pounding sounds, electronic devices switching on and off by themselves, and objects moving inexplicably. Baseball player Bryce Harper shared an incident where his clothes were moved across the room overnight despite his door remaining latched, contributing to the hotel's reputation as one of baseball's most haunted locations.
Hotel Retlaw
One N Main St, Fond du Lac, WI 54935
Hotel Retlaw, opened in 1923, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has long been subject of ghostly tales. Staff and guests report strange occurrences like flickering lights, faucets turning on/off spontaneously, unexplained noises, and ghostly apparitions, particularly of a woman in a bathrobe vanishing into walls. Room 717 is often cited as a center of paranormal activity, including screams heard even when vacant. Underground tunnels connecting to former taverns add to the lore, rumored to be used by figures like John Dillinger during Prohibition.
Old Rittenhouse Inn
301 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, United States
The Old Rittenhouse Inn is known for local ghost stories discussed on the 'Bayfield Ghost Walk.' Reports include sightings of a tall figure in white on the front porch. A more specific tale involves 'Winnie,' the daughter of the original owner, Judge Joseph Atkinson. Winnie, who never had children, is said to playfully interact with children staying in the house, sometimes appearing as a lady in a green plaid dress at the foot of their beds or tickling their toes.
Best Western The Hotel Chequamegon
101 Lake Shore Dr W, Ashland, WI 54806, United States
Though rebuilt in 1986 after a fire destroyed the original 1877 structure, the Hotel Chequamegon carries reports of paranormal activity. Some believe guests from its earlier incarnation never checked out. Eerie occurrences are particularly noted around rooms 312 and 314, and there have been sightings of a ghostly man in a top hat wandering the hotel corridors, contributing to its haunted reputation.
The Four Seasons Island Resort
N16800 Shoreline Dr, Pembine, WI 54156
The Four Seasons Island Resort sits on beautiful Miscauno Island and was originally built in 1905. A scenic getaway right off the railroad, it was a popular spot for well-to-do Chicagoans and was even rumored to be a favorite hangout of gangster Al Capone in the 1930s. Years before his rumored visit, however, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist was set to be married at a lavish ceremony. But when the groom never showed, legend has it the bride-to-be never checked out of the hotel. She can still be heard wandering the halls, calling out for her groom.
Maxwell Mansion
304 S Wells St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147, United States
Built in 1856 by the flamboyant Dr. Philip Maxwell, known for 'hard drinking and wild antics,' Maxwell Mansion is reportedly rife with paranormal activity. Staff and guests report disembodied voices, self-opening/closing doors, cold spots, moving objects, and phantom figures. Notable encounters include a butler seeing a 'shadow figure,' sightings of a 'ghost child,' and tales suggest Dr. Maxwell performed 'unauthorized surgeries' in the basement, now a speakeasy bar, contributing to the mansion's eerie reputation.
Shaker's Cigar Bar & Penthouse
422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
Shaker's is built on a former cemetery and operated as a Prohibition-era speakeasy/brothel reportedly run by the Capone brothers. Its haunted reputation is fed by numerous stories, including the murder of a teenage prostitute named Molly Brennan in the 1920s/30s whose bones were allegedly found in the walls decades later. Other reported spirits include a young girl, Elizabeth, who died on the grounds before the building's construction, and various figures associated with its speakeasy days and tragic events. Guests report phenomena in the penthouse and basement, attributing them to these restless spirits and its dark history, including being a haunt of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
Karsten Hotel
122 Ellis Street, Kewaunee, WI 54216, United States
The Karsten Hotel, built in 1912 on the site of a previous hotel that burned down, is reputedly haunted by several spirits. Former owner William Karsten Sr. is seen on the second floor/bar. His young grandson, Billy, who died at age five shortly after his grandfather, is also reported. Room 310 is particularly active, believed to be haunted by a former housekeeper named Agatha, known for hiding tools and interacting with objects. Guests report strange smells, faucets turning on, mists, orbs, and phantom sounds.
Haunted History of Wisconsin
Wisconsin's haunted history is born from its deep, dark forests, the unforgiving waters of the Great Lakes, and a rich tapestry of folklore. The state's vast Northwoods are steeped in Native American legends and tales of mythical creatures like the Hodag. This primal, ancient landscape was later the backdrop for the brutal logging and mining industries, where tragic accidents and harsh living conditions gave rise to countless ghost stories that are still whispered in small towns today.
The state's connection to the Great Lakes has also created a host of maritime ghost lore, with spectral lighthouse keepers still tending to their duties and the phantom crews of sunken ships appearing on foggy nights. From the beer baron ghosts of Milwaukee to the dark, rural legends inspired by infamous figures like Ed Gein, Wisconsin's paranormal landscape is a chilling mix of industrial spirits, folkloric beasts, and the lingering echoes of its most notorious chapters.
Other Haunted Attractions in Wisconsin
- Maribel Caves Hotel / "Hotel Hell" (Maribel): The ruins of this former hotel are a legendary paranormal hotspot in Wisconsin. After a series of mysterious fires, the site became known as "Hotel Hell," with local legends claiming it's a gateway to the underworld. Ghost hunters and curious visitors report hearing disembodied voices, seeing shadow figures, and feeling an intensely dark energy around the crumbling foundation.
- Dartford Cemetery (Green Lake): Often called Wisconsin's most haunted cemetery, Dartford is steeped in local lore and has historic ties to the Spiritualist movement. It's most famous for the grave of a supposed witch, surrounded by tombstones that have mysteriously sunk into the ground. Visitors report strange lights, ghostly apparitions, and the feeling of being watched among the ancient graves.
- The Pabst Theater (Milwaukee): This grand, historic theater is said to be haunted by its founder, beer baron Captain Frederick Pabst. He loved his theater so much that his spirit has reportedly never left. Actors and staff have claimed to see his dapper apparition watching performances from the balcony or sitting in his favorite chair. You can check for shows and tours at the Pabst Theater's website.
- Old Rock County Jail (Janesville): This former jail and sheriff's residence operated for over a century and has a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. The spirits of former inmates, including a convicted murderer who was hanged on the property, are said to still roam the cold, narrow cells. Visitors on ghost tours report hearing phantom footsteps, cell doors clanging, and disembodied whispers.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Wisconsin
- Explore the Haunted Northwoods: Head to northern Wisconsin to explore the deep forests and small towns that are rich with logging-era ghost stories and local legends of strange creatures. The spooky, isolated atmosphere is perfect for a paranormal adventure.
- Investigate Great Lakes Lore: Visit the communities along the shores of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior. Explore historic lighthouses and maritime museums to learn about the ghost ships and spectral sailors that are said to haunt the unforgiving waters.
- Visit a Haunted Bar or Brewery: Wisconsin's history is tied to its breweries and taverns, and many of the oldest establishments have a few spectral regulars. Grab a local brew and ask the bartender for their best ghost story.
- Embrace the Spooky Seasons: Wisconsin is beautiful in the fall, making it a perfect time for a haunted road trip. Alternatively, the stark, snowy silence of winter adds an extra layer of gothic eeriness to any ghost hunt.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Wisconsin
Are haunted hotels in Wisconsin safe to stay in? Absolutely. Haunted hotels in Wisconsin are known for their Midwestern hospitality and are completely safe for all guests. The ghost stories are a fun and fascinating part of their history, not a physical threat.
What is the most famous haunted hotel in Wisconsin? The Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee is by far the most famous. Its primary ghost, the spirit of founder Charles Pfister, has gained national attention for spooking visiting Major League Baseball teams for years, making it a legendary paranormal landmark.
Are there any haunted ruins I can visit in Wisconsin? Yes, Wisconsin has several famous haunted ruins. The most notable are the Maribel Caves Hotel (known as "Hotel Hell") and the site of the former Summerwind Mansion, both of which are legendary in the state's paranormal circles.
What is the Hodag? The Hodag is a mythical creature from Wisconsin folklore, said to live in the forests near Rhinelander. Described as a fierce beast with horns and fangs, it started as a local hoax but has since become a beloved state mascot and a fun part of its spooky lore.
What's the best way to explore haunted Wisconsin? A road trip is the best way to experience the state's diverse hauntings. You can start with the urban ghosts of Milwaukee, head north into the folkloric woods, and explore the haunted cemeteries and small towns in between.