Haunted Wisconsin

Whitewater has three cemeteries forming what has been referred to as the Witches Triangle. The city has a history of hauntings and Morris Pratt built an institute for spiritualism that has been called the Spook Temple. The former Winchester house, now a realty office, is allegedly cursed by the axe-murdering witch Mary Worth.

Ed Gein was an American serial killer who was dubbed the “Butcher of Plainfield.” Gein had robbed graves and collected body parts that were used to make clothing and other items. Gein’s home was destroyed by fire, but people can visit his grave at Plainfield Cemetery or step inside Gein’s jail cell at the Waushara County Historical Museum.

Superior’s Fairlawn Mansion was built in the 1890s by lumber and mining baron Martin Pattison and his wife, Grace. They lived in the house until 1920 when it was converted into a children’s home. Superior Public Museums holds flashlight tours every year in the fall to talk about superstitions and life in the Victorian Era, as well as stories from staff of hearing children’s laughter or seeing former servants roam its halls.

Visit the Bodega Brew Pub that’s gained a reputation for being haunted. Employees have heard and shared stories about a death in the upstairs apartment, and some have reported hearing a piano playing or crashes in the basement. Bartenders have also reported glasses moving on their own. Del’s Bar and the historic Rivoli Theatre also have reports of strange things happening.

The hotel that has hosted dignitaries, including presidents, has gained a reputation for being haunted. Several players in Major League Baseball have reported hearing footsteps in their rooms, having furniture move on its own, feeling chills and seeing lights.