Madison UW Campus Ghost Walks
Ghosts, true crime, and superstitions. The University of Wisconsin might be a world famous research institution, but it has plenty of secrets of its own.
Vilas Hall is home to one of the student newspapers, The Daily Cardinal, which has been covering campus news since 1892. An alumni from the 1980s who worked at the newspaper said that one day, the printer had turned on on its own and had spit out the letters "ORV" in xxx's on one of its piece of paper.
The Cardinal writers knew that it was a message from Orv Larson, who was the Daily Cardinal printer for years and had died the winter before. Orv used to work third shift and he'd bring beer to work from his favorite tavern, the Black Bear Lounge. Since beer wasn't allowed in the building, Orv would cough when he'd pop the top to disguise the sound. And now if you hear a mysterious cough in the middle of the night at Vilas, don't worry, it's just Orv.
Meet Orv, the spirits of Science Hall, the victims of Sterling, the bodies underneath the statue of Abe Lincoln, underground adventurer Tunnel Bob, and many more ghosts and legends of the University of Wisconsin campus.
Join American Ghost Walks for a tour around the UW campus in Madison. We let you in on the legends, history, ghost stories, and real paranormal experiences that have been reported on the University of Wisconsin campus, including around Library Mall and up and down Bascom Hill.
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What To Expect
The Madison Ghost Walk was originally developed by Mike Huberty who started the first ghost tour in Wisconsin's capital city in 2010. Our original research is the foundation of this haunted history tour where we interview the real experiencers, explore historical records, talk to local business owners to give you Madison ghost stories that no other tour can offer.
Check out one of your Madison guides telling a ghost story on WISC-TV
Tour Highlights
- ▸When Samuel Segal, a timpanist from the Minnesota Symphony died onstage at the Wisconsin Union Theater in 1950, his orchestra colleagues finished the performance by playing his favorite piece in his honor. Does this drummer come back to revisit his final concert?
- ▸Science Hall is notorious on campus for being the most haunted looking building, but what is the truth behind the stories and was there really a "cadaver chute?"
- ▸Who is buried under the statue of Abraham Lincoln that sits at the top of Bascom Hill? See Madison's most inconspicuous gravestone.
- ▸Our guides are as passionate about the paranormal as you are, and are steeped in the truly unbelievable happenings and history on the University of Wisconsin campus.
Check out our Madison tour founder talking about haunted history and Shark Tank on WISC-TV
Itinerary
Meet your guide at Steps of the Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison — On the steps of the Wisconsin Historical Society (816 State Street, Madison, WI).
- 1
Memorial Union
This lakefront landmark has been a favorite of students and alumni for decades. Built in 1931, why do people seem to see a woman dressed in Nineteeth Century clothing on the staircases?
- 2
Science Hall
The University's most reportedly haunted building. From mad scientists in the attic to ghosts of victims hung from the rafters, Science Hall has its share of campus superstitions.
- 3
North Hall
The first building at the University of Wisconsin was also the dormitory home of John Muir, the founder of the Sierra Club. But in this historic buliding, we have ghost stories from the 1880s as well as the 1980s...
- 4
Memorial Library
What beloved University of Wisconsin librarian can still be seen walking "The Stacks?"
- 5
And much, much more...
Important Info
- ▸Sometimes street parking is available, but we recommend the Lake Street Ramp as its closest to the start and finish. Find more info here.
- ▸This tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
- ▸The tour route is wheelchair-accessible, just let us know if you plan on using one, so we can adjust the route appropriately for your comfort
- ▸Tours run 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the group, please leave enough time if you're making a reservation afterwards.
- ▸Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. But we will reschedule you if you have an emergency, we love ghosts, not monsters!
- ▸Service animals are welcome but for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home.
Meeting Point
On the steps of the Wisconsin Historical Society (816 State Street Madison, WI)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you go inside any of the haunted buildings?+
Do guests really see ghosts on this tour?+
Can I bring my pet?+
Is this ghost tour kid-appropriate?+
What if I'm late or cannot find my guide?+
What is your cancellation policy?+
Also In Madison
Madison Lost Souls of State Street Ghost Walk
- The Orpheum Theatre ghost
- Inside the Madison Masons' temple
- Capitol & Grain Exchange spirits
Madison Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk
- Wisconsin State Capitol spirits
- The Majestic Theatre's ghost
- Historic King Street tales
Do You Have The Courage To Join?
Explore haunted locations and hear chilling tales. Face your fears and uncover dark secrets — if you dare.
Book Your Madison Ghost Walk