Wisconsin Ghost Tours: Milwaukee, Madison & Haunted History

Stories shaped by frontier towns, lake ports, and universities. These are the tales of cities where history left unfinished business behind on our Wisconsin ghost tours.



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Wisconsin’s haunted history reaches far beyond a single city. From grand hotels and theaters to river towns and college campuses, the state’s past is filled with stories tied to ambition, conflict, and crime. Civil War intrigue, notorious characters, and long-standing local legends have all left their mark. 


Our Wisconsin ghost tours cover these stories through real locations and researched history. American Ghost Walks guided tours in Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva, Bayfield, and Waukesha focus on the people, places, and events that continue to shape the state’s haunted reputation.

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A red car is parked in front of a building that says griffin 's inn
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Ghost Tours in Wisconsin

Explore Wisconsin’s haunted past through a collection of guided ghost walks across some of the state’s most storied cities and towns. Each tour offers a distinct look at local legends, historic sites, and unsettling true stories rooted in place.

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Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk

Explore Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward on this original ghost tour through an area once known as “The Bloody Third.” Hear stories tied to crime, industry, and lingering spirits connected to the neighborhood’s past.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Weekends at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
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Milwaukee Shadow of City Hall Ghost Walk

Walk through downtown Milwaukee on this guided ghost tour featuring stories of curses, tragedies, and long-standing hauntings. Learn about eerie accounts tied to City Hall, historic buildings, and the notoriously haunted Pfister Hotel.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select Saturdays at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
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Lake Geneva Ghost Walk - Downtown and Lakefront

Discover the haunted history of Lake Geneva on this guided walking tour through its downtown streets and scenic lakefront. Hear eerie stories tied to the town’s past as a legendary resort destination.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Daily at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
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Madison UW Campus Ghost Walks

Explore the haunted side of the University of Wisconsin on this guided ghost walk through the campus area. Hear stories of true crime, superstition, and unexplained encounters tied to one of the state’s most iconic institutions.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select weekends at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
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Madison Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk

Walk through the oldest part of Madison on this original ghost tour of Capitol Square. Discover stories of hidden secrets, historic buildings, and lingering spirits tied to the city’s political and social past.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select weekends at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
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Madison Lost Souls of State Street Ghost Walk

Explore Madison’s entertainment district on this guided ghost walk through State Street. Hear wicked tales tied to dive bars, theaters, and long-standing local legends.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select Saturdays at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
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Bayfield Ghost Walk

Experience Bayfield’s haunted history on this guided ghost walk along the shores of Lake Superior. Hear eerie stories tied to the town’s waterfront, past residents, and long-held local legends.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Daily at 7:30 PM
  • $25 per person + tax
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Waukesha Ghost Walk

Discover the ghosts and legends of Waukesha, Wisconsin’s original Spring City, on this guided walking tour through its historic streets and past.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select weekend evenings
  • $25 per person + tax
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Krampusnacht Bus Tour

Experience a unique seasonal tour inspired by Old World folklore on this guided bus tour. Hear strange stories and unsettling legends tied to historic locations and traditions.


  • Guided bus tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select dates
  • $20 per person + tax

GUEST REVIEWS

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    My family and I really enjoyed the ghost walk in Waukesha with Josh! He told some interesting history of the city and we got to investigate two different taverns that are suspected to be haunted. We got to use the fun instruments to try to detect the ghosts in these locations.

    Mike Krajewski

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    It was a great time as always love hearing all the stories see you next year.

    Nikki Treuber

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    Our group of 5 had a fantastic tour with Carrie! She was extremely knowledgeable and kept the entire group engaged. The tour was well-paced, with some stops offering seating to rest. Highly recommend, make sure you book with Carrie!

    Jennifer Casper

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Highlights

  • Milwaukee’s Greatest Mystery: The Secret Treasure Hunt

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    Explore the legend of a hidden gem buried somewhere in Milwaukee since 1982—its location hinted at only through a haunting poem and cryptic artwork. Think you can solve the mystery? Dive deeper into the story in our article on Milwaukee’s hidden treasure, then join the Milwaukee Bloody Third Ward Ghost Walk to uncover the haunted secrets and urban legends tied to one of America’s most elusive treasure hunts.

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  • Capital City Killings: Madison’s Campus Murders Still Haunt

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    Uncover the chilling unsolved murders that once terrorized the UW-Madison campus—victims, suspects, and secrets buried by time, including the disturbing case linked to a possible serial killer in Madison, Wisconsin. Ready to explore the dark heart of campus history? Join the Madison UW Campus Ghost Walk and walk the same paths where these mysteries still linger in the shadows.

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  • Wisconsin’s Haunted Hotspots: From Ballplayers to Banshees

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    From ghostly grand hotels to haunted highways, explore the eerie legends behind Wisconsin’s most bone-chilling destinations. Ready to experience the haunted heart of Milwaukee for yourself? Book your Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk and uncover the spirits that still linger in Cream City’s most storied neighborhood.

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  • City Hall’s Haunting Legacy: Tragedy, Treasure, and the Unknown

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    Uncover the unsettling history of Milwaukee’s City Hall, where suicides, scandals, and unexplained sounds still echo through its towering atrium. Ready to explore the haunted heart of downtown? Book your Shadow of City Hall Downtown Milwaukee Ghost Walk and uncover the spirits that refuse to leave Milwaukee’s seat of power.

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  • Meet the Mischievous Spirit of Bayfield’s Most Haunted Inn

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    Greunke’s First Street Inn may serve up classic charm and comfort—but behind its vintage décor lurks the ghostly presence of Irene, a prank-loving specter known for slamming doors, flushing empty toilets, and even tickling toes. Curious about the haunted happenings inside the Blue Room? Read the full blog to uncover Irene’s eerie antics and then join us on the Bayfield Ghost Walk to see if you can encounter her spirit for yourself!

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  • Did We Catch a Ghost on Camera at Lake Geneva’s Baker House?

    A boy in a top hat stands in front of a haunted house

    Strange figures, ghostly children, and unexplained energy—this historic mansion might just be one of Wisconsin’s most haunted. Read the full blog to see the photos and decide for yourself… then join the Lake Geneva Ghost Walk Downtown and Lakefront tour to visit the Baker House in person—if you’re brave enough!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are clear answers to common questions about Wisconsin ghost tours, which span haunted cities, river towns, and eerie countryside landmarks.

  • What are Wisconsin Ghost Tours?

    Wisconsin Ghost Tours are guided walking experiences through historic neighborhoods and landmarks across the state. Each tour explores haunted locations, ghost stories, and local legends—from the Pfister Hotel to Madison’s Capitol Square—blending real history with spine-tingling tales.


  • How long do the ghost tours last?

    Most tours last about 90 minutes to two hours, giving guests plenty of time to explore multiple haunted sites, hear stories, and take photos. Some specialty tours, like the Krampusnacht Bus Tour, may vary slightly in duration.


  • Are the tours scary or family-friendly?

    These tours are designed to be spooky but not terrifying. They’re family-friendly, focusing on storytelling, history, and light paranormal intrigue rather than jump scares or horror effects. Children are welcome with adult supervision.


  • Do I need to book tickets in advance?

    Yes, advance booking is highly recommended. Tours often sell out—especially on weekends and during Halloween season. Tickets can be purchased directly online for each location and tour.


  • What cities in Wisconsin offer ghost tours?

    You can join ghost walks in Milwaukee, Madison, Lake Geneva, Bayfield, and Waukesha. Each city has its own unique stories—from Civil War spies in Madison to Lake Geneva’s haunted lakefront and Milwaukee’s “Bloody Third Ward.”

  • Are the tours conducted year-round?

    Most ghost walks run seasonally from spring through fall, with select winter tours such as the Krampusnacht Bus Tour. Availability may vary by city and weather conditions, so it’s best to check the schedule when booking.


  • Who leads the ghost tours?

    Each tour is led by knowledgeable local guides—often called “Ghost Hosts”—who specialize in Wisconsin history, folklore, and paranormal research. They combine storytelling, humor, and historical insight to bring haunted tales to life.


  • Can I take photos during the tour?

    Yes! Photography is encouraged, especially since some guests have captured unexplained orbs and ghostly shapes in their images. Just be mindful not to disturb others or block sidewalks.


  • What should I wear or bring on a ghost tour?

    Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential. Bring a camera or phone for photos and a flashlight for evening tours. Since all walks are outdoors, dress warmly in cooler months.


  • Are there any famous haunted locations on the tours?

    Absolutely. Some of Wisconsin’s most famous haunted spots include Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel, Madison’s State Capitol, Bayfield’s haunted inns, and Lake Geneva’s Baker House—each with its own chilling stories shared during the tours.


  • Do the tours include true stories?

    Yes, every story told on Wisconsin Ghost Tours is rooted in local history, folklore, or documented accounts. Guides balance verified events with long-standing legends to create an entertaining yet authentic experience.


  • Is there parking available near the tour start points?

    Most tour locations are in downtown or historic districts with nearby street or public parking. Specific parking details are provided in your booking confirmation or on each city’s tour page.


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