If you’re searching for the most haunted places in Wisconsin, Baraboo should be at the top of your list. This historic circus town is filled with legends, ghostly encounters, and stories of the unexpected. Known for its paranormal activity, “Circus City” lore features apparitions of circus performers and even ghostly elephants. Other places in Baraboo are connected to the area’s past as a haunt for mobsters. It’s a perfect destination for thrill-seekers, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a spooky adventure.
Beyond ghost hunting, Baraboo is a charming destination to visit at any time of year. The historic downtown area offers one-of-a-kind attractions. Drive along the back roads surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and dramatic sandstone bluffs that inspire awe in every season. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at Devil’s Lake State Park, from peaceful lakes to scenic trails perfect for hiking. For those who love discovering a region’s food and drink options, Baraboo also offers a unique selection of Wisconsin breweries and wineries. Whether you’re chasing ghosts at the most haunted places in Wisconsin or seeking the vibrant fall colors, Baraboo delivers experiences to delight every traveler.
For the best lodging for your spooky stay, the historic Ringling House is a fantastic choice. Our lodging property is a comfortable and welcoming home base after a night of eerie explorations. Our six guest rooms in Charles Ringling’s former home are tastefully decorated with circus memorabilia. Staying here means you’re right in the heart of Baraboo’s haunted happenings, with easy access to tours, attractions, and spine-tingling fun. For those seeking a potential otherworldly sighting, consider the Sally & Richard Room, which is most commonly reported to feel like a spirit of a previous resident remains. Book your stay today!
Haunted Places in Wisconsin to Explore
Seven circuses once called Baraboo home, giving rise to its nickname “Circus City.” The world-famous Ringling Brothers wintered here through 1918, and their first official performance in 1884 launched a legacy that grew into a merger with Barnum & Bailey. At one point, it was common to see elephants and camels roaming the streets of Baraboo. With such a colorful past, it’s no wonder the town is tied to ghostly tales of circus performers and even phantom animals, making it one of the most fascinating haunted places in Wisconsin.
One of the most notorious sites is The Old Baraboo Inn, which has ties to Al Capone and the Mob. Once a speakeasy, gangster hideout, and brothel, its past is steeped in dark and legendary tales. Rumors swirl of an execution and torture room in the basement, where a bullet-scarred pole still stands. Though Capone’s personal visits aren’t verified, his gang’s presence here has fueled decades of chilling stories. The inn remains a hot spot for paranormal tours, events, and investigations.
Paranormal sightings at The Old Baraboo Inn, considered one of the most haunted places in Wisconsin, include dishes flying off the shelves, employees mysteriously closing in the walk-in cooler, and the spirit of a woman named Mary, said to cue up Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “If the House is a-Rockin” on the jukebox. Mary Marshall, the Paranormal MD, has documented hard evidence of these unexplained events.
Put the “BOO” in Baraboo this October by visiting some spooky sights. Here are some of the best haunted places in Wisconsin that you can experience while visiting Baraboo and the nearby Dells:
- Join Baraboo Tours for a Haunted Downtown Walk. This one-hour guided walk through the historic streets is filled with local ghost stories. Learn more about the haunted tales, eerie legends, and paranormal happenings in downtown Baraboo. If you are really brave, you may even get to use real ghost-hunting equipment.
- Connect with AL. Ringling Mansion’s residents’ spirits with a Haunted Tour. These tours are by appointment and take place after dark for those who dare!
- Join the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park for their Annual Torchlight Halloween Hike. This seasonal favorite is filled with family-friendly spooky sights.
- Climb aboard the Haunted BaraBOO Trolley to experience one of the most unforgettable tours of haunted places in Wisconsin. This engaging ride winds through Baraboo’s eerie past, from Old Ringling Road, a stretch where mysterious car trouble is common, to the abandoned St. Mary’s Ringling Hospital, long rumored to be one of the most haunted spots in town. Each stop reveals chilling stories and a fascinating history that make Baraboo a must-visit for paranormal enthusiasts.
- For those craving a more intense and immersive horror experience, the Dells Ghost Boat delivers. This haunting water adventure carries guests through the shadowy Cold Water Canyon, where spine-tingling stories of ghosts echo against the sandstone cliffs. Combining eerie legends with breathtaking nighttime scenery, it’s one of the most thrilling ways to explore haunted places in Wisconsin.
Stay at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast
After an evening spent exploring the haunted places in Wisconsin, retreat to the comfort and history of Ringling House, a one-of-a-kind Baraboo Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1901, the historic home once belonged to Charles Ringling, one of the famous Ringling Brothers, whose circus empire put Baraboo on the map. Staying here not only connects you to our town’s circus past but also to the stories and spirits that remain in the area. It’s the perfect place to relax, reflect, and share tales of your ghostly attractions.
Our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast offers thoughtful amenities that enhance every stay. Guests wake up to a freshly prepared gourmet breakfast. Unwind with a book or chat with fellow travelers in our common areas. As a guest of the B&B, you are invited to join a daily tour of the Ringling Estate. Guides will walk you through the history of the Ringling family, point out our original artifacts, and highlight the home’s stunning architecture. The Inn’s central location provides easy access to Baraboo’s historic sites and haunted attractions. Be sure to ask our Innkeeper about her encounter with Sally Ringling after remodeling her room.
Each guest room at our Baraboo Bed and Breakfast has its own personality, with original architectural details and antique furnishings. Whether you choose a spacious suite or a charming, intimate room, you’ll enjoy plush beddings, inviting decor, and plenty of comfort after a long day of exploring. With its ties to circus history, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient location, our B&B will make your haunted Wisconsin getaway unforgettable. Explore one of the most haunted places in Wisconsin and reserve your room this fall!
