Madison Ghost Walks

From haunted hotels and theaters to supernatural stories surrounding scoundrels, Civil War spies, and native legends, our walking tours in Madison and throughout Wisconsin cover plenty of ground and even more of our home state’s haunted history.

A grim reaper with a scythe in front of the capitol building
A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a building that says ' capitol ' on it
A man in a vampire costume stands in front of a statue

Ghost Walks in Madison

A group of people are posing for a picture in front of a building at night.

Madison Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk

Our original Madison ghost tour delves into the oldest part of the city, full of secrets and ghosts. From $30 per person. Select weekends at 7:30pm.

A man in a vampire costume stands in front of a statue

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. From $30 a person. Select weekends at 7:30pm.

A group of people are standing on the steps of the capitol building.

Madison Lost Souls of State Street Ghost Walk

Dive bars, haunted theaters, and wicked tales in Madison's notorious entertainment district. From $30 per person. Select Saturdays at 7:30pm.

GUEST REVIEWS

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    Lisa, our guide, was both lovely and spooky. She dressed the part and her knowledge of the area, both in knowing others in the Madison area, and with her own experiences, was outstanding. I have lived in the Downtown Madison area for almost 10 years, and I got a fresh historical perspective on the King St. area.

    Megan Dix

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    It was fun, informative, and entertaining. The guide was knowledgeable, funny, and did a wonderful job. I won't forget my first ghost walk thanks to him.

    Laural Seither

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    My husband and I had a wonderful time touring the town, learning the spooky history of the town. We’ve lived here for about 8 months and wanted to get to know Red Wing on a deeper level. Our host was interesting and pretty knowledgeable.

    Spooky Millennial

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Frequently Asked Questions

Planning to join a Madison Ghost Walk? Here are answers to common questions about haunted tours in Wisconsin’s capital city.

  • How long is a ghost walk in Madison?

    Most Madison ghost walks last between 1 and 2 hours. Tours usually cover about a mile of walking through downtown streets, historic sites, and occasionally cemeteries. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of stops for storytelling and history, making it manageable for most ages.

  • Are Madison ghost tours family-friendly?

    Yes, many Madison ghost tours are family-friendly. Guides typically focus on local legends and historical ghost stories rather than intense scares. Parents should check with the tour operator in advance, as some late-night or themed tours may be more suitable for older teens and adults.

  • What should I wear on a Madison ghost walk?

    You should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather. Since ghost walks are held outdoors, layers, a light jacket, or an umbrella may be useful depending on the season. Bringing water is also a good idea, especially for warmer evenings.

  • Do Madison ghost tours visit cemeteries?

    Some Madison ghost walks include stops at historic cemeteries such as Forest Hill Cemetery. Others focus on downtown landmarks and haunted buildings. Tour routes vary, so check the description of your chosen tour if a cemetery visit is important to you.

  • Where do Madison ghost tours start?

    Many Madison ghost tours begin near downtown landmarks such as the Children’s Museum, Capitol Square, or local theaters. The exact meeting point will be provided in your booking confirmation, so it’s best to arrive at least 10–15 minutes early.

  • Are ghost sightings common on these tours?

    While ghost tours share many accounts of paranormal encounters, actual sightings are not guaranteed. Most guests come for the mix of spooky atmosphere, storytelling, and history. The real draw is experiencing Madison’s haunted past in person.

  • Do you need to book Madison ghost walks in advance?

    Yes, advance booking is highly recommended. Tours often run with limited group sizes, especially during fall and Halloween season. Booking early ensures you secure a spot and avoid disappointment.

  • Are private ghost tours available in Madison?

    Yes, some operators offer private tours for groups, which can be tailored for families, friends, or special events. Private bookings are popular for birthdays, team outings, or anyone looking for a more personalized experience.

Wisconsin Ghost Stories

Great Dane in Madison, WI

The Great Dane on Doty Street, Madison, Wisconsin

By Mike Huberty • September 10, 2025
Step inside one of Madison’s most haunted bars. The Great Dane Pub, formerly the Fess Hotel, has seen over 150 years of history and unexplained paranormal activity. Join Ghost Host Lisa Van Buskirk on a Capitol Square Ghost Walk with American Ghost Walks and experience Madison’s eerie side for yourself.
Tempest Oyster Bar in Madison, WI

Tempest Oyster Bar in Madison, Wisconsin

By Mike Huberty • August 15, 2025
Explore the chilling past of Tempest Oyster Bar in Madison, WI—once a funeral home, now a top seafood restaurant and one of America’s most haunted bars. Funeral home history, Heaven’s Gate legends, and personal encounters await.
Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison

Haunted History of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison

By Mike Huberty • August 6, 2025
Discover the haunted history of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, from tragic construction accidents to lingering ghost stories told on local ghost tours.
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