Madison Lost Souls of State Street Ghost Walk
Dive bars, haunted theaters, and wicked tales in Madison's notorious entertainment district.
Pete the Projectionist is what they used to nickname the ghost in the back cinema of State Street’s Orpheum Theatre. He seemed harmless enough, just hiding film reels and knocking over small items. That was until he screamed in the ear and threw a stack of plates at the overnight cleaner who ran out of the building without looking back. Built in 1926 at the extraordinarily expensive cost at the time of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, the Orpheum Theatre of Madison originally featured both vaudeville shows as well as films. Old theaters are usually rife with stories of hauntings and ghosts and with so many people that pass through the those buildings, and the amount of blood, sweat, and tears that goes into making a production happen, it’s often a theater where those who we thought have passed on seem to leave a psychic mark on the world,
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.
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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
- ▸A psychic did a ghost hunt in the Great Dane Pub and Brewery sponsored by a local newspaper, and said she felt the spirit of an old man in the basement break room. She said he was kind and there was nothing to worry about. But that’s not the one they call “The Spooky Room."
- ▸The Wisconsin State Capitol has experienced its share of tragedy, do the ghosts of the workmen who perished in a tragic 1883 accident still walk the South Wing?
- ▸Joe, an actor who sadly ended his own life, was said to haunt the dressing room at the Majestic Theatre for years but he's not the strangest spirit that inhabits the building...
- ▸Madison’s King Street is the oldest part of the city and its been entertaining the living people since the building of the Capitol in the 1850s. We invite you to learn of its secrets, scoundrels, and scares…
Check out our Madison tour founder talking about haunted history and Shark Tank on WISC-TV
Itinerary
Meet your guide at In front of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Madison — In front of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (30 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703).
- 1
The Orpheum Theatre
With ghosts ranging from strange mists to the spirit they call the "night manager," the Orpheum is one of the most haunted spots in the city.
- 2
Wisconsin State Capitol
A National Historic Landmark and, by law, the tallest structure in downtown Madison — its halls hold their share of secrets and spooks.
- 3
Madison Masonic Temple
The Masons are often shrouded in secrecy, but they opened up to us about the hauntings at their Madison lodge.
- 4
Grain Exchange Building
How does this building connect to one of America’s Founding Fathers, and what ghost story have people experienced here?
Important Info
- ▸Street parking is sometimes available, but we recommend the State Street Capitol Garage as the closest public lot. Click here for more info.
- ▸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
In front of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum (30 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA)
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 Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk
- Wisconsin State Capitol spirits
- The Majestic Theatre's ghost
- Historic King Street tales
Madison UW Campus Ghost Walks
- Science Hall's eerie legends
- The drummer who died onstage
- The grave beneath Bascom Hill
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