As a child in a house on Manypenny Avenue, a former owner’s daughter was often awakened by the unmistakable sensation of someone tickling her toes. This playful way to awaken children was a favorite method of Bayfield mothers. When she opened her eyes, she often saw no one else in the room. However, if she was quick enough, she could catch a fleeting glimpse of a lady in a green plaid dress. The female figure standing at the foot of her bed smiling, rapidly faded. However, the vision was solid enough in her memory to be identified.
On a visit to the Bayfield Library, the witness recognized the same woman in a green plaid dress in a commemorative portrait hanging on the wall. It was Winnie Robinson, a librarian and beloved member of the Bayfield community, who died unexpectedly of pneumonia in 1929 after a brief illness. She had lived in the house, the home of the original owner, her father, Judge Joseph Atkinson. Winnie never had the opportunity to have children of her own, but she could play with the children of those who lived in the house after she died.
Expect to learn more about paranormal encounters and ghost sightings at opulent local homes and charming B&Bs such as Le Château Boutin, Greunke’s First Street Inn, and At Ships Quarters. Many lesser-known and unassuming haunts are also included such as Morty's Pub and Andy's Grocery. See the Itinerary section below for a sample of the stops.
Expert paranormal guide
Duration: 1.50 hours
Easy/Moderate
The iconic brownstone courthouse, which today serves as the regional office for the National Park Service and headquarters for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Visitor Center, is rumored to be haunted. Employees still admit to harrowing ghostly encounters after hours.
The site of a rarity, a romantic ghost story, a testament to the undying love story of William and Jessie Knight. Residents, contractors, and houseguests have reported encounters with apparitions over the years.
Built for Bayfield's first millionaire Frank Boutin, Jr. in 1908, today some guests of this beautiful B&B report paranormal happenings. The alleged haunting involves what appears to be residual energy or a glimpses into the past sometimes referred to as time slips.
Built in 1865 for Nazaire LaBonte, this wood frame residence was later converted into a boarding house. Now the inn hosts guests and resident ghost nicknamed “Irene.” She's blamed for anything unusual that happens and sometimes tickles the toes of guests while they're under the sheets.
The old A. C. Hayward building houses Wild by Nature, a restaurant, and Howl, an outdoor apparel shop. A female figure sometimes appears at Wild by Nature, a mischievous spook nicknamed Fred pranks customers at Howl, and a diminutive skeleton in a child-sized coffin dressed as a turn-of-the-century bride once resided in the former antique shop in the basement.
Jolly bar owner Maurice "Morty" Baldwin loved his customer, employees, and place of business. The current owners believe he never really left. In fact, Morty seems to enjoy ribbing the staff with his haunted hijinks.
Andy's IGA isn't only the place to shop for local delicacies like apple brats, it's also a hidden haunt. Founded by former childhood sweethearts, Andy and Fern, during the Great Depression, the mom-and-pop-butcher-shop-turned-grocery persists. And, apparently, so do Andy and Fern, who still occasionally make themselves known.
On this tour, we focus on building exteriors and outdoor spaces. Businesses and public places are open for you to visit during regular business hours. Otherwise we respect the privacy of individuals and organizations and expect that our guests do the same.
Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t require their assistance.
We can never guarantee a supernatural encounter, but we will explain paranormal phenomena such as cold spots and residual hauntings. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts — in all their shocking detail.
While our tours do not contain anything too graphic or inappropriate, we find that kids that enjoy history have the best time. You know your children and that's left up to you. We do not recommend bringing children in strollers because sometimes that can be difficult with larger walking groups.
All sales are final, but we can help you with a reschedule or ticket credit. We love ghosts, not monsters!
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