What is the Madison Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk?

It’s a guided 90-minute walking tour through Madison’s historic King Street and Capitol Square. Led by an expert storyteller, you’ll hear real ghost stories, urban legends, and local history tied to some of the city’s oldest and most haunted buildings.

How long does the Madison Ghost Walk last?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on group engagement. Guides often share extra stories and answer questions, so it’s best to allow a full two hours for the complete haunted experience.

Where does the ghost walk start?

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.

How much does the Madison ghost tour cost?

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.

Is the Madison Ghost Walk suitable for kids?

The minimum age for this tour is 13 and older, as the stories and nighttime atmosphere may be too spooky for younger children. Teens and adults alike tend to love the mix of history and hauntings.

What should I wear on the ghost walk?

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain. Madison nights can get chilly, especially near the Capitol, so layering is recommended.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed. The tour takes place through busy downtown streets and historic buildings, so this policy helps ensure safety and comfort for all guests.

Where can I park for the tour?

Street parking is usually available near Capitol Square, and after-hours parking can often be found at the Old Courthouse. Because it’s a busy area, arrive early to give yourself time to find a spot.

Who leads the Madison Ghost Walk?

All tours are led by trained guides from American Ghost Walks, founded by Mike Huberty, who created the original Madison ghost tour in 2010. Their stories are based on firsthand interviews, historical research, and local legends.

What locations are visited on the tour?

You’ll visit several haunted landmarks including The Fess Hotel (now Great Dane Brewpub), Majestic Theatre, Gamma Ray Bar, and Tempest Oyster Bar—each with eerie stories of hauntings, mysterious figures, and unexplained events.

What makes this Madison ghost tour unique?

Unlike generic haunted tours, this experience is built on original research and local interviews. Every story connects to verified Madison history, making it both a chilling and educational exploration of Wisconsin’s capital city.

What happens if it rains?

Tours run rain or shine, except during severe weather. Light rain adds to the spooky atmosphere—just bring an umbrella or rain jacket to stay comfortable while exploring Madison’s haunted streets.

King Street and Capitol Square Walk in Madison

"Do you think he can hear us? Do you think he can hear us?" That’s the dialogue the business owner off the Capitol Square’s East Main street could make out when he woke up with a start after bookkeeping on a late night in his downstairs office. Thinking that it was his employees he opened his door to find the lights off and all of his bartenders already gone home. That’s when he remembered that his music venue used to be a funeral home and the weird experiences the people who renovated the basement told him about. He laughed it off as just a dream until he came back into the office, shut the door, and this time, completely awake, he heard the voices again…

And that is only the beginning of the stories you discover about Madison’s King Street and Capitol Square, the oldest part of the city, on this tour.

Take a walking tour of Madison’s historic King Street and get a unique perspective on the history of the city. Your expert storyteller will let you in on the ghost stories, urban legends, and paranormal activity that are sprinkled throughout Madison’s past.

Street parking is usually available as well as after hours spots at the Old Courthouse. However, please because this is a popular destination, please leave ample time to find a spot.
The duration of our tours is 1.5-2 hours depending on the engagement of each group. Please allow for 2 hours since our guides take pride in what they do and can sometimes provide updates and extra juicy details when guests ask questions.
This tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
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 no pets are allowed.

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…

What is the Madison Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk?

It’s a guided 90-minute walking tour through Madison’s historic King Street and Capitol Square. Led by an expert storyteller, you’ll hear real ghost stories, urban legends, and local history tied to some of the city’s oldest and most haunted buildings.
How long does the Madison Ghost Walk last?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on group engagement. Guides often share extra stories and answer questions, so it’s best to allow a full two hours for the complete haunted experience.
Where does the ghost walk start?

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.
How much does the Madison ghost tour cost?

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.
Is the Madison Ghost Walk suitable for kids?

The minimum age for this tour is 13 and older, as the stories and nighttime atmosphere may be too spooky for younger children. Teens and adults alike tend to love the mix of history and hauntings.
What should I wear on the ghost walk?

Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain. Madison nights can get chilly, especially near the Capitol, so layering is recommended.
Are pets allowed on the tour?

Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed. The tour takes place through busy downtown streets and historic buildings, so this policy helps ensure safety and comfort for all guests.
Where can I park for the tour?

Street parking is usually available near Capitol Square, and after-hours parking can often be found at the Old Courthouse. Because it’s a busy area, arrive early to give yourself time to find a spot.
Who leads the Madison Ghost Walk?

All tours are led by trained guides from American Ghost Walks, founded by Mike Huberty, who created the original Madison ghost tour in 2010. Their stories are based on firsthand interviews, historical research, and local legends.
What locations are visited on the tour?

You’ll visit several haunted landmarks including The Fess Hotel (now Great Dane Brewpub), Majestic Theatre, Gamma Ray Bar, and Tempest Oyster Bar—each with eerie stories of hauntings, mysterious figures, and unexplained events.
What makes this Madison ghost tour unique?

Unlike generic haunted tours, this experience is built on original research and local interviews. Every story connects to verified Madison history, making it both a chilling and educational exploration of Wisconsin’s capital city.
What happens if it rains?

Tours run rain or shine, except during severe weather. Light rain adds to the spooky atmosphere—just bring an umbrella or rain jacket to stay comfortable while exploring Madison’s haunted streets.

Madison Capitol Square Spirits Ghost Walk

Check-Out Availability

What To Expect

Check out one of your Madison guides telling a ghost story on WISC-TV

Why Choose American Ghost Walks?

Important Info

Itinerary

List of Services

Meeting Point

Highlights

Check out our Madison tour founder talking about haunted history and Shark Tank on WISC-TV

Frequently Asked Questions