Wisconsin has a long and fascinating history stretching back to a time well before history was recorded. The state and its people have gone through cycle after cycle of changes, and at times those periods of time have meant leaving behind a little piece of the past. All of the following destinations were abandoned for one reason or another and now stand empty, simply existing as ghost towns in Wisconsin. If I’ve piqued your curiosity, read on to learn more about what you’ll get to explore when you visit these abandoned towns in Wisconsin.

1. Fort Howard

Wikipedia/Public Domain
Fort Howard was constructed during the War of 1812 to protect the Fox and Wisconsin Rivers, which were both important to trade, from the British Invasion. An outbreak of malaria spelled the end of Fort Howard as residents were sent to nearby Fort Smith. It was reoccupied shortly after, but by 1853 was fully decommissioned. Hence, becoming another one of many Wisconsin ghost towns.

2. Fort Crawford

Flickr/Roger W
This fort was used twice. It was rebuilt as part of the second use under the command of future president Zachary Taylor. Located near Prairie du Chien, the buildings became part of the municipal pool in the 1940s. We suggest checking out the area the next time you're in Wisconsin and looking for ghost towns near me.

3. Dover

Flickr/JeromeG111
The city of Dover had a series of different names. The original settlers were from the British Temperance and the Emigration Society, Like many ghost towns in Wisconsin, this city was abandoned when it was bypassed by the railroad in favor of Mazomanie.

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4. Cooksville

Wikipedia/James Steakley
Another casualty of the railroad, Cooksville was a growing town with its mill. However, the general store in this ghost town in Wisconsin still stands.

5. Ceresco

N.A./Wikimedia Commons
Named after the Roman goddess of the harvest, this abandoned town in Wisconsin is in present-day Ripon. It was originally settled by 19 folks looking to create a commune in the social philosophy principles of Charles Fourier, this is one of the original long homes they constructed and lived in together.

6. Belmont

Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The Wisconsin Territory was formed in 1836 and it was quickly understood by entrepreneurial residents that a place for the government to meet and form would be needed. John Atchison constructed a few buildings and then-Governor Henry Dodge chose Belmont. Belmont was used for less than two months before becoming another one of Wisconsin's ghost towns. The buildings had no heat and the meetings began in late October 1836.

7. Ulao

In the mid-1800s, Ulao was a major port in Ozaukee County, but the area will forever be remembered for an infamous resident. Founded by an enterprising businessman looking to take advantage of Lake Michigan and the money available in the logging industry, he hired two land surveyors to help lay out the area in streets and land plots. The son of one of those men is Charles Guiteau – the man who assassinated President Garfield. It was also home to displaced Strangeite Mormons who’d left Voree, Wisconsin for Beaver Island, Michigan before fleeing to Ulao.

Do you know any more about some of these forgotten and abandoned towns in Wisconsin? Share with us in the comments!

Want to know more about the Wisconsin that used to be? Check out these abandoned and creepy places in Wisconsin.

When you’re wondering where to find ghost towns near me, how about planning a weekend adventure that includes exploring abandoned places in Wisconsin? To get started, take a look at Vrbo for vacation rentals throughout the state.

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More to Explore

Ghost Towns In Wisconsin

Marla S. | October 06, 2023

What are some popular abandoned places in Wisconsin?

In addition to checking out ghost towns, here are some popular abandoned places in Wisconsin worth exploring.

  • Sylvia's Tavern in Douglas County: This once-thriving spot sits on private land along a lake. The bar officially closed its doors in 1985.
  • Heritage House in Kenosha: Before being made into a luxury hotel, this historical building sat empty for about 10 years in the early 2000s.
  • Milbrews Brewers Yeast building in Milwaukee: You can find this abandoned building along Buffalo Street in the city.
  • Maribel Caves Hotel: The ruins of this haunted hotel are located about 20 minutes outside of Green Bay - in Manitowoc County.

 

Along with exploring these abandoned places, take a look at this Wisconsin road trip to spooky spots in the state.

What are some well-known haunted hotels in Wisconsin?

When you're in Wisconsin and wondering where there are ghost towns near me, you might want to check out some other spooky spots too. Here are some well-known haunted hotels in Wisconsin.

  • Retlaw Plaza Hotel in Fond du Lac: Legend has it that a man hung himself in the hotel's ballroom. Guests have also claimed to have heard screams and other sounds on the premises.
  • Hotel Mead and Conference Center in Wisconsin Rapids: Over the years, patrons have reported cold waves, flashing lights, and other paranormal activity including smelling blood.
  • Brumder Mansion Bed and Breakfast in Milwaukee: There have been reports of paranormal activity at this historic hotel in Wisconsin.
  • Union Hotel in De Pere: Some of the ghostly activities at this hotel include seeing a child's face on a wall.

 

Is there a road trip to abandoned and haunted places in Wisconsin?

We think the Wisconsin Haunted Road Trip is the ultimate adventure for families looking to do something different when they're in the Badger State. During this fun-filled outing, you'll come across haunted hotels, abandoned mansions, and other eerie sites that are sure to creep you out. This epic outing spans over 600 miles and includes approximately 11 hours of driving time. To help you plan for this memorable outing, take a look at our helpful road trip packing guide too.

 

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