When I was young (this was in the 80s), we had a family friend named Penny who ran a small rural tavern in St. Cloud, WI across the street from Baker’s Cheese. The bar was attached to the house. A large, colorful kachina spirit was painted on the ceiling.
Sometimes, trucks would speed past the bar and blow the door open.
Sometimes the door would just open and close for no reason, as if someone just walked in.
Sometimes, while Penny was relaxing in her home after bar close, she would hear voices coming from the bar. When she went to investigate, she found the bar empty, lights off, doors still locked.
I guess there’s still night life in the afterlife.
4 of Wisconsin’s Most Haunted Bars
Wisconsin has many bars. And many of those bars probably have spirits of many varieties. Here’s a look at four of the most well-known haunted bars across the state.
1. Stone Arch Brewpub - Appleton, WI
Built in 1858, this building has been making beer for 160 years. Today, Stone Arch Brewpub is a beautiful and unique place to grab a drink. But it has it’s share of ghosts. They like to move things around, break glasses, and play with the elevator doors.
2. The Humbird - Humbird, WI
When The Humbird bar and hotel was listed for sale a few years ago, the real estate agent included a warning: “Building could be haunted! Multiple reports from owners and guests of supernatural activities. This property is sold AS IS.”
3. Old Baraboo Inn - Baraboo, WI
Beginning in the mid-1800s, the Old Baraboo Inn served a variety of workers, travelers, and criminals as a boarding house, saloon, and brothel. A full-bodied woman in white is encountered, along with numerous other spectral men, women, children, and animals.
4. Shaker’s Cigar Bar
Shaker’s Cigar Bar has a slew of spirits from its long history serving a variety of purposes, including as a cooperage for the Schlitz Brewing Company, a prohibition-era speakeasy, and a brothel. Shaker’s offers several fascinating ghost tours, and you can even stay the night in the dead hooker’s bed upstairs.
Know of a haunted bar that belongs on Wisconsin Frights? Tell me about it!
Rowdy Barroom Rock
After a grueling summer hiatus, we head back into VOYD Studios this weekend to begin production of Sonic Seedpod season four (kicking off with the Halloween episode, featuring up-and-coming horror-tinged Oshkosh metal band I Rose From the Dead) so it’s a good time to watch the chaos that went on behind the scenes when we had Milwaukee rockers Bellends in the studio earlier this year.
OFF THE MAP: Dapper Cadaver
Whether you’re producing a horror film, staging a haunted house, or just need something really scary for your Halloween display, Dapper Cadaver is the place to go. This Hollywood-level prop house in Madison serves all your corpse needs.
2026 Halloween Season Preview
Looking for the best haunts and Halloween events to check out this spooky season? Here’s a look at what’s coming up!