Wisconsin is known for its beautiful landscapes, charming small towns, and rich history. However, the state also harbors a number of fascinating abandoned places that provide a haunting glimpse into its past. From decaying factories to forgotten sanitariums, these locations offer a unique journey through history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Wisconsin for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Northridge Mall (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Once a bustling shopping destination, Northridge Mall opened in 1972 and was abandoned by 2003 due to declining business. Now left to decay, the mall is a vast complex of empty storefronts, shattered glass, and graffiti-covered walls. It remains a popular spot for urban explorers, but due to structural issues, parts of the mall are now off-limits. Plans for redevelopment have been discussed, but for now, it remains one of Wisconsin's most iconic abandoned locations.
2. Maribel Caves Hotel (Maribel, Wisconsin)
The Maribel Caves Hotel, also known as the "Hotel Hell", was built in the late 1800s as a luxurious resort. After several fires, the building was abandoned in the early 20th century. Its stone ruins are now crumbling, with vines overtaking the walls. Locals have spread rumors of hauntings, making this eerie site a popular destination for ghost hunters and urban explorers alike.
3. Woolen Mill (Appleton, Wisconsin)
The Woolen Mill in Appleton, Wisconsin, was once a key site for producing textiles in the late 19th century. After closing, the mill was left to decay, with parts of its stone and brick structure slowly falling apart. The remains of the machinery, broken windows, and ivy-covered walls make the Woolen Mill a haunting and nostalgic site that speaks to Wisconsin’s industrial past.
4. Dodge County Asylum (Juneau, Wisconsin)
The Dodge County Asylum for the Insane opened in the 19th century to house mentally ill patients. It was abandoned in the 1990s, leaving behind a complex of decaying buildings, rusting medical equipment, and peeling walls. The asylum has gained a reputation for being haunted, attracting paranormal investigators and urban explorers alike.
5. St. Ambrose Church (St. Nazianz, Wisconsin)
Built in the early 1900s, St. Ambrose Church was a grand Catholic church that has since been abandoned. The interior of the church, once a place of worship, is now in disrepair, with broken stained-glass windows and collapsing walls. The church, situated in the quiet town of St. Nazianz, offers a striking contrast between its spiritual history and its decaying present.
6. Central Wisconsin Center (Madison, Wisconsin)
The Central Wisconsin Center was once a state-run institution for individuals with developmental disabilities. Parts of the center were closed and abandoned in the late 20th century, leaving behind sprawling grounds, empty wards, and crumbling buildings. The eerie atmosphere and history of patient care make it a haunting spot for urban explorers interested in medical history.
7. Schlitz Brewery (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Once one of the largest breweries in the world, Schlitz Brewery closed its doors in the 1980s after being a dominant force in Milwaukee’s brewing history. While parts of the brewery have been repurposed, several sections of the original facility remain abandoned, with rusting tanks, decaying buildings, and long-empty production lines.
8. North Point Lighthouse Ruins (Sheboygan, Wisconsin)
The North Point Lighthouse, originally built in the 1850s, has been abandoned for decades. The lighthouse once guided ships on Lake Michigan but was replaced by more modern structures. Today, the crumbling foundation and scattered remains of the lighthouse offer a peaceful yet eerie reminder of Wisconsin’s maritime past. The overgrown ruins, set against the backdrop of the lake, make for a hauntingly beautiful spot.
9. Spring Green Resort (Spring Green, Wisconsin)
The Spring Green Resort was once a luxurious vacation destination, nestled in the scenic countryside. After a fire in the 1970s, much of the resort was left abandoned. The decaying buildings, including old cabins and dining halls, are now overtaken by nature. The peaceful isolation of the resort combined with its abandoned structures makes it a unique exploration experience.
10. Paradise Springs Hotel (Eagle, Wisconsin)
The Paradise Springs Hotel was built in the early 20th century as a retreat for the wealthy, with natural springs providing fresh water for guests. After the hotel closed in the 1920s, it was abandoned, leaving behind crumbling stone structures, an old spring house, and overgrown walking paths. The tranquil, decaying site is now part of Kettle Moraine State Forest and offers a serene yet haunting exploration for visitors.
Conclusion
Wisconsin’s abandoned places offer a fascinating journey into the state’s industrial, religious, and cultural history. From crumbling hotels and decaying factories to forgotten asylums and ghostly churches, these locations provide a hauntingly beautiful experience for explorers and history enthusiasts alike. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Wisconsin’s abandoned places offer an unforgettable adventure into the past.
