Madison: Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour

Madison’s downtown hides a spine-tingling side that the city’s "Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour" aims to uncover. Departing from the Children’s Museum, this one-hour exploration ventures to iconic haunted sites, uncovering their eerie histories and ghostly encounters. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, participants can expect to hear thrilling tales and possibly glimpse shadowy figures. But the tour’s true intrigue lies in the possibility of experiencing unexplained phenomena first-hand – a tantalizing prospect that may leave visitors eager to learn more.

Key Points

Explore Madison’s haunted downtown with a one-hour walking tour that visits iconic haunted sites like the Bartell Theatre and Great Dane Pub.
Learn about the ghostly presences that linger in the Bartell Theatre, including a young actress, a vengeful actor, and the original owner.
Encounter shadowy figures, unexplained noises, and ghostly laughter at the Draper Brothers Building and Great Dane Pub.
Opt for an extended tour to uncover more chilling tales at the Wisconsin State History Museum, Overture Center of the Arts, and Orpheum Theater.
Tour includes a knowledgeable guide who shares well-researched, credible histories and thrilling ghost stories.

Tour Overview

The Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour invites visitors on a bone-chilling exploration of Madison’s haunted downtown, lasting approximately one hour. The tour departs from the Children’s Museum, located at 100 N Pinckney St, where guests will explore the city’s dark past and encounter iconic haunted sites.

Along the way, they’ll explore the Bartell Theatre, the Great Dane Pub, and the Wisconsin State Capitol, learning about the ghostly figures said to linger in these locations.

For those seeking an extended experience, an optional tour includes the Wisconsin State History Museum, the Overture Center of the Arts, and the Orpheum Theater, each with its own eerie tales to tell.

Knowledgeable guides lead the way, sharing well-researched, credible histories and thrilling ghost stories.

Meeting Point and Duration

The tour meets at the Children’s Museum, located at 100 N Pinckney St in downtown Madison, WI 53703.

It runs for approximately 1 hour, providing visitors ample time to explore the city’s haunted landmarks. This focused duration allows participants to explore the captivating ghost stories without feeling rushed.

The tour’s compact length also makes it accessible for those with limited time or mobility constraints. Key benefits of the 1-hour format include:

Efficiency in covering the most haunted hotspots
Allowing participants to maintain engagement and focus
Fitting seamlessly into visitors’ schedules

Whether you’re a local or a first-time explorer of Madison’s supernatural side, this haunting tour delivers a thrilling experience within a manageable timeframe.

Haunted Locations

Haunted locations along the tour route captivate participants with their eerie histories and supernatural tales.

The Bartell Theatre, known as Wisconsin’s oldest theater, is said to be home to the ghostly presence of a former actress who never left the stage.

Likewise, the Great Dane Pub, located in a historic building, whispers stories of a couple whose love transcended the grave.

Plus, the Wisconsin State Capitol looms as a stately backdrop, concealing mysterious sightings within its halls.

These iconic Madison landmarks set the stage for a captivating journey through the city’s haunted past, leaving tour-goers with a newfound appreciation for the paranormal.

Ghostly Performances

Spirits of bygone performers are said to linger in the Bartell Theatre, Wisconsin’s oldest stage, captivating audiences with unearthly displays.

Creepy whispers, ghostly laughter, and unexplained movements have been reported by staff and patrons alike.

Some claim to have seen the apparition of a woman in a flowing dress gliding across the stage, while others recount the eerie sensation of unseen eyes watching from the balcony.

According to local lore, the Bartell is home to three distinct spirits:

The ghost of a young actress who died during a performance.
The vengeful spirit of a disgruntled actor.
The benevolent presence of the theatre’s original owner.

Haunting Encounters

Visitors to the Draper Brothers Building often report unsettling sightings, including a shadowy figure that appears in the second-floor window. According to local legends, the figure is the ghost of a former owner who died in the building under mysterious circumstances.

Building	Reported Sightings	Backstory
Draper Brothers Building	Shadowy figure in second-floor window	Former owner died under mysterious circumstances
Bartell Theatre	Actors report unexplained noises and movement backstage	Theatre dates back to 1906 and is known for its haunted history
Great Dane Pub	Ghostly laughter and the sound of glasses clinking when the pub is empty	Pub occupies a building that was once a funeral home

These haunting encounters add to the eerie atmosphere of the Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour, captivating visitors with the city’s dark history.

Inclusion and Highlights

The Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour includes a knowledgeable guide who shares well-researched, credible histories and thrilling ghost stories during the 1-hour experience.

Highlights of the tour include:

Spotting a shadowy figure in the window of the Draper Brothers Building.
Hearing stories of Wisconsin’s oldest theater and the spirits that perform there.
Learning about a ghostly couple who defied the phrase ’till death do us part’.

The tour explores iconic locations like the Bartell Theatre, the Great Dane Pub, and the Wisconsin State Capitol.

There’s also an optional extended tour that includes the Wisconsin State History Museum, the Overture Center of the Arts, and the Orpheum Theater.

Important Considerations

Participants should note the tour’s free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance. Reservations can be made with a pay later option.

However, the tour may not be suitable for those with mobility impairments, as visitors will be required to walk throughout the 1-hour experience. Plus, smoking, alcohol, and drug use are prohibited during the tour, and video recording isn’t allowed.

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The tour will proceed rain or shine, so participants should plan accordingly.

Safety is a top priority, and the tour guide will ensure all attendees follow the rules to maintain a thrilling yet responsible experience.

Optional Extended Tour

For those seeking a more in-depth exploration, the optional extended tour covers additional haunted hotspots, including the Wisconsin State History Museum, the Overture Center of the Arts, and the Orpheum Theater.

At the State History Museum, guests may catch a glimpse of a mysterious figure roaming the halls.

The Overture Center is rumored to be home to a ghostly performer who enchants audiences from beyond the grave.

The Orpheum Theater, one of Wisconsin’s oldest, is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former actor.

This extended tour offers a deeper dive into Madison’s paranormal past, uncovering even more chilling tales along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It features ghost stories and haunted locations, which could be frightening or inappropriate for younger audiences. Parents should use discretion when deciding if the tour is appropriate for their children.

Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Beverages?

The tour guidelines do not allow participants to bring their own snacks or beverages. Participants are advised to refrain from consuming any food or drink during the tour for safety and enjoyment reasons.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments, as the description states it’s "Not suitable for people with mobility impairments." Those with disabilities should contact the tour operator to inquire about accessibility accommodations.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participation?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not recommended for young children. The tour covers haunted locations and ghost stories, which may be too frightening or disturbing for young participants.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour information does not specify if the Haunts and Terrors Walking Tour is offered in languages other than English. It’s likely only available in English, but customers should confirm this with the tour operator before booking.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby