Wisconsin hiking trails will take you to some amazing places, including pristine lakes, wild forests, urban neighborhoods, and open prairies. But the creepiest hike in WI is unlike any other and will take you to a ghost farm; the eerie remains of a former farmstead. It’s a spooky and beautiful spot and the kind of place that begs to be photographed – if, that is, you’re brave enough to get out of the car and explore. Here’s what’s waiting for you along this hike at Indian Lake County Park.
You’ll find this hiking spot near the Dane County community of Cross Plains, pop. 4,100. It’s an area of rich, rolling farmland and it’s been home to dairy farms since the 1800s.
Alltrails / Duane Bell
In this beautiful setting you’ll find Indian Lake County Park. It’s one of Dane County’s largest parks. It covers nearly 800 acres and its entrance is on Highway 19, about two miles west of Highway 12.
Alltrails / Deb H
Indian Lake County Park has miles of trails used for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and foraging, and a section of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail winds its way through the park. Halfway Prairie Wildlife Area, a 128-acre county public hunting area, is also located next to the park.
Alltrails / Shelly Ammon
The hiking in the park is spectacular and challenging, with some trails offering serious elevation gain. One trail leads to a historic chapel built in 1857, located on a hilltop with a breathtaking view of the lake and surrounding valley.
Alltrails / Duane Bell
But something a little spooky overlooks the park. The stone ruins of a farm sit eerily on a hill. Much of the farm has disappeared but the old stone walls stand defiantly against time and the elements.
Google / Deborah
The farm is a popular place for photographers and those who enjoy history and natural beauty. Some even dare to come to the farm at night!
Google / Jonathan Dorband
Indian Lake County Park is open daily. Restrooms are available, and there’s an off-leash dog park for those who want to bring their pup along for the adventure. More details are available on the park’s website. If you enjoy old ruins, here’s another fascinating hike you’ll want to explore.
Alltrails / Duane Bell
Alltrails / Deb H
Alltrails / Shelly Ammon
Google / Deborah
Google / Jonathan Dorband
Have you ever taken the creepiest hike in WI? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments! Do you know of any abandoned places in WI – or perhaps a few WI ghost stories – that deserve to be featured? Tell us about them via our nomination page for a chance to see them in an upcoming article.
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Address: Indian Lake County Park, 8183 WI-19, Cross Plains, WI 53528, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Places In Wisconsin & Related Info January 31, 2023 Katie Lawrence What are some of the eeriest abandoned places in WI? Some of the eeriest abandoned places in WI are:
Paradise Springs State Natural Area, Eagle
Roughly 50 miles west of Milwaukee, this hiking spot is popular among urban explorers thanks to its abandoned buildings that impart an eerie vibe.
St. Ambrose Church, Saint Nazianz
Located in the small town of Saint Nazianz, St. Ambrose Church was built in 1898 and has been vacant since the 1980s - largely due to rumors that it and the surrounding area were haunted by its late priest, Father Ambrose Oschwald.
Abandoned estate, Rock Island
In the early 1900s, a wealthy inventor named Chester Thordarson dreamed of building a large home and hotel on the 974-acre Rock Island, located on Lake Michigan in Door County. While these plans never (fully) came to fruition, several structures were completed and still remain standing to this day, including a boathouse large enough to hold two 50-foot yachts. Where can I find the most haunted places in Wisconsin? The most haunted places in Wisconsin include:
Boy Scout Lane, Stevens Point
A haunted road in Wisconsin, Boy Scout Lane was the scene of a tragedy when a troupe of boy scouts dropped their lanterns and died in a resulting forest fire.
Maribel Caves, Maribel
Once a hotel, this longstanding structure once burned to the ground and killed everyone inside. The building is located on private property, but visitors can still view it from afar.
Fork in the Road, Mukwonago
Both employees and patrons at this haunted restaurant in Wisconsin have reported experiencing paranormal activity there.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Abandoned Places In Wisconsin & Related Info
January 31, 2023
Katie Lawrence
What are some of the eeriest abandoned places in WI? Some of the eeriest abandoned places in WI are:
Paradise Springs State Natural Area, Eagle
Roughly 50 miles west of Milwaukee, this hiking spot is popular among urban explorers thanks to its abandoned buildings that impart an eerie vibe.
St. Ambrose Church, Saint Nazianz
Located in the small town of Saint Nazianz, St. Ambrose Church was built in 1898 and has been vacant since the 1980s - largely due to rumors that it and the surrounding area were haunted by its late priest, Father Ambrose Oschwald.
Abandoned estate, Rock Island
In the early 1900s, a wealthy inventor named Chester Thordarson dreamed of building a large home and hotel on the 974-acre Rock Island, located on Lake Michigan in Door County. While these plans never (fully) came to fruition, several structures were completed and still remain standing to this day, including a boathouse large enough to hold two 50-foot yachts. Where can I find the most haunted places in Wisconsin? The most haunted places in Wisconsin include:
Boy Scout Lane, Stevens Point
A haunted road in Wisconsin, Boy Scout Lane was the scene of a tragedy when a troupe of boy scouts dropped their lanterns and died in a resulting forest fire.
Maribel Caves, Maribel
Once a hotel, this longstanding structure once burned to the ground and killed everyone inside. The building is located on private property, but visitors can still view it from afar.
Fork in the Road, Mukwonago
Both employees and patrons at this haunted restaurant in Wisconsin have reported experiencing paranormal activity there.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Some of the eeriest abandoned places in WI are:
- Paradise Springs State Natural Area, Eagle
Roughly 50 miles west of Milwaukee, this hiking spot is popular among urban explorers thanks to its abandoned buildings that impart an eerie vibe.
- St. Ambrose Church, Saint Nazianz
Located in the small town of Saint Nazianz, St. Ambrose Church was built in 1898 and has been vacant since the 1980s - largely due to rumors that it and the surrounding area were haunted by its late priest, Father Ambrose Oschwald.
- Abandoned estate, Rock Island
In the early 1900s, a wealthy inventor named Chester Thordarson dreamed of building a large home and hotel on the 974-acre Rock Island, located on Lake Michigan in Door County. While these plans never (fully) came to fruition, several structures were completed and still remain standing to this day, including a boathouse large enough to hold two 50-foot yachts.
Where can I find the most haunted places in Wisconsin?
The most haunted places in Wisconsin include:
- Boy Scout Lane, Stevens Point
A haunted road in Wisconsin, Boy Scout Lane was the scene of a tragedy when a troupe of boy scouts dropped their lanterns and died in a resulting forest fire.
- Maribel Caves, Maribel
Once a hotel, this longstanding structure once burned to the ground and killed everyone inside. The building is located on private property, but visitors can still view it from afar.
- Fork in the Road, Mukwonago
Both employees and patrons at this haunted restaurant in Wisconsin have reported experiencing paranormal activity there.
