Haunted MKE: Ghost Tours and Paranormal Experiences

Milwaukee operates more active ghost tours year-round than nearly any Midwestern city, with four major tour operators running nightly experiences through downtown's genuinely haunted historic district.

The city's paranormal reputation isn't manufactured for tourism—Milwaukee's ghost stories stem from documented tragedies including the 1883 Newhall House fire that killed 71 people, the Lady Elgin shipwreck that claimed 300 lives, and a Prohibition-era legacy of speakeasies and mob violence.

From the Pfister Hotel where MLB players refuse to stay due to relentless paranormal activity, to Shaker's Cigar Bar built atop a cemetery, Milwaukee offers both theatrical ghost tours and genuine paranormal investigation opportunities. Whether you're seeking family-friendly historical walks through the Third Ward or overnight investigations with EMF detectors at the Brumder Mansion, Milwaukee delivers authentic haunted experiences accessible year-round, with peak season bringing expanded schedules and special Halloween attractions throughout October.

Milwaukee ghost tour offerings

Milwaukee supports four major ghost tour operators running year-round, each offering distinct experiences ranging from traditional walking tours to electric vehicle excursions and intimate indoor experiences at genuinely haunted locations.

Brew City Ghosts

Operated by US Ghost Adventures, this is the most accessible option for first-time visitors, with nightly one-hour walking tours departing from Milwaukee Public Market regardless of weather. The tour covers one mile through downtown, stopping at the Hilton Garden Inn where the Newhall House fire killed dozens in 1883, the Pabst Theater haunted by its founder Captain Frederick Pabst, and the infamous Pfister Hotel known as "Baseball's Most Haunted Hotel" after numerous MLB players reported terrifying encounters. Tours cost $25-30 per person with same-day booking available, though October dates fill weeks in advance. The company offers an extended tour adding 30 minutes and four additional locations for serious enthusiasts. Tours depart rain or shine at various evening times, with guides wearing company t-shirts and carrying lanterns for easy identification. The wheelchair-accessible experience focuses on historical storytelling outside buildings rather than entering private properties.

Hangman Tours

Hangman Tours operates from inside Shaker's Cigar Bar in Walker's Point, one of America's five most haunted bars according to Huffington Post, offering the unique advantage of conducting tours within an actively haunted building. The venue sits atop a former cemetery and served as a Capone brothers speakeasy and brothel during Prohibition. The Original Ghost Tour runs daily at 6:00 PM, 7:15 PM, and 8:30 PM for approximately $40 per person, expanding to additional times in October. For serious paranormal enthusiasts, the Ghost Tour 2.0 runs Thursday through Saturday at 10:00 PM for $50 per person, extending to 90 minutes and providing divining rods for attempted spirit communication. This grittier version includes more salacious historical details about the building's brothel past and offers hands-on paranormal elements beyond standard tours.

American Ghost Walks

Founded by Allison Jornlin—winner of the 2016 Milwaukee Paranormal Conference "Researcher of the Year" award—American Ghost Walks offers the most meticulously researched tours based on original archival investigation. As Milwaukee's original ghost tour operator since 2008, Jornlin's company developed the historical research that other tour operators now reference. Two distinct walks operate on select Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 PM for $30 per person. The Milwaukee Third Ward Ghost Walk explores the "Bloody Third" gangster territory, stopping at Skylight Music Theatre where the founder's ghost remains alongside his urn, and the Italian Community Center haunted by a vanishing man in overalls. The Shadow of City Hall Ghost Walk covers downtown locations including the Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee City Hall cursed by multiple suicides, and historic haunted bars including one housing a mummified cat mascot. Tours last 1.5-2 hours depending on group engagement, covering 1.2 miles with frequent storytelling stops. American Ghost Walks accommodates wheelchairs with advance notice to adjust routes.

City Tours MKE

City Tours MKE provides the only motorized ghost tour option, using eco-friendly low-speed electric vehicles that eliminate walking fatigue. Small groups of five guests per guide travel in convoy through haunted locations with stops at bars and a scenic park known for frequent ghost sightings. The 90-120 minute Milwaukee Haunted History City Tour allows alcohol in plastic containers (21+ only), while the Haunted History Pub Crawl visits three haunted bars with one drink included. Founded by Milwaukee locals in 2013, City Tours MKE specializes in personalized experiences with intimate group sizes. Pricing varies and should be confirmed through citytoursmke.com or by calling 414-209-4808. The company also offers private custom tours for groups of 8-29 people.

All tour operators accept advance online booking through their websites and third-party platforms including Viator, GetYourGuide, and Fever. Most enforce 24-hour cancellation policies for full refunds but depart on time without refunds for late arrivals. Booking 2-4 weeks ahead is essential for October dates, particularly Halloween weekend when tours consistently sell out. Tours run regardless of weather, requiring appropriate dress for Wisconsin's unpredictable climate.

Haunted Milwaukee Landmarks

Milwaukee's haunted locations span luxury hotels, historic theaters, former speakeasies, Victorian mansions, and public cemeteries, with the Pfister Hotel earning the most extensive documentation of paranormal activity in the city.

The Pfister Hotel

(424 E. Wisconsin Ave.)

The Pfister dominates Milwaukee's ghost story landscape as a National Historic Landmark where every U.S. president since William McKinley has stayed—and where MLB players have refused to return after terrifying overnight experiences. Built in 1893 by German immigrant leather tycoon Guido Pfister and completed by his son Charles after Guido died during construction, this Romanesque Revival masterpiece harbors the ghost of Charles Pfister himself, described as a portly smiling gentleman who died of pneumonia in 1927 after overseeing his "Grand Hotel of the West" for 34 years. ESPN extensively documented the hotel's paranormal reputation starting in 2013 when players began publicly sharing experiences. Adrian Beltre reported pounding on his headboard and electronics turning off independently in 2001, while Bryce Harper witnessed furniture moving across his room, Carlos Gomez heard disembodied voices and had his iPod changing songs by itself, and Mookie Betts now refuses to stay at the hotel entirely. Staff and guests report doors opening and closing independently, objects moving without explanation, apparitions in the lobby and hallways, and the sensation of being watched. Charles Pfister appears most frequently on the grand marble staircase overlooking the lobby, sometimes accompanied by a ghost dog. According to an 1893 Milwaukee Daily Sentinel interview with historian Charles Milwaukee Sivyer, the hotel may occupy former burial ground, though no archaeological evidence confirms this claim. The Pfister remains a fully operational luxury hotel where management maintains official neutrality on hauntings while embracing the publicity.

The Hilton Garden Inn occupies the cursed site of the Newhall House Hotel, where Milwaukee's deadliest disaster occurred on January 10, 1883 when fire killed 71-72 confirmed victims (possibly as many as 90) during a 26-hour blaze that started in a wooden elevator shaft at 4:00 AM. Built in 1856 by merchant Daniel Newhall, the six-story building was dubbed a "tinderbox" by the Milwaukee Fire Department before the tragedy. Witnesses included General Tom Thumb of P.T. Barnum's circus who survived rescue from the sixth floor, while 12-15 live-in domestic workers—mostly young immigrant women—leaped to their deaths from the fifth floor. The current Hilton Garden Inn, constructed in the historic Loyalty Building from 1886, experiences paranormal activity including streaks of white light in peripheral vision, bathroom doors opening and closing independently, hair pulling, and overwhelming feelings of being watched. Rooms 201 and 326 show particularly intense activity. Burn marks from the original fire remain visible on adjacent buildings. The hotel operates normally while acknowledging its tragic history on ghost tours.

Shaker's Cigar Bar (422 S. Second St.) earned recognition from Huffington Post as one of America's five most haunted bars and from Thrillist as among the nation's most haunted restaurants. Built in 1894 as a cooperage for Schlitz Brewing Company, the building served as a coal distribution house until Prohibition transformed it into a speakeasy owned by Jack Zagozen with the Hotel Frisco brothel upstairs. The bar possibly sits atop a former cemetery, and during 2001 renovations, workers discovered human bones over 70 years old under the penthouse floor, likely a murdered prostitute from the 1920s. Staff and patrons report at least 14 different spirits, most notably Elizabeth, a little girl who fell from an apple tree and broke her neck before the building existed. Elizabeth giggles in the women's bathroom, swings stall doors open and closed, turns sinks on and off, and plays with women's hair. The basement harbors O'Connor, a spirit fond of stealing rail whiskey, while monochromatic apparitions sit at tables with living patrons. Walk-in cooler doors close mysteriously, lights turn on and off with fried bulbs, and the basement experiences sudden temperature changes and moving objects. Shaker's operates as a full-service cigar bar and restaurant serving Elizabeth's Raspberry Martini, Ghost Ale, and Shadow People Lager while offering in-house ghost tours and overnight stays in the haunted penthouse requiring signed waivers.

The Pabst Theater (144 E. Wells St.), a National Historic Landmark and the fourth-oldest continuously operating theater in America, harbors the ghost of Captain Frederick Pabst who built the German Renaissance Revival structure in 1895 after fire destroyed his previous venue. Pabst died in 1904 but reportedly remains fiercely protective of his beloved theater, manifesting as wispy apparitions accompanied by disembodied whispers and unexplained cold spots. A second spirit named "Frank," possibly a former worker or spectator, appears on EVP recordings. Filmmaker Michael Brown documented paranormal activity for his 2015 documentary "Haunted State: Theater of Shadows," capturing strange hissing sounds throughout the building. The theater operates with approximately 100 events annually and offers seasonal ghost tours providing access to normally restricted areas. Sister venue Riverside Theater (116 W. Wisconsin Ave.), built 1928, complements the Pabst with its own extensive haunting including a gentleman ghost in coat and hat seen in balcony seats, ghostly children heard running and laughing on the fourth floor near the former pool area, and apparitions in the third-floor men's restroom. Paranormal Investigators of Milwaukee conducted multiple investigations capturing EVPs and unusual phenomena.

The Rave/Eagles Club

Mac Miller visiting the Rave swimming pool, said to be haunted

(2401 W. Wisconsin Ave.) attracts touring musicians who specifically request tours of the drained basement pool where legend claims a young girl drowned (historical records confirm a 15-year-old boy actually drowned shortly after the 1926 opening). Built as a recreational facility with pool, bowling alley, and gymnasium, the building later served as a shelter before becoming a music venue in 1991. Bands signing their names in the empty pool include Mac Miller, who left an eerie message before his death, while touring musicians consistently report sounds of children echoing through the building and ghostly presences near the pool.

Brumder Mansion Bed & Breakfast (3046 W. Wisconsin Ave.) offers overnight stays in a 1910 Victorian mansion harboring at least six identified spirits. Built for George Brumder Jr., son of a German publishing magnate, the mansion operated as a speakeasy and high-stakes gambling establishment under Sam Pick during Prohibition, connected to the Capone brothers. Current paranormal residents include "Suzanne," a sweet motherly spirit in the Gold Suite; "Aunt Pussy," a former boarding house resident who loved cats; a speakeasy bouncer in the basement; and a melancholy woman on the third floor who gazes from windows. Phenomena include vacuums unplugging independently, objects disappearing and reappearing, blood appearing in the Gold Room bathtub, and vivid dreams in certain suites. Paranormal investigator Joe Couto witnessed apparitions on two separate occasions—a man crossing the ballroom stage and a woman on the third floor. The mansion operates as a B&B where owners describe spirits as having "good Midwestern manners" and offers overnight stays alongside periodic public paranormal investigations.

The Ambassador Hotel (2308 W. Wisconsin Ave.) combines Art Deco elegance with dark history as the site where Jeffrey Dahmer committed his first Milwaukee murder on November 20, 1987. Dahmer met 25-year-old Steven Tuomi from Michigan at a bar, rented Room 507 for the evening, and claims to have awakened to find Tuomi beaten to death during an alcoholic blackout. Dahmer purchased a suitcase from Grand Avenue mall and transported the body by taxi to his grandmother's house, beginning his serial killing spree in Milwaukee. Built in 1928 and once hosting The Beatles and Liberace, the hotel fell into decline during the 1980s before a $15 million Art Deco restoration in the 2000s. Room 507 experiences overwhelming heaviness, guests awakening at 3:00 AM, doors refusing to stay locked, and reports of "pure evil" presence. Some believe Steven Tuomi's spirit remains. The hotel operates as a restored Trademark Collection by Wyndham property where Room 507 continues drawing requests from dark tourists.

Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum, established in 1850 with over 110,000 gravesites, serves as the final resting place for Milwaukee's founding figures including beer barons Jacob Best, Frederick Pabst, Joseph Schlitz, and August Krug. The cemetery was established over a former Indian village and burial ground. Candlelight Tours offered May through October reveal "ghostly tales that echo through time" with themes including Victorian traditions, notable women, Black Milwaukee history, and art and symbolism. The cemetery welcomes visitors dawn to dusk daily for walking, biking, and quiet reflection.

Additional haunted locations include Milwaukee Public Museum (800 W. Wells St.) haunted by former director Dr. Stephan Francis de Borhegyi who died in a 1969 car accident on his way to work and appears as a caped figure on the third floor; Milwaukee City Hall where Frances Schurmeir threw herself from the fifth floor balcony in 1929 shattering her skull on the lobby floor, and city comptroller Louis Kotecki shot deputy comptroller William Wendt in 1933 before shooting himself; North Point Lighthouse (2650 N. Wahl Ave.) in Lake Park where visitors report children screaming when no children are present and unexpected cold spots while climbing the 1888 cast iron tower; and Grant Park Seven Bridges Trail in South Milwaukee where the entrance sign warns visitors to "Enter this wild wood and view the haunts of nature," and witnesses report apparitions of a woman in white crossing bridges, disembodied voices, and unexplained glowing lights along trails where multiple suicides occurred over the years.

Historical tragedies and documented deaths

The paranormal legends pervading Milwaukee's haunted reputation stem from genuine historical events with confirmed death tolls, documented in Wisconsin Historical Society archives, contemporary newspaper accounts, coroner's reports, and official government records.

The Newhall House Hotel fire of January 10, 1883 represents Milwaukee's deadliest disaster with 71-72 officially confirmed deaths though the actual toll may reach 90 victims since the hotel register burned in the fire. The blaze started at 4:00 AM in a wooden elevator shaft of the six-story building constructed in 1856 by merchant Daniel Newhall. Milwaukee Fire Department had previously labeled the structure a "tinderbox," and the building had experienced fires in 1863 and 1880 before the catastrophic blaze. The fire took over 26 hours to fully extinguish. General Tom Thumb (P.T. Barnum circus star) and his wife survived rescue from the sixth floor by firefighter O'Brien, though Tom Thumb died six months later from unrelated causes. Judge George Reed of Manitowoc perished along with valuable railroad records. Most tragically, 12-15 live-in domestic workers—predominantly young immigrant women—leaped to their deaths from the fifth floor as flames consumed the building. A man named George Scheller faced arson charges but won acquittal in April 1883. A memorial stands at Forest Home Cemetery for victims, and the disaster led to changes in telegraph wire placement (moving underground) to prevent interference with firefighting. Current paranormal activity at the Hilton Garden Inn occupying the site directly connects to these 71+ souls who died terrified and trapped.

The Lady Elgin shipwreck on September 8, 1860 claimed approximately 300 lives in what remains the greatest loss of life on open water in Great Lakes history. The 252-foot wooden-hulled sidewheel steamship, built in Buffalo in 1852, carried about 400 total passengers including 300 excursionists, 50 ordinary passengers, and 35 crew when it departed Milwaukee on September 6, 1860. The ship transported Milwaukee's Union Guard militia and supporters to Chicago for a Stephen Douglas political rally. During return passage approximately 9-10 miles off Winnetka, Illinois, the lumber schooner Augusta struck the Lady Elgin at approximately 2:30 AM during a gale with heavy rain and high winds. The Lady Elgin broke apart and sank within 20-30 minutes of collision, with Captain Jack Wilson losing his life attempting to save two women. Most victims were Irish residents from Milwaukee's Third Ward, decimating the Irish Union Guard military unit. The political impact transferred the balance of power in Milwaukee "from the Irish to the Germans" as so many Irish-American political operatives died. Notable victim Herbert Ingram, founder and owner of Illustrated London News and Member of Parliament, perished in the disaster. Captain Darius Malott of the Augusta faced arrest and trial in Chicago but won acquittal, while a coroner's jury declared Augusta's second mate incompetent and the crew principally responsible. Four years later, new maritime rules required sailing vessels to carry running lights. The wreck site became eligible for the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. A historical marker erected in 1996 stands in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

The Bay View Massacre of May 5, 1886 killed seven people during labor strikes for an eight-hour workday. The seven victims—Frank Kunkel, Frank Nowarczyk, John Marsh, Robert Erdman, Johann Zazka, Martin Jankowiak, and Michael Ruchalski including a 13-year-old boy—died when Republican Governor Jeremiah M. Rusk ordered 250 National Guardsmen to the Milwaukee Iron Company rolling mill in Bay View with "shoot to kill" orders if strikers entered the mills. More than 14,000 workers participated in the strikes including 7,000 building-trades workers and 5,000 Polish laborers who organized at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. This tragedy occurred one day after the larger Haymarket affair in Chicago as part of nationwide Eight-Hour League agitation. The massacre ended the eight-hour day marches in Milwaukee but ultimately spurred workers to build a more progressive society. Annual commemorative events have occurred since 1986 organized by Bay View Historical Society and Wisconsin Labor History Society.

The 1917 Police Station bombing on November 24 killed nine police officers and two civilians in what remained the single deadliest event in national law enforcement history until September 11, 2001. A 10-year-old daughter of a church cleaning lady discovered a 20-pound bomb in the passageway between the Italian Evangelical Church (355 N. Van Buren Street) and neighboring mission house on Saturday morning. That evening, church member Sam Mazzone and an unnamed man brought the device to the Central Police Station on Broadway and Oneida Street (now Wells Street) for examination. The bomb exploded in the assembly room while police examined it. Police were not the intended target—the bomb exploded accidentally during investigation after being brought to the station.

The Pfister Hotel's primary ghost, Charles Pfister, died of pneumonia in 1927 at age 70 after overseeing the hotel for 34 years following his father Guido's death during construction. Charles's funeral was held in the music room on the first floor of the nearby Pabst Mansion where Frederick Pabst also died in 1904. A death mask was made of Pabst, and a bust from that mask displays in the mansion's foyer. Both men's spirits allegedly oversee their respective properties—Pabst at both his theater and mansion, Charles Pfister at his Grand Hotel. The ghost sightings began shortly after their deaths but gained national attention only when MLB players began publicly reporting experiences in the early 2000s, with ESPN extensively documenting claims starting in 2013.

The Ambassador Hotel's Room 507 harbors the spirit of Steven Tuomi, age 25, who Jeffrey Dahmer murdered on November 20, 1987. Dahmer, then living with his grandmother in West Allis, met Tuomi at a bar and rented the room. Dahmer claimed no intention to kill and stated he awoke to find Tuomi beaten to death with bare hands during a drunken blackout. He purchased a suitcase from Grand Avenue mall and transported the body in a taxi to his grandmother's house, with the cab driver jokingly asking if there was a dead body inside. This was Dahmer's first Milwaukee murder (second victim overall after one in Ohio in 1978) and truly began his serial killing spree.

North Point Lighthouse's history spans from 1855 when the original 28-foot Cream City brick tower was built with its beacon 107 feet above water—the highest on the Great Lakes at the time. Shore erosion in the 1870s caused 16 feet of front yard to break loose and drop to the beach. Congress approved $15,000 on August 4, 1886 for a new lighthouse 100 feet inland. The current cast iron tower, 74 feet tall, began operation on January 10, 1888. Georgia Stebbins served as the longest-term keeper in the late 1800s-early 1900s, quite unusual for a woman, and climbed the tower an estimated 63,800 times during her service. The Coast Guard decommissioned the lighthouse in 1994, and North Point Lighthouse Friends restored and opened it as a museum in 2007. Reports of children screaming when no children are present and unexplained cold spots have no verified historical basis beyond general maritime dangers.

The distinction between documented history and paranormal legend remains crucial. Verified historical facts include specific dates, confirmed death tolls, named victims preserved in cemetery records and newspaper accounts, and events documented through primary sources at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Encyclopedia of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County Historical Society, and contemporary newspapers. Paranormal phenomena—chandelier movements, cold spots, apparitions—lack scientific documentation, and claims about why ghosts haunt (such as Pabst overseeing his hotel) remain speculation. Milwaukee's ghost stories serve as oral history, keeping memory of genuine tragedies alive through generations while the historical events themselves stand documented beyond dispute.

October transforms Milwaukee

Milwaukee's ghost experience expands significantly during October with theatrical haunted attractions, special cemetery events, and extended ghost tour schedules, while year-round opportunities exist for both entertainment and genuine paranormal investigation.

Forest Home Cemetery presents "Spirits of the Silent City: Dead Reckoning" during two October weekends, a 70-minute theatrical ghost tour produced by Forest Home Historic Preservation Association and Caper Company. Professional actors portray historical figures from Milwaukee's oldest cemetery during after-hours guided tours along new routes featuring new characters. Space limits to advance registrations only at $40 per person through foresthomecemetery.com. The experience combines historical education with atmospheric nighttime setting, suitable for all ages with family-friendly historical focus rather than genuine paranormal investigation.

The Hill Has Eyes (7005 S. Ballpark Dr., Franklin, 20 minutes from downtown) operates as the #1 outdoor haunt in the Midwest across 45 acres with four distinct attractions: Failed Escape (haunted trailer park), Hunger Hollow (toxic landfill), Carnivore, and Dead End. The experience lasts 60 minutes and operates Friday and Saturday nights throughout October with box office hours 5:30-11:00 PM and attractions opening at 6:00 PM. Online general admission saves money over box office purchases ($5 more on-site), guarantees entry, and skips box office lines, while VIP Speed Pass eliminates all waiting lines including attraction queues. Military personnel receive $5 discounts with ID. The venue offers a Not So Scary Halloween Party on Sundays in October from 2:30-4:45 PM for $15 general admission, providing family-friendly guided tours and trick-or-treating for all ages. Free parking is available. The venue recommends age 16+ for regular haunts.

Abandoned Haunted House Complex (2825 SE Frontage Rd., Mount Pleasant, 15 minutes south of Milwaukee near I-94) provides three entirely different haunted houses in continual walk-through format with professional scary experiences. The venue voted #1 in the Milwaukee and Chicago area offers Quick Pass options to shorten wait times, food and beverages including alcohol, audio/video entertainment systems, roaming line entertainment, burn barrels, and free group photo booths. Advance booking recommended through abandonedhauntedhouse.com.

Novak Manor (9730 W. Montana Ave., West Allis) celebrates its 12th anniversary by transforming a family residence into a charity haunted house every Friday and Saturday in October through Halloween night, opening September 26. The experience features 15-20 live actors, indoor and outdoor walkthrough, animatronics, and scent diffusers. The attraction operates on minimum $1 donation (with suggestions to donate more) to benefit local charities, offering scare-free options for sensitive visitors. Hours run 6-10 PM on operating nights.

All major ghost tour operators expand schedules during October. Hangman Tours adds midnight tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 12:00 AM in addition to standard evening times, while maintaining its Original Ghost Tour ($40), Ghost Tour 2.0 with divining rods ($50), and Cream City Cannibal Jeffrey Dahmer tour ($50). American Ghost Walks, City Tours MKE, and Brew City Ghosts maintain regular schedules but experience higher demand requiring 2-4 weeks advance booking for weekend October tours.

Milwaukee Public Museum hosts Halloween Hauntings featuring trick-or-treating on three exhibit floors, creepy-crawly animals, birds of prey, and spine-chilling ghost stories about MPM exhibits and Milwaukee history. Reservations required through 414-278-6170. Old World Wisconsin presents Halloween Legends and Lore on October weekends (typically 5:30-9:30 PM) with a lantern-lit one-acre sorghum maze, guided tours searching for Wisconsin's Hodag creature, and live folklore performances exploring Wisconsin haunted history and cryptid legends.

Beyond theatrical entertainment, Milwaukee offers genuine paranormal investigation opportunities distinct from entertainment tours. Paranormal Investigators of Milwaukee (PIM), founded in 2007 by lead investigator Noah Leigh, operates as a non-profit scientific paranormal investigation group using controlled environments and attempting to disprove paranormal activity before accepting supernatural explanations. PIM offers three distinct services: private home and business investigations completely free of charge with confidential professional reports; free public education sessions about paranormal investigation methodology; and public guided investigations at various locations where participants use scientific equipment including EMF detectors, thermal cameras, and audio recorders. The team includes investigators and sensitives who conduct robust investigations open to all experience levels with educational components. PIM investigated prominent locations including Brumder Mansion, Milwaukee Theatre, and numerous private residences. Investigations are fully insured and follow scientific method. Contact through paranormalmilwaukee.com.

Brumder Mansion Public Investigations organized by PIM offer the most accessible genuine paranormal investigation experience in Milwaukee. The 8,000+ square foot Victorian mansion built in 1910 harbors at least six identified spirits including Aunt Pussy in the Gold Suite, George Brumder Jr. in the George Suite, child spirit Emma on the third floor, and Joe the Enforcer in the basement. Periodic public investigation events accommodate 25 participants maximum for approximately $40 per person during two-hour guided investigations where participants use equipment and learn investigation techniques. All participants must sign liability waivers and follow investigation guidelines prohibiting spirit provocation. The mansion also operates as a B&B (milwaukeehauntedhotel.com) allowing overnight stays where guests may experience paranormal activity including dresser drawers opening and closing, voices captured on EVP, cold spots, disappearing and reappearing objects, shadows and apparitions, electronic anomalies, and physical sensations. Nationally recognized psychic Jeffrey Seelman and groups including Northern Alliance Of Paranormal Investigators have conducted investigations. Check hauntedwisconsin.com or PIM's website for upcoming public investigation dates, as events occur periodically including Halloween season.

Shaker's Cigar Bar Ghost Tour 2.0 provides a hybrid experience between theatrical entertainment and paranormal investigation, running 90 minutes Thursday through Saturday at 10:00 PM for $50 per person. Participants use divining rods to attempt spirit communication with the building's 14 documented spirits including Elizabeth, the little girl who fell from an apple tree. While primarily entertainment rather than scientific investigation, the experience offers more hands-on paranormal elements than standard ghost tours. Shaker's also offers Haunted Penthouse overnight stays in the historic cooperage built atop a former cemetery and Capone-era speakeasy where human bones over 70 years old were discovered under floors during renovations. Overnight stays require signed waivers and allow extended exposure to one of America's most haunted bars.

The distinction between theatrical entertainment and genuine investigation matters significantly for setting appropriate expectations. Theatrical ghost tours, haunted houses, and seasonal events employ professional actors, scripted experiences, and focus on entertainment and historical education without providing investigation equipment. Genuine paranormal investigations through PIM and Brumder Mansion public events emphasize scientific research, evidence gathering, legitimate spirit communication attempts, and real-time investigation that may or may not capture evidence. Tours and haunts guarantee entertaining experiences; investigations offer educational opportunities with uncertain outcomes determined by paranormal activity levels on investigation nights.

Planning your Milwaukee ghost experience

Milwaukee ghost tours operate year-round with verified 2024 reviews confirming all major operators run nightly or weekly tours, though October dates require booking 2-4 weeks ahead while off-season allows same-day reservations.

All major tour operators—Brew City Ghosts, Hangman Tours, American Ghost Walks, and City Tours MKE—have active booking systems with recent September 2024 reviews confirming regular operations. Tours depart promptly at scheduled times with no refunds for late arrivals, requiring guests to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Meeting points are clearly marked with guides wearing company t-shirts and carrying lanterns for identification. Most operators enforce 24-hour advance cancellation policies for full refunds but run tours rain or shine, canceling only for extreme weather. Peak season Friday and Saturday October tours sell out weeks in advance, particularly Halloween weekend, while weekday tours and off-season dates offer smaller groups and more intimate experiences.

Standard walking tours last 60-90 minutes covering 1-1.2 miles on flat downtown Milwaukee sidewalks and paved surfaces with frequent stops for storytelling lasting 10-15 minutes at each location. Physical requirements include moderate walking ability and tolerance for standing periods. Tours maintain leisurely paces suitable for most fitness levels but require ability to walk continuously for one hour. Comfortable walking shoes represent the most emphasized requirement by every tour operator, as uncomfortable footwear ruins the experience. Tours focus on atmospheric historical storytelling rather than jump scares or actors, making them suitable for history enthusiasts and families with children age 12+ depending on maturity levels regarding true crime and tragic death discussions. Content includes Prohibition-era violence, serial killers, fires, and drownings presented in educational historical context.

Wheelchair accessibility varies significantly by operator. American Ghost Walks accommodates wheelchairs with advance notice to adjust routes, while Brew City Ghosts advertises wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly routes. Lizzie Borden Ghost Tours explicitly states most tours are NOT wheelchair or stroller accessible. Shaker's Cigar Bar indoor tours involve stairs requiring advance inquiry for accessibility options. City Tours MKE uses low-speed electric vehicles accommodating mobility limitations. Service animals are welcome on all tours. Age recommendations generally suggest 12+ due to mature content about murders, suicides, and tragic deaths, though operators welcome all ages with parental discretion. Adults-only restrictions apply to Hangman Tours' Cream City Cannibal tour (graphic Jeffrey Dahmer content) and Milwaukee Haunted History Pub Crawl (21+ for alcohol).

Wisconsin weather demands preparation as tours operate regardless of conditions. Spring temperatures range 45-65°F with unpredictable weather requiring light jackets and layers. Summer evenings reach comfortable 70-80°F though light sweaters help for indoor air conditioning. Fall temperatures drop to 40-65°F making jackets essential for October tours. Winter plunges to 15-35°F requiring heavy coats, hats, gloves, warm boots, and thermal layers. Rain gear including umbrellas or waterproof jackets prevents misery during Wisconsin's frequent precipitation. Layering allows adjustment for temperature changes between outdoor walking and indoor stops.

Essential items include comfortable walking shoes (most important), photo ID (required by some operators), smartphone for digital tickets and photos, and small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free. Optional but recommended items include camera or smartphone for photography (encouraged on most tours), portable phone charger for extended photo sessions, water bottles, and cash for $3-5 per person gratuity tips. City Tours MKE allows alcoholic beverages in plastic containers (21+ only) while most walking tours prohibit drinking. Photography is allowed and encouraged on all major tours for both memories and potential paranormal evidence capture. Smartphones suffice though professional cameras are welcome. Review photos later as some anomalies including orbs appear only upon examination. Use night mode or stabilization for quality evening shots.

Parking downtown Milwaukee requires planning. Metered street parking costs $0.75-$2.00 per hour depending on location with lower evening rates after 6 PM. Free parking is available Sundays and major holidays (New Year's, MLK Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Saturday parking is free but may have two-hour time limits requiring careful sign reading. Payment accepts credit cards or coins at meters, or use the MKE Park app for remote payment. Milwaukee Public Market parking lot (400 N Water St) serves as a meeting point for several tours with several paid lots in the Third Ward. SpotHero allows pre-booking parking spots at discounted rates while ParkMobile offers alternative payment. Arrive 20-30 minutes early allowing time to find parking and walk to meeting points. Winter parking includes snow emergency rules December through March. Read signs carefully as alternate side parking rules apply 2-6 AM on residential streets.

Public transportation through Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) buses serves downtown, while The Hop streetcar provides free connections between downtown areas. Uber and Lyft operate readily for convenient evening transportation without parking concerns. Tour operators universally emphasize arriving 10-15 minutes early as tours depart on time with no refunds for late arrivals or no-shows.

Hotels near Historic Third Ward provide convenient bases for ghost tour weekends. The Pfister Hotel itself offers stays in Milwaukee's most haunted location where guests can experience the paranormal firsthand at 424 E Wisconsin Ave. Kimpton Journeyman Hotel and Saint Kate - The Arts Hotel provide boutique experiences in the Third Ward within 10-15 minute walks of tour meeting points. Mid-range options include Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Downtown near haunted locations, Residence Inn by Marriott Milwaukee Downtown for extended stays, and The Westin Milwaukee with skywalk access. Budget-friendly Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown includes free breakfast while County Clare Irish Inn & Pub offers unique experiences with free parking. October requires booking 2-3 months ahead with premium pricing for Halloween weekend. Most downtown hotels charge $15-30 nightly for parking, making this a significant cost consideration.

Forest Home Cemetery welcomes visitors dawn to dusk daily for walking, biking, and quiet reflection, requiring respectful behavior befitting sacred ground. Speak in hushed tones, silence cell phones, stay on paths avoiding walking directly on graves when possible, never touch or lean on monuments, pack out all trash, and never vandalize or remove memorial items. Photography of monuments and landscapes is acceptable but never photograph active funerals, grieving people, or services without permission. Give wide berth to visitors at gravesites. Flash photography disturbs other visitors and should be avoided. Commercial photography requires advance permission from cemetery management. Active funerals require steering clear to provide privacy. Drive slowly at 10 mph or slower on cemetery roads, park properly on roads rather than grass, and respect posted dawn-to-dusk hours. Forest Home offers guided tours May through October with advance registration required, covering themes including Victorian traditions, notable women, Black Milwaukee history, and art and symbolism. Special after-dark theatrical tours occur in October requiring advance ticket purchase.

Ghost tour pricing ranges $25-40 per person for standard walking tours, $35-40 for Shaker's indoor Original Ghost Tour, $40-50 for extended or specialty tours, and $50 for Shaker's Ghost Tour 2.0 and Cream City Cannibal experiences. Private tours start at $90+ per person with minimum group sizes. Add $5-15 for parking, $3-5 per person for gratuity tips, and food/drinks for pub crawl versions. Genuine paranormal investigations through PIM at Brumder Mansion cost approximately $40 per person for public events while private PIM investigations are completely free. Forest Home Cemetery theatrical tours vary by type. Book online in advance for best prices as weeknight tours sometimes cost less than weekends. Some operators offer student and military discounts requiring inquiry. Group rates apply for parties of 10+ people.

First-time ghost tour participants should book online 24-48 hours ahead (2-4 weeks for October), save confirmation emails containing meeting locations and arrival times, ensure phones are charged for digital tickets and photos, use restrooms before tours as opportunities are limited, eat light dinners before walking, and check weather to dress appropriately. During tours, stay with the group to avoid separation, ask questions as guides encourage engagement, take photos as they're allowed and encouraged, listen actively as stories build throughout experiences, respect locations by not touching buildings or entering private property, and keep voices down between stops. Gratuity of $3-5 per person is appreciated for good guides. Share experiences through online reviews to help other travelers. Different companies cover different areas and stories, making multiple tours valuable for enthusiasts. Extended tour options provide better value for serious ghost hunters.

Milwaukee's ghost tours blend history, mystery, and entertainment through professionally researched experiences led by knowledgeable local guides. The walking tours are accessible, affordable, and suitable for most visitors seeking unique evening activities. Whether skeptic, believer, or history buff, Milwaukee's haunted experiences offer engaging narratives grounded in genuine historical tragedies that shaped Brew City's character. Bundle ghost tours with visits to the Historic Third Ward, Milwaukee's famous breweries, and Pabst Mansion for comprehensive weekends exploring Wisconsin's largest city where the past refuses to rest quietly.