Ghost Towns in Wisconsin
10 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Wisconsin.
All Ghost Towns
Delhi
Delhi was once a serious contender for the county seat of Winnebago County. It had a bridge, mills, and hotels. After losing the county seat vote to O...
Jones Island
Jones Island was once home to a tight-knit community of Kaszube fishermen from Poland who squatted on the land. They lived in a unique, isolated villa...
La Pointe
La Pointe on Madeline Island was a major fur trading hub starting in the 1600s. It was home to French, British, and American fur traders, as well as t...
Mineral Point
Mineral Point was settled by Cornish lead miners in the 1820s. Shake Rag Street got its name from wives shaking rags to call miners to dinner. Pendarv...
New Diggings
New Diggings was one of Wisconsin's earliest lead mining settlements—predating statehood. At peak, 2,000+ miners worked the 'diggings.' When easy lead...
Ophir
Ophir was a lead mining town during the Upper Mississippi Valley lead rush. When the lead gave out and richer strikes were found elsewhere, the town v...
Pendarvis
Cornish miners built stone cottages in Wisconsin's lead mining district during the 1830s-40s. When lead mining declined, many left for California gold...
Potosi
Potosi claims to be Wisconsin's oldest settlement and calls itself the 'Catfish Capital of Wisconsin.' The town was a lead mining center and is now ho...
Sinipee
Sinipee was poised to rival Dubuque, Iowa, as a lead shipping port. However, a malaria outbreak in 1839 decimated the population, and repeated floodin...
Taliesin
Taliesin was Frank Lloyd Wright's home, studio, and architecture school. The complex of buildings exemplifies his organic architecture philosophy. Tra...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Wisconsin?
We have documented 10 ghost towns in Wisconsin. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Wisconsin safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Wisconsin?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.