With October in full swing, I’ve been watching a lot of horror movies and last weekend, I decided to head to Wisconsin in search of fall foliage and a bit of Halloween magic. My first stop was Madison and as it was my first time visiting, I was thrilled to partner with US Ghost Adventures for their ghost tour.
Madison’s rich history is full of interesting stories, and what I loved most about the experience was how the tour blended ghost stories with historical facts about the area. One of the most haunting stories we heard was about Mamah Borthwick, Frank Lloyd Wright’s romantic partner, who was tragically murdered at Wright’s Taliesin estate in 1914. An employee went on a violent rampage, setting the house on fire and killing Mamah along with several others. This dark event has become a haunting part of the region’s history and if you’re staying in the area longer, visiting Taliesin should be added to your itinerary.
We also learned about some of Madison’s iconic spots, like the Wisconsin State Capitol and the Orpheum Theater. The Capitol, aside from its beauty, has been the site of a few murders and is rumored to be haunted by ghosts. And, the Orpheum Theater, a 1920s landmark, is also said to have a resident ghost, a former projectionist that still wanders the balcony.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the place you’re visiting and enjoy scary stories, I’d highly recommend taking a ghost tour on your next trip. It was a fun way to learn more about a new city, plus, this tour is a great way to get into the fall spirit.
Planning Your Ghost Tour: Tips and Tricks
Dress for the weather: Madison can be chilly in the evenings, especially in fall and winter, so dress warmly.
Wear comfortable shoes: The tour involves a full hour of standing and walking, so make sure you’re prepared for it.
Ask questions: The guides are knowledgeable about Madison’s history and paranormal activity as well best places to eat and drink in the area, so don’t hesitate to ask any questions during the tour.
July 2, 2025
Absolutely loved reading this! I visited Madison last fall but had no idea about its haunted side—now I’m itching to go back and try the US Ghost Adventures tour myself. Your vivid storytelling gave me chills (in the best way). There’s something magical about blending history with a little mystery. Thanks for sharing such a spooky-cool experience!