Looking for the spookiest (and intriguing!) places in Madison, WI? Here's a list compiled by me, a chicken. Some places just give me the heebie-jeebies, others are just more interesting.
*If you decide to visit any of these places, please be respectful
Lake View Hill
Lake View Hill is commonly talked about in "spooky" lists. Lake View used to be a Sanatorium in the early 1900's when thousands of people in Wisconsin had Tuberculosis. Most of the old buildings remain, on top a hill that provides a great view of Lake Mendota. If you hike around the back, there is an area where pigs used to be. The pigs ate the residents' trash and in return the residents ate them. The other interesting spot is the two pools that residents would sit in, "healing waters" as they were called.
The property sits right next to a cemetery and I have been told that there are unmarked graves in the woods.
Asylum/Leper Colony/Poor Farm
While having lunch at Gus's Diner in Verona one day, I noticed the headstones beside the building. I had seen them from the road before, but never stopped to check them out. I read the big marker that reads "Dane County Hospital and Home Memorial-On these beautiful grounds lie the remains of the mentally impaired and poor who spent their last earthly days here". You can learn more on this site here.
This was such an interesting memorial in such an interesting place. I couldn't help but to stop and think of all the people who lived their lives in these spots. This reminded me of a strange note I saw at Prairie Moraine, only a few miles away. If you look at the map there, there's a spot for "Leper Colony Foundations". It slowly all pieced together. The colony was around from the 1800's to about the 1920's/30's. You can read more of the discovery here and watch a video here.
Indian Lake Chapel
Most people I have taken to this chapel don't understand my fear of it. There's just something about this chapel up on a hillside in the middle of the woods. I've been told people spread ashes here as a final resting place. The portrait of Jesus in the middle of the chapel went missing, and mysteriously appeared months later. Visitors write their thoughts and prayers in the welcome book. I suggest going inside and closing the door behind you. It's a weird feeling.
Hoyt Park Pyramid
So this is my newest discovery. Uhm. Accidentally found it, but many seem to know of it. Makes a great spot for teenagers to hang out. I tried looking for some information on it but couldn't find much. It's an interesting piece in a random place, especially with the lack of signage.
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