Hayward, in northern Wisconsin, offers more than just lakes and outdoor fun. For those interested in a dash of the supernatural or a spontaneous ghostly adventure, this town delivers two standout experiences.
We especially enjoy the Bayfield Ghost Walk for its engaging storytelling and atmospheric stops, and the Bayfield’s famous ghosts self-guided audio walk for a flexible, tech-savvy exploration. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious skeptic, these tours make exploring Hayward memorable.
Both options showcase Hayward’s rich and sometimes eerie past, including haunted inns, cursed houses, and legends of spirits wandering the streets.
The Bayfield Ghost Walk gets rave reviews for its knowledgeable guides and captivating ghost stories, while the self-guided audio tour offers a cheaper, independent way to experience the town’s ghostly lore. Check out these links to get more details: Bayfield Ghost Walk and Bayfield’s famous ghosts self-guided audio walk.
1. Bayfield Ghost Walk
At number one on our list, the Bayfield Ghost Walk combines storytelling with a walk through Hayward’s historic streets. For about $29.99 per person, you’ll spend roughly 1.5 to 2 hours exploring haunted sites like Morty’s Pub—originally called The Bucket of Blood—and the eerie stories of cursed buildings and spirits lurking at Ships Quarters.
The tour’s guide is praised for their depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling, making history come alive with spooky anecdotes.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic local legends, such as the mysterious “man in white” at the Old Rittenhouse Inn and the love story haunting the Knight House. The stops are carefully chosen to blend history and ghostly tales, creating an immersive experience.
Tour participants consistently mention the friendly, informative guide and the small group size that keeps the tour intimate and engaging.
This tour is best suited for travelers interested in local lore and ghost stories, especially those who enjoy walking and don’t mind a little spooky atmosphere. It’s a great value for its roughly two-hour duration and includes visits to popular local landmarks. The main drawback might be the weather—since it’s outdoors, rain can dampen the experience.
Bottom Line: The Bayfield Ghost Walk offers a well-rounded, fun exploration of Hayward’s haunted past, with stories that linger long after the tour ends.
2. Bayfield’s famous ghosts self-guided audio walk tour w/emf reader
The self-guided audio tour allows you to explore Hayward at your own pace, which makes it ideal if you prefer flexibility. For just $7.80 per person, you get access to an app that uses your device to deliver stories and an built-in EMF reader to detect nearby spirits. It’s a fun, interactive way to experience the town’s spooky side without a scheduled time or guide.
The tour covers key landmarks like the Knight House, the Old Rittenhouse Inn, and the Carnegie Library. As you walk, you’ll hear tales of ghostly innkeepers, librarians, and mysterious figures like Irene, who is said to slam doors and stroll the Blue Room at Greunke’s.
The inclusion of the EMF reader adds an element of real-time ghost hunting, which appeals to tech-savvy thrill-seekers. Plus, you can start the tour from anywhere along the route, fitting it into your schedule whenever you’re ready.
This tour is perfect for independent explorers or families wanting a low-cost but engaging experience. It’s easy to use, and the stories are intriguing, making it suitable for both casual ghost fans and more serious supernatural enthusiasts. The major limitation is that it doesn’t offer a guided narrative, so you need to enjoy exploring on your own.
Bottom Line: The self-guided audio tour is an affordable, flexible way to learn about Hayward’s haunted sites, especially if you’re comfortable using a smartphone.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two options, think about your preferred style of exploration. If you enjoy guided storytelling and group camaraderie, the Bayfield Ghost Walk is a fantastic choice. It offers insight from a knowledgeable guide, making the stories come alive with atmosphere and local flavor.
On the other hand, if you prefer a self-directed adventure, the self-guided audio tour with its EMF reader gives you control over your pace and a modern twist on ghost hunting.
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the lower price of the self-guided tour, while those seeking a more social experience might find the guided walk more rewarding. Both tours cover the same landmarks, but the guided walk provides richer context and lively storytelling, whereas the self-guided approach offers independence and the novelty of using a ghost detection device.
Consider the weather, your schedule, and whether you enjoy group outings or solo adventures. Both tours are accessible year-round, but booking ahead for the guided walk can ensure you secure a spot, especially during peak seasons. For a full experience, you might even do both—first the guided tour for the stories, then a self-guided walk to revisit your favorite spots.
To sum it up, Hayward offers some truly memorable ways to explore its haunted corners. For a lively, story-rich experience, the Bayfield Ghost Walk is hard to beat. If you prefer a do-it-yourself adventure with a modern twist, the self-guided audio tour provides a fun, budget-friendly option.
Whichever you choose, these tours add an intriguing layer to your trip and are sure to give you plenty to talk about long after.
Be sure to book early, especially if you’re visiting during the busy season, and enjoy uncovering Hayward’s ghostly secrets.