Wisconsin folklore. Articles, ghost stories, travel tips and more.
Wisconsin folklore Leary, faculty associate in the Folklore Program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is an award-winning Wisconsin folklorist and author of Midwestern Folk Humor; Down Home Dairyland; Minnesota Polka; and Yodeling in Dairyland: A History of Swiss Music in Wisconsin. Be a great team defensively. Mar 27, 2023 · Artist Mike Bass showcases some of Wisconsin's most famous myths, legends, and cryptids with his mythic art prints. Bozho has become an important part of Wisconsin folklore, with many locals believing in the creature’s existence. There she created and directed Folklore Village — the culmination of her ideas about festivals, folklore, dance, recreation, community, and the land. The character originated in the oral tradition of North American loggers, [2][4][5] and was later popularized by freelance writer Long before European explorers arrived, the land we know as Wisconsin was home to many groups of indigenous peoples. Jan 16, 2024 · Explore Wisconsin through the bizarre legends, dark history, and strange facts of our our great weird state. Classic creatures like werewolves, witches, and lake monsters have been our neighbors for as long as local legends have been told Wisconsin is known for its stunning natural beauty, but it’s also home to some of the most fascinating mythical creatures. Creatures from both folklore created Oct 10, 2025 · From haunted roads and cursed towns to spiritualism and exorcisms, explore creepy Wisconsin legends, weird history, and chilling true ghost stories. ” Coaches Proud To Feature An ALL-STAR Roster Of Coaches!! Todd Bierowski Laken James Will Ryan Dave Johnson Mike Raasch Chris Morgan Mark Anderson Frankie Wurtz Jay Neuenschwander Kris Johnson Matt Bookter Corey Girdaukas Carly Cerrato Jeff Vogels Lindsay Vogels Matthew Karman Taylor Thiry Jake Zeitler Dan Lemens Corey Hallsten Kate Vanden Berg Jamie Wolf Ashley… Details Highly entertaining and richly informative, Wisconsin Folklore offers the first comprehensive collection of writings about the surprisingly varied folklore of Wisconsin. : University of Wisconsin Press Collection internetarchivebooks; printdisabled Contributor Internet Archive Language English Item Size 1288879642 WISCONSIN LEGENDS 2027 BOYS (16U)2026 National Boys Apr 1, 2016 · Practical jokes and hoaxes are par for the course on April Fool’s Day. His 1979 book "Wisconsin Folklore" was based on his UW-Extension radio course that was published weekly in 10 Wisconsin daily and 50 weekly newspapers. Aug 26, 2024 · Some suspect that it is the witch in a different form. The Legend is Wisconsin's only private Club to feature 54 holes of golf, all in Waukesha County. Jul 17, 2023 · Wisconsin is known for the sparkling waters of our beautiful lakes. Sep 16, 2025 · As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to change, many Wisconsinites look for signs of what kind of autumn — and winter to follow — might be in store. Join a seasoned researcher on a captivating journey into the weird and wonderful world of the Badger State's elusive creatures. Shepard, circa 1915 E. Ten Thousand Swedes: Reflections on a Folklore Motif; 7. Wyman (Trade Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! Highly entertaining and richly informative, Wisconsin Folklore offers the first comprehensive collection of writings about the surprisingly varied folklore of Wisconsin. Each of these Native populations had their own rich, meaningful cultures. The year is 1893. Beneath the surface, however, there are other things in the murky depths. Terms and Talk; 1. Nov 2, 2025 · It’s happening TODAY at Wisconsin Legends, where the beer is cold, the fans are loud, and the energy feels like game day in Green Bay. . Artist Mike Bass tells us about the Wisconsin folklore that inspires his artwork. Mar 26, 2025 · Uncover the legends of obscure Wisconsin cryptids from winged horrors to beasts with three eyes! Mothman, man bat, monsters, and man-faced pigs await. Oct 18, 2023 · No matter where you go, Goatman is always lurking nearby in Wisconsin. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology offers more than fifty annotated and illustrated entries in five sections: "Terms and Talk 11/13 Wisconsin Lumberjack Legends and Lore - 6pm Reddick Public Library ---Ottawa, IL More Information: (815) 434-0509 11/16 Bizarre History of Wisconsin -4pm Lebanon Historical Society -Lebanon, WI More Information: 11/18 Winter Legends and Lore -6pm Kewanee Public Library=Kewanee, IL More Information: (309) 852-4505 11/20 Winter Legends and . The creature has been the subject of many legends and stories, and its image has been used in various forms of media, including books, movies, and TV shows. Source of this material is from “The Wisconsin Road Guide to Mysterious Creatures,” by Chad Lewis. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation formed in 2008 with the goal of fostering the love of the game of basketball in boys and girls ages 10-17. Oct 14, 2024 · Wisconsin is home to a variety of natural beauty and history, preserved in numerous parks and sites around the state. Here are some of our favorite tales from Wisconsin: Jul 18, 2025 · The text describes eight Wisconsin towns rich in folklore, characterized by unique atmospheres, local landmarks, and the tradition of ending with pie or beer. Jan 9, 2023 · The Wisconsin Legend of Haunchyville Will Baffle You Haunchyville, Wisconsin, is a chilling urban legend about a society of little people who rebelled against their cruel circus boss and now live in seclusion, defending their community fiercely. DEVELOPMENT Is Our Shared Purpose. The Ho-Chunk, also known as the Winnebago, are a Native American people whose historic territory included parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa & Illinois. The heart of Wisconsin sports in Okauchee Wisconsin Legends was born from a simple belief – Lake Country deserved a sports bar that truly understood Wisconsin fans. Shepard's residence in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the den is to the right where he kept the Hodag The Hodag In American folklore, the hodag is a fearsome critter resembling a large bull-horned carnivore with a row of thick curved spines down its back. MADISON Folklore Studies has had a sustained presence at the University of Wisconsin since 1867 when William Francis Allen – a charter member of the American Folklore Society—joined the faculty. German Nicknames of Places in Early Dodge County; 4. Hodag "captured" by Eugene Shepard, 1893 E. About Wisconsin Legends. Teams 10U 11U 12U 13U 14U 15U 16U 17U WISCONSIN LEGENDS 2026 (17U) 2026 National 2026 State WISCONSIN LEGENDS 2027 (16U) 2027 National Wisconsin Legends 2028 (15U) 2028 National 2028 State Wisconsin Legends 2029 (14U) 2029 National Black 2029 National Blue 2029 State Blue Wisconsin Legends 2030 (13U) 2030 National Black 2030 National Blue 2030… FOLKLORE AT U. Its deep lakes, rolling farmland, and dense Northwoods provide the backdrop for tales ranging from 19th-century frontier monsters to modern roadside encounters. Wisconsin is a land rich with stories. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology offers more than fifty annotated and illustrated entries in five sections: "Terms and Talk Jan 16, 2024 · Explore terrifying tales of Wisconsin cryptids — from the Beast of Bray Road to the Hodag and beyond. [3] His tall tales revolve around his superhuman labors, [4][5] and he is customarily accompanied by Babe the Blue Ox (French: Babe le bœuf bleu), his pet and working animal. k. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology offers more than fifty annotated and illustrated entries in five sections: "Terms and Talk Brown created these pamphlets for the Wisconsin Archaeological Society, the Wisconsin Folklore Society, courses he taught during University of Wisconsin summer sessions, and simply as privately published booklets for the amusement of his friends and colleagues. I received a number of leads from this initial thread, and uncovered even more creatures through my independent research, even recently digging through some handwritten notes from a Depression-era folklore documenting project and finding a few additional gnome varieties buried within nearly-lost Wisconsin folklore. Highly entertaining and richly informative, Wisconsin Folklore offers the first comprehensive collection of writings about the surprisingly varied folklore of Wisconsin. Discover local legends and chilling real encounters. Haunchies – aren’t friendly little folk like the musical Munchkins of Oz. The Bray Road Beast has become a part of Wisconsin folklore and has been the subject of multiple books, documentaries, and a 2005 horror film. W. Dec 11, 2022 · These 8 Urban Legends In Wisconsin Will Keep You Awake At Night Wisconsin is home to several chilling urban legends that have been passed down through generations. (Adapted from Victor Barnouw, 1977, Wisconsin Chippewa Myths and Tales and Their Relation to Chippewa Life, Madison: The University of Wisconsin Press. Dec 22, 2023 · Discover famous Wisconsin ghosts, like the spirit of an 18th-century explorer at Summerwind and the Pfister Hotel's spectral owner who scares celebrity guests. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology offers more than fifty annotated and illustrated entries in five sections: "Terms and Talk Folklore Pamphlets, 1921-1945 Page 6of 445 For general readers, teachers, librarians, and scholars alike, Wisconsin Folklore exemplifies and illuminates Wisconsin's cultural traditions, and establishes the state's significant but long neglected contributions to American folklore. 4 days ago · Patrick Liesch is known as the “Wisconsin bug guy. Wisconsin’s cryptid and folklore traditions draw from wilderness mysteries, lumberjack legends, and Indigenous stories. He was named that year by Gov. 953 likes · 47 talking about this · 13 were here. Walker Demarquis Wyman University of Wisconsin--Extension, Department of Arts Development, 1979 - Folklore - 96 pages Highly entertaining and richly informative, Wisconsin Folklore offers the first comprehensive collection of writings about the surprisingly varied folklore of Wisconsin. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology o Wisconsin folklore Publication date 1998 Topics Folklore -- Wisconsin, Wisconsin -- Social life and customs Publisher Madison, Wis. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology offers more than fifty annotated and illustrated entries in five sections: "Terms and Talk Out now from The History Press!Wisconsin is a land rich with stories. Known as the Windigo (also spelled Wendigo), this supernatural being has become one of the most chilling figures in North American mythology. Dare to explore? Apr 3, 2025 · Welcome to WISCONSIN LEGENDS BASKETBALL 2025-26 Girls Tryout Registration 2025-2026 BOYS TRYOUT REGISTRATION 2025-26 Wisconsin Legends Tryout Registration Compete. From haunted buildings to mythical animals—Wisconsin has heard its fair share of stories. The creature has been reportedly witnessed in or near Elkhorn, Walworth County, Wisconsin. Oct 23, 2024 · Discover Wisconsin’s most terrifying legends, from haunted hotels to cryptids like the Beast of Bray Road, just in time for Halloween! Oct 14, 2014 · According to some, Wisconsin is ripping at its cheesy seams with the strange and unusual. Aug 28, 2023 · Who doesn't love a good urban legend? Wisconsin has plenty of fun tales and stories that both haunt and capture the imagination of the state. Improve each rep. You can help by taking a short, privacy-friendly survey. a. Wisconsin The collections of the American Folklife Center contain rich and varied materials from Wisconsin that document the diversity of the state's folk traditions. Most are only 4-8 pages long. UW–Madison’s Janet Gilmore, a professor of landscape architecture and folklore and an unofficial expert on the Wisconsin fish fry, recently collaborated on a fish fry–themed opera that played in Madison this past spring. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Bozho remains a popular and fascinating creature in Wisconsin’s mythology Aug 31, 2020 · A great read for those interested in Wisconsin history as well as those who like a great campfire story, Wisconsin Legends & Lore explores a rich diversity of stories from around the state. We saw an opportunity to create something the community had been missing: a place where every game matters, every The Pine Barrens Institute is an online cryptozoological, Midwest folklore, and historic newspaper reference site which is based out of Janesville, Wisconsin. The focus of the site is to document, catalog, and help spread factual information pertaining to the folklore, legends, and “true” stories involving both well-known and lesser-known cryptid creatures, obscure boogeymen, and unique Feb 11, 1999 · About the Author James P. Uncover the truth behind Wisconsin's legendary cryptids, from werewolves to lake monsters. Lee Dreyfus as Wisconsin’s first “Honorary Folklorist. [1][2] Named for the rural farm road on which it was first purportedly sighted, reports of the creature in the Hodag Origins Folklore and Mythology The hodag is a mythical creature that is strongly tied to Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Milwaukee Talk; 6. According to folklore, the hodag was born from the ashes of cremated oxen. Jan 31, 2023 · Who doesn't love a great urban legend? Wisconsin has plenty of fun legends and stories that both haunt and capture the imagination of the state. Mar 30, 2020 · Wisconsin, a state known for its dairy products, is also home to many eerie urban legends and ghost stories. Oct 25, 2024 · Uncover 5 spine-chilling Wisconsin legends that you may have never heard of, from a cave no one ever escaped from to cursed and haunted farm. Brown created these pamphlets for the Wisconsin Archaeological Society, the Wisconsin Folklore Society, courses he taught during University of Wisconsin summer sessions, and simply as privately published booklets for the amusement of his friends and colleagues. The Beast of Bray Road, is the name given to a wolf -like creature reported to have been witnessed in or near Elkhorn, Walworth County, Wisconsin. Articles, ghost stories, travel tips and more. The hodag was said to be born from the ashes of cremated oxen, as the We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Have FUN. Our three courses range in design from the tree-lined traditional style of The Legend at Merrill Hills to more modern Jack Nicklaus inspired design of The Legend at Bristlecone or the timeless Pete Dye inspired design of The Legend at Brandybrook. Explore the stories behind Hogsback Road and other gruesome Wisconsin Goatman legends. Between now and then many myths and legends have circulated the state. Let's go! Wisconsin Legends is more than just a bar — it’s a community hub for sports fans and food lovers alike. Consider the water monster of Lake Winnebago, which dined on elk and deer, according to "Blue Men and River Monsters: Folklore of the North Brown created these pamphlets for the Wisconsin Archaeological Society, the Wisconsin Folklore Society, courses he taught during University of Wisconsin summer sessions, and simply as privately published booklets for the amusement of his friends and colleagues. Often associated with insatiable hunger, cannibalism, and the icy cold of winter, the Windigo is said to haunt Surveys folklore in the United States and around the world, with a comparative emphasis on ways in which individuals and groups use beliefs, songs, stories, sayings, dances, festivals, and artifacts to address issues of identity, authenticity, and authority, in complex societies. From lake monsters to werewolves, Wisconsin has a rich history of cryptids that have been passed down through generations. Here are the best myths and urban legends in Wisconsin. If you are brave enough to investigate Witch Road or the abandoned house, be aware that the house is on private property and best viewed from the road. Characters on the Chippewa Waters; 8. The Significance of Manitowoc; 2. ) The Story of Redfeather There once was a little boy called Redfeather who lived with his great-grandfather. Native American legends, tall tales told at lumberjack camps and taverns, ghostlore and modern urban legends all form the wonderful mythology of the… Apr 2, 2014 · Legendary monsters and spirits live wherever there are people to tell their tales – including Wisconsin. ” “I haven’t seen any science to back that up,” Liesch said. Beginning with a historical introduction to Wisconsin's folklore and concluding with an up-to-date bibliography, this anthology offers more than fifty annotated and illustrated entries in five sections: "Terms and Talk SCHEDULE 123 ABC Street, Boulder, CO 98161 help@teamsnap. Liesch is the director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Insect Diagnostic Lab. It was the “mother of all circuses,” a place of buried treasure and home to eerie ghosts and monsters. I've been looking to put together a comprehensive and complete list of every single creature in Wisconsin folklore as something of a side-project. While basketball is the vehicle by which Legends reaches youth, everything done in the Legends program is done through the lens of developing the… Illustrations; Preface; Introduction: On Wisconsin Folklore; Part One. S. Haunchies One of the weirdest Wisconsin legends is the tale of Haunchyville, a colony of little people near Muskego in the southeastern corer of the state. Liesch said the folklore surrounding the woolly bear caterpillar dates back to the 1940s. University of Michigan needs your feedback to better understand how readers are using openly available ebooks. [Serious] People of Wisconsin, what strange creatures have you seen or heard about in Wisconsin? Is there a local legend in your community? Explore the Wisconsin Historical Society's resources, including extensive North American genealogy and Wisconsin history materials. Located in Okauchee, we bring the excitement of the stadium right to Lake Country with 20 HD TVs, a full menu of classic stadium-style favorites, and legendary Wisconsin fish fry every Friday. The legends of Wisconsin lake monsters are plentiful, from Pepie on the Minnesota border to the Lake Michigan sea serpent on the other side, and all manner of tentacled or serpentine monsters in between. Read about thousands of interviews with small-town residents preserving folklore traditions that would otherwise die out. Strong evidence shows these creatures no longer exist but fossil records say massive birds were likely residing in North America during the early periods of human history. May 5, 2025 · Wisconsin’s Northwoods is rich with folklore, and the stories of our area reflect the spirit of adventure, the beauty of the landscape, and the intriguing history of the region. Your go-to general store, local market and seasonal patio in downtown Merton, WI. When the beloved Gemma K’s closed its doors, we saw more than just an empty building. Names in the Welsh Settlement; 3. Emily Bright has the story. Gene Shepard, a respected timber cruiser, stumbles into a logging camp Wisconsin Legends Welcome to the Wisconsin Legends – where champions are made through hard work, expert training, positive coaching, and rewarding practice sessions. As a result of this, I've been combing through some increasingly obscure books on the topic of state folklore and have arrived at this list of 115 different types of creatures found within the Lore of the State. The creature is said to be the incarnation of the accumulation of abuse that the animals had suffered at the hands of their masters. Originating from logging camp folklore, it reflects regional anxieties and ties to the past. Jan 15, 1999 · Highly entertaining and richly informative, Wisconsin Folklore offers the first comprehensive collection of writings about the surprisingly varied folklore of Wisconsin. com Tel: 555-5555 In 1966, Jane returned to Wisconsin, and purchased the old Wakefield School near Ridgeway, on an acre of land which her grandfather had donated to the county back in the early 1880s. About us Legends Basketball, Inc. Play Fast. Aug 22, 2019 · Wisconsin’s Friday night fish fry tradition draws on many immigrant, indigenous, and working-class cultural practices. Native American legends, tall tales told at lumberjack camps This thread is four months old, but what the heck? When else am I going to be able to use my knowledge of obscure Wisconsinite folklore? The full list of Wisconsin cryptids that I have is (excluding ghostly or demonic creatures, and excluding most of the lumberjack fearsome critters because the list would be too long then): The Hodag The Beast of Bray Road The Wisconsin Manbat (AKA the Lake Oct 15, 2019 · 4. Folklore Mercantile , Merton. Today, we're covering the weirdest folklore in your state, ranging from the founder of Dungeons and Dragons to a man that had breakfast made for Oct 24, 2023 · But Wisconsin has its share of mysterious lake-dwellers. Haunchyville residents – a. We will also discuss Pages in category "Wisconsin folklore" The following 6 pages are in this category, out of 6 total. More than a century ago, an elaborate hoax helped form the identity of one northern Wisconsin town. These creatures have become a part of local folklore, with many people believing in their existence … Nov 1, 2019 · Exploring Wisconsin’s Rich Folklore Admitted to the union on May 29, 1848, as the 30th state, Wisconsin is the 23rd largest state by area and the 20th largest by population. The creature has become a part of Wisconsin folklore and has been the subject of multiple books, documentaries, and a 2005 horror film. If you know this lore already, you’ll probably want something more in-depth, but this is a great starting point for many of the interesting and unusual stories that make up Wisconsin folklore. From famous gangsters to Bigfoot, these local legends are an integral part of what makes Wisconsin so captivating. Of the most visited and most known is Wisconsin Dells, with its collection of … The Beast of Bray Road, a hairy humanoid with canine features, has been sighted in Wisconsin dating back to 1936 on a rural road outside of Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Those who have seen the beast describe him as eating, hunting/scavenging. Evolving from a fearsome beast to a beloved mascot, the Hodag showcases the resilience of folklore in modern society. The Brewing Aug 31, 2020 · A short book that gives a great overview of Wisconsin folklore, tall tales, cryptids, ghost stories, urban legends, and legendary places. Be a Great teammate. Includes link to interviews. Apr 28, 2025 · Is the Hodag real? What are the spookiest places in Wisconsin that you can visit all year long? This week, we dive into some of the most fascinating Wisconsin lore with Jeff Finup of Badgerland Legends. Howdy doody Wisconsin and welcome to T's Storytime. Among these creepy Wisconsin stories is the tale of the Rhinelander hodag, a cryptozoological nightmare beast Sasquatch would probably run scared from. More recent sightings in the 1980s and 1990s place the creature in Racine, Walworth, and Jefferson Counties. From werewolves to ghost chickens, the state is home to a plethora of mythical beings that have fascinated locals and visitors alike for generations. From haunted tales to quirky traditions, here are seven of the most fascinating folklores and superstitions that are uniquely Wisconsin. Ghosts, monsters and madmen: Journey through the Museum of Wisconsin Legends to explore bizarre history and folklore from around our great weird state. Oct 25, 2024 · 5 Chilling Wisconsin Legends You’ve Probably Never Heard Of A cursed farm, ghostly attic children, and a cave filled with the dead. Jul 19, 2017 · They would prevent the snakes from overrunning the earth and devouring mankind, according to Menominee folklore. Jan 15, 2024 · Wisconsin was the 30th state to join the union back in 1848. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Wisconsin Folklore by Walker B. WISCONSIN LEGENDS 2026 (16U)2026 National Black Apr 11, 2025 · The Hodag, a mythical creature from northern Wisconsin, has influenced local culture for over a century. Our courses explore everyday Feb 11, 1999 · About the Author James P. From ghost stories to haunted roads in Wisconsin, we cover a lot of legends! Hear about all these incredible stories of folklore by tuning in now! May 27, 2024 · Known for cheese and breweries, Wisconsin is also home to legendary creatures such as the Hodag and the Beast of Bray Road. Jul 24, 2025 · Explore Wisconsin folklore covering Bigfoot, Hodags, and ghost stories while uncovering local legends that enrich Wisconsin travel experiences. Our program in Folklore Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison emerged in the 1980s and has been one of the leading programs in the nation. Lake Country’s sports bar Wisconsin Legends is more than just a bar — it’s a community hub for sports fans and food lovers alike. Ghost stories from Wisconsin include Aug 3, 2024 · Wisconsin is a state rich in culture and history, and with that comes a treasure trove of unique folklore and superstitions. Meet us at the Millpond. In this unit, we will learn about the history of American Indians in Wisconsin, exploring their diverse origins, lifestyles, and cultural traditions. Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack and folk hero in American [2] and Canadian folklore. Sep 22, 2025 · Deep in the forests of Wisconsin, whispers of an ancient and terrifying creature echo through Native American legends and frontier folklore. His great-grandfather taught him to shoot with his bow and arrows. Our Wisconsin Legends Family is excited about our future as we build the LEGENDS of… Home American Geographical Society Library Digital Map Collection Wisconsin : myths, monsters, legends Highly entertaining and richly informative, Wisconsin Folklore offers the first comprehensive collection of writings about the surprisingly varied folklore of Wisconsin. Deutsche Sprichwörter: German Sayings in Milwaukee; 5. wqhyudduxnxdunawpnzqfuwgzzrtttptddgapaozrpwilrgyzfqquciwqztpsqlfpqbjahtjkbrciuxdu