Photo by Travel Wisconsin (pictured: Devil’s Lake)
Summertime in Wisconsin means camping for many visitors, and what goes better with a bonfire and s’mores than a scary story? Read on about some of Wisconsin’s legends. For supernatural hunters and nonbelievers alike, if you’re staying where they’re located, you might just catch a glimpse of these creepy cryptids.
Beast of Bray Road | Elkhorn
Possibly the most famous Wisconsin cryptid on our list, the Beast of Bray Road has had books written about it and movies made. Originally seen in the 1930s in Jefferson by a nightwatchman, the Beast of Bray Road has been sighted by many, predominantly during the 80s and 90s, and most frequently in the area of Elkhorn. People of all ages have seen the beast, from grown adults to young children. They all describe a creature part-human, part-animal, werewolf-like in features. Tall, hairy and with snarling teeth, the beast typically runs when spotted. If you’re in the area and feeling brave, take a drive down Bray Road in the dark, and you may get to meet this elusive creature.
Source: https://www.milwaukeemag.com/the-legend-of-the-beast-of-bray-road/
Hodag | Rhinelander
The Hodag is one of the most unique cryptids in Wisconsin. With huge claws, spikes along its back and spears at the end of its tail, anyone encountering it would turn and run. First spotted in 1893 the Hodag quickly became simultaneously popular and feared in the Rhinelander area. It was said to have been formed from the ashes of cremated animals that suffered at the hands of their owners. One Hodag was captured, but discovered to be a hoax. Despite this, Rhinelander has taken the legend and made it their own, naming a country music festival after it and creating a monument. You’ll have to visit to decide if you think this legend is a fake, or see if you meet the real thing.
Source: https://discoverwisconsin.com/6-creepy-cryptids-call-wisconsin-home/
Wendigo | Madeline Island, Apostle Islands
Though not only native to Wisconsin, the Wendigo is one of the most fearsome cryptids in the northern United States. From the lore of Native American tribes in the area, the Wendigo is said to encompass many horrors: insatiable greed, selfishness and cannibalism. First documented in 1661, the Wendigo is gaunt and over 15 feet tall. They have been spotted across upper Wisconsin and into Canada, but one of the most famous Wisconsin locations associated with it is Madeline Island of the Apostle Islands. As sacred land for the Ojibwe, Madeline Island is steeped in lore, and has a story about a young girl defeating an ice giant, described to resemble a Wendigo. No matter where you are up north, you might hear something walking through the trees.
Water Monsters
With the surplus of lakes in the state, it is no surprise that Wisconsin is home to more than one legend of a water monster. Find three of the biggest here!
Sources: https://discoverwisconsin.com/6-creepy-cryptids-call-wisconsin-home/ | https://legendarylakemills.com/lake-mills-entertainment-2/
Rocky | Lake Mills
Rocky’s legend began with the Native Americans that lived around Rock Lake, and he was seen as a guardian spirit that protected the area. He has been glimpsed by visitors and locals alike, sometimes on the shore and sometimes in the water. Rocky is a staple in Lake Mills, and even has a beer named after him at Tyranena Brewing Company, called Rocky’s Revenge Brown Ale. You’ll have to visit the lake yourself to see if you can spot Rocky!
Lake Winnebago Water Monster | Lake Winnebago
While there’s no one description of this specific water monster, everyone agrees that it exists. Some describe it as a water serpent, while others say it is more closely related to a giant sturgeon. Regardless of how it looks, you will have to come visit Lake Winnebago to see it for yourself.
Devil’s Lake Monster | Baraboo
This lake earned its moniker from the Nakota Sioux, as many of their scouts would share stories of their fellows being pulled under the waves by a monstrous creature. Described both similar to the Loch-Ness Monster and as an octopus-like terror, this monster is waiting for you to find it when you visit Devil’s Lake.