Every state has their own stories of ghosts, spooks, hauntings, and the paranormal. Wisconsin is no exception. All across the state you will hear about a local house, business, or random location that was the site of a bizarre happenings. The ruins at the Maribel Caves Hotel could be one of those stories, or it could be legit. You are the only one who can decide for yourself.
Originally built in the 1900’s as a therapeutic spa and not as much of a hotel, natural spring water was pumped to the hotel for guests to drink and bathe in. It is claimed to have had natural healing powers.
The hotel had guests from all over, it even hosted notorious guests such as John Dillinger and Al Capone. Since adjacent to the hotel was the natural spring bottling plant, that included a carbonization machine, it’s easy to see the lure of the hotel.
As early as 1915, the hotel was falling into disrepair, and in 1931 was purchased by a local construction owner, Adolf Cherney. He and his family lived in the hotel until his death, which was preceded by his young daughter Norma under mysterious circumstances.
1981, a new owner, Jeff Miller reopened the hotel but saw little profit as rumors of angry spirits were already reported. Unexpectedly in 1985, the entire hotel was ravaged by fire. It destroyed everything except the limestone structure.
After the fire, the rumors didn’t stop, some claim that a coven of witches performed their rituals on the grounds and have opened a portal to hell. People claim to see a figure of a man who hangs out in the hotels windows and is always facing out. In the below picture, the photographer claims they captured a ghost (2nd window top left).
Others have reported that there are voices and shrieks coming from the basement and caves below, and some even swear that they have seen stones and objects move on their own.
In 2013 a tornado in the area destroyed more of the structure. It is currently unsafe for people to explore, and it is privately owned. If you wish to get closer to it, please get permission from the owner first. You are able to get a good look at it from the Maribel Caves County Park that is next to it.
Please be safe when exploring an unknown location, ALWAYS get permission from the owner, and never go by yourself.
Stay Curious my Friends!
Amateur Connoisseur 