Elk Mound, Wisconsin: Dead Mailmen Haunted Castle

If you're nearby on a pretty day, go for it! Lots of stairs, and benches. The "castle" is empty and small, but the views are spectacular. I was the only visitor and enjoyed the scenery and serenity.

The previous tips about this castle being haunted were the first I'd ever read of it. My parents took our family there several times when we were young, and my husband and I have taken our young granddaughters there to see the spectacular view. We have never experienced anything but great picnics and the nice view!

This was an interesting spot to stop. The castle is up a one-and-a-half-lane road, on a mound, straight up! A bit of a scary drive, but an interesting view from the top. We weren't sure if the castle was really haunted, and my daughter questioned this all the way through (into the castle, up the stairs to both levels). Then, on the way down, she was literally pushed down the last flight of steps. My husband thought she slipped, but I watch the whole thing as she was walking down and she went forward, down the steps, instead of backwards when you normally slip. Needless to say everyone was a bit spooked.

One piece of advice: don't question the ghosts that are there!

Sandstone lookout tower right out of the Lord of the Rings.

This tower is set on the highest point of land for miles. You can see nearly a hundred miles in every direction. The flag on tower hill is visible for miles around. The tower was built in 1906 and reopened in 1998 after extensive renovations. The tower is dedicated to all rural mail carriers.

Easy access by a blacktop road in the spring through fall. The road is impassable in the winter.