Gilman is a tiny town in the in the northern part of the state, about 50 miles northeast of Eau Claire. Located just outside a large state natural area, this spot of about 400 people is popular with hunters.
If you're up near Taylor County, a detour into quaint little Gilman is totally worth it. Tucked into their public park is a unique and historical little bridge.
For more than 100 years, this swinging bridge perched over the Yellow River has given the folks of Gilman access to their public park. The town's very first blacksmith himself made the original ironwork that supports this simple but effective little bridge.
Generations of area locals have used this bridge, as evidenced by this picture of the owner as a child followed by her grandma as they used the bridge in the '60s. The bridge is a fond part of the memories of people who grew up in the area.
The bridge is as much a part of life in Gilman as anything else. It's definitely worth a little side trip to venture on this bridge that's unlike anything else anywhere in the state.
They’re old, dilapidated and piled with debris, many have been reclaimed by nature, and some are downright terrifying. But we can’t get enough of abandoned buildings because they all have a fascinating story to tell. The ones rumored to be occupied by restless souls are the ones that we flock to the most. That’s what you’ll find at John F. Kennedy Preparatory High (JFK Prep) in St. Nazianz, Wisconsin. It was once an all-boys Catholic prep school but now it’s a terrifying reminder of a town built by a mysterious priest from Germany. The tale about this abandoned school in Wisconsin is easily one of the most fascinating stories I have ever heard.
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Named one of the scariest places in Wisconsin, the town of St. Nazianz is not for the faint of heart. In fact, the entire town is known for being haunted because of the tale of Father Ambrose Oschwald, a mysterious priest from Germany.
It is rumored that the priest was a herbalist with mystical powers who died in 1873. Some believed he cursed the town, and many strange events and unexplained disasters have happened here. Those who saw his body after he transitioned have confirmed that it did not decompose as a normal corpse. Which if you ask me is enough reason to conclude that something otherworldly was happening here.
The school, JFK Prep formerly known as Salvatorian Seminary, operated from 1968 to 1982, sits on the property founded by the priest. Paranormal activities have been reported at the school including hearing the laughter of kids who once roamed the hallways. Other reports have said that the spirit of a former student who ended their life could be heard throughout the building. Moreover, legend has it that the students performed vigils on the death anniversary of Oschwald for a chance to make contact with him. His crypt is located on the expansive property just a short distance from the school. And there is also a cemetery there too, the final resting place for other priests who called St. Nazianz home.
So, as you can tell, the school has multiple reports of these hauntings, including that of Oschwald himself. Of course, I can’t confirm if these rumors are true, but what I can tell you is that this school along with the other buildings on the property have been featured in many paranormal shows. Ghost hunters are convinced that the spirits of lost souls are still haunting the hallways of JFK Prep. Whether or not you believe the rumors, it’s still quite fascinating to hear all these stories.
Today, the abandoned school is on private property, owned and operated by United Ministries, Inc. Portions of the school grounds have been reclaimed by nature and the inside is not deemed structurally safe. But the organization has renovated other structures on the property and operates a quaint thrift shop there too. The inside of the school itself is off-limits to the public, but you can certainly visit the property and see the outside of the building. Just remember to respect the "No Trespassing" signs that you’ll come across.
Address: 600 S 4th Ave, St Nazianz, WI 54232
Did you know about the town of St. Nazianz or Father Ambrose Oschwald? I find all these notorious rumors to be quite fascinating. If you love to visit spooky abandoned places, then this abandoned school in Wisconsin belongs on your list. Also, be sure to visit the JFK Prep Facebook page to hear the stories of the students who once walked the hallways of this abandoned school.
The Badger State is full of incredible sights - you'll find all manner of manmade and natural wonders in Wisconsin. And many of them could surely be considered iconic. So, what's the most iconic view in Wisconsin? It could be the Madison skyline. I mean, what Wisconsinite wouldn't immediately recognize a a view down State Street to the capitol building, right?
Folks from other places who've visited Wisconsin might also recognize iconic Badger State locales like the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and, of course, Door County. Folks from all across the country flock to these spots all summer long and well into the autumn, when the foliage bursts into marvelous color.
But then you've got the Wisconsin Dells - the "waterpark capital of the world" - which probably gets more annual visitors than anywhere else in the state. Renowned for its waterparks and kitschy tourist trap vibe - but in a good way! - the Dells is definitely a Badger State icon. Even the area's incredible natural beauty has become part of the Wisconsin Dells zeitgeist. Who hasn't seen at least a photo of a German shepherd leaping onto Stand Rock?
But really, there's probably no view in Wisconsin that's more iconic than the exterior of Lambeau Field - especially on a game day. The whole world knows who the Green Bay Packers are, tens of thousands attend each home game, and millions tune in every week to watch them on television.
The field opened as the Packers' new home in 1957 - first as New City Field, then it was renamed for Packer legend Curly Lambeau after his death in 1965. With a capacity in excess of 80,000, it is the second-largest and the oldest continuously-operating stadium in the National Football League.
Lambeau is steeped in football history and tradition. Since the Packers moved into Lambeau, the team has won seven league championships, including four Super Bowls, to add to its six pre-Lambeau titles. This eared the city of Green Bay the nickname of "Titletown" - a moniker borrowed by an entertainment district adjacent to Lambeau Fireld.
Steeped in its own special kind of history and inextricably tied to the city of Green Bay, there are few places in Wisconsin as revered or iconic as Lambeau Field. If you're looking to make the pilgrimage, yourself, consider a stay at Lodge Kohler - it's located just steps from Lambeau. So what do you think? Does Lambeau Field offer the most iconic view in Wisconsin? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to tell us what you think some of the Badger State's most iconic views are.
