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. 

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.