Rainbow Springs Resort

Rainbow Springs Resort was meant to be an opulent retreat, but it became a ghost of a dream that never fully came to life. Developer Francis Jay Schroedel poured millions into constructing an elaborate resort, complete with a grand lodge, a massive hotel, and even a subterranean Carnival Street filled with luxury shops. Despite his ambition, financial troubles forced the resort into foreclosure in 1973, and Schroedel was ultimately removed from the property. Before his death in 1976, he was said to have placed a curse on the resort, vowing that if he couldn’t open it, no one would. A prophecy that seemed to hold true, as every attempt to revive the resort failed, and the buildings were eventually demolished.

Even after the structures were gone, the land retained an eerie reputation. Visitors reported strange occurrences such as lights flickering in abandoned buildings, disembodied voices in the woods, and an overwhelming sense of being watched. Today, some see shadowy figures near where the grand lodge once stood. Whether it was Schroedel’s curse, restless spirits, or simply the weight of a failed dream, the history of Rainbow Springs still lingers as a haunting presence from Mukwonago’s past.

For a while, the abandoned resort served as a haunted attraction known as the Haunted Hotel.

The buildings are long gone today, but the area is now a publicly accessible hiking area known as Rainbow Springs Nature Preserve.

Rainbow Springs Resort was used by Milwaukee author DJ Slater as the fictional setting for his debut horror novel Legend Has It.

Reported Paranormal Activity

• A curse placed on the land by former owner Francis Jay Schroedel
• Shadowy figures seen where the resort used to be
• disembodies voices in the woods
• Lights flickering in abandoned buildings
• Feelings of being watched