About
Perched along the Mississippi River in Genoa, Wisconsin, the Water View Inn (originally known as the Big River Inn) began in 1896 as a simple restaurant serving steamboat passengers and wagon-trail travelers moving through the Driftless Region. As river traffic and overland travel increased, the property expanded into a full hotel, offering lodging to those passing through this vital corridor of early Wisconsin commerce. Over more than a century, the inn has stood as a quiet witness to the rise and fall of river trade and the steady rhythm of small-town life along the Great River Road.
Today, the historic building retains its vintage charm, but guests and staff have long shared stories of something else lingering inside. The spirit of a former employee known as Kenny is said to remain at the inn, known not for malice, but for playful, persistent activity. His presence is most often felt in subtle but unmistakable ways — small disruptions that suggest someone unseen is still moving through the halls, interacting with the environment, and making it known that he hasn’t quite checked out.
Reported Paranormal Activity
- Objects mysteriously moved or relocated
- TVs turning on and off in empty rooms
- Appliances activating without explanation
- Unexplained noises and disturbances in guest rooms
- A lingering presence believed to be the spirit of “Kenny,” a former employee
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