Hotel Hell, Manitowoc's Maribel Caves

Wisconsin Legends Podcast

The vestiges of the Maribel Caves Hotel lie in ruin near the town of Cooperstown in Manitowoc County. Nicknamed “Hotel Hell”, it has been home to many legends. It allegedly burnt three time, all on the same date. It was the scene of a mass murder and suicide. It was owned by Al Capone during prohibition. It served as a hideout as well as a stop for his rum-running business, which included John Dillinger.

And the most intriguing, the front fountain contained a portal to hell. A legion of demons escaped and unleashed hell on the nearby town. Fortunately, a white witch stepped in and banished the demons from whence they came and sealed the portal. Although the legends may only contain kernels of truth, its ominous stone façade and dilapidated state are sure to attract even more tall tales. Mike and Jeff take a deep dive into the hotel which was built in 1900 and reveal the true history of The Maribel Caves Hotel.

Check out Hotel Hell t-shirts here

Mike Huberty, hailing from the town of Big Bend, near Milwaukee, is the owner of American Ghost Walks, a haunted history tour company with locations in Maine, California, Illinois, Minnesota, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and started in our very own Badger State of Wisconsin - with tours in Lake Geneva, Milwaukee, Madison, Waukesha, Bayfield, and the Wisconsin Dells. Find out more at AmericanGhostWalks.Com.

Wisconsin Rapids native, Jeff Finup is the mind behind Badgerland Legends, which explores Wisconsin's mysteries and fascinating history, a post at a time. Legends, lore, history, cryptids ,and more from the Badger State. Find his work on Instagram and Facebook.