The Phantom Hitchhiker of Highway 12: Wisconsin’s Most Elusive Ghost

Wisconsin is no stranger to ghost stories, but few are as persistent—or as chilling—as the legend of the Phantom Hitchhiker of Highway 12 near Baraboo. For decades, late-night travelers have reported encountering a mysterious figure along the road, only for him to disappear without a trace. Some say he’s a lost soul, forever wandering the highway. Others believe he may be something else entirely—an omen, a loop in time, or a spirit replaying his final moments.

A Figure on the Road

The most common version of the story describes a lone man walking along Highway 12, usually near Baraboo and Sauk City. Witnesses say he appears in the dead of night, clad in a green army-style jacket and blue jeans. Sometimes he’s walking toward oncoming cars, while other times, he stands still on the roadside, as if waiting for a ride. Many drivers have attempted to stop and help, only for the figure to vanish as they approach.

But perhaps the eeriest encounters are those in which he reappears miles ahead of where he was first spotted—an impossible feat for any normal traveler.

A former resident of the area described this phenomenon:

"I encountered him many times... Most times I saw him between New Freedom and Sauk City on Hwy 12. However, I did see him a handful of times near Ski High Road and the S curve. Many times I passed him, only to have him ahead of me a mile or two, and I couldn't figure out how he'd gotten there."

Another witness, driving late at night, recalled:

"I saw him at 3 a.m. in late June 2015. The description matches. We were coming back from the Baraboo casino and heading toward Madison. He was walking towards the car, in the middle of the street." https://theresashauntedhistoryofthetri-state.blogspot.com/

For those unfamiliar with the stretch of road in question, Highway 12 is a dark and lonely highway, lined with thick trees and stretches of farmland. At night, it can feel utterly deserted—except, perhaps, for whatever lingers between this world and the next.

A Tragic Past?

Where did this ghostly hitchhiker come from? While no official record points to a definitive answer, locals have speculated on his origins. Some say he may have been a soldier returning home from duty, only to perish in a tragic accident along the highway. Others claim he was a hitchhiker killed by a reckless driver who fled the scene, leaving his spirit to wander in search of justice.

A chillingly similar legend exists in other parts of the country, particularly the infamous “Vanishing Hitchhiker” stories. In those tales, a passenger accepts a ride only to disappear from the car before reaching their destination, later revealed to have died years before. The Phantom Hitchhiker of Highway 12, however, seems more of a silent observer, never interacting directly—just walking, reappearing, and vanishing into thin air.

A Warning or a Restless Spirit?

Some believe the spectral figure is more than a ghost. Could he be a warning for reckless drivers, a lingering presence meant to caution those who speed through the dark roads of Wisconsin? A few drivers have reported that right after seeing him, they narrowly avoided an accident—as if something had kept them alert at the last second.

Whatever the case, those who have seen him never forget the encounter. Whether you’re a believer in ghosts or just love a good mystery, next time you find yourself on Highway 12 late at night, keep your eyes on the road—because you never know who might be watching from the roadside.

What do you think? Have you or someone you know ever experienced the Phantom Hitchhiker of Highway 12? Drop a comment below or share your own spooky Wisconsin encounters!