No photograph
on file
Est. 1879
Photo courtesy Big River Restaurant
Haunted Hotel / Inn

Big River Restaurant

Historic inn where a former employee named Kenny moves things and turns on televisions

500 Main Street, Genoa, WI

Wheelchair Accessible

Research updated June 2026

Age

All Ages

Cost

$$

Restaurant and inn pricing

Access

Wheelchair OK

Historic building with multiple floors

Equipment

Photos OK

Object displacementLights flickeringEquipment malfunction

The ghost of Kenny, a former employee at Big River Inn, manifests through consistent and recognizable poltergeist-type phenomena. Employees and guests report that televisions turn on independently when no one is present or has activated them. Lights flicker or turn on and off without apparent cause. Most distinctively, objects in the kitchen—particularly food and cooking implements—go missing or are discovered hidden in unusual locations.

The phenomena pattern suggests intelligent haunting rather than random poltergeist activity: Kenny's actions seem purposeful, focused on areas where he worked (the kitchen), and expressed through activities he was familiar with (using the television, moving items). The benign nature of the phenomena—mischievous rather than malicious—suggests a spirit with continued attachment to his former workplace but no hostile intent toward the living.

Notable Entities

Kenny

Plan Your Visit

2 ways to experience
Overnight Stay Booking Required

Dine at the Historic Haunted Inn

Dine at Big River Inn (also known as Water View Inn) where a former employee named Kenny manifests through poltergeist activity. Guests experience televisions turning on mysteriously, lights flickering, and objects disappearing from the kitchen.

Duration:
2 hr
Book this experience
Overnight Stay Booking Required

Stay at Historic Haunted Inn

Book an overnight stay at the Big River Inn, a historic 1879-1896 building offering accommodation alongside paranormal investigation opportunity. Experience phenomena attributed to a former employee's lingering presence.

Duration:
14 hr
Book this experience

Book a room at Big River Restaurant

Stay the night

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See current room rates and availability at Big River Restaurant.

Check rates and book

Rates come from booking partners, so a small property may not be listed. Book direct with Big River Restaurant

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Big River Restaurant family-friendly?
A historic inn with playful poltergeist phenomena. The ghost (Kenny) is benign and mischievous rather than hostile. Suitable for families interested in history and paranormal phenomena. Overall family fit: High.
How much does it cost to visit Big River Restaurant?
Restaurant and inn pricing
Do I need to book in advance?
No advance booking is required, but checking availability is recommended.
Is Big River Restaurant wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Big River Restaurant is wheelchair accessible. Terrain: Historic building with multiple floors.