Van Ostrand

Wisconsin's ghost towns are lead mines, lumber towns, and cutover country that went back to forest.

Van Ostrand is a ghost town in Langlade County, Wisconsin. A railroad began service between Shawano and Van Ostrand in 1907. People began to move to White Lake and leave Van Ostrand. It was accelerated by the new lumber mill built in White Lake. The Wisconsin Northern moved its depot from Van Ostrand to White Lake at approximately that time. Van Ostrand was abandoned after the railroad was removed.

The on-the-ground condition of Van Ostrand is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Here's the honest truth: access to Van Ostrand is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.