Root Creek

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

Root Creek was a hamlet in Sections 21–22 and 27–28 of the Town of Greenfield in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, United States, on the Milwaukee-Janesville plank road, at what is now roughly the intersection of that thoroughfare (now Forest Home Avenue) and 68th Street. The body of water after which it was named is nowadays referred to as the Root River.

The on-the-ground condition of Root Creek 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 Root Creek 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. The mapped point for Root Creek is roughly 42.9789, -87.9986 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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.