The Witch Tree

Halloween is the time of year when ghosts, witches and goblins appear to wreak havoc in the world!  During the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, the staff at YMCA Camp Manitou created the “Trail of Terror” which would include ghosts, skeletons, goblins, witches, and zombies. The trail wound through some of the Bertram property where younger kids riding on a hay wagon would be “scared out of their wits” by the hidden Monsters! It became very popular among area kids and they would look forward to it each year as the leaves began to fall.

For many years, even today, because of the YMCA Camp, the area was referred to as Camp Manitou, a Native American name meaning “Mystical Spirit”. The Bertram Lakes have since become known for its mysteries as strange things have happened there. (See my earlier tidbit, “Hatchet Harry”)

One of these stores is in the form of a tree, the “Witch Tree”. The story is that of a witch who lived in and haunted the area in the past. She grew old but wished to live on, so she turned herself into a sturdy oak tree. She still haunts the woods today with her mangled arms and spooky warts!

I cannot tell you where she is because you need to explore and find her for yourself! When you find her, please take pictures to share, but “warning” don’t stand too close!