Waugoshance Lighthouse is also renown for a very haunting tale. During the 1800's, it was kept by John Herman, a lighthouse keeper well known for his practical jokes and heavy drinking on the job. Legend has it that one night while in a stupor, he locked his assistant in the lantern room as a practical joke.When his assistant finally found his way out, Herman was no where to be found. Many believe he fell into the lake as he was never seen again.

Future lightkeepers who knew the history, refused the assignment. Those that did, reported to have had their chairs kicked out from underneath them when they fell asleep. Strangely, one keeper reported that coal was shoveled into the boiler with no one around.