The mansion was built in the Pseudo-Greek revival architecture, typical for that time. The carcass of a mutilated cow was found without any blood and removed reproductive organs. This 801-acre park is chockfull of gorgeous trees, some of them over a century old. For an overview of more quaint towns in Illinois, click here. But perhaps the creepiest apparition is the Farmer. Couple the drowning of a local farmer with a dumping ground for the mobs latest hits and you have a hunchbacked spirit that slithers out from this very pond. Holy Name Cathedral Things to do Talks and lectures Rush & Division The 1926 hit that took down Al Capone rival Hymie Weiss. Built on a cemetery with 35,000 buried dead, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a congregation of spirits from the 1840s and 1850s which makes it a major destination on the list of haunted locations in Illinois. Holmes murder house made it on the list of the most haunted places in Illinois. Drury Inn & Suites in Creve Coeur. The woman is probably Ann Bergman who had been murdered in 1962 along with her boyfriend. As reported in the Rock Island Argus on September 30, 1905, Mrs. Its been a hub for ghostly activity since the '50s. Follow Google Maps. Read more 0 Where can I go apple picking in Illinois? There, tourists claim to have seen blood suddenly appear in rivulets down the walls and hear chains rattling amidst the haunting cacophony of the dying, moaning for salvation from their prison. Another famous haunting takes place at beautiful Glessner House Museum (1800 S Prairie Ave), where a white entity reportedly wanders the house, creating cold spots as it goes. Standing 100-feet tall and overlooking the Mississippi River, the Devils Bake-Oven is a cliff that has played host to its fair share of tragedy. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeths articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals. By 1880, the Galena had lost its luster, and the city removed the top stories. While it's OK to visit the cemetery during the day, police are always on the lookout for nighttime trespassers unless you're part of an authorized ghost tour. It sounds like the ghost that haunts the Woodstock Opera House might just have the best seat in town. John Wayne Gacy, who brutally ended the lives of thirty-three men, called Chicago his home. Holmes murder castle. Holmes capitalized on the chaos to lure unsuspecting tourists to his hotel, where he played mad scientist with their bodies. Legend has it that victims of the Eastland disaster, which claimed 844 lives in 1915, took up residence at Oprah Winfrey's now-demolished Harpo Studios, and the alley behind the present-day Oriental Theater (originally the site of the Iroquois Theater, destroyed in a 1903 fire that killed more than 600) is also said to be haunted. This Illinois haunted location was turned into a factory and has the story of a schoolgirl named Mary associated with it. Since 2006, the property had become a famous haunted landmark in Illinois under the ownership of Robbin & Norma Terry. I formulate all-natural, synthetic free skin & body care products at Basic Theory but I love sharing my thoughts and (Do a quick search on the following sites). This 2,630-acre park has 13 miles of trails to explore and quite a few waterfalls to see. Unsubscribe in one click. Beecher Hall, according to campus talk, was formerly a medical building and the top floor was a space for storing cadavers. Locals blame accidents on Timber Ridge road on her ghost, who is said to wander the fields with her hair billowing behind her like smoke. Learn more about the history of the strange patch of land at, It is rumored that you might come across a dead body on the ground along this swatch of road, one of the most haunted places in Illinois. Let us know! A passion for cocktail creation, international travel and decadent foodie experiences, enjoy Stephanie's romp through the Land of Lincoln. This place is now one of the most haunted cemeteries in the US. The location of this hotel is also really good since attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Buckingham Fountain are within a short walking distance away. Basement of the Dead. Recent paranormal investigations detected that unusual activities like horrifying screams and unexplained ghost lights still emanate from the cemetery. Looking for some REAL scares? Find out what else this ghost gets up to at the, Woodstock Opera House, 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098, USA, This southern Illinois town sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, but suffered from much flooding and is now nothing more than a ghost town. No one knows exactly when this site began being used for housing the deceased, but graves began appearing as early as the 1820s. Lawrence Ave, west of N East River Rd, Chicago, IL 60656, United States. With Halloween just around the corner, there are plenty of local haunts to be had in Illinois. Whether you're looking for some real scares this Halloween Season, or you're simply fascinated by Illinois's haunted history, you'll want to check out Illinois Haunted Houses's database of real haunted houses across Illinois that are filled with thrills, chills, and scares year round! Holmes may have actually killed hundreds of people during his lifetime). With a list this extensive, your paranormal adventure trip might get more exciting and terrifying while searching for the most haunted places in Illinois. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Love Illinois? Let's visit the most haunted places in Illinois! Established in 1856, the town of Sterling was an industrial hub that became famous for its hardware manufacturing. Holmes. Holmes, the residents have long shared state lines with some of historys greatest murderers. You can sit in the Devils Chair and make a pact with the Devil. This cemetery is open to the public so anyone is free to take a tour if they are brave enough. But Travel + Leisure recently named the Congress as Chicago's most haunted place, noting that gangster Al Capone headquartered his shady dealings there, and it's also said to be haunted by victims of infamous "Devil in the White City" serial killer H.H. Tragic struck this couple not long after when Laura Schweppe died from a heart attack in 1937. You can visit these woods all year round between sunrise and sunset. One of the best-haunted locations in Illinois, the Ridge Cemetery feels the grimmest when visited after sunset. Its believed that their burial site takes up a portion of todays Greenwood Cemetery. People have heard childrens voices, humming and whistling. That more than 35,000 people were once buried there, and as many as 12,000 bodies remained sparking rumors of hauntings. 10. The Greenwood Bride, the ghost of a weeping young woman that haunts the short stone Barrackman Steps. Address: Ricketts Ave. and U.S. 24, Bartonville, Illinois 61607. A female apparition may be seen sobbing and asking visitors if they've seen her baby. An argument ensued between the lovers and she stormed out hoping to find a ride home. And if picking isnt for you, head to the country store to grab honey, apple cider, produce, and a whole lot more. Get more stories delivered right to your email. With as many as 12,000 bodies supposedly still under the zoo, theres enough thrill and terror for a paranormal investigator at this site. Youll also find a 165-foot-tall red oak tree, the tallest in the state. Here are some creepy houses from around the state that might just give you the heebie jeebies. Neighbors found her horrifically burnt after she crawled out of the informal funeral pyre and died later that day. Sin Yee is a small-business owner, freelance writer and a content creator. Originally built in 1869 by Henry Guest McPike, it is located in Alton, Illinois (a town with a haunted history in itself). This abandoned cemetery is considered one of the most haunted places in the Chicagoland area. What makes all this even weirder is that Inez Clarke isnt even buried in Graceland Cemetery. Springfield is the sight of his grave at the Oak Ridge Cemetery where visitors have spotted him walking near his very own tombstone a night. An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. The state is full of terrifying spots to avoid and these are just a few of the scariest! Golf course (within 3 km). "Some claim the haunts date back to the property before the mansion was even built, with Native American ghosts and a residue from a possible Underground Railroad stop," according to the Illinois Office of Tourism. Devils Bake-Oven, Grand Tower, Illinois, 7. Location. Facebook/Greenwood Cemetery, Decatur, Illinois. feet in size, and has over 60 rooms and 100 actors ready to scare the living soul out of you. Those who have read Erik Larsons Devil in the White City know the history surrounding the multiple murders that took place during the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago (historians believe that H.H. Did you love playing with the Ouija board as a kid? Spooky Illinois Attractions When darkness falls across Illinois, it's prime time for ghost sightings and paranormal stories. Residents of the mobile home near the site claimed to have heard knocking on the doors and windows hours after the crash but no one was there. This plot of land is a burial ground for circus performers who used to work for the Showmens League of America. The stone building and the farm near the Poplar Creek Forest preserve are both believed to be haunted. Paranormal enthusiasts have experienced voices from beyond the veil as they wander the grounds, an echo of the patients and staff who once called Peoria State Hospital home. Ghost of a young female who pulls pranks on visitors. The Adults-Only Resort In Illinois Where You Can Enjoy Some Much-Needed Peace And Quiet, 7 Quirky Facts About Illinois That Sound Made Up, But Are 100% Accurate, Most People Dont Know That This Charming Small Town Was Named After Ancient Egypt, The Best Breakfast In Illinois Is Served At This Iconic Hole-In-The-Wall Restaurant, The Ultimate Terrifying Illinois Road Trip Is Right Here And Youll Want To Do It, 13 Haunted Landmarks In Illinois For The Ultimate Ghost Hunter, The Story Behind This Evil Place In Illinois Will Make Your Blood Turn Cold, The Spooky Stories Behind The Most Haunted County In Illinois Will Give You Goosebumps, Illinois Ancestors Tombstone Project/Janine Crandell. Read about nine of the most haunted places in Illinois. Situated in Alton, IL, the stories from this 19th-century haunted cemetery are not for the faint-hearted. Also, Victorian Christmas which is close to Thanksgiving is a great time to visit Woodstock. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Once a vaudeville and silent movie house in the 1920s, Lincoln Theatre is now believed to be home to several ghosts. Manteno State Mental Hospital in Manteno: claims the ghosts who inhabit it scared his first wife so badly, Tormented Spirits Are Haunting Old Joliet Prison: Ferak Column, 4 Famous Ghost Stories From The Most Haunted Hotel In Illinois. Accommodates: 10, Parking Illinois College was founded in 1829 and is believed to have several haunted buildings on campus. After some restoration, the prison on Collins Street opened in 2018 for tours. Follow Google Maps. From Al Capone to H.H. It is likely that it was originally a Native American burial ground, and it has definitely been robbed many times over the centuries. Excalibur/The Castle - Chicago, IL Often referred to as Excalibur, the building definitely looks like it's haunted just from the outside alone. There are a lot of ghost sightings that have been reported by visitors, including a lady carrying an infant dressed in white who only appears during the full moon, and a two-headed ghost who is always sighted near the slough. According to the story, Mary would hitch a ride, then ask to be let out of the car near the cemetery where she would simply vanish. Some have even heard weeping nearby. Midnight during October or on Halloween Day would be the best time to experience spooky vibes on this route. 2nd February so you can partake in the festivities of the town. Bar Also a burial for Civil War soldiers, you may just catch a glimpse of a Confederate apparition in uniform. Built in 1869 by Henry Guest McPike, paranormal investigation reports have found that the house is haunted by the ghost of the former owner Paul Laichnger and his domestic help Sarah Wells. Heading to Chicago? Check out these other top haunted places: Dont forget to subscribe to myYouTube Channeland follow me onInstagram. Witness the mysterious beauty of a phantom woman who has been on the Kennedy Hill Road for decades. Looking for more? There have been reports of lights flickering, flashlights mysteriously turning off, and the strong smell of the former owner's perfume. There have been reports from visitors saying that theyve heard scary screams and have seen strange lights from inside the area. The Marshal had arrested them a few days back but released them soon after the peace treaty was signed. Book this ghost and gangster tour to see all the top haunts! Speaking of haunted . The grieving parents of Leopold and Loeb victim Bobby Franks both died at the Drake, as well. Vintage cars are known to mysteriously appear. Richard Crowe documented dozens of sightings of hitchhiking ghost Resurrection Mary, took up residence at Oprah Winfrey's now-demolished Harpo Studios, alley behind the present-day Oriental Theater, infamous "Devil in the White City" serial killer H.H. Follow Google Maps. At Curious City, we get plenty of questions about the most haunted spots in Chicago and around Illinois. For ghost hunters, the road can be really exciting to experience paranormal activity. Old Joliet Prison, Joliet: The fictional home of Jake and Elwood Blues also housed notorious killers like John Wayne Gacy, who spent time there before being sent to Stateville, mass murderer Richard Speck and infamous "crime of the century" murderers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb. Shoe Factory Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL, United States. As the site of several Native American burial mounds, this sylvan gathering place of spirits seems to haunt all five of the senses with reminders of the tribes who rest there. You can hear screams and cries in the Public Mausoleum. 12853 Royal Road Farmer City, IL 61842. A remote town in Illinois with a mystifying ghost story attached to it, the Ridge Cemetery is a must-visit location for those wanting to visit haunted abandoned places in Illinois. It stands as one of the most haunted places in Illinois. It is rumored that residents still roam here, though, but you won't want to see them. Today only twelve of the 63 original buildings on the campus remain standing, including Pollack Hospital, which once served as a tuberculosis ward. You should go to this Illinois paranormal site during dawn or dusk at any time of the year. Delicious breakfasts are also complimentary during the weekdays and if you are looking for a delectable grilled spread, visit their on-site restaurant, the ROX City Grill, for some luscious fare. TOURS OFFERED: * Walking Tour (Spring-Fall) $27 * Bus Tours (Fall Only) $46 DINNER TOURS: * Ghosts of the River Road (All Year Around) $52 TOURS DEPART: Between the 1790s and the 1870s, the area was rife with river pirates, highwaymen, counterfeiters, and horse thieves. He was only one of the many African Americans who found themselves shackled in Crenshaws attic, outfitted as a dungeon of horrors. This Creepy Ghost Town In Illinois Is The Stuff Nightmares Are Made Of Once upon a time, Cairo, Illinois was one of the most popular towns in Illinois. There are myths of ghost sightings on various levels of the hotel including Al Capone, an old Scarface on the eighth floor, Peg Leg Johnny who loves to play with the room electronics and lights as well as a little mischievous boy in Room 441. In 1941, Charles was found dead in his bedroom from a gunshot wound to the head. Grab some apple cider donuts to bring home or head to the Cider Cellar Caf to grab a bite. Spirits of dead kids whose school bus fell off the bridge might push your car off the bridge if you put it in neutral. The McPike Mansion has been called one of the scariest structures in the United States and it definitely ranks as the most haunted house in Illinois. Morton Arboretum in Lisle has more than 4,000 different types of trees throughout its 1,700 acres. To keep her restless spirit at bay, the residents bound her soul to the oak tree and utilized the anti-spectral properties of iron to prevent her from escaping from her grave. A bar across the street from the cemetery, Chet's Melody Lounge, has purportedly seen its fair share of shaken-up drivers who claimed to encounter the legendary ghost, and it's a favorite spot for those hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Address: Unnamed Road, Forest Park, IL 60130, United States. Best haunted houses in Chicago. Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago: Chicago has no shortage of ghost stories. This apparently happened when she was leaving for home after completing a seasonal bulletin. ILLINOIS It's that time of year again time for hayrack rides, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and, of course, haunted houses. The most talked about is that of a young girl who went missing and was later found walking down the road that leads to the cemetery. One of the most haunted areas of the cemetery is a confederate grave memorial that commemorates a crew of soldiers who all died from Yellow Fever on a train passing through the area. So this week we're investigating one of them: the alleged haunting of Munger Road, which . Instead, it was a Murder Castle, complete with trap doors, body chutes, and a basement crematorium where Holmes disposed of the evidence of his sick crimes. Squealing of tricycle tires, yelling and screaming voices. Haunted Places haunted places, illinois, state, usa, 1. Top 7 Haunted Places In Illinois, USA - Updated 2023, Search Vrbo for the best Holiday Homes & Rentals, haunted places in illinois | congress plaza hotel, Top 9 Hotels With Water Park In Illinois, USA - Updated 2023, 17 Best Vacation Rentals With Private Pool In Illinois, USA - Updated 2023, 10 Best Airbnbs With Pool In Illinois, USA - Updated 2023, 10 Best Things To Do In Decatur, Illinois, 10 Best Things To Do In Charleston, Illinois - Updated 2023, The 10 Most Haunted Places In Indiana, USA, The 9 Most Haunted Places In California, USA - Updated 2023, Top 5 Hiking And Trekking Spots In Waimea Canyon, Hawaii, A Guide To Bosphorus Cruise - Updated 2023, A Guide To Six Flags Fiesta - Updated 2023, 10 Best Things To Do In Shannon, Ireland - Updated 2023. The McPike Mansion of Alton, Illinois is one of the most haunted locations in all of the United States. A circus performer, stuntwoman, professed travel buff and lover of Tom Waits, Stephanie is looking forward to sharing her favorite Chicago haunts with both adventurous locals and curious travelers. Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech from the balcony in 1856, Stephen A. Douglas did the same in 1968, and Ulysses S. Grant headed his presidential campaign from the comfort of rooms 209 and 211. Holmes resided (a post office now occupies the site), screams can still be heard in the area and pets become visibly scared when walking by this site in Englewood. If you are courageous enough to be pranked by a ghost, then Aux Sable Cemetery is the best haunted Illinois location. Haunted Places in Illinois: Tour the Galena Hotspots. The hotel is also a "poltergeist magnet," according to Chicago magazine, and is rumored to be the site of hauntings by the "Woman in Black" (we're sensing a theme here), tied to one of Chicago's most bizarre unsolved mysteries after a wealthy guest was shot to death in 1944 when a stranger stepped out of that bathroom in her room and began firing. Haunted Barns: 6. If you visit you may just hear the cries of elephants echoing in the night sky. One such story involves a farmer who killed his family and buried them at the center of the circle of trees near the barn. If you want to experience a nightmare-inducing ordeal with lots of ghoulish vibes, this is the road that you need to travel. Among them, according to legend, is a woman who was accused of witchcraft around 1900. Those who dare to spend the night say that they feel as if they are constantly being watched by an unseen presence that follows them as they walk the halls. You will experience 26,000+ square feet of realistic detailing, and mind blowing special effects that are sure to get your blood flowing.. [ Read more ] The Red Lion Pub is home to countless ghosts that have been sighted on multiple occasions over the decades. The Old Slave House Museum, 4325 Crenshaw Ln, Equality, IL 62934, United States. Here are four touring options to check out in town: Sturtevant Hall and Beecher Hall are two locations where people have reported footsteps, strange noises and apparitions. Dr. George Zeller wrote in his book Befriending the Bereft that on the day of Old Books funeral, hundreds of spectators witnessed a full-body apparition of the man standing under the Crying Tree.. Once called the Illinois Asylum for the Incurably Insane, little remains of the massive Peoria State Hospital. People have reported seeing the chair fold down during a performance. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Here are 11 spots across the state that are reputed to be haunted . 12 of the coolest hotels in Illinois you need to stay in, Best places to stay in the Algarve for couples (hotels, resorts, and more), Globetrotters in heart and soul. If you are someone who wished ghost hunting was an actual job (because youd actually be pretty great at it) these 13 true hauntings in Illinois are exactly what you need to send your hair on end and your teeth chattering. Follow Google Maps. Holmes. 1. Showmens Rest, located in Forest Park within the Woodlawn Cemetery in Illinois, might just be one of the scariest haunted places on the list. Mary was found inside the girls locker room, all battered and bloodied. And there are quite a few places for apple picking in Illinois. In fact, Chicagoland and the rest of Illinois are home to some of the most notorious sites for hauntings in the state. They got things right by founding the town at a great location, right at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Since then, flutes have gone missing from the band room on many occasions. Today, guests of the hotel can enjoy the lavish Victorian-style rooms while enjoying stories of the spirits who seemingly never checked out. Paranormal activities had also been reported. I hope you liked my post on the most haunted places in Wisconsin. Among them are Sturtevant Hall and Beecher Hall, where folks have reported apparitions, footsteps, and other noises. All rights reserved. The McPike Mansion is a notorious supernatural site, consisting of an abandoned 16-acre mansion situated on a large, 15-acre swath of land that nature has reclaimed over the last 60 years. For better planning of your trip, you can find tour guides who will help you gain access to such locations that normally arent accessible. Among them is Old Book, a gravedigger known for crying under an elm tree each time someone died. He commissioned the building in 1889 and hired hands completed it just in time for thousands of visitors to pour into the Windy City for the Worlds Fair in 1893. Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Museums, Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses, Know of a Real Haunt that we don't already have listed? Once Galenas hub of town social life, the DeSoto House Hotel has played host to illustrious guests in its 170-year history. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago: Lions and tigers and ghosts, oh my! Fitness centre You may not want to live in the good ol Land of Lincoln anymore once youve learned about these nine real haunted places in Illinois. Disembodied laughter of children, disappearing objects, scraping of doors, and unexplained footsteps. It's been a hub for ghostly activity since the '50s. Referred to as Chicagos Most Haunted Hotel and another artifact of the Worlds Fair, the Congress Plaza consists of a maze of hallways occupied by phantoms of times long since past. Paranormal investigators and those interested in the otherworldly flock to this mansion every year in the hopes of seeing a ghost. Despite its vacant status, the mansion seems to be blazing with unexplained energy. The fifth floor of the inn is said to be especially haunted and is where most of the eerie things have been reported. One of the most famous ghosts here is Henry, who haunts the 1918 Shryock Auditorium. Address: 606 S Church St, Decatur, IL 62522, United States, Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun). She said the people who lived there wanted her to come and stay with them. Everyone from staff members, to patrons of the . Here is an overview of more central Illinois attractions. Cornfield/Maze: 3. In Golconda, theres Dixon Springs State Park. DeSoto House Hotel in Galena: Another haunted hotel, this one boasted famous guests including Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas and William Jennings Bryan. Four years after the Galena opened, a raging fire destroyed twelve rooms. Those brave enough to trek down the trails report smelling lavender, watching torches move near the gravesites, and hearing the sound of tom-tom drums reverberating through the groves of trees. The graveyard, at the highest point of the 810 feet mountain, has however remained. The tiny ghosts of two children, whose mother threw them from a window, still delight in mischief, filling the empty labyrinth with bone-chilling laughter. Interested in the most haunted places in Illinois? When she failed, she laid all of her children out on the bed, poured oil over their bodies, and lit the match that sealed her fate. People have reported seeing the statue of Inez move on its own. The culprit, it is believed, is the ghost of architect Henry Hobson Richardson, who died just before the mansion's completion. Please Let Us know. The Congress Lounge has comfortable leather couches to allow guests to chill and catch a glimpse of the panoramic city landscape of Chicago. The Lady in Black, a ghost of unknown origin, haunts the hotel, appearing as a dark shadow dressed in traditional 19th-century clothing and floating through a wall where a doorway once stood. The place was even made popular by SciFi Channels Ghost Hunters. Watch the schedule for upcoming dates. Its no wonder that the post office and grassy knoll where his pet project once stood is alight with paranormal activity. When you consider some of Illinois residents, though, its no surprise that its long been a favorite location for paranormal enthusiasts. Address: Route 1, Equality, Illinois 62934. Resurrection Cemetery in Justice: Late Chicago ghosthunter Richard Crowe documented dozens of sightings of hitchhiking ghost Resurrection Mary, most often seen by men driving along Archer Avenue near the Willowbrook Ballroom (which, sadly, burned down in 2016), where legend has it Mary danced her last dance before her tragic death. Address: 520 South Michigan Avenue Heading to Chicago? The past and current owners have all claimed to experience orbs, footsteps, strange mists, objects that move on their own, and chilling voices cut through the stale air of the dilapidated building. See our privacy policy for more information on how we use your data. The Massacre is custom renovated every year for the Halloween season. Love Illinois? The school building is not in use and it is unclear if access is allowed to the floor where she had died.