Gangsters, Ghosts, and Haunted History Tours in Illinois

BOOK NOW

We all know the old-time gangster stories. But that’s not all there is to know. Our award-winning walking tours of Chicago go beyond the headlines, diving deep into the history - and hauntings - associated with the most notorious characters and times (like the Great Fire of 1871) in the city’s history. From the eerie streets of Aurora to the historic charm of Woodstock, Naperville, and Lake County, our guides reveal the hidden mysteries lurking throughout Illinois.

A group of people are standing on a train platform at night.
A man in a blue shirt is giving a girl a candle
A black and white photo of the front of a building

Illinois Ghost Tours

A city skyline is reflected in a lake at night

Lincoln Park Hauntings Chicago Ghost Tour & Ghost Hunt

Take a spine-tingling night walk through Lincoln Park in Chicago and hear gruesome tales like the St. Valentine’s Day massacre. From $34.99 per person. Most nights at 8pm.

A cemetery with a tree and a grave with the letter i on it

Aurora Two Brothers Roundhouse Ghost Tour and Investigation

"America's Ghost Storyteller" Diane Ladley takes you on a lantern-led tour inside this historic establishment. From $25 per person. Tuesdays at 6:30pm.

A group of people are standing in front of a building at night.

The Original Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour

Take this 3-hour, fully-narrated haunted history tour of Chicago’s ghosts by luxury coach, with several stops off the bus at some of Chicago’s most haunted locations. From $54 per person. Saturdays at 7pm.

A man with a hat and mustache is wearing a suit and tie

The Devil in the White City Bus Tour

Discover the true, not to mention hard to believe, details about the notorious serial killer, HH Holmes, on this 3-hour bus tour. From $59 per person. Select Saturdays at 2pm.

A cemetery filled with lots of graves and trees at sunset.

The Resurrection Mary 4-Hour Bus Tour and Pub Stop

Learn about one of Chicago's most spirited hitchhikers, "Resurrection Mary," on this 4-hour ghost tour that includes a stop at a pub. From $69 per person. Select Saturdays at 2pm.

A black and white photo of the front of a building

Woodstock Ghost Walk

This town has a lot more than just Groundhog Day. Secrets, ghost stories, exorcisms, and a whole lot more spooky fun await you. From $30 per person. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm.

An aerial view of a city surrounded by trees

Aurora Hauntings Ghost Walk

Explore the “City of Cemeteries” with EMF ghost meters! From $30 per person. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm.

A street sign that says chicago av on it

Naperville Hauntings Ghost Walk

Experience the Haunted Streets of Naperville, Illinois, on this award-winning 2-hour ghost walk with paranormal expert Diane Ladley. From $34 per person. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm.

A large brick building with a theater in front of it

The Great Lake County Ghost Adventure

This all-day ghost bus tour will introduce you to the lore of haunted Lake County north of Chicago, stopping for lunch at an actively haunted pub. From $89 per person. Select days at 10am.

A large brick building with a theater in front of it

Prairie Avenue Ghost Hunt

Meet the ghosts of the Gilded Age: Marshall Field, George Pullman, Philip Armour, and many more who used to live in what was the most desirable address in the city before the fire, known as Millionaire's Row. From $34.99 per person. Select Fridays at 8pm.

GUEST REVIEWS

  • White background.

    A great tour! We visited multiple locations with a knowledgeable guide. We were able to use ghost hunting equipment and hear the stories from the guide while seeing the locations.

    Gray Walsh

    Button
  • White background.

    This ghost tour was great ! Our guide explained to us in detail the history of Lincoln park and we came across a couple fascinating sites such as the saint Valentine’s Day massacre, highly recommend!

    Marty Goose

    Button
  • White background.

    This tour was one of the best that I’ve been on. Our tour guide gave so much historical information, which I really appreciated. He called out certain things to note, shared photos, personal experiences and stories of what has happened during his tours. He let us ask questions, tell our own stories, and had all the things a ghost hunter would need (and let us try them!) I will definitely be booking in the future, but probably when it’s a little warmer out.

    Dakota Horejs

    Button

Highlights

  • The Phantoms of Cuba Road and White Cemetery

    A sign for the white cemetery in cuba township

    Discover why Cuba Road is considered Illinois’ most haunted stretch of highway—where glowing orbs float through the trees, phantom houses vanish without a trace, and the spirits of gangsters still roam the night. Want to dig deeper into the eerie legends tied to this road and the nearby White Cemetery? Don’t miss our full article on the hauntings of Cuba Road and White Cemetery. 

    Learn More

  • Beneath the Zoo: Uncovering the Ghosts of Lincoln Park

    A city skyline is reflected in a lake at night

    Once a sprawling cemetery and now home to spectral voices, shadow figures, and haunted mirrors, Lincoln Park hides thousands of restless souls beneath its serene surface. Dare to investigate the paranormal heart of Chicago—join our Lincoln Park Hauntings Ghost Tour & Ghost Hunt and explore what still lingers after dark.

    Learn More

  • Chicago’s Blood-Soaked Valentine: Ghosts of the Capone Era

    A man is laying on the floor in a bowling alley

    Step into the chilling legacy of love, loss, and murder as we uncover the haunted aftermath of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and Chicago’s most infamous gangland ghosts. Explore the real hauntings behind the headlines—join The Original Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour and discover history’s most haunted crime.

    Learn More

  • The Devil in Englewood: Unearthing Chicago’s Murder Castle

    A black and white photo of a fountain and buildings

    Discover the chilling history and lingering hauntings of H.H. Holmes’ infamous Murder Castle—where shadows of America’s first serial killer still stir beneath the South Side streets. Dare to explore the darkest chapter in Chicago’s past—book your seat on The Devil in the White City Bus Tour and stand where evil once ruled.

    Learn More

  • Chicago’s Eternal Hitchhiker: The Legend of Resurrection Mary

    A cemetery filled with lots of graves and trees at sunset.

    For over 80 years, drivers along Archer Avenue have encountered the ghostly figure of a young woman in white—only to watch her vanish at the gates of Resurrection Cemetery. Follow the path of Chicago’s most famous ghost—book your seat on The Resurrection Mary 4-Hour Bus Tour and Pub Stop and experience the mystery firsthand.

    Learn More

  • Ghosts and Groundhogs: Hauntings Beneath Woodstock’s Timeless Charm

    A black and white photo of a building with the word deco on the door

    Famous for reliving Groundhog Day, Woodstock, IL hides a darker loop of its own—where haunted inns, tragic pasts, and lingering spirits add a spectral twist to its cinematic fame. Step beyond the screen and into the supernatural—join the Woodstock Ghost Walk and uncover the real-life spirits haunting this historic town.

    Learn More

  • Uncover Aurora’s Chilling Secrets on the Ghost Walk Tour

    An aerial view of a city surrounded by trees

    Explore the haunted heart of Illinois' "City of Cemeteries" with EMF meters in hand on this 2-hour guided ghost walk through historic downtown Aurora—where the shadows of tragic pasts still linger.


    Ready to discover who (or what) haunts the Fox River’s banks? Learn more about our Aurora ghost tours and book your haunted adventure today—if you dare.

    Learn More

  • Uncover the Haunting Secrets of Naperville

    A group of people are standing on a train platform at night.

    Step into the shadows of Naperville’s Historic District on this award-winning 2-hour ghost walk with renowned storyteller Diane Ladley—complete with EMF ghost meters and chilling tales backed by real history. Ready to walk with the dead? Learn more about Naperville ghost tours and book your haunted night out today!

    Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Illinois ghost tours, along with helpful answers for travelers and paranormal enthusiasts.

  • What can I expect on a Chicago ghost tour?

    You’ll visit some of Chicago’s most haunted and historic locations, hear chilling ghost stories tied to real events like the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and explore hidden corners of the city led by knowledgeable local guides.


  • Are the Illinois ghost tours suitable for all ages?

    Most tours are family-friendly, but some may include mature themes related to historical crimes or hauntings. It’s best to check each tour’s age recommendation before booking.


  • How long do the ghost tours usually last?

    Tour lengths vary by location and format. Walking tours typically last around 2 hours, while bus tours, like “The Original Chicago Hauntings Tour” or “The Great Lake County Ghost Adventure,” can range from 3 to 4 hours or more.


  • Do the tours involve real paranormal investigations?

    Yes. Many tours, such as the Aurora and Naperville Ghost Walks, include the use of ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters and offer participants the chance to experience investigations firsthand.


  • Who leads the Illinois ghost tours?

    All tours are guided by experienced storytellers and historians—some, like “America’s Ghost Storyteller” Diane Ladley, are well-known experts in Illinois paranormal lore and local history.


  • What are some of the most haunted spots in Illinois covered on these tours?

    Highlights include Lincoln Park, Resurrection Cemetery, Cuba Road, Prairie Avenue’s Gilded Age mansions, and Aurora’s historic Roundhouse—each with unique stories of hauntings, tragedies, and unexplained activity.


  • Do I need to book in advance for the tours?

    Yes. Many tours have limited space and specific operating days. Booking ahead secures your spot, especially during popular months like October when Halloween events often sell out.


  • Are the tours walking or bus-based?

    Both options are available. You can choose from guided walking tours in towns like Naperville or Woodstock, or bus tours such as “The Devil in the White City” and “The Resurrection Mary Tour.”


  • Is photography allowed during the tours?

    Photography is encouraged, especially at haunted or historic stops. Guests often capture unexplained lights or orbs in their photos, adding to the ghostly excitement of the experience.


  • What makes these ghost tours unique?

    These tours blend authentic Illinois history with paranormal storytelling. They go beyond typical ghost tales to explore the real people, places, and events—gangsters, fires, and legends—that shaped the state’s haunted past.


  • Are private or group tours available?

    Yes. Many providers offer private bookings or group packages for birthdays, team events, or paranormal enthusiasts who want a more personalized haunted adventure.


Ghost Stories from Illinois

Thalia Hall in Chicago

The Ghosts of Thalia Hall: Chicago’s Haunted Stage Calls You In

By Mike Huberty • October 14, 2025
Discover Thalia Hall’s spirits: historic theater lore, staff sightings, and a hands-on ghost hunt Oct 26 at 6 PM. Limited spots.
ghosts and pizza

Chicago Ghosts and Pizza Tour 2025 | Haunted Halloween Nights in the Loop

By Mike Huberty • September 17, 2025
Join the Chicago Ghosts and Pizza Tour in October 2025. Explore haunted Loop landmarks, taste Chicago’s best deep-dish pizza, and hear chilling ghost stories. Two nights only at The Exchequer, Oct 23 and Oct 30 at 6 PM.
Ressurection of Mary

Resurrection Mary: the Queen of Chicago's Haunted Archer Avenue

By Ursula Bielski • September 4, 2025
Discover the legend of Resurrection Mary on Archer Avenue in Chicago. Visit Resurrection Cemetery with our ghost tours for a haunting experience.
SHOW MORE