Gangsters, Ghosts, and Haunted History Tours in Illinois

Historically grounded walks through Illinois’ darker chapters. These are the stories from Chicago’s gangland era to haunted towns on our Illinois ghost tours.

Reserve Your Ghost Tour Now

Featured In

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 deeper into the history and hauntings tied to the city’s most notorious characters and defining moments, including events like the Great Fire of 1871. From the eerie streets of Aurora to the historic charm of Woodstock, Naperville, and Lake County, our guides reveal the hidden mysteries woven 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

Discover Illinois’ haunted past through a collection of guided walking tours and immersive bus experiences. Each tour offers a distinct lens into the state’s history, from urban crime and corruption to small-town legends and long-standing paranormal investigations.

A city skyline at night with a river in the foreground.

Lincoln Park Hauntings Chicago Ghost Tour & Ghost Hunt

Take a spine-tingling night walk through Chicago’s most haunted neighborhood on this 2-hour walking tour and ghost hunt through Lincoln Park. Investigate eerie sites like the original City Cemetery, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre site — where you become the ghost hunter on a chilling, unforgettable adventure.


  • 2-hour walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Evenings Sunday–Friday
  • $34.99 per person + tax
A cemetery with a tree and a grave with the letter i on it

Aurora Two Brothers Roundhouse Ghost Tour and Investigation

Step inside the historic Two Brothers Roundhouse on this lantern-led ghost tour led by renowned storyteller Diane Ladley. Explore documented hauntings and firsthand accounts connected to one of Aurora’s most iconic and actively investigated locations.


  • 90-minute guided tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Tuesdays at 6:30 PM
  • $25 per person + tax
A group of people are standing in front of a building at night.

The Original Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour

Step aboard our fully-narrated, 3-hour luxury coach tour and explore Chicago’s most haunted sites, from the Iroquois Theater to the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Hear chilling stories, visit key historical landmarks, and step off the bus to experience some of the city’s spookiest locations firsthand.


  • 3-hour luxury coach tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Saturday evenings
  • $49 per person + tax
A man with a hat and mustache is wearing a suit and tie

The Devil in the White City Bus Tour

Step back into Victorian-era Chicago on this 3-hour bus tour and uncover the dark history behind H.H. Holmes, the city’s notorious “Murder Castle,” and the sites that inspired The Devil in the White City. Explore the World’s Fairgrounds, Prairie Avenue, and other haunted landmarks while hearing chilling tales of crime, intrigue, and the paranormal.


  • 3-hour bus tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select Saturdays at 2 PM
  • $59 per person + tax
A cemetery filled with lots of graves and trees at sunset.

The Resurrection Mary 4-Hour Bus Tour and Pub Stop

Discover the legend of Chicago’s most famous ghost, Resurrection Mary, on this 4-hour bus tour with stops at haunted landmarks and a local pub. Hear chilling stories, explore iconic sites, and enjoy a spooky mix of history, mystery, and nightlife.


  • 4-hour bus tour with pub stop
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select Saturdays at 2 PM
  • $69 per person + tax
A black and white photo of the front of a building

Woodstock Ghost Walk

Discover the haunted side of Woodstock on this guided walking tour through a town known for far more than Groundhog Day. Hear stories of secrets, unexplained events, and eerie legends tied to local history.


  • 90-minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
An aerial view of a city surrounded by trees

Aurora Hauntings Ghost Walk

Explore Aurora’s reputation as the “City of Cemeteries” on this interactive ghost walk. Guided by local experts, guests use EMF ghost meters while uncovering stories tied to some of the area’s most haunted locations.


  • 2-hour walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
  • $30 per person + tax
A street sign that says chicago av on it

Naperville Hauntings Ghost Walk

Walk the haunted streets of Naperville on this award-winning ghost tour led by paranormal expert Diane Ladley. This guided experience blends researched history with documented hauntings tied to the town’s past.


  • 2-hour walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
  • $34 per person + tax
A large brick building with a theater in front of it

The Great Lake County Ghost Adventure

Spend a full day exploring haunted Lake County on this immersive bus tour. Visit multiple locations, uncover local legends, and stop for lunch at an actively haunted pub along the way.


  • All-day bus tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Select days at 10:00 AM
  • $89 per person + tax
A large brick building with a theater in front of it

Prairie Avenue Ghost Hunt

Step back into Chicago’s Gilded Age on this haunted walking tour of Millionaire’s Row. Explore historic mansions, uncover ghostly secrets, and become the investigator in a real paranormal adventure with an expert guide.


  • 60+ minute walking tour
  • Great for those 10+ who enjoy history and the paranormal
  • Fridays at 8 PM
  • $34.99 per person + tax

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

River North Chicago

Chicago's Most Haunted Irish Pubs

By Mike Huberty • March 1, 2026
Chicago’s Irish pubs have long memories and longer shadows. Explore the haunted history of Streeter’s Tavern, The Kerryman, and Fadó, plus a River North pub crawl.
gangsters in front of a car

Chicago St. Valentine's Day Massacre Pub Crawl Is Back for 2026

By Mike Huberty • January 19, 2026
Our St. Valentine's Day Massacre Ghost Tour Pub Crawl in Chicago is back Friday February 13th, 2026 at 8pm with a romantic twist!

A Guide to Haunted New Year's Eve Traditions

December 23, 2025
A Spirited Start: A Guide to Haunted New Year's Eve Traditions
SHOW MORE