Chicago, Illinois ghost walk
Ghost Walk · Chicago, Illinois

Ghosts of Old Chicago: River North District Ghost Walk

Step into the shadows, and delve into Chicago's dark and gruesome history.

Duration
2 Hours
Min Age
13+
Departs
Select nights · see booking page
Meeting Point
Reid Murdoch Center

AN EERIE, ON-FOOT EXCURSION . . . THROUGH THE HEART OF HAUNTED CHICAGO! Don't get left behind on this supernatural foray through the streets and alleys of oldest Chicago. From the watery grave of the Eastland Disaster's 844 dead to the evil dead of the old Courthouse and its bloody gallows. From the Fort Dearborn Massacre and Chicago's gangland killings . . . to the Chicago ties to Poltergeist and Ghostbusters. This 2-hour, 2-mile stroll introduces you to the stories which made Chicago's ghostlore famous — and immortal.

What Our Customers Say

What To Expect

Guide
Expert Paranormal Guide
Departs
Select nights · see booking page
Difficulty
Easy/moderate walking
Price
$40.91 / adult

The River North District Ghost Walk was founded by Ursula Bielski, the famed Chicago ghostlore historian who began running Chicago ghost tours over twenty years ago to share the city's amazing history and ghost stories — and to carry on the tradition of haunted history tourism pioneer Richard Crowe.

See one of your tour guides tell one of this tour's ghost stories to CBS 2 in Chicago

Tour Highlights

  • The site of the tragic Eastland disaster of 1915, where 844 lives were lost on the River
  • Uncover the site of the bloody Fort Dearborn Massacre
  • Meet the ghosts of Chicago's world famous Gangland heritage
  • Discover the evil spirits of the old Courthouse and gallows
  • See the towering skyscrapers built on cursed land of legends

Itinerary

Meet your guide at Reid Murdoch Centernorth end of the LaSalle Street Bridge, 325 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654.

  1. 1

    Frank Nitti's Vault at Harry Caray's

    Visitors to the old Frank Nitti vault sometimes report seeing a ghostly figure prowling around. Is it none other than Nitti himself, still searching for the loot he hid away that was unaccounted for at the time of his death?

  2. 2

    The Battle of Fort Dearborn Site

    The Battle of Fort Dearborn left behind a complicated legacy as well as restless spirits, who are said to haunt the area after their deaths in 1812.

  3. 3

    Former Excalibur Club

    Formerly one of Chicago's coolest and most exclusive places, the former Excalibur Club was once a hotspot for celebrities and socialites — even Oprah Winfrey. Learn their ghost stories.

  4. 4

    Tribune Tower

    The home of world-famous WGN Radio and TV. With that much drama and talent passing through its halls, the Tribune Tower has plenty of haunted history — including the spirit of one of the city's most beloved morning radio hosts.

Important Info

  • There is some metered parking near the Glessner House, but most of it is residential, so we recommend using SpotHero and giving yourself plenty of time.
  • This tour runs in cold temperatures and light rain, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
  • The tour route is wheelchair-accessible — just let us know if you plan on using one so we can adjust the route for your comfort.
  • Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final, but we will reschedule you if you have an emergency.
  • Service animals are welcome; for liability reasons, please leave other pets at home.

Meeting Point

Meets at the Reid Murdoch Center, north end of the LaSalle Street Bridge. (325 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you go inside any of the haunted buildings?+
We focus on building exteriors and outdoor spaces. Businesses and public places are open for you to visit during regular business hours. Otherwise we respect the privacy of individuals and organizations and expect that our guests do the same.
Do guests really see ghosts on this tour?+
We can never guarantee a supernatural encounter, but we will explain paranormal phenomena such as cold spots and residual hauntings. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts — in all their shocking detail.
Can I bring my pet?+
Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t require their assistance.
Is this ghost tour kid-appropriate?+
While our tours do not contain anything too graphic or inappropriate, we find that kids that enjoy history have the best time. You know your children and that's left up to you. We do not recommend bringing children in strollers because sometimes that can be difficult with larger walking groups.
What if I'm late or cannot find my guide?+
We do our best to answer calls and emails as promptly as they are received. Please make sure to leave a voicemail with the city and tour time. We try to accommodate travel and weather issues, but our public tours cannot wait for more than 10 minutes. Reschedules are available if the date you are interested in is not sold out.
What is your cancellation policy?+
Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. If we cancel the tour because of weather or another event, we offer a full refund. We will do our best to accommodate rescheduling requests, but cannot guarantee changes because other tours and dates might be sold out.

Do You Have The Courage To Join?

Explore haunted locations and hear chilling tales. Face your fears and uncover dark secrets — if you dare.

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Ghosts of Old Chicago: River North District Ghost Walk