Top 10 Most Haunted Places in Illinois

1. The Two Brothers Roundhouse – Aurora

One of Aurora's most notorious haunted locations is the Two Brothers Roundhouse. This old train station and restaurant has earned a reputation for its paranormal activity. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, feeling sudden temperature drops, and even seeing strange shadows. The building, which dates back to the 1850s, has a long history of unexplained occurrences.

If you're looking to experience the supernatural firsthand, you can join a Two Brothers Roundhouse Ghost Tour and Investigation. This tour offers a chance to explore the haunted history of this historic spot and perhaps even make contact with the spirits that are said to roam the halls. Click here to book your tour.

2. The Lincoln Park Hauntings – Chicago

Chicago is one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and Lincoln Park is home to some of its spookiest tales. The Lincoln Park Zoo, the area’s oldest burial grounds, and other surrounding spots are said to be haunted by restless spirits. Some reports claim to have seen ghostly figures, heard strange noises, or even experienced inexplicable feelings of dread.

To explore the haunted history of this area, take the Lincoln Park Hauntings Chicago Ghost Tour & Ghost Hunt. This eerie adventure will lead you through some of the city’s most haunted locations. Book your spot now!

3. The Devil in the White City – Chicago

This is one of the most infamous tales in Chicago’s history. The Devil in the White City refers to H.H. Holmes, one of America’s first serial killers, who operated during the 1893 World’s Fair. Holmes built a "Murder Castle" in Chicago, where he lured victims to their deaths. The ghostly energy from these tragic events still lingers in the area.

To dive into the chilling story of the Devil in the White City, you can join the Devil in the White City Bus Tour. This tour will take you on a journey through the dark history of Chicago, including visits to locations connected to Holmes. Find out more and reserve your place.

4. Resurrection Mary – Chicago

Resurrection Mary is one of the most famous ghosts in Chicago folklore. She is said to haunt the area around Resurrection Cemetery on the city’s south side. Over the years, numerous drivers have reported picking up a young woman dressed in white, only to have her vanish from their car before they reach the cemetery. The story of Resurrection Mary has become a well-known legend in Chicago’s ghostly lore.

The Resurrection Mary 4-Hour Bus Tour and Pub Stop offers a comprehensive look into the haunting of this mysterious apparition. Experience the chilling story firsthand as you travel the haunting route and learn about the dark history of the area. Click here to join the tour.

5. Naperville’s Haunted History

Naperville, a charming suburb of Chicago, is home to its own share of ghost stories. From the haunting of the Naperville Cemetery to the eerie occurrences at the Naper Settlement, this area is steeped in mystery. Visitors often report feeling a sense of unease, hearing strange sounds, or even encountering ghostly figures.

The Naperville Hauntings Ghost Tour is the perfect way to explore the dark side of this beautiful city. This tour takes you through the town's most haunted spots, offering a chance to uncover its supernatural secrets. Book your tour here.

6. Woodstock – The Ghosts of McHenry County

Woodstock, known for its picturesque downtown and its role in the film Groundhog Day, also has a rich history of hauntings. The town is home to the McHenry County Historical Society, where guests have reported strange noises and sightings. The nearby opera house, too, has long been considered one of the town’s most haunted spots.

The Woodstock Ghost Walk is a perfect way to explore this haunted town. Join a guided tour to visit some of Woodstock’s most infamous haunted locations and hear the spooky tales that have been passed down through generations. Learn more about this scary experience.

7. The Great Lakes Naval Training Center

The Great Lakes Naval Training Center, located near Lake Michigan, has a long and eerie history. During its time as a training center, many soldiers lost their lives during training exercises and accidents. Some visitors and staff have reported hearing footsteps, unexplained noises, and feeling cold spots in certain areas.

The Great Lake County Ghost Adventure will take you on a thrilling exploration of this haunted site. Visit the training center and hear the ghostly stories that have become a part of its legacy. Book your tour today.

8. The Old Joliet Prison – Joliet

The Old Joliet Prison, which closed its doors in 2002, has a dark and violent history that makes it a prime location for ghost sightings. The prison housed notorious criminals, and its grim history of executions and riots adds to the chilling atmosphere. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, disembodied voices, and seeing shadowy figures wandering the halls.

Today, the Old Joliet Prison offers tours that allow you to explore its haunted history firsthand. Be prepared for an eerie experience as you walk through the abandoned cells and dark corridors.

9. The Elgin State Hospital – Elgin

The Elgin State Hospital, located in Elgin, Illinois, is one of the state's most notorious haunted locations. Opened in 1872 as a psychiatric institution, the hospital housed thousands of patients over its long history. Many believe that the spirits of former patients still haunt the abandoned buildings. Visitors have reported hearing eerie whispers, strange noises, and even feeling cold spots in areas that were once used for treatment. Some claim to have seen shadowy figures wandering the dark hallways.

The Hospital, which closed its doors in 2015, is not open for public tours due to safety concerns and the state of the abandoned buildings. However, it remains a popular location for urban explorers and paranormal enthusiasts who seek to explore its haunting history.

10. The Shawnee National Forest – Southern Illinois

The Shawnee National Forest is a beautiful area in southern Illinois, but it’s also home to some strange and unsettling occurrences. With its dense woods, hidden caves, and mysterious history, many believe that the forest is haunted. Some have reported seeing ghostly figures in the trees or hearing strange noises that can’t be explained.

Exploring the Shawnee National Forest is an adventure in itself, and it may just lead you to some eerie encounters with the otherworldly.

Ready to Explore Illinois' Haunted Side?

Illinois is full of haunted locations, each with its own unique story and eerie atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to explore the tragic history of Resurrection Mary or brave the haunting at the Two Brothers Roundhouse, there’s something for every ghost hunter. Book your next haunted adventure and see if you can make contact with the spirits that still roam Illinois’ most haunted places.

Explore ghost tours in Illinois today! 

Dive deeper into the mysterious world of hauntings with our curated collection of paranormal investigations and ghostly encounters. Read more stories like this in “Ghosts of Lincoln Park: A Chicago Hauntings Companion” by Ursula Bielski, a book of downtown Chicago ghost stories written by our own American Ghost Walks team. Click here for more.

Dive deeper into the mysterious world of hauntings with our curated collection of paranormal investigations and ghostly encounters. Read more stories like this in “The Original Chicago Hauntings Companion” by Ursula Bielski, a book of Chicago ghost stories written by our own American Ghost Walks team. Click here for more.

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