★★★★★ 4.8 stars, over 500 reviews
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.
$35.08 per person
*includes all taxes and fees
Duration
90 Minutes
Meeting Point
121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098
Minimum Age
13+
Check-Out Availability
The most famous resident of the jail in Woodstock’s historic courthouse was convicted murderer James Dacey. He was imprisoned in a basement cell, tried in the courtroom above, and then hung outside on a gallows platform made specially for this singular event. According to newspaper accounts, for the two years Dacey awaited his execution, he often howled throughout the night, waking town residents. Although Dacey was finally executed on July, 22nd 1886, some say he never really left.
Expect to learn more about the paranormal happenings and ghost sightings at the Old Courthouse, the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre, the Main Street PourHouse and many other popular spots.
What To Expect

Expert Paranormal Guide
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Easy/Moderate
$35.08 Per Person
Why Choose American Ghost Walks?
The Woodstock Ghost Walk was developed by paranormal researcher Allison Jornlin with help from original Woodstock ghost tour host and magician Joe Diamond. Painstaking research was conducted on location with trips to local archives and interviews with business owners and experiencers to provide the most accurate and fascinating haunted history in addition to stories you can't find anywhere else! Your Woodstock guide is not only a fantastic storyteller but also a paranormal enthusiast with a history of ghost hunting, so you'll be in good hands when you hit the town.
Important Info
- Ample parking is available near the town square.
- This tour runs rain or shine, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
- 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. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t need their assistance.

What creeps around the town square in the dark?

Meet the "spirits" of the Pourhouse who don't care if it's closing time...

Walking the haunted streets of Woodstock
These ghosts are guilty as charged in the Old Courthouse
Welcome to the side of downtown you've never seen before...
Is this ghost of James Dacey?
What creeps around the town square in the dark?
Meet the "spirits" of the Pourhouse who don't care if it's closing time...
Itinerary
List of Services
-
Woodstock Opera HouseItem Link List Item 1
Start at Woodstock's supposed most haunted spot. Get the real story and meet Elvira.
-
Liquid BluesItem Link List Item 2
Who is the paranormal practical joker here that still seems to be loving life from the great beyond?
-
Town Square ParkItem Link List Item 3
Made famous as the center of festivities in the classic film comedy Groundhog Day, the grounds were once the known for the medicinal waters of the underground spring that lies beneath. This popular meeting spot since ancient times serves as a charming backdrop for weird local tales.
-
Down2EarthItem Link List Item 4
The resident spirit at this New Age shop may be helping to carry on an age-old family tradition.
-
And much, much more... Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
Item Link
Highlights
- Learn the truth about Woodstock’s most famous ghost.
- Stay informed about local high strangeness from UFOs reports to the Bull Valley Monster legend to the strange tale of a sidewalk exorcism.
- Hear strange, but true tales from the lives of famous entertainers who got their start in Woodstock like Orson Welles and Ed Asner.
- See where notorious murderer James Dacey was executed and his ghostly presence lingers.
Meeting Point
Meets in front of The Woodstock Opera House (121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098)
-
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have the courage to join?
Explore haunted locations and hear chilling tales. Face your fears and uncover dark secrets. Join us, if you dare!
Aurora Two Brothers Roundhouse Ghost Tour and Investigation
Ghosts of Old Chicago: River North District Ghost Walk
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.
Explore the “City of Cemeteries” with EMF ghost meters! From $30 per person. Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm.
Check Out Other Tours
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.