Real Haunts in Illinois- Paranormal IL

Did you know Illinois is home to dozens of REAL Haunted Places? From haunted roadways and buildings where the dearly departed still lurk among us, to burial grounds and sacred places that are haunted by spirits who seemingly want to stay in this world, Illinois has some truly eerie landmarks and historical sites that are hot spots for paranormal activity. Illinois's Real Haunts are home to ghosts and spirits year-round - they're not your average Halloween Haunt. Find out all about Illinois's Haunted History, and learn all about haunted places across the state that are plagued with REAL ghosts, ghouls, apparitions, and things that go bump in the night!

Robinson Woods Chicago, IL
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A visit to the Robinson Family Monument, particularly toward the left side of it can have you experiencing haunts. Many reportedly have seen, heard, and smelled what would indicate hauntings. Some have seen ghostly shadows, red or white orbs, ectoplasm mist, heard strange sounds, and the scent of violet and lavendar when it was the dead of winter. While it is now a forest preserve,... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries | Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
Mount Carmel Cemetery Hillside, IL
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Julia Buccola Petta is the ghost that is said to haunt this cemetery. One family claimed that they lost sign of their young boy so they retraced their steps to find him hand in hand with a lady wearing a white gown. When they got closer, she vanished. Al Capone is also buried at this cemetery. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL
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The university is home to many haunted buildings. They include the Wheeler Hall, Faner Hall, Anthony Hall, Shryock Auditorium, and Mae Smith Residence Hall. Some believe the spirit of former university president Henry William Shryock exists in the auditorium. He suddenly die there in 1935. Now people believe the incidences where the stages lights would turn on and off on their own are... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Moon Point Cemetery - Moon Creek Cemetery Streator, IL
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This cemetery is older than the Civil War and is also known as Moon Creek Cemetery. It was believed to begin as a family cemetery for the early settlers Jacob Moon and his family. A well known ghost at the cemetery is that of the Hatchet Lady, a female ghost who, legend has it, often visited the cemetery to watch over her son's grave after he died during the Civil War. When she passed... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Munger Road Wayne, IL
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This road is reportedly haunted by screams that come from the railroad tracks, flashing lights, and phantom trains. Legend says that a train once hit a school bus, killing the children on board, and that their ghosts wander all over the area. Another story says a train derailed and crashed into a house here, killing the residents except for an old man and his demon dog, who are said to... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses | Real Haunted Places | Real Haunted Roads & Highways
Congress Plaza Hotel Chicago, IL
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This hotel is extremely old and has quite a few ghost stories surrounding it. It was built over 100 years ago, becoming The Congress Plaza Hotel in 1908. It has been said that gangster Al Capone once lived here, while other reports say he once owned the hotel and used it for his headquarters. When research was done though, it was said that Al Capone actually never stayed here but... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Roff House - The Watseka Wonder Watseka, IL
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The Roff House is one of the two homes in which The Watseka Wonder occurred. The Watseka Wonder was a spirtual possession that was said to have happened in the late 19th Century to a 14 year old girl named Lurancy Vennum, who suffered from epilepsy. She was supposedly possessed for 15 weeks by the daughter of Asa Roff and during this time, she recognized all of the Roff residents and... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
206 N. Broadway Joliet, IL
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This Victorian home was built in 1882 as a private residence, before it became a school and boardinghouse for women until the 1970's. It then became a private home again and is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a 19 year old who was shot and killed during a party at the residence. Seth Magosky, a history buff and John Wilkes Booth impersonator purchased the home, intending to turn... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Places
Greenwood Cemetery Decature, IL
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This cemetery was established in 1857. It is the final resting place for many Ilinois' pioneers and early leaders, but it is popularly known as haunted. Many know of the weeping Greenwood Bride and the spirits of Confederate soldiers who reside here. In addition to ghost lights being seen from the cemetery's southern border, many also say they've been confronted by the spirits of... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Resurrection Mary - Resurrection Cemetery Justice, IL
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It is said that a pretty girl who was killed in a hit-and-run accident while walking on Archer Avenue was left to die on the streets. Her parents ended burying her at this cemetery. Her ghost is said to remain there and people have reported seeing her spirit since the 1930s. Some say she appears like a hitchhiker asking to be driven and would disappear. She's also been sighted standing... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Clark Street Bridge Chicago, IL
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In 1915, the Eastland Disaster occurred nearby and an overloaded passenger steamer, Eastland, capsized while it was still tied to the dock, killing over 800 people. It has been said that you can hear their cries and moans around this bridge. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses
Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago, IL
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The Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is located where there once was a cemetery. The Chicago City Cemetery was open from 1843 to 1859 and it held the remains of more than 35,000 people. Stories say that as many as 12,000 bodies still remain under the zoo, which is to blame for most of the hauntings that take place there. Some of the eerie occurrences at the zoo include that of ghosts... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places | Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
Hundley House Bed and Breakfast Carbondale, IL
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This property was built in 1907 and housed the business of a bed & breakfast until 2011. Many guests have reportedly experiencing the spirits believed to be that of two victims of homicides incidents from 1928. Even the bullet holes from the murders remain visible at the back staircase. The victims are that of the original owners -- former Carbondale Mayor John Charles Hundley and his... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Tinker Swiss Cottage Rockford, IL
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Paranormalists and witnesses have reported hearing hummping and children's voices. The location is believed to once have been a home for terminally ill children. Also said to linger the grounds are the spirits of the Tinker family. TV's Ghost Hunters even featured the location on an episode. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Museums
Ridge Cemetery Tower Hill, IL
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This cemetery is located at Williamsburg Hill and is believed to have apparitions, eerie lights and a disappearing old man. Horse and phantom crowds have also been seed and heard around the area. The cemetery may also have been the site of sinister cult activity, one report tells the story of a three year old girl who went missing and was found walking halfway to the cemetery. She... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Manteno State Hospital Manteno, IL
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In 1939, this 1930's hospital suffered a typhoid fever epidemic and more than 50 patients and staff members died. The hospital was later renamed the Manteno Mental Health Center and it stopped operations in 1985. The complex then became business rentals, a bank, part of the Illinois Diversatech Campus and even a private residence. Witnesses have reported apparitions of patients and... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hospitals & Asylums
Websters Wine Bar Chicago, IL
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This wine bar is said to be haunted by the apparition of a lumberjack who has been seen in the party room on the second floor. He is said to be a lingering spirit from the 1901 building's past. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Restaurants & Bars
Jane Addams Hull House Chicago, IL
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This home dates back to the late 1800's and was originally a settlement house beginning in the late 19th Century. The house operated as a place that attempted to influence and improve the lives of the poorer neighbors in the community. The story that is most often repeated about the Hull House (and the inspiration for Rosemary's Baby) is that of the Devil Baby, a horned scaled infant... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Museums
The Old Slave House - Crenshaw Mansion Equality, IL
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Constructed in the 1830s, this was the main residence of John Crenshaw and his family. Crenshaw is recognized as an individual who kidnapped free blacks and sold them in the Slave States. The property is part of the Reverse Underground Railroad. The home is reportedly haunted by a slave named Big Jim. There are also reports of other paranormal activity occuring here. At one point the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Hotel Baker St Charles, IL
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This hotel was built in 1928 for Edward J. Baker, a native of St. Charles who earned the honorary title of "Colonel" with his luck in horse racing. His vision was for an elegant hotel-resort -- the most luxurious small hotel featuring 55 rooms. The hotel has welcomed guest like John F. Kennedy, Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley, Gerald Ford, to senators and entertainers. Many report the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Rialto Square Theatre Joliet, IL
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This theatre was built as a movie palace and vaudeville venue in 1926. The building is said to be haunted by a ghostly woman is believed to be a former actress. Visitors, employees and construction workers have all claimed to see the female form floating throughout the theater. A male and female wearing period clothing have also been seen in the theater's balcony. Some believe the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Western Illinois University Macomb, IL
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This university is said to be haunted by a number of spirits. In Room #1117 at Bayliss Hall, a former occupant who delivered a baby in secret is said to linger here. She gave birth to the baby and threw it down the trash chute before hanging herself in the closet. People have reported hearing moans and cries inside the room. Room #501 was the site of a suicide by a young depressed... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Peoria Players Theatre Peoria, IL
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This theater is believed to be haunted by a playful ghost named Norman, a former theater director who died at age 34 in 1960. The theater also is home to a more sinister entity whose identity is unknown. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Aux Sable Cemetery Minooka, IL
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This cemetery is rumored to be haunted by a young girl's ghost who is quite mischievous. She has been known to play pranks, such as lowering electrical car windows when the key is not in the ignition. The site is also believed to be a portal from a ghostly dimension. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Avon Theater Decatur, IL
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The staff at Avon Theater have reported hearing disembodied laughter, footsteps, missing objects and voices and applause that come from the empty auditorium. A man's apparition who appears to be in his 50's or 60's has also been spotted at the theater. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Chicago Chop House Chicago, IL
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This beloved steakhouse in River North offers prime steaks, fresh seafood, historic photos, and some ghost stories, too! Before the location operated as a steakhouse, the historic brownstone building was a single-family residence owned by the Minier family. Robert Minier was an electrician who first made local headlines when he was credited for keeping the Alice Stafford, a steamer ship... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places | Real Haunted Restaurants & Bars
Lincoln College Lincoln, IL
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The 1866 University Hall at this college is believed to have ghosts that linger. A face has appeared in the bell tower and white misty forms have appeared in the windows. Ghostly footsteps have also been heard and are believed to be a girl or boy who passed away in the late 1800's. Also, a poltergiest messes with the electronic equipment and closes the doors in Olin Sang Hall. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Lawford Theatre Havana, IL
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Those who have visited or worked at this theater have reported seeing faces that appear in photos and have felt cold chills from behind the curtains on opening nights. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Ashmore Estates Ashmore, IL
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Built in 1916, this historic building was used as an almhouse until 1959. The private psychiatric care facility has been featured in books and TV shows as a haunted place. It is believed at Elva Skinner, one of the patients who died of a fire here haunts the property. Others account of hearing ghostly voices and seeing ghostly shadows during their stay. The historic building stood... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Ax-Man's House - Ax-Man's Bridge Crete, IL
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The story of this haunt is that a man killed his wife, kids, and two policeman with an ax in the 1970's before hanging their bodies from meat hooks in his shed. He ran from the cops when they found out about the killings and the cops shot him in the woods near the small bridge. The house is now gone but many say the bridge and woods are now haunted. Witnesses have reported hearing... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses
Milton Schoolhouse Alton, IL
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This historic building dates back to 1904 and operated until 1986 before it stood abandoned until the early 1990's. It re-opened as a decorative glass factory and is believed to be haunted by a schoolgirl named Mary. She was raped and murdered at the school when she was there late working on a project. A school janitor was pinned for the crime and was found hanged inside the school.... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
The Country House of Clarendon Hills Clarendon Hills, IL
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This roadhouse restaurant was built in 1922. It was originally the place of Emil Kobel. Kobel dreamed of having a place where locals could gather. The second floor was his family house while the first floor served as a tavern and grocery store. Later a picnic area was also built. Today it stands as a restaurant and bar, but many believe the place is haunted by spirits. Reportedly a... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places | Real Haunted Restaurants & Bars
Devil's Backbone and Bake Oven Grand Tower, IL
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The Devil's Backbone is a rocky ridge that is about a half mile long and sits adjacent to the Devil's Bake Oven, a larger rock that is about 100 feet tall near the river's edge. Throughout history, the formations have been used as lookout points, landmarks and hiding places. In the 1700's and early 1800's, river pirates used it as a hideout and the Bake Oven was the site of an iron... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
King Cemetery Dieterich, IL
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This cemetery has had some vague reports of orbs and shadowy people that have been seen on the grounds. Please note: The cemetery is on private property and trespassing is not allowed without permission. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Desoto House Hotel Galena, IL
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This hotel dates back to 1855 and has seen guests including Abraham Lincoln and William Jennings Bryan. It was also the presidential campaign headquarters for Ulysses S. Grant, among others. Many believe the location is home to some ghosts, although the identities of them are unknown. Many have reported phantom cigar smoke, voices in the halls, and apparitions of people wearing period... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
St. James Cemetery - Monks Castle Lemont, IL
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The ghosts that are said to linger this cemetery include several robed monks who wander the grounds, chanting in Latin, and a phantom horse and carriage that is presumed to date back to 1897. A dancing woman wearing white has also been spotted here. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Fischer Theater Danville, IL
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This 19th Century building was once a opera house that served many purposes over the years including stores, housing and of course, a theater. The theater has been known to be haunted when a volunteer of the Vermilion Heritage Foundation accidentally recorded eerie sounds that took place in the projection room. The location has also been investigated by Springfield Ghost Society, who... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Lincoln Theatre Belleville, IL
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This theater is rumored to be haunted by a ghost who enjoys playing pranks. A ghostly child's apparition has run up and down the stairs, a woman has appeared in the balcony and tricks are played in the projection booth. Reports say there are as many as seven ghosts that linger at this theatre. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Dana-Thomas House Springfield, IL
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This historic home now operates as a museum where witnesses who have visited or worked have reported some eerie occurrences. These include humming voices, curtains that move on their own, chairs that are thrown down the stairs, and a woman's apparition wearing black. Many believe the woman is the home's original owner, Susan Lawrence Dana, who is said to have held seances here in the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Museums
George Stickney House - Bull Valley Police Department Bull Valley, IL
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This structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house has a bizarre design according to many because it was done based on George Stickney's belief in spiritualism. It is located off a beaten path that is very much secluded along a deserted highway. The house was built in the 1800's for accomplished mediums George and Sylvia Stickney. The two-story house had... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Original Springs Mineral Spa & Hotel Okawville, IL
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This hotel was established in 1867. The property includes the old hotel, restaurant, and mineral spa. There's various stories out there on the place being haunted. Some have experienced the presence of apparitions, while others have heard of unexplainable footsteps. One ghost who's been visible includes that of the ghostly lady in white wearing a 1900s garb and a large hat. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
White Cemetery Barrington, IL
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This cemetery is said to have glowing orbs and mist, a disappearing house and black car, and the sounds of someone walking through leaves. It has been said that photos taken of this cemetery always fail, the camera will be lost or the photos do not develop. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
The Grand Rose Hotel Elizabethtown, IL
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This hotel dates back to 1812 and has a wonderful view of the Ohio River. The former owner, Sarah Rose, is believed to haunt the place. Her apparition has been spotted walking around the second floor halls as well as climbing the stairs. People have reported a disembodied female voice and objects that move on their own during the night. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Lincoln Square Theatre Decatur, IL
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This theater dates back to 1916 and was built atop the fire-ravaged Priest Hotel that once stood. It has been said that the spirits of the fire victims still linger in the theater. A former theater worked named Red is one of the friendly ghosts that reside here. Witnesses have claimed to hear his whispers and have seen his shadowy figure. He has appeared walking about the stage area. A... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Morton College Cicero, IL
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This college is said to be haunted by a young girl named Emily who was murdered. The murder took place at the nearby Laramie Bridge before the school was built. Security guards have reported seeing Emily at night on the rooftops and theatergoers have heard her in the theater, especially during violent plays that contain murder scenes. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Miner's Theatre Collinsville, IL
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The Miner's Theatre is said to have at least three ghost that linger the property. One is a young woman who is friendly but likes to play pranks like hiding the actors' cotumes or makeup. The other two are brothers, one killed the other to become the sole owner of the theater. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
Krome Family Cemetery Collinsville, IL
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Just off of Old Keebler Road, this small family cemetery is now hidden by trees and it is all that remains of the Krome family mansion, which burned down long ago. Locals considered it to be quite haunted. Reports say that some enterprising explorers stumbled upon leg shackles in the concrete walls of the ruined basement, which lead to speculation that the house was used as a holding... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Massock Mausoleum Spring Valley, IL
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This mausoleum sits inside a small graveyard called the Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery. Locals tell the story of Hatchet Man, a frightening ghost who likes to guard the cemetery. The door to the mausoleum is said to stay warm, even though it has been sealed closed since the 1960's when vandals stole a skull from it. In Rosemary Ellen Guiley’s The Complete Vampire Companion, she tells about... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Lee-Baker-Hodges House Carrollton, IL
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This historic mansion was built in the early 1830's and fell into disrepair in the 1970's before being saved by preservationists. A ghostly child has been known to reside in one of the bedrooms, and another child's ghost vanishes right inside the kitchen doorway. Unexplained bright lights, footsteps, eerie sounds, knocks that occur three times, and a phantom voice throughout the home... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Museums
Holmes Death Castle - USPS Post Office Chicago, IL
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This was once the location of the Holmes Death Castle, or Murder Castle, built by serial killer H.H. Holmes. Back in 1893, the hotel was built to lure 1893 Chicago World's Fair visitors where guests would be tortured and murdered. Today the location is a USPS post office, but people and even dogs feel a negative vibe to the area. Some report hearing screams as they pass the area, while... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Alton Cemetery Alton, IL
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This cemetery is believed to be haunted by a number of ghosts. One is Lucy Haskell, a 9 year old girl who can be seen in the vicinity of the Hayner/Haskell monument. Another is a spectral woman dressed in black that appears near the Grandview mausoleum. Third is a publisher and minister, Elijah P. Lovejoy. Lovejoy was an abolitionist who was shot at a pro-slavery riot in 1837. His ghost... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Willow Creek Farm Shannon, IL
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This property dates back to 1800s and was then owned by William Boardman and his wife who were originally from England. Additional homes had been built around the property to accommodate his daughters and their families. Prior to the Boardman's using the property as their home, the area belonged to Native Americans. Many have reportedly seen and heard the sounds of Native Americans... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places
Kaskaskia Hotel Lasalle, IL
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- 4.7 / 5
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This historic hotel dates back to 1916 and is believed to be haunted. Locals tell the story of a young woman who committed suicide my jumping from the top floor in the 1920's, but some will say her boyfriend actually pushed her. Employees have heard the click of her heels in the halls, and the elevator has been known to work on its own. In 2001, the hotel closed. It was remodeled and it... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Cahokia Mounds Collinsville, IL
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The Cahokia Mounds landmarks are located in the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and were once part of an ancient Native American city (circa 600-1400). The mounds are rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of the ancient Native Americans who used to reside here. Visitors have claimed to see strange shadows and balls of light. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
Cigars and Stripes Berwyn, IL
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This bar and lounge is rumored to be haunted by a number of ghosts. Reports of eerie occurrences here include screams, footsteps while no one is around, objects that move on their own, and a shadowy apparition that moves around the building. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Restaurants & Bars
Julia Markham - Death Curve Cambridge, IL
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In 1905, Julia Markham killed her 7 children with an ax before setting the house on fire and killing herself. Locals tell the story of a woman wearing a white flowing gown who glides across the field on quiet evenings. The spirit is believed to be Julia. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses | Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
Sheraton Gateway Suites Rosemont, IL
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This 11-story hotel has been the site of several suicides by jumping and has had a few drug overdose deaths as well. Many believe this may be why the location is rumored to be haunted. One guest came out of the shower to find her clothes thrown all over the room. A ghost wearing a suit has been seen looking over the top floor balcony on the hotel's east side. He is said to have jumped... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Showmen's Rest Forest Park, IL
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- 3 / 5
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Showmen's Rest is a section of Woodlawn Cemetery that contains the remains from a 1918 circus-train wreck in a mass grave. Between 60 and 110 employees were killed when another train conductor fell asleep, causing the train to hit the circus-train. Since many of the victims' names were not known, a lot of the markers say things like "unidentified male," or "Baldy," or "4 Horse Driver."... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Archer Avenue in Chicago Chicago, IL
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- 1
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If you've heard the eerie tales surrounding Archer Avenue in Chicago, then you likely know the story of "Resurrection Mary." Mary's ghost has been haunting the street since the 1930s, after she was hit by a car and killed after having an argument with her date. One of the reports date back to the 1970s, when the police were called about a woman grasping the gate of Resurrection Cemetery,... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places | Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
Hartford Castle Hartford, IL
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- 4 / 5
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- 4
This castle was originally a private home called Lakeview, built by French immigrant Benjamin Biszant in 1897. It was then a speakeasy during the Prohibition. Biszant's English wife passed away in the home in the early 1900's and her ghost is said to linger the place. After a period of being a private home again, the castle burned down in March, 1973 and now lies in ruins. Witnesses... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Castles
Conover Square Oregon, IL
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- 2,333
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- 3 / 5
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- 1
This location now operates as a shopping mall but was once a piano factory. It dates back to the 1890's and is believed to have quite a few hauntings. A ghostly young girl is known to giggle in the museum and halls, loud crashes come from the unoccupied third floor and one visitor has even claimed to feel an unwelcome touch in the basement. In the south hallway is where many guests... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Museums
McKendree University Lebanon, IL
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- 1.5 / 5
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There have been numerous tragedies that have occurred on the main campus which are reportedly the reason for the accounts of spiritual activities. There's the student who hung himself in the bell tower, the elderly woman who fell down the stairs and killed herself in the Alumni House, and her husband who hung himself after her death in the building. Then there's also the baby who died... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Illinois College Jacksonville, IL
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- 5 / 5
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Illinois College was founded in 1829 and is believed to have several haunted buildings on campus. Sturtevant Hall and Beecher Hall are two locations where people have reported footsteps, strange noises and apparitions. According to talk around campus, Beecher Hall was once a medical building and the top floor was a space for storing cadavers. One of the ghosts that is said to haunt this... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
St. Rita of Cascia Chicago, IL
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- 3.3 / 5
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Stories say that in the 1960's on All Souls Day (November 2nd), a harrowing experience occurred here. A small group of parishioners witnessed the organ begin to play by itself as 6 robed monks, 3 in red and 3 in white, advanced toward the churchgoers. When the parishioners tried to flee the church, they were locked in. The organ music and visions faded after about two minutes, and at... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Schweppe Mansion Lake Forest, IL
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- 3.3 / 5
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This mansion dates back to 1917 and was a wedding gift from Mr. and Mrs. John G. Shedd to their daughter Laura and her new husband, Charles Schweppe. In 1941, Charles shot himself dead in his bedroom, leaving on a note on the dresser that said, "I've been awake all night. It's terrible." The reasoning behind his suicide is unknown. After Laura passed away, the mansion sat empty for 46... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
The Drake Hotel Chiacgo, IL
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Chicago's Drake Hotel dates back to 1920 and has seen the likings of many famous celebrities such as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Marilyn Monroe, Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and Princess Diana. There's also some ghostly spirits that like to appear here as well. Some ghostly characters at the Drake Hotel include mourning parents of a 15 year old boy named Bobby... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging | Real Haunted Places
Allerton Mansion Monticello, IL
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- 5 / 5
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- 1
This 1900's Georgian Revival mansion and the Robert Allerton Park are both open to the public and are said to be the home of some ghosts. A Lady in White has been spotted and is believed to be a guest at the mansion from long ago. It has been said that she is photographed in some old photos of the mansion guests. Her spirit has been seen in the guest room where she stayed, where she... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Former Chicago Historical Society Building Chicago, IL
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- 3
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This historic landmark building was built in 1892. It was the home of the Chicago Historical Society following the incident of their original location being burnt down in the Great Chicago Fire. When the Society found a new home in Lincoln Park in 1931, the building housed a magazine publisher and subsequently became the home to several nightclubs. Many believe the property is... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Three Mile House Edwardsville, IL
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This site once featured an inn that was believed to be haunted by ghosts of various adults and children, including slaves. It has been said that the old inn was once a stop on the Underground Railroad and that during renovations in the 1970's, a skeleton and underground tunnels were found. Eerie things began to happen, including furniture that moved by itself, flickers and orbs of light,... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Violin Annie - Elmwood Cemetery Centralia, IL
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- 3.5 / 5
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- 6
Local stories say that Harriet Anne Marshall (Annie) was an accomplished violinist, and the daughter of a wealthy doctor. She became ill and died of diptheria, and her parents placed a statue of her playing the violin at her grave. Cemetery visitors have reported hearing the violin at night, although many say that vandals have broken the bow off the statue. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Congress Theater Chicago, IL
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The Congress Theater is no longer in operation but when it was, there were many rumors that it was haunted by a number of entities. A woman's apparition and shadowy figures were seen and reports of disembodied footsteps and eerie noises as well. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Theaters
The Givens Castle - Beverly Castle Academy Chicago, IL
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This castle dates back to 1886 and was built by real estate promoter and novelist Robert G. Givens. The property is rumored to be haunted by his Irish wife, who died before she could come to America to live in her castle. Her apparition has been seen walking up the hill to the castle door. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
John Wayne Gacy House Location Chicago, IL
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- 5 / 5
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John Wayne Gacy was a serial killer back in the 1970's who hid the remains of at least 29 different people in and around his home on Summerdale Avenue. In 1979, the home was demolished, but locals were confused at the fact that the lot remained mostly barren for years after. The grass and weeds did not seem to grow at all on the property. Because of this, stories began to emerge that... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Blood’s Point Cemetery Flora, IL
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- 4,509
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- 2 / 5
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This cemetery was named after the area's first white settle, Arthur Blood, and it is known to be a hot spot for paranormal activity. Occurrences reported here are orbs, a vanishing barn, phantom vehicles and a ghost dog with glowing red eyes. A school bus accident took place at the nearby railroad bridge, which was also the location of several hangings. Ghostly children's laughter can... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Mount Olivet Cemetery Aurora, IL
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- 5 / 5
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This cemetery was established in the 1850's and has a very specific type of haunting. It has been reported that spectral ghosts have been seen wearing 1950's clothing and appear throughout the cemetery, only to vanish before getting a second look. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Peoria State Hospital - Bartonville Asylum Bartonville, IL
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- 4.4 / 5
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- 9
From 1902-1973 this was the place of a mental hospital, which now continues to stand vacant. There are plans to restore the property. Many say the property is haunted by Manuel A. Bookbinder, or Old Book. He was a patient who worked with the burial crew until his own death. He would mourn the passing of each person he helped inter in the cemetery. When it came time for Old Books' own... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hospitals & Asylums
Grant Hospital - Lincoln Park Hospital Chicago, IL
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- 3.9 / 5
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- 11
Once known as Grant Hospital, the Lincoln Park Hospital closed in 2008, reportedly due to the recession. Reports of eerie occurrences at the location include cold spots, bad feelings and moaning sounds. The location is no longer a hospital and may now be a condo complex. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hospitals & Asylums
Millikin University Decatur, IL
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This university is said to be haunted by a number of ghosts. One of them is called Rail Girl, who lingers around the Albert Taylor Theater, mostly appearing along a rail in the upper part of the theater. The students of the university are said to have a tradition where they leave her three pieces of candy before a show to insure she doesn't play any pranks to ruin the event. Aston Hall... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Peoria Public Library Peoria, IL
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Local stories say this library was built on top of a cursed ground. The story says Mrs. Andrew Gray lived in a home here around 1830, before family and financial hardships led to a foreclosure, and Mrs. Gray cursed the property and all of its future owners. Some believe her curse came true for all the owners of the property. The library was built in 1894, very close to where Mrs. Gray's... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Libraries
Mineral Springs Hotel - Mineral Springs Mall Alton, IL
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- 5 / 5
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- 4
While it now stands as an antique mall, at one time it was a hotel. The hotel opened in 1914 and featured what was the largest swimming pool in the state of Illinois with mineral water that cured. The hotel stood 5-stories tall and featured terrazzo floors, marble staircases, and art glass bringing the feel of luxury. By the 1950s, it began to see signs of deterioration. By 1971 it... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Anderson Cemetery - Cemetery X Taylorville, IL
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- Rating:
- 4.5 / 5
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- 8
Stories of this cemetery say that there is a secret passage that opens up at night, when trees part and a path appears to an ancient graveyard. A phantom wolf is rumored to protect it and chade away trespassers. Please note: This cemetery is not to be confused with another Anderson Cemetery near Palmer, IL. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Benedictine University Lisle, IL
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- 4.8 / 5
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This university is rumored to have quite a few ghost stories attached to it. One tells the tale of a young boy ghost that wears a blue t-shirt and shorts while wandering around campus before vanishing. Reports say that Benedictine Hall had to be closed because it was so haunted. A clergyman was said to be the ghost that haunted the 4th floor, and in the art wing, some have reported... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Cuba Road Lake Zurich, IL
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- Rating:
- 4.1 / 5
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- 20
Paranormal phenomenon is said to exist along this road. There's a cemetery that sits along this road just east of Old Barrington Road. For years haunts have been reported, including a phantom black car that would appear and then vanish, a ghost woman with a lantern who would flag down motorist and then disappear as they stopped for her, and the gangster apparition that would appear in... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places | Real Haunted Roads & Highways
Ruebel Hotel Grafton, IL
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- 2
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- 5 / 5
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- 2
This hotel was built in 1879 and became the largest commercial hotel in the County. Back then, rooms went for $1 per day and guest also enjoyed that it had the finest saloon in town. The hotel continued to thrive, but in 1912 it caught on fire. Fortunately the hotel was quickly rebuilt, adding a restaurant on the 1st floor as well as a dance hall for the 2nd floor. According to... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
Bachelor's Grove Cemetery Midlothian, IL
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- 4
- Rating:
- 5 / 5
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- 3
Located on the outskirts of Chicago, this cemetery is believed to be one of the most haunted places in the region. Over the years, many have reported accounts of paranormal phenomena occurring - some go back to the 1800s. At one time the area was much like a park where you could fish and swim in an adjacent pond. Picnics would also be held under the trees. Things started to change... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
American Flight 191 Crash Site Des Plaines, IL
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This is the crash site for Flight 191 that came down in 1979 on May 25th. The plane lost parts of its engine during take off and flipped on the runway resulting in an explosion. All crews and passengers were killed including two people on the ground. Those in the adjacent mobile home park nearby the crash site have reported haunting events including white lights moving around the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Places
Abandoned Train Bridge Spring Valley, IL
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- 4 / 5
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Reports of shadowy figures have been seen on and around this abandoned bridge that goes over the train tracks in DePue, IL. Sounds of train whistles, screams, and a train stopping have also been heard, even when the train that runs the track is nowhere near the village. A person jumping from the side of the bridge right over the tracks has also been spotted but when they look down the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses | Real Haunted Nature & Outdoors (ie. Haunted Woods)
Flapper Ghost of Waldheim Cemetery Forest Park, IL
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- 4,549
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- 5 / 5
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A female ghost is said to reside at this cemetery. She's been seen since the 1930s by people who claim she appears as a brunette with 1920s clothes on. In many instances it would occur in the evening. She would appear at dance halls and ask for a ride home, directing drivers to Waldheim Cemetery. She would tell them she lived in the caretaker's cottage or an apartment nearby. When... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
Graceland Cemetery Chicago, IL
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- 4,040
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- 3 / 5
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This old cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirit of Inez Clark, a young girl who was fatally struck by lightning at a picnic when she was almost 7 years old. On her gravesite, there is a life-size statue of her enclosed in glass. It is rumored that on rainy nights the statue vanishes, and the little girl's apparition can be seen wandering around the cemetery. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Cemeteries
McPike Mansion Alton, IL
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- 7,078
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- 3
- Rating:
- 5 / 5
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- 1
This mansion dates back to 1869 and is known for quite a few paranormal occurrences. Apparitions have been seen in the halls and children's laughter has been heard. The location has been featured on an episode of "Scariest Places on Earth." Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Houses
Rockford College Rockford, IL
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- Rating:
- 4.3 / 5
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- 4
There are several spots at this college that are rumored to be haunted. One of them is Adams' Arch, the only part left of the original campus, which has the sounds of a young woman laughing late at night. A man who committed suicide is said to haunt Talcott Hall and the Burpee Building. The man who designed the Clarks Art Center lingers the building and is known to make the lights... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Colleges
Super 8 Macomb Macomb, IL
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- 3,840
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- 1 / 5
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This Super 8 location has been the site of a number of strange occurrences. Witnesses have reported lights and air conditioning that turns on and off by themselves, doors opening on their own, and mysterious whistling. There have been electrical malfunctions with the phone, such as all the lines lighting up at once or phone calls coming from vacant rooms. A cemetery lies adjacent to the... Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Hotels & Lodging
The Red Lion Pub Chicago, IL
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This pub is said to be haunted by as many as seven ghosts, including a scruffy cowboy, two men who died in a fight and a mentally challenged woman who wears too much lavendar perfume. People have reported seeing apparitions, hearing voices and footsteps, objects crashing, among other pranks. The strange happenings are said to occur when the pub is not very crowded. Read More
Categories: Real Haunted Restaurants & Bars

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Real Haunts in Illinois- Paranormal IL