Beecher Hall, according to campus talk, was formerly a medical building and the top floor was a space for storing cadavers. The stone building and the farm near the Poplar Creek Forest preserve are both believed to be haunted. Nightmare tales of haunted schools always appeal to ghost lovers. Built in 1869 by Henry Guest McPike, paranormal investigation reports have found that the house is haunted by the ghost of the former owner Paul Laichnger and his domestic help Sarah Wells. The Lincoln Theatre is considered one of the most haunted sites in Decatur. A woman in white haunts one of the rooms and even the hallway. Besides being the only operating mineral spring in the state, its also home to some paranormal activity. Mary was found inside the girls locker room, all battered and bloodied. Rumors of deaths due to malpractice continue to plague the hospital, even after it closed in 1985 and was converted into a veterans home. Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur is one of the most haunted sites in the entire country. Sound of footsteps and figure Marys ghost may appear if you pay a visit. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Haunted Hayride: 10. When she failed, she laid all of her children out on the bed, poured oil over their bodies, and lit the match that sealed her fate. Its believed that about seven spirits haunt Bachelors Grove. Follow Google Maps. Discover more details about the two ghosts that haunt the, McPike Mansion, 2018 Alby St, Alton, IL 62002, USA, This beautiful and popular venue is rumored to be haunted by an actress who was turned down for a role in a play at the opera house. There have been reports from visitors saying that theyve heard scary screams and have seen strange lights from inside the area. No one really knows what the building used to house so there are a lot of myths spreading around. This longhaired beauty has her own seat in one of the balconies. Follow Google Maps. Founded in 1803, Alton is a historical town whose main attraction is the McPike Mansion. Once Galenas hub of town social life, the DeSoto House Hotel has played host to illustrious guests in its 170-year history. It seems that every corner of the Land of Lincoln has a story to tell, so we made this list of the most haunted places in Illinois. The community lashed at a woman in each of these, accusing her of consorting with the devil and practicing black magic. Raven's Grin Inn in Mount Carroll: Recently rated among the most haunted places in America by Thrillist, the inn is owned by Jim Warfield, who "turned his house he does actually live there into a maze of his spooky art, prop gags, and a not-so-safe-but-exhilarating three-story slide into the haunted wine cellar. I formulate all-natural, synthetic free skin & body care products at Basic Theory but I love sharing my thoughts and (Do a quick search on the following sites). Devils Bake-Oven, Grand Tower, Illinois, 7. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Check out these nine haunted cemeteries in Illinois. Instead, it was a Murder Castle, complete with trap doors, body chutes, and a basement crematorium where Holmes disposed of the evidence of his sick crimes. Legend has it that victims of the Eastland disaster, which claimed 844 lives in 1915, took up residence at Oprah Winfrey's now-demolished Harpo Studios, and the alley behind the present-day Oriental Theater (originally the site of the Iroquois Theater, destroyed in a 1903 fire that killed more than 600) is also said to be haunted. From 1843 to 1859, the area was home to the Chicago City Cemetery. He was only one of the many African Americans who found themselves shackled in Crenshaws attic, outfitted as a dungeon of horrors. Address: 606 S Church St, Decatur, IL 62522, United States, Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun). This cemetery is so old that there are grave makers here that date back to before it was dedicated as a graveyard. This was no simple family residence, though. Let's visit the most haunted places in Illinois! People have reported seeing the chair fold down during a performance. But do you know that there are also places with a fair bit of history? Holmes. Apparently, the road is guarded by Hell Hounds. Nothing says fall more than heading out to the orchard. Facebook/Greenwood Cemetery, Decatur, Illinois. A decade later, in 1869, a basement boiler exploded. Faint flute sound coming from the empty band room during day and night time. While there is no longer a trace of the Murder Castle where serial killer H.H. The location of this hotel is also really good since attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and Buckingham Fountain are within a short walking distance away. Dont say we didnt warn you. They now offer ghost investigations and tours to the public, so if you and your group of friends are interested in the history of this landmark, this tour is a really great activity to experience. Address: W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60706, United States. Holmes may have actually killed hundreds of people during his lifetime). Close Search Plan Your Visit Things to Do Activities Nightlife Arts & Culture Tours Sports Shopping Places to Go : 2 Built in 1916, this historic building was used as an almhouse until 1959. A remote town in Illinois with a mystifying ghost story attached to it, the Ridge Cemetery is a must-visit location for those wanting to visit haunted abandoned places in Illinois. Interested in the most haunted places in Illinois? There were misfortunes in equal measure for every celebrated politician and celebrity guest. Many haunted stories involve the tragic demise of residents of the past who remain on this plane of existence still today. It is rumored that one of the girls was able to channel the other and live like her for an entire year. His suicide note read, Ive been awake all night. Many instances of murders, accidents, and lynching have happened on the road which makes it the most terrifying route in Illinois. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you. This 801-acre park is chockfull of gorgeous trees, some of them over a century old. The hotel is also a "poltergeist magnet," according to Chicago magazine, and is rumored to be the site of hauntings by the "Woman in Black" (we're sensing a theme here), tied to one of Chicago's most bizarre unsolved mysteries after a wealthy guest was shot to death in 1944 when a stranger stepped out of that bathroom in her room and began firing. You can read our complete privacy policy here. Among them is Old Book, a gravedigger known for crying under an elm tree each time someone died. Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago: Lions and tigers and ghosts, oh my! Sin Yee is a small-business owner, freelance writer and a content creator. Meeting/banquet facilities Best haunted houses in Chicago. The prison closed in 2002, but "with numerous executions having taken place at the prison, rumor has it that many of the inmates may be serving time as ghosts," according to the Illinois Office of Tourism. Witness the mysterious beauty of a phantom woman who has been on the Kennedy Hill Road for decades. Today only twelve of the 63 original buildings on the campus remain standing, including Pollack Hospital, which once served as a tuberculosis ward. Thank you! Those who have read Erik Larsons Devil in the White City know the history surrounding the multiple murders that took place during the 1893 Worlds Fair in Chicago (historians believe that H.H. Weve summed up a few of the haunted attractions in this article, ranging from hotels to cemeteries, for your next trip. What are the most well-known parks in Illinois? Also a burial for Civil War soldiers, you may just catch a glimpse of a Confederate apparition in uniform. Holy Name Cathedral Things to do Talks and lectures Rush & Division The 1926 hit that took down Al Capone rival Hymie Weiss. For better planning of your trip, you can find tour guides who will help you gain access to such locations that normally arent accessible. Ghostly shadows, strange noises, lavender and violet scent in the dead of winter, ectoplasm mist, and red or white orbs. The fifth floor of the inn is said to be especially haunted and is where most of the eerie things have been reported. In Oglesby, theres Starved Rock State Park. You're in luck -Illinois has a rich haunted history, and there's lots of houses across the state that are truly haunted by spirits who haven't quite left the living world yet. Civil War section, the cemeterys most notorious haunted spot. Home/Yard Haunts: 11. A decade ago, Northwestern University lecturer Pamela Bannos, puzzled after finding a cemetery tomb in the park, began digging no pun intended for information. This was an obvious add to our most haunted places in Illinois list. When darkness falls across Illinois, it's prime time for ghost sightings and paranormal stories. Upon their return, the remaining two suffered the same fate. If you drive past the empty lot flanked by a post office and train tracks on either side at 611 W. 63rd Street in downtown Chicago, you would never know that the location was once the home of Americas first known serial killer, H.H. Love Illinois? Montgomery, Illinois, has its horror attraction, and it is The Massacre Haunted House. Those brave enough to trek down the trails report smelling lavender, watching torches move near the gravesites, and hearing the sound of tom-tom drums reverberating through the groves of trees. The sight of Elvira roaming in the hallways and looking out the windows of the upper stall. You can also pick berries and pumpkins. You'll laugh as much as you scream as he guides you through his ever-changing life's work." How Greenwood Cemetery even started is a complete mystery. Follow Google Maps. Here is a list of more southern Illinois tourism attractions. The truth behind their assumptions was more horrifying than they could imagine. With reports of a hatchet man who guards the mausoleum and author Michael Kleens naming it one of the top 10 creepiest cemetery, we recommend grabbing a buddy to go along with you. It stands as one of the most haunted places in Illinois. Mrs. Markham attempted to slice her own throat with a blunt knife following her foul deeds. Some of the popular IL haunted houses have been Aurora Basement of the Dead, Oak Lawn Midnight Terror, Downs Haunted House, Montgomerty Massacre Haunted House, Statesville Haunted Prison, Lockport HellsGate, Hells Gate, Chicago 13th Floor Haunted House, Morton Grove House of Torment Haunted House in Chicago, Elgin Evil Intentions, Rantoul By 1880, the Galena had lost its luster, and the city removed the top stories. Kennedy Hill Road, IL, United States. Sign up for our newsletter and receive Halloween event updates, discounts and more! Did you know that the zoo and surrounding area once served as the city's cemetery? This 2,630-acre park has 13 miles of trails to explore and quite a few waterfalls to see. So this week we're investigating one of them: the alleged haunting of Munger Road, which . She said the people who lived there wanted her to come and stay with them. Graceland Cemetery. Location Hinton, Williamsburg Hill, IL 62571, United States. Tell us about any other places you know of in the comments below! Check out these other top haunted places: Dont forget to subscribe to myYouTube Channeland follow me onInstagram. Paranormal activities had also been reported. Incidents of occult activity, rotting structures, and stories of paranormal activities like dark apparitions and strange lights in the area make this an exciting place to visit. Holmes, the residents have long shared state lines with some of historys greatest murderers. Room service Haunted Places in Chicago, Illinois 0 Benton House Chicago, Illinois 0.8 miles from the center of Chicago, IL The Benton House, circa 1909, may be haunted by "Ma" Benton. Address: 520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605. Dr. George Zeller wrote in his book Befriending the Bereft that on the day of Old Books funeral, hundreds of spectators witnessed a full-body apparition of the man standing under the Crying Tree.. Haunted Houses with Multiple Attractions: 23. If you want to experience a nightmare-inducing ordeal with lots of ghoulish vibes, this is the road that you need to travel. The Drake Hotel in Chicago: While the Congress Hotel is known as one of the most haunted hotels in America, the Drake is allegedly haunted by the "Woman in Red," who fell to her death from the hotel roof on New Year's Eve shortly after it opened in 1920. 2nd February so you can partake in the festivities of the town. While the exact story is unknown, there are several theories on why this site sees so much paranormal activity. Here is an overview of more interesting southern Illinois cities. In 1979, American Airlines Flight 191 bound for Los Angeles left the Chicago airport where it crashed into an old abandoned hangar killing all 258 passengers. One ghost is believed to be an old stagehand who was killed in the theatre when he fell to his death from the catwalk. Holmes resided (a post office now occupies the site), screams can still be heard in the area and pets become visibly scared when walking by this site in Englewood. Since 2006, the property had become a famous haunted landmark in Illinois under the ownership of Robbin & Norma Terry. A girl who went missing and was later found walking toward the Ridge Cemetery told her mother that people living in the cemetery had told her to stay with them. All of them died. If you are in for a haunted adventure, you might want to consider visiting the cemetery to learn about the history of this place and the people who are buried there. Restaurant Grab some apple cider donuts to bring home or head to the Cider Cellar Caf to grab a bite. Electric windows of your car might automatically roll down and the doors might get unlocked automatically. The Phantom lady wearing different stages of clothing and sometimes nothing while roaming the cornfields where earlier there was an ancient cemetery. A female apparition may be seen sobbing and asking visitors if they've seen her baby. Ghost Hunts in Illinois Ashmore Estates Overnight Ghost Hunt, Ashmore, IL $ 89.00 - $ 109.00 If you're looking to take your thrill-seeking levels higher than a local Chicago haunted house or haunted attraction, then spending the night in one of Chicago's most haunted hotels is a must. You can visit this haunted Illinois location between 10 am to 5 pm. TOURS OFFERED: * Walking Tour (Spring-Fall) $27 * Bus Tours (Fall Only) $46 DINNER TOURS: * Ghosts of the River Road (All Year Around) $52 TOURS DEPART: Categories: Real Haunted Houses Ashmore Estates Ashmore, IL Views: 4,034 Photos: 2 Rating: 5 / 5 Exp. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. The arrival of free slaves caused racial tensions to grow during the early 1900s and with Jim Crow, massive unemployment, incidents of lynching, and police brutality, the town eventually became a haunted Illinois location by the 70s. Regularly ranked as one of the top haunted houses in Illinois by Halloween connoisseurs, Basement of the Dead has been providing seasonal . Read more 0 There are myths of ghost sightings on various levels of the hotel including Al Capone, an old Scarface on the eighth floor, Peg Leg Johnny who loves to play with the room electronics and lights as well as a little mischievous boy in Room 441. Another haunted road in Illinois that makes our list is the Bloods Point Road in Boone County. Shes even been known to move props and scenery around. Manteno State Mental Hospital in Manteno: The hospital, which opened in 1930, was said to be one of the most cutting-edge mental health facilities of its time until a typhoid outbreak in 1939 killed 47 patients. The Legendary Dungeon of Doom Haunted House Medieval Torture Museum with Audio Guide and Ghost Hunting Experience Torment at Twelve Hundred The Haunting at Horse Creek Hayride of Horror Killdare Haunted City Disturbia Haunted House Siegel's Cottonwood Farm Pumpkin Fest & Sniper Paintball Ride Windy City Ghosts Reaper's Realm Soul Takers Acres What did she learn? Auditory and tactile activity during the day like shuffling feet and whimpering cries. This abandoned cemetery is considered one of the most haunted places in the Chicagoland area. In Golconda, theres Dixon Springs State Park. feet in size, and has over 60 rooms and 100 actors ready to scare the living soul out of you. Robinson Woods, located in Chicago, was once owned by Alexander Robinson. Standing 100-feet tall and overlooking the Mississippi River, the Devils Bake-Oven is a cliff that has played host to its fair share of tragedy. Hinton, Williamsburg Hill, IL 62571, United States. They first opened in 1928 and a lot of furnishings from that time have been retained, giving the hotel an elegant vibe. One of the best-haunted locations in Illinois, the Ridge Cemetery feels the grimmest when visited after sunset. Here is a list of more places to visit in northern Illinois. One of the most haunted areas of the cemetery is a confederate grave memorial that commemorates a crew of soldiers who all died from Yellow Fever on a train passing through the area. Here are 11 spots across the state that are reputed to be haunted . Though the Land of Lincoln was supposed to be a free state, this was the home of a slave owner who took his operations beyond their legal extensions and kept people chained up in his attic. She committed suicide by jumping off the building and still roams the halls to this day, sitting in seats and sighing and dropping props. Golf course (within 3 km). They always have a creepy legend attached to them. This is one unique location to make the list of the most haunted places in Illinois. The mansion was built in the Pseudo-Greek revival architecture, typical for that time. 15. A strange and cold feeling while passing over the graffiti-covered Acid Bridge that connects to the East Kirsch Road. While there are many ghost stories surrounding Graceland Cemetery, one of the most famous is the sculpture of Inez Clarke, a child who died at the age of 6 during the 1880s. Residents of the mobile home near the site claimed to have heard knocking on the doors and windows hours after the crash but no one was there. Here are the 10 most haunted places in Illinois you need to visitif you dare. It involves two young women who suffered from severe mental health conditions. The Marshal had arrested them a few days back but released them soon after the peace treaty was signed. Slamming of doors and flickering of lights. Built on a cemetery with 35,000 buried dead, the Lincoln Park Zoo is a congregation of spirits from the 1840s and 1850s which makes it a major destination on the list of haunted locations in Illinois. One of the best ways to hear the ghost stories and learn a bit of history is on a spooky tour with the Galena experts. Ghost of a young female who pulls pranks on visitors. Cairo, Illinois 62914, United States. Bar The factory was used as a school and later became a residence but by the early 70s, was abandoned. A teacher who had hung herself after witnessing a kid falling down the stairs on a tricycle is extremely haunting. It sounds like the ghost that haunts the Woodstock Opera House might just have the best seat in town. Historians believe that the rumors of the ghost began when townspeople would hear the cries of these prisoners, mistaking them for the laments of tortured souls from beyond the grave. Originally from the quaint beach town of Fenwick Island, Delaware, Stephanie has called Chicago home for nearly a decade. In the name of science, these patients found themselves under the care of doctors who cared little for human decency. Those who dare to spend the night say that they feel as if they are constantly being watched by an unseen presence that follows them as they walk the halls. The Congress Lounge has comfortable leather couches to allow guests to chill and catch a glimpse of the panoramic city landscape of Chicago. Here, there are more than 2,000 trees to pick from, with 25 varieties available like Golden Supreme and Rubymac. Here are 11 spots across the state that are reputed to be haunted including some places ranked among the most haunted in America. Local historians note that pirates hiding in the coves would attack frontiers navigating the area, stealing their cargo and lives. Instead, Manteno soon found itself bursting at the seams, just as a wave of typhoid fever gripped the area. Holmes. It is free to visit. The spirit of Alexander Robinson who saved American lives during the Massacre of Fort Dearborn. Do you know whats most interesting about abandoned factories? Morton Arboretum in Lisle has more than 4,000 different types of trees throughout its 1,700 acres. "Other mysterious stories include servants of the building, a cook in the kitchen and a strange death of a woman in the bathtub.". McPike Mansion in Alton: Located in "America's Most Haunted Small Town," and dubbed one of the 25 most-haunted places in America, the mansion attracts thousands of visitors and paranormal investigators each year. People have reported seeing a ghost child running up and down the stairs and a prankster ghost that likes to mess with the projection booth. Looking for more? The ghost of a child playing with a knife with which he killed his family may appear sitting on the steps of the building. But dont take our word for it. The left side of the Robinson Woods has extremely evil vibrations that are sure to give you the haunts. Accommodates: 10, Parking She was the daughter of an iron mill supervisor who fell in love with a riverboat pilot. This rural McLean County home stands totally isolated, surrounded by the vast expanse of farmland. Speaking of haunted . It's believed that about seven spirits haunt Bachelor's Grove. There are no records about this burial site and when it began. Read more 0 Is Halloween one of your favorite holidays? Any time of the year would be good to visit the Dug Hill Road to experience a nightmare-inducing incident on this haunted road in Illinois. Learn more about the ghosts of, Another haunted place in southern Illinois, this remote cemetery looks mundane, but is actually very alive with paranormal activity. A bar across the street from the cemetery, Chet's Melody Lounge, has purportedly seen its fair share of shaken-up drivers who claimed to encounter the legendary ghost, and it's a favorite spot for those hoping to catch a glimpse of her. John Morton/Flickr 2. An argument ensued between the lovers and she stormed out hoping to find a ride home. Some of the staff refuse to go into the older wing of the hotel at night. Learn more about, Greenwood Cemetery, 606 S Church St, Decatur, IL 62522, USA, Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a real haunted place in Illinois, this old house is situated in one of the state's most haunted towns. Follow Google Maps. Late-night travelers report feeling uneasy, hearing strange noises, and experiencing a sudden drop in temperature as they pass over the paranormal site. You should go to this Illinois paranormal site during dawn or dusk at any time of the year. She has even been known to hitch a ride from unsuspecting cabbies. Julia birthed seven children over the next nine years four girls and three boys. Union Precinct, IL 62952, United States. Sound of Indian tom-toms and wood being sawed near the burial mounds. Orbs can be seen floating along the grounds. Address: 22645 E Co Rd 1050 N, Ashmore, IL 61912, United States. And there are 16 miles of trails for you to take in all the fall foliage. Reported sightings also included soldiers in torn uniforms walking around the yard as well as a figure of a bride walking around. As other asylums overflowed with patients in desperate need of mental health services, Manteno State Mental Hospital opened in 1930, hoping that easing the patient load in other facilities would stop the terrible abuse the mentally ill faced in overcrowded sanitariums. The Woodstock Opera House Best Haunted Places in Northern Illinois Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock 606 S Church St, Decatur, IL 62522, United States. Companies like National Manufacturing and Franz Manufacturing created great business for the town. What are the best fall hikes in Illinois? Address: 520 South Michigan Avenue Since this wooded area is situated along the Des Plaines River, you can also see lots of deer, resting birds, beavers and butterflies. Manteno State Mental Hospital in Manteno: claims the ghosts who inhabit it scared his first wife so badly, Tormented Spirits Are Haunting Old Joliet Prison: Ferak Column, 4 Famous Ghost Stories From The Most Haunted Hotel In Illinois. Book this ghost tour to see all the haunts, including H.H. A female ghost near the Lion House whose reflection also appears on the mirror in the ladies restroom. Check out some of these sites for yourself and experience the fright firsthand. Where can I go apple picking in Illinois? Among them, according to legend, is a woman who was accused of witchcraft around 1900. This home once housed terminally ill children and, as you can imagine, is said to be haunted. The story begins with Julia Johnson marrying Clarence B. Markham, a farmer, in 1896. Address: 102 Diversatech Dr, Manteno, IL 60950. It is rumored that residents still roam here, though, but you won't want to see them. Resurrection Cemetery in Justice: Late Chicago ghosthunter Richard Crowe documented dozens of sightings of hitchhiking ghost Resurrection Mary, most often seen by men driving along Archer Avenue near the Willowbrook Ballroom (which, sadly, burned down in 2016), where legend has it Mary danced her last dance before her tragic death.