1. McPike Mansion (Mount Lookout) — Alton, Illinois
Historical Background
Built between 1869 and 1871, McPike Mansion sits atop one of Alton’s highest points, commonly called Mount Lookout. The mansion was commissioned by Henry Guest McPike, a notable businessman, horticulturist, and former mayor of Alton. After McPike’s death in 1910, the mansion passed through various owners, fell into disrepair, and suffered significant vandalism. Restoration efforts began in the 1990s, aiming to preserve this historic site.
Paranormal Reports
Visitors and paranormal investigators report numerous eerie phenomena, including apparitions believed to be Henry McPike himself, disembodied voices, laughter, and the sounds of children playing. The mansion’s wine cellar, known for its vaulted ceilings, is a hotspot for paranormal activity, with reports of footsteps, cold spots, and shadowy figures. Some have even reported sensing the scent of lilacs, which is associated with a servant spirit named “Sarah.”
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The mansion is accessible via special tours, often featured during Alton’s historic home events. Due to ongoing restoration, some areas may be restricted. Investigators are encouraged to bring EMF meters, voice recorders, and strong flashlights, especially for exploring the cellar. Booking tours in advance is recommended as they tend to fill quickly.
Access / Tour Info
McPike Mansion offers limited public tours and is often included in local historic home tours. Visitors should check the official schedule and respect any restricted areas for safety reasons.
2. Mineral Springs Mall / Old Milton School — Alton, Illinois
Historical Background
The Mineral Springs Mall, formerly known as the Old Milton School, has a history tied to education and local commerce in Alton. While the school was a center of community life in its day, over time, the building’s function shifted, leading to its current incarnation as a mall.
Paranormal Reports
Numerous reports of unexplained noises, footsteps, and shadowy apparitions have been noted within the building, particularly near the old school sections. Visitors speak of cold spots and feelings of being watched, typical signs of residual energy in historic structures.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The mall is a public space, making it easier for casual visitors to explore the reportedly haunted areas. Paranormal investigators should be mindful of business hours and respectful to mall staff and patrons. Evening visits may yield better opportunities for spotting phenomena but require permission.
Access / Tour Info
Open to the public during business hours. Investigators interested in thorough exploration should contact mall management for permission, especially for after-hours access.
3. Ashmore Estates — Ashmore, Illinois
Historical Background
Originally established as a poor farm in the mid-1800s, Ashmore Estates evolved into a private care institution before closing in 1986. The sprawling property was later used as a commercial haunted attraction but has been notorious for its dilapidated state and tragic history, including stories of mistreatment and death.
Paranormal Reports
Ashmore Estates is infamous for full-bodied apparitions, shadow figures, disembodied voices, and chilling EVP recordings. Visitors report sensations of being touched, cold spots, and objects moving on their own. Named spirits like “Elva Skinner,” a child who died in a fire, add to the estate’s eerie lore.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The site now offers scheduled tours and paranormal events, including overnight stays. Visitors should be prepared with standard ghost-hunting equipment and adhere strictly to safety guidelines due to the building’s fragile condition.
Access / Tour Info
Tours and investigations are by appointment only. Visitors should check the official Ashmore Estates website or contact the current management for booking information.
4. Choate Mental Health Center — Anna, Illinois
Historical Background
Known formerly as the Southern Illinois Hospital for the Insane, Choate Mental Health Center opened in 1902. The facility housed thousands of patients over its long history and is associated with stories of harsh treatments, deaths, and mysterious fires. It closed in 2009, leaving behind a decaying structure rife with tragic memories.
Paranormal Reports
Reported phenomena include ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, shadowy figures, and strange noises. Visitors and former employees speak of feelings of dread, cold spots, and unexplained footsteps echoing through the abandoned halls.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The site is typically off-limits to the public and requires special permission or organized tours. Investigators should prioritize safety, as the abandoned buildings are structurally unsound and potentially hazardous.
Access / Tour Info
Access is restricted. Paranormal enthusiasts should seek guided tours or contact local paranormal groups for legitimate entry opportunities.
5. Hundley House — Carbondale, Illinois
Historical Background
The Hundley House was once home to J. Chas Hundley, a Carbondale mayor who was murdered in the residence in 1928. The house has since gained a reputation for paranormal activity tied to the violent history and past occupants.
Paranormal Reports
Investigators have reported unexplained voices, lights turning on and off, and the sound of swinging porch swings despite no wind. Shadow figures and sudden temperature drops are also common experiences.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The house is privately owned and may not be open for public tours. Paranormal researchers interested in investigating should seek permission from the current owners and exercise caution.
Access / Tour Info
Private property. Permission required for access. Visitors should respect the property and privacy of the owners.
6. Acid Bridge — Collinsville, Illinois
Historical Background
Acid Bridge is part of the old Route 66 corridor near Collinsville, an area known for strange tales and eerie occurrences. The name stems from the bridge’s chemical manufacturing history nearby, where acid was reportedly dumped, adding to the ominous reputation.
Paranormal Reports
Visitors to Acid Bridge have reported shadow figures lurking under the bridge, ghostly whispers, and an unsettling feeling of being watched. Some have experienced sudden drops in temperature and unexplained noises resembling footsteps or distant screams, especially at night.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
This location is accessible by public roads but is best visited at night for those seeking paranormal activity. Be mindful of traffic and property boundaries. Bringing night-vision cameras and audio recorders is recommended.
Access / Tour Info
Open to the public with no formal tours. Visitors should respect local property and safety regulations.
7. Cahokia Mounds — Collinsville, Illinois
Historical Background
Cahokia Mounds is the site of a pre-Columbian Native American city, the largest ancient settlement north of Mexico, dating from 700–1400 AD. The area holds great spiritual significance and is steeped in mystery, with many believing restless spirits of the ancient inhabitants linger.
Paranormal Reports
People report hearing chanting, footsteps, and drum beats when no one is around. Shadowy figures and orbs of light are common sightings near the mounds, especially during dusk or nighttime hours. Visitors often feel a heavy, ancient energy at the site.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
As a state historic site and park, Cahokia Mounds is open during daylight hours. Paranormal investigations after dark are generally not permitted, but daytime visits offer rich historical context and subtle paranormal sensations. Bring respectful curiosity and patience.
Access / Tour Info
Public park open daily, tours available through the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site visitor center.
8. Congress Plaza Hotel — Chicago, Illinois
Historical Background
Built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the Congress Plaza Hotel has hosted countless guests, including many who met tragic ends. The hotel is infamous for reported hauntings tied to Chicago’s dark past, including gangster-era violence and mysterious deaths.
Paranormal Reports
Guests and staff report flickering lights, unexplained cold spots, shadowy figures, and eerie footsteps in empty hallways. One of the most famous spirits is believed to be a woman in the 13th-floor ballroom, where tragic events allegedly occurred.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
Visitors can stay overnight, which may provide a better chance of witnessing paranormal activity. Bringing EVP devices and cameras may capture unexplained phenomena. The hotel is active and operational, so respect the privacy of guests.
Access / Tour Info
Public hotel, open for stays and events. No official paranormal tours, but the hotel is known to welcome paranormal enthusiasts.
9. Couch Tomb / Death Alley (Iroquois Theatre site) — Chicago, Illinois
Historical Background
This location marks the site of the tragic 1903 Iroquois Theatre fire, one of the deadliest in U.S. history, killing over 600 people. Death Alley, a narrow passage behind the former theater, is said to be haunted by the souls of those who perished trying to escape.
Paranormal Reports
Visitors have reported hearing screams, crying, footsteps, and feeling sudden chills. Shadow figures and ghostly apparitions have been spotted in the alleyway, especially on anniversaries of the fire.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The alley is accessible but located in a busy urban area. Evening visits may increase the chance of experiencing paranormal activity. Investigators should be cautious of traffic and city safety.
Access / Tour Info
Public access; no formal tours. Visitors should be respectful and cautious.
10. DeSoto House Hotel — Galena, Illinois
Historical Background
Opened in 1855, the DeSoto House is one of Illinois’ oldest continuously operating hotels. The historic building has witnessed many guests over the years, including soldiers, travelers, and locals. It is steeped in ghost stories and paranormal activity linked to its rich history.
Paranormal Reports
Guests and staff report sightings of ghostly figures, unexplained noises like footsteps and voices, and objects moving on their own. Some believe the spirits of Civil War soldiers and former hotel guests still linger in the hallways and rooms.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The hotel is open to guests and visitors alike. Staying overnight is recommended for those interested in paranormal experiences. Bring recording devices and a keen sense for unexplained activity.
Access / Tour Info
Operational hotel open for reservations. No official paranormal tours, but the staff is familiar with ghost lore.
11. Eastland Disaster Site — Chicago River Area, Illinois
Historical Background
The Eastland Disaster site marks the location where the passenger ship SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. Over 800 people lost their lives in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in U.S. history. The tragedy has left a lingering dark energy in the area.
Paranormal Reports
Witnesses have reported ghostly figures along the riverbanks, sounds of drowning cries, and apparitions of passengers reliving their final moments. Some fishermen and boaters have experienced unexplained equipment malfunctions and sudden cold spots on the water.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The area is accessible to the public along the riverfront but can be dangerous near the water, so caution is advised. Nighttime visits can intensify paranormal experiences, but safety should always come first. Bring waterproof equipment if planning close water exploration.
Access / Tour Info
Public area with no official tours. Local historical groups sometimes organize commemorative events.
12. Ethyl’s Party in Chinatown (Former Funeral Home) — Chicago, Illinois
Historical Background
Located in Chicago’s Chinatown, this former funeral home is infamous for its transformation into a social hotspot known as “Ethyl’s Party.” Despite its lively present, the building carries a somber past associated with death and mourning.
Paranormal Reports
Visitors report hearing whispers, unexplained footsteps, and shadow figures roaming the hallways. Some claim to feel cold spots or experience sudden unease while inside, often attributing it to residual energy from its past as a funeral home.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
As a current event venue, visits should coincide with open hours or special events. Paranormal investigators should seek permission and be respectful of patrons and staff.
Access / Tour Info
Open to the public during events. No official paranormal tours; contact management for special access.
13. Former Manteno State Hospital — Manteno, Illinois
Historical Background
Opened in 1930, the Manteno State Hospital was a large psychiatric facility known for its overcrowding and patient abuse issues. It closed in 1985 but remains a dark landmark with a history marked by suffering and neglect.
Paranormal Reports
Numerous reports of shadow figures, disembodied voices, mysterious footsteps, and apparitions have been documented. Investigators speak of intense feelings of sadness, despair, and oppressive energy throughout the abandoned buildings.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The hospital site is largely abandoned and dangerous due to structural decay. Visits should only be undertaken with permission and safety precautions. Nighttime investigations can be intense but carry safety risks.
Access / Tour Info
Private property, typically inaccessible without permission. Paranormal tours may be available through local organizations.
14. Lincoln Park Zoo — Chicago, Illinois
Historical Background
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo is not just a wildlife sanctuary but also a site of many historical events. Over the decades, various tragedies and deaths have occurred on the grounds, lending to paranormal lore.
Paranormal Reports
Staff and visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures, hearing disembodied voices, and strange animal behaviors. Some attribute the paranormal activity to past tragedies or restless spirits connected to the zoo’s history.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The zoo is a public space open during daylight hours. Paranormal activity tends to be subtle, so visitors should come with an open mind and a patient attitude.
Access / Tour Info
Public park and zoo, no official paranormal tours.
15. Lincoln Theater — Decatur, Illinois
Historical Background
The Lincoln Theater, a historic performance venue in Decatur, has been a cultural hub since its opening. Over time, it has garnered a reputation for paranormal activity tied to past performers and staff.
Paranormal Reports
Visitors and employees report hearing unexplained footsteps, voices, and music when the theater is empty. Some have seen shadowy figures near the stage or backstage areas, thought to be spirits of former performers.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The theater is open for public events, making visits easy to combine with regular shows. Paranormal investigations might require special permission and are best done after hours.
Access / Tour Info
Public venue with scheduled events. Contact management for paranormal investigation permissions.
16. Old Joliet Prison — Joliet, Illinois
Historical Background
Built in 1858, the Old Joliet Prison housed thousands of inmates over its history. Known for violence, executions, and harsh conditions, the prison closed in 2002 but remains a hotspot for ghost stories.
Paranormal Reports
Visitors report hearing eerie moans, footsteps, and seeing shadowy inmates roaming the halls. Cold spots and unexplained voices are common, especially near the old death row cells.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The prison offers official tours that include paranormal experiences. Night tours may provide enhanced chances to witness activity. Bring audio and visual recording devices.
Access / Tour Info
Open for public tours; check schedule for special paranormal events.
17. Original Springs Hotel — Okawville, Illinois
Historical Background
Known for its mineral springs, the Original Springs Hotel has been a destination for health and relaxation since the 19th century. However, it is also famous for reports of a “woman in white” haunting its halls.
Paranormal Reports
Guests report sightings of a spectral woman in white roaming balconies and hallways. Strange noises, moving objects, and cold spots are frequent, especially in older parts of the hotel.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The hotel is operational and welcomes overnight guests. Staying overnight increases chances of paranormal encounters. Bring EVP recorders and cameras.
Access / Tour Info
Open as a hotel with accommodations and no official paranormal tours.
18. Resurrection Cemetery / “Resurrection Mary” — Justice / Chicago Area, Illinois
Historical Background
Resurrection Mary is one of Chicago’s most famous ghost stories, centering on a young woman who died in a car accident near Resurrection Cemetery. The spirit is said to hitchhike along Archer Avenue, vanishing when picked up.
Paranormal Reports
Drivers report seeing Mary appear on the roadside, dressed in a white gown, asking for rides. She disappears mysteriously before reaching the cemetery gates. Visitors to the cemetery sometimes report ghostly apparitions and unexplained sounds.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
The cemetery is open to visitors during daylight. Paranormal activity tends to be reported along nearby roads at night. Visitors should exercise caution while driving.
Access / Tour Info
Public cemetery with no official tours; respectful visiting hours apply.
19. The Drake Hotel — Chicago, Illinois
Historical Background
The Drake Hotel, opened in 1920, is a luxury hotel known for its elegance and paranormal lore. It is said to be haunted by a “Woman in Red” who tragically jumped to her death, along with other spirits from the hotel’s past.
Paranormal Reports
Guests report cold spots, flickering lights, unexplained noises, and sightings of apparitions including the famous Woman in Red. The hotel staff also shares stories of mysterious happenings in certain rooms.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
Staying overnight increases chances of experiencing paranormal phenomena. Bring recording devices and remain respectful to other guests and staff.
Access / Tour Info
Operational hotel; open for stays with no official paranormal tours.
20. Crenshaw House (Old Slave House / Hickory Hill) — Equality / Junction, Gallatin County, Illinois
Historical Background
The Crenshaw House, more notoriously known as the “Old Slave House,” is a dark chapter in Illinois history. Built around 1838 by John Hart Crenshaw, a salt mine owner, the mansion was used as a front for the Reverse Underground Railroad—kidnapping free Black people and runaway slaves, and selling them into slavery in the South.
Although Illinois was a free state, Crenshaw leased salt works that allowed for the use of enslaved labor. It’s well-documented that the third floor of the home served as holding cells for kidnapped individuals, where chains and iron rings still remain attached to the walls.
Paranormal Reports
The horror of the house’s history seems to have left a permanent mark:
- Crying and Screaming: Visitors report hearing cries of anguish and begging, especially from the attic area.
- Chains Rattling: Audible clanking of chains and dragging sounds echo in the halls.
- Cold Spots and Nausea: Many experience physical symptoms when entering certain rooms—nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
- Shadow Figures: Dark shapes have been seen moving in windows or passing through doorways.
- Oppressive Atmosphere: A common report is the sensation of being watched or an overwhelming heaviness.
The third floor—where most of the enslaved people were kept—is said to be the most active area and has caused emotional breakdowns in sensitive visitors.
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
While the house has been closed to the public since being acquired by the state in 1996, its haunted reputation makes it a pilgrimage site for paranormal and historical researchers.
- Respect the site’s dark past: This is not a place for thrill-seeking; many consider it sacred ground.
- Photograph from outside: While you may not be able to enter, the atmosphere alone has been said to affect sensitive individuals.
- Paranormal documentation: If granted rare access, focus on the attic and basement where activity is most commonly reported.
Access / Tour Info
Pro Tip: If you’re in the area, visit nearby historic sites and respect the boundary of this location.
Currently Closed: Owned by the state of Illinois and not open to the public for tours or investigations.
Historical Preservation Efforts: There have been talks of restoring and opening it for historical education, but progress has been slow.
21. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery — Bremen Township, Cook County, Illinois
Historical Background
Tucked deep within the Rubio Woods Forest Preserve in Cook County, Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery dates back to the early 1800s and is considered one of the most haunted places in the United States. The cemetery served as the final resting place for early settlers, with burials tapering off by the mid-20th century. Over the years, the grounds fell into neglect and became a hotspot for vandalism, occult rumors, and eerie sightings.
Adding to its mystique, stories about the cemetery began circulating in the 1960s and ’70s—fueling its reputation in paranormal circles. Part of its legend also ties into Prohibition-era gangsters using the nearby lagoon to dump bodies.
Paranormal Reports
Bachelor’s Grove is infamous for a wide variety of paranormal activity:
- The “White Lady” or “Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove” is the most well-known spirit. She’s often seen carrying a baby, wandering near a gravestone during full moons.
- The Phantom Farmhouse, a two-story Victorian-style home, is said to shimmer and vanish as you approach it.
- Floating Orbs of Light, misty apparitions, and shadow figures have been photographed and witnessed by dozens of visitors.
- Unseen Forces: People report being touched, scratched, or pushed by invisible entities.
- Disembodied Voices and strange noises are frequently heard coming from the woods and lagoon.
The site has been featured in numerous documentaries and books, and many seasoned paranormal investigators cite it as a “paranormal hotspot.”
Why Visit / Investigation Tips
Bachelor’s Grove is a bucket-list destination for paranormal enthusiasts, especially due to the consistency and diversity of reported phenomena.
- Visit during the day: The cemetery is technically off-limits after dark, and police often patrol the area at night.
- Bring a camera: Many unexplained images have been captured here, even by amateur investigators.
- Stay respectful: Many graves have been desecrated over the years. Be part of preserving what remains.
Access / Tour Info
- Location: Rubio Woods Forest Preserve, off 143rd Street in Midlothian.
- Access: Open during daylight hours. No official tours.
- Pro Tip: Stick to the main trail. The site is secluded, and cell service may be limited.