1. The Resurrection Mary (Chicago)
One of the most famous ghost stories in Chicago, Resurrection Mary is the spirit of a young woman seen hitchhiking along Archer Avenue near Resurrection Cemetery. She is said to be a spectral figure dressed in a white gown who disappears once she’s inside the cemetery gates.
2. The Old Joliet Prison (Joliet)
This abandoned prison, which closed in 2002, has been the site of many rumors, including stories of paranormal activity. Visitors can tour the eerie, crumbling facility, which housed some of the state’s most dangerous criminals.
3. The Bates Mansion (Alton)
The Bates Mansion is linked to many ghostly sightings and paranormal investigations. It’s known for its dark history and the belief that the mansion is haunted by its original owners. It’s a great stop for fans of creepy old mansions.
4. The Lemp Mansion (St. Louis, but close to Illinois)
Just across the river in St. Louis, the Lemp Mansion is notorious for its history of suicides, and it’s considered one of the most haunted places in the U.S. It’s a combination of restaurant, bar, and hotel, with regular ghost tours for those brave enough to explore its creepy corners.
5. The Charles Manson Family’s Connection to Illinois (Glenview)
Charles Manson and his infamous “Family” are tied to Illinois because of a 1969 incident where Manson and his followers were rumored to have visited the home of a victim before their murders. While it’s not exactly a haunted spot, it’s a chilling piece of history.
6. The Lincoln Tomb (Springfield)
Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield is a place steeped in history and tragedy. Visitors often report eerie experiences and unexplained sensations. Some believe the spirits of those who mourned Lincoln are still present.
7. The St. Louis Cemetery (East St. Louis)
Just across the river from Illinois, the St. Louis Cemetery is one of the oldest and creepiest burial sites in the area. Many of the tombs date back centuries, and the cemetery is famous for its ghostly activity.
8. The Haunting of the Palmer House Hotel (Spoon River)
The Palmer House Hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of past guests, particularly a young woman who was allegedly murdered there. Guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises in this historic hotel.
9. The Black Dahlia’s Connection to Illinois
The Black Dahlia murder (Elizabeth Short) is famously connected to California, but her father, George Short, lived in Illinois. Many believe that the crimes surrounding her mysterious death have eerie connections to other unexplained deaths in the area.
10. Champaign’s Haunted Old Baptist Church
The Old Baptist Church in Champaign is known for its ghostly activity, with numerous reports of shadowy figures and cold spots. It’s also rumored to have been the site of an ancient burial ground, adding to its spooky reputation.
11. The Mysterious “Enchanted Forest” (Northern Illinois)
A forest in northern Illinois has long been the subject of eerie stories, where people report hearing strange noises, seeing unexplained lights, and encountering ghostly apparitions. Some even say it’s a place of strange supernatural forces.
SOURCES
[1] https://fearthemassacre.com
[2] https://www.atlasobscura.com/itineraries/atlas-obscura-s-guide-to-the-10-most-mystifying-places-in-illinois
[3] https://www.enjoyillinois.com/plan-your-trip/travel-inspiration/spooky-sights-and-scary-stays-in-illinois/
[4] https://www.choosechicago.com/blog/tours-attractions/chicago-most-haunted-places/
[5] https://windycityghosts.com/most-haunted-places-in-illinois/
