The Most Haunted Places in Illinois (And the Stories Behind Them)
Just west of Chicago, in the suburb of Oak Park, lies the historic haunted gem of the Ernest Hemingway Birthplace Home. This modest Queen Anne-style house, just a 20-minute drive from downtown Chicago, offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of one of America’s literary legends. Beyond its architectural charm and period furnishings, the house carries whispers of unexplained footsteps and mysterious cold spots. Guests touring the home often report an eerie presence, possibly connected to Hemingway’s spirited mother or the young Ernest himself. Visiting during autumn, when the neighborhood’s leafy streets turn fiery red and golden, adds a quietly dramatic backdrop to exploring this intimate piece of haunted literary history.
Heading about two hours south to Alton, Illinois, the McPike Mansion stands as a gothic sentinel over the Mississippi River valley. This sprawling 19th-century mansion is surrounded by legends of ghostly apparitions and strange noises that punctuate the stillness of the night. Offering guided tours that peel back layers of family tragedy and architectural grandeur, visitors can wander through its ornate parlors and shadowed hallways. The mansion’s unique blend of Italianate and Gothic Revival styles, combined with its riverside location, makes it an atmospheric stop for those fascinated by haunted history. Evening tours during the fall months heighten the chilling ambiance, as fog drifts off the nearby river and settles around the mansion’s weathered stone foundation.
In Peoria, located roughly three hours southwest of Chicago, the Peoria State Hospital offers a haunting experience within the confines of its now-abandoned buildings. Originally opened in the late 19th century as a psychiatric hospital, the site’s crumbling wards and locked doors speak volumes of its dark history. Visitors interested in urban exploration and paranormal lore often come here for guided tours that delve into the hospital’s treatment methods and the many lives that passed through its halls. The vast campus, surrounded by thick woodland, provides a stark contrast between nature reclaiming man-made structures and the lingering sense of unrest. Early evening visits during spring or fall, when the light fades quickly and shadows lengthen, provide the most spine-tingling experience.
Further north near Rockford, the Coronado Theatre is a striking example of 1920s movie palace glamor, located a little over 90 minutes northwest of Chicago. Known for its lavish Spanish-Baroque architecture and ornate interiors, the theater also holds a reputation for paranormal activity. Patrons and staff alike have reported sightings of ghostly figures behind the velvet curtains and the inexplicable presence of an old-time stagehand. Attending a classic film screening or a live performance here immerses visitors not only in entertainment but also in the building’s mysterious aura. Evening events, particularly during the cooler months when the theater’s grand doors close tight, deepen the sense of stepping back in time—and into a ghost story.
In Springfield, the state capital about three hours southwest of Chicago, the Dana-Thomas House beckons with its Frank Lloyd Wright design and whispered hauntings. This Prairie School masterpiece, with its sweeping horizontal lines and art glass windows, is a draw for architecture lovers and ghost hunters alike. Though celebrated for its beauty and craftsmanship, the house reportedly stirs late at night with unexplained footsteps and flickering lights that suggest the presence of past residents. Exploring the house during daylight reveals intricate design details and period furnishings, but visiting closer to dusk reveals its uncanny atmosphere. The surrounding gardens, especially beautiful in spring bloom, offer a serene contrast to the house’s haunted reputation.
Near the Illinois-Iowa border, the Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena sits amid rolling hills and historic buildings, just under three hours west of Chicago. This region’s rich mining past and Civil War history imbue the resort and nearby town with stories of restless spirits. Guests often speak of ghostly encounters in the old hotel wings and the nearby Green Street Cemetery, where some of Galena’s pioneers and soldiers rest. The resort offers hiking trails that showcase limestone bluffs and scenic overlooks, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the local ghost lore. Fall is a particularly magical time here, as the foliage transforms and the crisp air carries stories from the past on the breeze.
Lastly, on the south side of Chicago itself, the Congress Plaza Hotel has long captured the imagination of paranormal enthusiasts. Located just minutes from Grant Park and Lake Michigan, this historic hotel has hosted presidents and celebrities, but also countless tales of spectral guests wandering its halls. The grand lobby, rich in early 20th-century opulence, sometimes feels charged with a presence that transcends time. Staying in one of the hotel’s vintage rooms or simply visiting the bar offers a direct connection to Chicago’s haunted urban heart. The winter months, when the city’s cold grips the streets outside, often amplify the hotel’s ghostly mystique, making it a uniquely atmospheric stop for those drawn to eerie urban legends.