Scary History: Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is infamous for its eerie atmosphere and spine-chilling tales. Founded in the early 1800s, the cemetery is home to more than just the dead. Paranormal investigators have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, including a translucent woman in a white dress cradling a baby. This “White Lady” is said to roam the grounds searching for her lost child. Visitors have also claimed to see spectral farmhouses that vanish without a trace and phantom vehicles appearing out of nowhere on the adjacent roadway. The cemetery is linked to Chicago’s mafia history, with rumors of bodies being disposed of in the nearby pond.

Entry Fee: Free

Visiting Hours: Daytime only (local authorities discourage night visits).

Scary History: Opened in 1893 to accommodate visitors to the World’s Columbian Exposition, the Congress Plaza Hotel has accumulated numerous ghost stories over the years. One of the most notorious tales is that of Room 441, which is said to be the most haunted. Guests report waking up to find the furniture rearranged and have been terrorized by an unknown entity knocking from the inside of the closet. Another spine-chilling legend is that of a worker who fell to his death during the hotel’s construction and now reportedly haunts the hallways. Additionally, the hotel is said to be cursed, as many guests, including famous gangsters like Al Capone, used the hotel as a hideout.

Entry Fee: Varies based on room booking.

Visiting Hours: Open year-round.

Scary History: This notorious prison, built in 1858, housed thousands of inmates over its years of operation, including infamous criminals like Baby Face Nelson and Leopold & Loeb. Stories abound of prisoners being tortured or left to die in solitary confinement, and many have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of dread within the walls. Paranormal sightings include shadowy figures, disembodied whispers, and cell doors slamming shut without explanation. The ghosts of guards and prisoners alike are said to roam the corridors, reliving their tormented pasts.

Entry Fee: $20-$50 depending on the tour.

Visiting Hours: Vary by season; check online for tour schedules.

Scary History: This former mental institution opened its doors in 1930 and quickly gained a dark reputation. At its peak, it housed over 8,000 patients, and its long history of lobotomies, electroshock therapy, and overcrowding led to many cases of abuse and neglect. Reports of eerie moaning, chilling cold spots, and ghostly apparitions have emerged from the remaining buildings. Legend has it that a deadly typhoid fever outbreak occurred in the hospital, leading to mass deaths that were poorly handled, leaving patients to die in isolation.

Entry Fee: Free to explore the grounds.

Visiting Hours: Not officially open for tours; accessible at your own risk.

Scary History: Alton’s haunted reputation dates back to the Civil War era and its long history of slavery. One infamous location is the McPike Mansion, where reports of doors slamming shut, unexplained footsteps, and eerie sounds of children laughing have frightened visitors for decades. Another chilling location is the First Unitarian Church, where the ghost of a former pastor is said to still linger after his mysterious death. The spirits of restless soldiers, slaves, and settlers are believed to haunt various places around the town, adding to its eerie allure.

Entry Fee: Varies for specific tours ($25-$50).

Visiting Hours: Most ghost tours run in the evenings; check online for schedules.

Scary History: Built in 1916 as a poor farm and later transformed into a psychiatric facility, Ashmore Estates has a dark history of neglect and suffering. During its operation, it was common for patients to be chained to their beds, and many died under horrific circumstances. Paranormal enthusiasts report seeing shadow figures darting through hallways and hearing disembodied screams and cries. One particularly chilling legend is of a boy who died tragically and is now said to wander the grounds, looking for his mother.

Entry Fee: $25-$100 (varies by tour and event).

Visiting Hours: Year-round with scheduled events and tours; overnight stays available.

Scary History: Opened in 1926, this grand theater is home to elegant chandeliers, opulent decor, and restless spirits. Patrons have reported seeing a spectral woman dressed in white, possibly the ghost of a heartbroken actress who took her own life in the theater. Eerie occurrences include lights flickering and seats creaking as if someone unseen is sitting down. Some say the spirits of past performers and audience members still linger, reliving their glory days or watching over the theater.

Entry Fee: Varies based on events.

Visiting Hours: Tour schedules vary; check online for specific dates.

Scary History: Once known as the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane, this hospital operated from 1902 to 1973. Among the many ghostly tales is that of “Old Book,” a kind-hearted grave digger who worked at the hospital for decades. His ghost was seen weeping at his own funeral by multiple witnesses. Other reports include shadow figures darting in and out of rooms, patients’ wailing echoing through the halls, and doors creaking open as if inviting visitors into the darkness.

Entry Fee: $40-$60 depending on tours.

Visiting Hours: Scheduled tours and events; check online for availability.

Scary History: Established in 1812, the Rose Hotel is the oldest continuously operating hotel in Illinois. Guests and staff have reported seeing the ghost of a Confederate soldier who met a tragic end during the Civil War, wandering the halls in search of redemption. Another frequent apparition is that of a lady in a blue dress, who is believed to be a former resident who died heartbroken. The ghosts are not hostile, but their presence is unmistakable, often leaving guests with a deep sense of sadness and unease.

Entry Fee: Varies with room booking.

Visiting Hours: Open year-round.

Scary History: This ominous location along the Mississippi River gets its name from a sharp, dangerous rock formation. According to local legend, pirates once used the area to hide their loot and dispose of their victims, whose souls are said to haunt the riverbanks. Witnesses have reported seeing eerie lights dancing on the water and hearing the bloodcurdling cries of those lost to the river. A ghostly pirate is also said to appear, warning visitors to steer clear of his cursed treasure.

Entry Fee: Free

Visiting Hours: Open year-round; daytime recommended for safety.