haunted houses in dundee illinois

Advertisement

Haunted Houses, Spook Walks & Other Halloween Attractions in East Dundee

Basement of the dead haunted house.

Located in Aurora 630-896-2466--> Next open 10/22/23

Grab some friends and brave the terror that awaits at Basement of the Dead Haunted House - that is, if you dare enter in the first place! Read More

Hayride of Horror

Located in Lockport 815-838-1183--> Next open 10/27/23

Hayride of Horror: Dellwood has always been a family destination for recreation and entertainment. We invite you to ride our Hayride of Horror through the heart of this great park while the spirits of the long forgotten welcome you home. Dark and mysterious forces will toy with your imagination as Read More

Reaper's Realm

Located in Hammond 219-853-0518--> Next open 10/22/23

Do you DARE TO ROAM THE REALM? Find yourself within the walls of this eerily HAUNTED 1920’s Stone Mansion with its 3 FLOORS OF TERROR.Evil lurks around each corner as demented spirits, seedy characters, and disturbed demons are trapped for eternity General Information Please understand that our Read More

HellsGate Haunted House

Located in Lockport 605-301-4283--> Next open 10/22/23

Hidden deep in the woods, HellsGate is a multi-level mansion filled with secret passages, giant slides, ghastly secrets, undead abominations, really nervous groundskeepers and a darkness that the gate can no longer contain! This is not just a haunted house, it’s an adventure! Since you were a kid, Read More

Undead Acres

Located in Monee (708) 534-3600--> Next open 10/22/23

Undead Acres offers a ton of scary-good fun, including a Paintball Shooting Gallery, Haunted Terror Trail, Zombie Paintball and even Corn Cannons! Read More

Soul Reapers Haunted House

Located in Wilmot (754)-666-FEAR--> Next open 10/22/23

Soul Reapers Haunted House exists for this reason. What's a Soul Reaper? They are the scariest, most ruthless monsters of Hell and Satan has summoned them to devour your pathetic souls! Hearing your screams brings the Soul Reapers great satisfaction. Will you accept the challenge?! Read More

Disturbia Haunted House

Located in Downers Grove 630-896-2466--> Next open 10/22/23

The legendary Disturbia Haunted House has been resurrected from the depths of Hell! Come relive your darkest nightmares and experience all new evils. Only in Downers Grove and presented by Basement of the Dead. Read More

Curse of the Bayou

Are you one of the brave souls to seek out the underground of Dellwood Park? We dare you to attempt the Curse of the Bayou. The veil between the living and the dead has been lifted, and a powerful Voodoo Priestess has been called forth from her home in the swamps. She commands a legion of fiendish Read More

Abandoned Haunted House Complex

Located in Mount Pleasant (262) 886-1182--> Next open 10/27/23

Take on four terrifying haunted houses this Halloween Season at the Abandoned Haunted House Complex, including the Ambush Haunted House, Hysteria Haunted House, Stalker Haunted Corn Field and Shoot a Freak! Read More

Windy City Ghosts

Located in Chicago (757) 532-8805--> Next open 10/22/23

Windy City Ghosts The Great Fire, Al Capone, prohibition, and violent riots have left indelible scars on Chicago, giving birth to the real ghosts and hauntings of the Windy City. Book Now and embark on a blood-curdling ghost tour of Chicago to delve into the city's most haunted locations. Discover Read More

The Hill Has Eyes

Located in Franklin 414-908-6322--> Next open 10/27/23

4 Attractions for the Price of 1! The drivers didn’t know they were hauling truckloads of chemical waste to the old abandoned quarry outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Under a blood moon, they dumped their cargo without any warning to the nearby trailer park. A simple wooden sign was posted into the Read More

Visit Website

Categories: Zombie Hunts & Shootouts | Haunted Trails

Categories: Haunted Houses

Categories: Ghost Tours | Pub Crawls

Categories: Haunted Houses | Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes | Haunted Trails

Categories: Escape Games | Kids Parties | Other Events | Haunted Mini Golf

Categories: Haunted Houses | Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes | Haunted Trails | Halloween Parties & Nightlife | Scream Parks | Not-So-Scary Haunted Houses (Kid Friendly) | Safe Trick or Treating | Other Events

Categories: Haunted Houses | Haunted Hay Rides | Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes | Theaters & Plays | Halloween Festivals & Parades | Escape Games | Scream Parks | Hay Rides (Kid Friendly) | Not-So-Scary Haunted Houses (Kid Friendly)

Categories: Haunted Houses | Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes | Haunted Trails | Scream Parks

Categories: Pumpkin Patches | Halloween Festivals & Parades | Hay Rides (Kid Friendly) | Not-So-Scary Haunted Houses (Kid Friendly) | Kids Parties | Mazes / Corn Mazes (Kid Friendly)

Categories: Haunted Houses | Escape Games

Categories: Haunted Houses | Haunted Hay Rides | Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes | Haunted Trails | Theaters & Plays | Escape Games | Scream Parks | Hay Rides (Kid Friendly) | Not-So-Scary Haunted Houses (Kid Friendly)

Fright nights offer thrills and chills at Peoria-area haunted attractions

Thrill seekers in the Peoria area can choose from a fearsome foursome of haunted attractions this Halloween season:

Aura Haunted House

• About: The indoor attraction is located in a building at the former Peoria State Hospital.
• Address: 4500 Enterprise Drive, Bartonville
• Hours: The event is open Friday and Saturday evenings in October, Oct. 31, and Nov. 3-4.
• Admission: $30 and up
• Tickets: Available at the box office or online at hauntedpeoria.com.
• Facebook: facebook.com/aurahauntedhouse

Old State Mine Haunted Trail

• About: The fictionalized event explores the "legend of an old mining village that was overtaken by an evil entity." The trail begins in a former Peoria State Hospital building and continues along a wooded hillside on the former asylum grounds.
• Address: 4400 Industry Drive, Bartonville
• Hours: Open Friday and Saturday evenings in October, as well as Nov. 4.
• Admission: $15 and up
• Tickets: Available at the gate or online at oldstatemine.com.
• Facebook: facebook.com/OldStateMine

Spider Hill Haunted Attractions

• About: Spider Hill offers several tours. Massacre Mansion includes 8,000 square feet of "frightful occurrences." The Trail of Terror is set in a "haunted forest" at Three Sisters Park. A Paranormal Investigations event is set in a historical building at the park.
• Address: Three Sisters Park, 17189 N. Illinois Route 29, Chillicothe
• Hours: Open Friday and Saturday evenings in October.
• Admission: $23 and up
• Tickets: Available at the gate and at spider-hill.com.
• Facebook: facebook.com/spiderhillhauntedattractions

Spook Hollow Haunted House

• About: Dating to 1979, Spook Hollow bills itself as the longest running outdoor haunted attraction in Illinois. The community fundraiser is presented by the Marquette Heights Men’s Club of Central Illinois. Admission includes three attractions: Spook Hollow Trail, M.C. Manor, and M.C. Nightmare. The Spook Hollow website cautions that the "high level intensity scares" are not recommended for children under 13.
• Address: 613 Lasalle Blvd., Marquette Heights
• Hours: Open the last three Friday and Saturday evenings in October.
• Tickets: Available at the gate or at spook-hollow.com.
• Facebook: facebook.com/worldfamousspookhollow
• Also: A free "not-so-scary" version of Spook Hollow suitable for children 10 and under is scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. For information, visit facebook.com/events/993155155288217?ref=newsfeed .

• haunted house

West Chicago haunted house created by teen to be featured on 'The Great Halloween Fright Fight'

The West Chicago "Lehman Manor" haunted house, created by a teen, will be featured on ABC's "The Great Halloween Fright Fight."

WEST CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- A local family is about to get national attention for their spectacular Halloween display.

The McCabe family of West Chicago will be featured on ABC's "The Great Halloween Fright Fight" Sunday night.

Miles, 17, is the teenager behind all of this. His family's yard features more than 150 animatronics.

"This is by far our biggest, so very excited to see what people think," he said. "It's our whole life. The whole year is Halloween here because just every day we're either planning, building or moving stuff to different places all for this holiday."

He's competing in a contest to find the best Halloween display, and the winner gets $50,000 and a trophy.

ABC7 Chicago's Christian Piekos had a front row seat to the fright Friday morning.

Halloween for most starts mid- to late October, but, for the McCabe family, the spooky holiday starts during the summer.

ABC7 Chicago gave viewers an inside look at the famed "Lehman Manor" last year .

The haunted house is packed with over 100 terrifying animatronics, a walk-through and live actors.

"We have cameras everywhere, so we get about eight hours of footage for every section, and we can look through all of that and see a ton of crazy scares," Miles McCabe said.

Now in its eighth year, Lehman Manor has welcomed thousands of people from across the state and around the country.

Some have waited in line for hours just for the terrifying thrill.

"This is not ending anytime soon. We want to actually bring this to a professional level, so we can continue doing this for everyone," Miles McCabe said.

"Lehman Manor" is one of four haunted houses across the country that will be featured on ABC's "Great Halloween Fright Fight" that's airing this Sunday night at 9 p.m.

The McCabe family is squaring off against families in Michigan, Colorado and Nevada.

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
• WEST CHICAGO
• HAUNTED HOUSE

Haunted House

Nightmare On Clark Street haunted house open through October

Disneyland's Haunted Mansion to undergo expansion work next year

Owen Wilson brings laughs and screams to Disney's 'Haunted Mansion'

Zillow lists so-called 'Haunted Mansion' for sale in New Orleans

Top stories.

2 wounded in shootout inside Old Town Walgreens

• 2 hours ago

Annual window to shop for Medicare Advantage plans returns on Sunday

• 31 minutes ago

Israel strikes Gaza, Syria, West Bank as Hamas war threatens to spread

Our Chicago: Stress in the College Admissions Process

Woman fatally shoots knife-wielding man on South Side: CPD

• 5 minutes ago

Convicted child molester sets up 'free fentanyl' sign across CA school

CA Airbnb host faces $300K in damages after guests flood home

More Halloween decorations set on fire in Lincoln Square: VIDEO

103.5 KISS FM

The 'Creepiest Haunted House' In Illinois

Posted: October 17, 2023 | Last updated: October 17, 2023

Spooky season separates the paranormal thrill-seekers from the skeptics, and one activity is sure to show who is who: visiting a haunted house. Some are extremely intrigued by the possibility of paranormal activity and actively seek out haunted seasonal attractions. In contrast, some simply do not believe in the paranormal and do their very best to steer clear of locations where ghosts and spirits are allegedly most prevalent. Whether you identify most with the paranormal thrill seeker or the skeptic; there is one house in each state known far and wide for being the "creepiest" and most "haunted" around.

According to a list compiled by 24/7 Wall St. , the creepiest haunted house in all of Illinois is Ashmore Estates located in Ashmore.

Here's what 24/7 Wall St. had to say about the creepiest haunted house in all of Illinois :

"Once known as the Coles County Poor Farm, the Ashmore Estates laterserved for decades as a psychiatric hospital. Some who have toured the building reported hearing voices speak to them, having doors locked behind them, and even more violent incidents. The Ashmore Estates is now opened to visitors interested in exploring paranormal phenomena."

For a continued list of the creepiest haunted houses in each state visit 247wallst.com .

More for You

McDonald’s is giving out free fries every Friday for the rest of 2023. Here’s how to get them

How long before a phone is outdated? Here's how to find your smartphone's expiration date

The pandemic is over in this Michigan county. The mistrust never ended.

10 Coffee Brands That Use The Highest Quality Ingredients

US redirects Navy carrier strike group, deploys high altitude defense missile system and patriot battalions to the Middle East amid escalations by Iran in the Israel-Hamas war

Web Summit CEO resigns after apologizing for Israel-Hamas war comments

College football rankings: Predicting the AP top 25 poll for Week 9

Here's how to stop spam texts on an iPhone. It might be easier than you think.

Why the US kept Daylight Saving Time

Our 20 Most Popular Dessert Recipes of All Time

Trump can't seem to stop a lawsuit that could kick his candidacy to the curb in Colorado

US moves carrier to Middle East following attacks on US forces

Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates-backed billion dollar business closes

Winners and losers from Week 8 of the college football season

Arkansas Governor Signs Executive Order Banning ‘Woke’ Words in State Documents

9 Costco Bakery Secrets You'll Be Happy To Know

All Americans should be concerned about the Israel-Hamas war: Pastor John Hagee

Has China squandered its golden opportunity to overtake the US? Here’s why one analyst is predicting it's the nation's ‘last decade’ of power and prosperity

Your Daily Astrology: October 22 for 10/22/23

7 Medicare Changes for 2024 All Seniors Should Know About

• For Haunt Owners
• Browse By State
• Haunted Attractions
• Drive-Through
• Haunted Houses
• Haunted Hay Rides
• Zombie Hunts & Shootouts
• Haunted Mazes / Haunted Corn Mazes
• Haunted Trails
• Home Haunts
• Theaters & Plays
• Scream Parks
• Paranormal Events
• Zombie 5k Runs
• Haunted River Tours
• Other Event / Attraction
• Ghost Tours
• Halloween Parties & Nightlife
• Escape Games
• Other Events
• Haunted Places
• Advertise With Us
• West Dundee

Set Your Location

Halloween haunted houses near west dundee, il cookie -->.

Share Your Review

Get the haunts.com phone app.

Newsletter Signup

Subscribe now to receive upcoming events, scary good savings & more this Halloween season!

• East Dundee

Illinois Nearby Towns

• West Dundee
• Carpentersville
• Lake in the Hills
• Fox River Grove
• South Elgin
• Prairie Grove
• Plato Center
• All Illinois Cities
• Explore Another City
• Subscribe to our RSS
• Follow us on twitter
• Follow us on Facebook
• Select a City
• East Dundee, IL
• Illinois Halloween Events

Halloween Events!

Searching for the best place to find Halloween Haunted Houses and Halloween events in East Dundee, IL? Look no further as we have pulled together the best list of Halloween happenings for Illinois. Use this list below to find the best Halloween events and happenings in your area or browse through our spooky list of Halloween Trick or Treating events, Halloween Parades and more in IL.

Hunting for scares and screams in a Illinois Halloween Haunted House near East Dundee? We've got you covered.

In need of a jack-o'-lantern? Check out our collection of pumpkin patches, farms, and stands near East Dundee, IL.

Find Illinois Halloween Events!

America's favorite fall festival and pumpkin farm.

Shades of Autumn Fall Festival

West Chicago Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch

Lincoln Park Zoo Fall Fest

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America

Kids Boo Fest

Pumpkin Patch Festival

Spooktacular Trunk or Treat

Fall Color Festival - Walking Plays: Anne of Green Gables

Count Kuhajda's Haunted House Attractions

Covid-19 resources, find illinois haunted houses, fables fright nights and haunted theme park.

Haunted Hike

Elgin Turners

Evil Intentions Haunted House

McHenry Area Jaycees Haunted House

Haunted Hayride and Haunted House (Barn) at Sonny Acres Farm

X-treme Hauntings Haunted House

Distubria Torment of Fears

• American Red Cross News - Give Something That Means Something
• American Lung Association October News: RSV, Clinical Trials, Fall Allergies, Asthma Education
• American Red Cross News - Families Have Just Two Minutes To Escape A Home Fire

School Closings View our updated school closings list.

Local schools find education near you., local groups view all the organizations in your community., businesses vfind popular businesses near you., jobs looking to work locally try these listings we found., list your organization.

Do you have a non-profit Organization that you'd like to add?

Post An Event

Promote your event to the community.

Submit A News Release

We want to hear about the latest and greatest story that's happening within our community.

Free: See How You're Listed

On Yahoo, Yelp, SuperPages, AmericanTowns and 25 other directories!

Improve Your Listing

Add your social media links and bio and promote your discounts, menus, events.

New Businesses

Be sure your listing is up on all the key local directories with all your important content (social links and product info).

20 million people rely on AmericanTowns each year to find & share local information.

23 Haunted Houses in ILLINOIS (Spooky, Creepy, and Eerie)

Living a life revolving around joy and blue can be tedious.

There is much more to the life in front of you than what you see as if there’s a parchment filtering your sight, making you only witness the writings in its front and clueless of its back.

Open your eyes, widen your ears, and strengthen your senses!

Enter a new world of the unknown and introduce yourself with another spice.

Have a bit of fright!

Get your nerves ready as we tour the scariest haunted houses in Illinois.

Here are 23 haunted houses you can add to your freaky go-to list:

And by the way, you may also want to check out some of Illinois’ ghost towns .

Haunted Houses in Springfield, Illinois

1. terror on the square.

Are you looking for a haunted location with scary facilities and special effects?

Gate your heart and beware of the chills as you explore this haunted attraction !

Terror on the Square presents you its spooky dark hallways and scary surprises that will give you the creeps with the help of their live actors.

It is situated inside the Menard County Courthouse.

Inside, you’ll witness several creepy scenes as well as brilliant acting and jumpscares you’ll never forget.

Operating from late September to November, the Halloween season from day to night, Terror on the Square is worthy of your attention as it will surely make your heart drum loud.

So head to this horror attraction now and get ready to put your heart on a spooky rollercoaster!

Address: Illinois State Fairgrounds 801 E Sangamon Ave Springfield, IL 62702

2. The Haunted Halls of Jacksonville

Bring a friend and grab tight as you visit one of the oldest haunted attractions in Illinois!

This haunted attraction will send you chills and a huge sensation of creepiness.

Having 13,000 square feet of space and containing 23 rooms of spookiness, you’ll indeed have so much to explore.

Walking through their corridors, you’ll be introduced to foggy dark rooms packed with special effects.

Their rooms are themed with different concepts, like a creepy clown and a damned laboratory that will make you shiver.

They also have live actors and jumpscares that indeed add more yelp of fright to the scene!

Be careful on your way, though; you might get carried away and pounce on the brilliant actors.

Plan your visit now and get ready for a fun-spooky experience!

Address: 230 S. Main St. Jacksonville, IL 62650

3. Torment at Twelve Hundred

Expect a day loaded with horror as you visit this 25,000-square-foot indoor haunted house!

Torment at Twelve Hundred is another popular haunted attraction in Springfield, Illinois.

It is located at the Bartonville State Hospital, a real-life haunted former mental hospital that locals believe to be haunted.

Visitors to the haunted home have described seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots , and hearing odd noises, among other paranormal phenomena.

While the attraction is meant to be spooky, the performers and personnel are trained to ensure that all guests are safe and have a good time.

The haunted house contains many spooky themes, including a haunted mental asylum, a terrifying carnival, and a haunted funeral home.

Discounts for groups and students are available when purchasing Torment at Twelve Hundred tickets online or in person, so head to their site now and prepare for your spooky adventure!

Address: 402 E. Saint Joseph St. Bartonville, IL 61607

4. Raven’s Curse Haunted House

Feel the chills and the eeriness upon visiting this haunted house.

With its realistic, terrifying decors and dimmed interior, you’ll have a horror movie-like experience!

Raven’s Curse Haunted House is currently at 302 Swan Ave, Centralia.

Upon visiting, look out for witnessing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and hearing odd noises, among other paranormal phenomena as experienced and reported by previous visitors!

Adding to the real-life horror of the house, it is decorated with several spooky themes, including a haunted mansion, a creepy carnival, and a forest overrun with zombies.

But don’t worry, as a group of seasoned specialists manage the haunted home and put up much effort to give visitors a horrific experience.

Furthermore, for kids and families who wish to experience the haunted home without the horrors, Raven’s Curse now provides a “lights on” tour.

Address: 65 miles from Springfield, 302 Swan Ave, Centralia, IL 62801

Also see our article on Castles in Illinois .

Haunted Houses in Decatur, Illinois

1. hoppers haunted house.

Be ready to be transported in a world of darkness and fright.

Hopper Haunted House is not designed for people with soft hearts.

This haunted house’s plan is to scare you like no other!

From its creepy corridors, eerie rooms, themed scenarios, and special effects, you’ll surely jump more than once.

The reality and detailing of each corner of the house especially add to the spooky atmosphere.

Furthermore, the adventure inside will be challenging as you can immerse yourself in interactive activities such as escape rooms and laser tag, making it worthwhile to visit the house.

The Hopper Haunted House opens in late September through early November.

In case of hunger, there are food vendors in the area.

Visit the haunted house now and experience a memorable 20 minutes of your life!

Address: Hopper Haunted House11576 Illinois Rt 48 Decatur, IL 62521

2. The Haunt at Bonesaw Mill

Another place to look for spooks is The Haunt at Bonesaw Mill!

The Haunt at Bonesaw Mill Decatur is a haunted attraction and a working mill.

It is near the intersection of Illinois Route 24 and State Route 87 and has been open since 1983.

There are several attractions to choose from in its vicinity, including the Haunted House, the Terror Zone, and the Scream Zone.

Suppose you’re looking for something more interactive.

In that case, options are available for you, such as the Zombie Apocalypse and other games, laser tag, and other activities that can be done inside or outside, depending on weather conditions.

The Haunt at Bonesaw Mill Decatur is open every night from 7:00 pm to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and from 6:00 pm to midnight on Sundays through Thursdays.

Tickets are sold at the door for $21 per person or $10 for children ages 6-12.

Address: 451 N Brush College Rd, Decatur, IL 62521, United States

3. Factory of Fear

The Factory of Fear in Decatur, Illinois, is a great option!

In search of a spine-tingling sensation?

Thanks to its impressive sets and superb performers, this haunted attraction will give you shivers and chills.

All horror fans should go to Factory of Fear in Decatur, Illinois!

The staff of Factory of Fear has spent every penny possible creating a frightful setting.

Extensive sets, special effects, and spooky music abound throughout the attraction.

With their attention to detail, the team strives to produce a realistic horror experience that makes you feel as though you’re in a horror movie.

The performers give their parts their absolute best effort, heightening the scene’s realism.

In addition, they provide additional eerie activities like virtual reality and escape rooms .

What are you waiting for?

Gather your friends and family, and head to Factory of Fear for a night of terror and fun!

Address: 5027 S 2nd St, Decatur, IL 62521, United States

4. Scareport

Travel to a terrifying port of thrills in Decatur.

Presenting The Scareport, one of the top Halloween attractions in Decatur, Illinois.

Scareport provides several terrifying activities that will make you shudder with horror, including a haunted house, hayrides, and a corn maze.

The biggest draw of Scareport is the haunted home.

This haunted mansion will have you screaming from the jump scares and terrifying creatures that lurk around every corner.

Hayrides can be right for you if you want a more calm experience.

Yet, if you’re looking for a more significant challenge, you should put their corn maze at the top of your list.

Be cautious, and attempt to escape before the intruding beasts locate you!

Plan your visit now and enter the world of spookiness with your family !

Address: 430 W Harrison Ave, Decatur, IL 62522

Also see our article on Escape Rooms in Illinois .

Haunted Houses in Rockford, Illinois

1. twisted crypt haunted house.

Brace yourself and get ready to enter the gates of horror.

The Twisted Crypt Haunted House presents you its frightening special effects, talented live actors, and terrifying scenes popular to locals and visitors in Rockford, Illinois.

This Haunted house is open to the public every Halloween season from mid-September through early November.

With their scary-themed rooms, you should bring a companion to share the fright as you go through their haunted asylum, zombie-infested city, or creepy carnival rooms.

Quick warning, make sure you and your friend have a strong heart and do not bring a young friend as this haunted house is not designed for the weak!

Upon entering the attraction, you will be required to sign a waiver confirming that you are aware and agree that the actors may touch or grab you and you may witness frightening scenes and scary loud sounds.

If you must bring kids, there is an option such as the “lights-on” tour for a milder experience.

Address: 5420 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108

2. Midway Village Museum

Look into the story of the Midway Village Museum and prepare yourself for the chills!

The Midway Village Museum is a history museum situated in Rockford, Illinois. It is meant to preserve and narrate the history of Rockford from mid-19th to the mid-20th century.

Visiting the creepy Museum, you may observe 30 historic buildings, such as a blacksmith shop, a Victorian Mansion, or a barn, restored to their look in the days.

Although the Museum is entirely aged and creepy looking, there are no reports of paranormal activity.

But if you are looking for some scary experience, the Museum hosts a “Ghost Walk” tour every Halloween season.

This tour tackles history and narrates ghost stories and legends, although this does not mean to be taken as a paranormal investigation but solely for entertainment.

Address: 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, IL 61107

3. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens

Hold up, think twice upon visiting this real-life haunted location!

No, this is not an entertainment horror house where you’ll see live actors and manufactured props to scare you.

This location has accurate reports of paranormal activity and has a reputation for being haunted!

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens was built in 1865, offering guided tours inside presenting collections such as decorative arts, personal artifacts of the Tinker family, and other furnishings.

The structure is adorned with hand-carved woodwork, stained glass windows, and a spiral staircase, making it a perfect representation of Swiss Gothic architecture.

Despite the horror experience in the location, they host yearly events such as lectures, concerts, and workshops.

But beware, if you plan on attending, make sure you talk to real people, not ghosts!

Address: Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum and Gardens 411 Kent St Rockford, IL 61102

4. Coronado Performing Arts Center

Have you recovered from the chills?

To bring the spook again, learn about another real-life haunted location, the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

This attraction has been constantly rumored to be haunted, as reported by visitors throughout the years.

Many reports of seeing apparitions, footsteps, and strange noises and sensations inside the theater!

The ghosts must have been excited to perform in the theater too!

Furthermore, one person the people suspect that is haunting the place is a former stagehand named “Jimmy.”

He passed away during a performance in the year 1930s.

But don’t let these stories scare you away and stop you from visiting the Coronado Performing Arts Center and watching entertaining performances!

If you are a horror fanatic, bring your camera to film the performances and catch a paranormal experience.

Address: Coronado Performing Arts Center 314 North Main Street Rockford, IL 61101

Also see our article on Festivals in Illinois .

Haunted Houses in Peoria, Illinois

1. the pettengill-morron house.

Challenge yourself not to hold on to your friend’s arm upon visiting this old haunted house!

The Pettengill-Morron House is a historic house museum built in the year 1896.

Although there is no evidence of paranormal activity in the area, the visitors’ reports and the house’s creepy ambiance are enough to scare you.

The house was initially built for a prominent businessman and politician named Moses Pettengill.

It was later sold to the Morron family, who stayed there for 60 years and made renovations.

The current creepiness of the house may be due to its Second Empire architectural style.

There are also original furnishings, artworks, and personal belongings of the late Peetingill and Morron family, which you may observe as you attend the museums’ guided tours.

The Museum’s admission fee varies and is open to the public from May to December.

Address: The Pettengill-Morron House 1212 West Moss Avenue Peoria, IL 61606

2. Realm of Terror

You’ll close your eyes tight and scream your lungs out in this haunted house!

Realm of Terror serves you with a night of screams as you enter the haunted house in a former warehouse building.

There is definitely no dull moment in this haunted attraction.

The place has horrific sets, special effects, and live actors that all add to the frightening and fun experience.

You may expect themed rooms with creepy props and eerie dark corridors inside.

There are also mazes!

Keep your panic from taking over you or you’ll never pass the maze!

If you have severe heart conditions, it may be best to step back, as this haunted house is quite extreme.

The Realm of Terror opens during weekends and extended hours on Halloween night in October.

Address: 144 miles from Peoria, 421 W Rollins Rd, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073, U.S.

3. Terror on Washington Street

It’s time to take group dates to another level.

Bring your friends to a horror adventure and escape the terror together in the Terror on Washington Street!

This haunted attraction is popular in Peoria and operates yearly during Halloween.

Entering the house, you and your friends may expect terrifying themed rooms, including a creepy clown room and a frightening zombie room.

There is also a room decorated as a haunted forest.

Keep your friend together and try not to jump at the scary talented live actors you’ll encounter!

For the ticket options, there is a general admission, a VIP admission, and of course , group rates.

Ensure that none of you are weak-hearted, as the scenes inside will be nerve-wracking.

But don’t worry about the general safety of the haunted attraction, as the staff is doing a great job in keeping a safe experience for all visitors.

Address: 47 miles from Peoria,19 Washington St. Clinton, IL 61727

4. Spider Hill Haunted Attractions

Located in Greater Peoria, this Haunted House will make your stomach churn from fright as you witness the different attractions they feature, such as the Massacre Mansion, Zombie Invasion Paintball, the Freak Show, and the Trail of Terror.

This haunted attraction opens in October, usually from 7 pm to 11 pm on selected dates which you can check on their website.

Apart from the scary attractions you can visit on-site, you can also enjoy other activities, such as chilling in their bonfires, purchasing in their gift shops , and buying food from vendors.

Furthermore, an outdoor haunted trail is adorned with scary themes through the woods, which adds more spice to the fright!

In addition, if you’d prefer a more interactive activity, try the Zombie Invasion Paintball, which allows you to shoot paintballs at zombies!

Address: Three Sisters Park, 17189 N. Route 29, Chillicothe, IL 61523

Also see our article on Christmas in Illinois .

Haunted Houses in Chicago, Illinois

1. 13th floor haunted house chicago.

Located in Melrose Park, the 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago opens yearly to welcome another set of people to frighten.

They are usually open from September to early November.

What’s interesting about this haunted house and what sets it apart from others is the story’s inspiration behind it.

The main attraction was based on the famous legend of the 13th floor of a building claimed to be haunted.

This backstory makes your visit even more terrifying, as if a horror myth is coming to life and you’re a part of it!

Inside, attractions include the creepy Deadly Reflection maze, the Possession Room, and the Clown Room.

Due to the realism, intricate sets, scary special effects, and brilliant scare tactics, the haunted house managed to bag multiple awards.

Furthermore, for the tickets, you can purchase them online or at the box office. There are VIP and Fast Pass options offered for an additional fee.

Address: 1940 George St, Melrose Park, IL 60160, United States

2. H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle

This haunted building may be eliminated but never forgotten.

The H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle has a very dark past.

Designed and owned by H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer, the building was used as a storage for the bodies of his victims.

H.H. Holmes confessed to murdering at least 27 innocent people and disposing of the bodies in the basement of a nearby pharmacy connected to his building.

The building’s basement has a dissecting table, a crematorium, and a chute.

This building is terrifying and as if made to shelter his dark agendas.

It has over 100 rooms with no windows, secret passages, and doors that lead nowhere.

Gas lines are even equipped in some rooms, which he would control to asphyxiate his victims.

Furthermore, the castle was used as a hotel during the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, and some rooms were meant to trap and kill the guests.

The place has numerous paranormal reports, and people suspect the victims’ ghosts still linger.

Today, the building is already demolished, but its horrifying history will never be erased.

Address: 3101 Canal St, Lockport, IL 60441, United States

3. The Drake Hotel

This historic hotel in the Gold Coast neighborhood is another location for ghost hunters and paranormal experts.

The Drake Hotel was built in 1920 and is known for its iconic architecture and luxurious amenities.

It is also famous for its Sunday brunch and tea service in the Palm Court.

The hotel sheltered many notable guests, such as Princess Diana, Frank Sinatra, and Marilyn Monroe.

Hiding behind its beauty, rumors of it being haunted circling.

There have been many reports from the visitors of ghost sightings and unexplained creepy occurrences in many areas around the hotel , particularly the tenth floor, the Palm Court, and the Cape Cod Room.

One story that is well-known to the hotel is the haunting of the Lady in Red, who is said to be a female ghost lingering on the tenth floor.

Address: 140 E Walton Pl, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

4. Jane Addams Hull House

Another candidate for a real-life paranormal place is the Jane Addams Hull House.

This house was built in the n year 1889 by Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr as a settlement house.

The house served as a community center, providing social and educational services to immigrants and working-class residents.

It expanded to include 13 buildings over time, offering a broader range of services such as literature, art, music, and healthcare classes.

Several notable guests, such as Jane Addams, Florence Kelley, and Upton Sinclair, had stayed in the Hull House.

Today, the house has an eerie atmosphere, and there have been many reports of paranormal incidents.

Furthermore, it was reopened as a museum in 2015 after being closed in 2012 due to financial constraints.

Address: 800 S Halsted St Chicago, IL 60607 United States

Also see our article on Museums in Illinois .

Haunted Houses in Elgin, Illinois

1. evil intentions haunted house.

Visit another heart-thumping attraction and extreme place of horror!

The Evil Intentions Haunted House is a famous haunted house in Elgin containing three different attractions, including the Factory of Malum, Ashes to Ashes, and Darkness Rising.

You will surely enjoy the frightening scenes thanks to their creative sets and special effects with intricate detailing to make the experience more realistic.

This attraction is not recommended for younger children, people with heart issues, and those prone to fainting.

That said, you best know the haunted house experience will be frightening!

The Evil Intentions Haunted House opens from late September to early November and extends its operation during the Halloween Season.

Head to this horror land now and bring along plenty of courage!

Address: 900 Grace Street Elgin, IL 60120

2. The Elgin State Hospital

This fear-triggering structure, established in 1869, holds creepy stories of actual paranormal occurrences.

The Elgin State Hospital was built on 1,000 acres of land in Elgin, containing several cottages to shelter patients and a main building.

Its objective was to provide aid to mentally ill individuals hence the cottage, which they believed to give a more humane experience for them rather than the usual plain boring rooms.

The hospital then became overcrowded and needed more staff, leading to poor living conditions for the patients.

There were also several reports of abuse and neglect.

It had gone to renovations and improvements in year 1950s and 1960s but closed by the 1990s.

Since then, some original structures have remained untouched while others have been demolished or repurposed.

The hospital has a prominent reputation for being haunted over the years.

Due to its past, it is also often a subject of urban legends and ghost stories.

Address: 750 S State St, Elgin, IL 60123, United States

3. The Gifford-Davidson House

The eerie Gifford-Davidson House was built in 1857 by George Gifford, a wealthy businessman who became successful in the leather trade.

It has a Greek Revival style adorned with tall columns and a symmetrical facade.

The house had sheltered Gifford, his wife, and his children until his passing in 1880.

Since then, the house has been passed on and repurposed as a boarding and funeral home.

It was then bought by Frederick and Caroline Davidson in 1919, restored to its original physique, and even added a ballroom and other modern amenities.

The house is proud to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a great representation of Greek Revival architecture in the Midwest.

Due to its old age and passing from different hands, there have been numerous reports of ghostly occurrences from visitors and even paranormal investigators.

Address: 201 Cedar Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120

If you liked this article, you may also like to read about the best Picnic Spots , Small Towns , and Safari in Illinois.

Looking beyond Illinois? Check out our article on the scariest haunted houses in Texas and California’s most creepy haunted houses .

Similar Posts

23 dog friendly activities in illinois (fun, playful & calm).

Illinois is one of the top states to enjoy dog-friendly activities with your pet friends. From walking trails to dog parks, there are multiple activities to engage in in Illinois without leaving your dog behind. If you are a tourist or a resident of the state, it is vital you know the locations that are…

23 Water Parks in ILLINOIS (Thrilling, Relaxing, and Amusing)

The water park is the perfect destination to visit during the summer to chill out and relax. Illinois is home to some of the best water parks in the country. If you are looking for a fun-packed day during the summer where you can splash around, enjoy thrilling water rides, and relax in wave pools,…

23 Chinese Restaurants In ILLINOIS (Reliable, Lush & Tasty)

Many people nowadays get caught up in a hectic daily schedule. Everyone lives quickly due to jobs, school, career, family responsibilities, and leisure activities. When you have had a long day, you only want a simple yet tasty dinner ready to eat, and Chinese cuisine is the best choice. Who doesn’t enjoy Chinese food? It…

23 Churches in ILLINOIS (Rejuvenating & Captivating)

Illinois has different historic and beautifully-designed churches that reflect the state’s Christian heritage. From quaint chapels to towering cathedrals, the artistry and architecture of these buildings are a testament to the devotion and faith of those who built them. Each building tells a unique story, from immigrants who came with their traditions to natives who…

23 Flower Shops in ILLINOIS (Fragrant, Variety, & Beautiful)

Flowers are very popular in many societies, appearing in songs, movies, and poems as a symbol of affection, hope, remembrance, and style. Keeping flowers in your home can add a homely glow and fragrance that instantly improves the atmosphere in your living space. You can also use flowers to show affection to your loved ones…

23 Mountains In ILLINOIS (Historical, Majestic, & Scenic)

Mountains are essential to a state’s biodiversity, water resources, and climate regulations. They have extraordinary cultural significance and are sacred places for many communities. Many writers, poets, and artists get inspired by these places and served the nation for centuries. Though Illinois is not entirely mountainous, it features numerous hilly and rocky areas and monuments…

2021 Guide to Haunted Houses in Illinois

Did you know that Illinois has 93 haunted house attractions listed for the 2021 Halloween haunt season !? Some of them may be located closer to you than you think…

Below, we’ll break down what types of haunts you can choose from, ranging from spooky hayrides and terrifying trail walks to creepy home haunts and multi-attraction scream parks . We’ll also discuss where in Illinois some of the most popular haunted houses are located!

The following list totals up each type of haunt in Illinois , based on how they are listed on our website:

• Amusement/Themepark Haunts: 1
• Haunted Barns: 6
• Charity Haunts: 15
• Cornfield/Maze: 3
• Haunted Farm: 3
• Haunted Hayride: 10
• Haunted Houses with Multiple Attractions: 23
• Home/Yard Haunts: 11
• Haunted Ride (Non-Hayride): 2
• Haunted Trail: 20
• Year-Round Haunted Houses: 1

The city with the most attractions / surrounding haunts is Chicago, IL .

Each year, we search the internet to find out what these haunts are up to during the off-season. During our 2021 update session for Illinois , 10 haunts ’ information was updated, 6 were removed (for various reasons) and 1 haunt was added to the Illinois Haunted House Directory .

Here are the Top 6 Haunts in Illinois * according to our local Scream Team ’s experiences.

Statesville Haunted Prison – Lockport, IL (2019) with an overall score of 9.25 ! Evil Intentions – Elgin, IL (2020) with an overall score of 9.23 (tie)! Hellsgate Haunted House – Lockport, IL (2019) with an overall score of 9.23 (tie)! Midnight Terror Haunted House – Oak Lawn, IL (2020) with an overall score of 9.07 ! Massacre Haunted House – Montgomery, IL (2020) with an overall score of 9.02 (tie)! Basement of the Dead – Aurora, IL (2019) with an overall score of 9.02 (tie)!

*Based on all of our Illinois Haunt Reviews and their most recent, respective scores given out of the past 3 years.

The following are some of the most popular haunted attractions** in Illinois , based on our website traffic:

Mack Manor Haunted Drive Thru

1100 Algonquin Road, Fox River Grove, IL 60021

"Don’t underestimate their ghoulish intentions. And no matter what, do not allow them access into your vehicle as they will go home with you."

A reflection from the Mistress of Mack Manor:

We wish to thank those irrelevant mortals who pass through our gates as our guests to our humble domicile this year. Correct, this is our home and thank you to those who respect that. At times, we can not meet the expectations of all our visitors, we do our best to accommodate all those souls wishing to pass through our gates.

At times we have other earthly responsibilities; daytime occupations, domestic duties, and oh yeah . . . trying to eat dinner before 9:30pm. . . . Our only commitment is to provide a SAFE and entertaining atmosphere. We love what we do; hearing the mortal humans scream, giggle and laugh provides us with the response that we are accomplishing our intended goals.

The passage our monsters have traveled is an extensive, dark and terrifying path. It is not easy to rise from the dead, on a regular basis and then retreat to the sanctum from which they execrably emerged. Meanwhile, these creatures must exist in the mortal world under the guise of human beings.

A lot of determination, sweat, muscle and time is contributed to produce this tremendous exhibition. It is now time for the massive transformation.

Thank you for all your support!

See More About This Attraction...

Terror in the Timbers

37W955 Big Timber Road, Elgin, IL 60124

​Think you're safe behind a piece of glass and some metal? Think again.The dead have taken over the once innocent Big Timber Campgrounds and are coming for the living..one car at a time

13th Floor Haunted House Chicago

5050 River Road, Schiller Park, IL 60176

Horror in the Heart of Chicago! This Halloween Season, explore the legend at one of the most horrifying haunted house experiences in Chicago! In most buildings, the 13th Floor does not exist. But, hidden in this building, it’s very real.

Experience the truth about the legend of the 13th Floor at a haunted house created from your darkest fears. Legends and nightmares alike will come to life at the 13th Floor, Chicago's legendary haunted house, a gut-wrenching ride to untold nightmares 13 floors straight down!

Horror in the Heart of Chicago! Located near Winston Plaza Shopping Center in Melrose Park.

217 Terror Haunted House

221 Rawlings Street, Roodhouse, IL 62082

Central Illinois' favorite premier haunted attraction includes 4 haunted houses. 217 Terror Haunted House is an in your face (no touch) old school scare haunted attraction.

Disturbia Haunted Attraction

1213 Butterfield Road, Ste D, Downers Grove, IL 60515

Spook Hollow

613 LaSalle Blvd, Marquette Heights, IL 61554

The longest-running “Outdoor Haunted Attraction” in Illinois. Over 40 years of scaring Central Illinois:

WORLD FAMOUS – SPOOK HOLLOW™ with M.C. MANOR & M.C. NIGHTMARE

Three Haunted Attractions combine to bring you the “Trilogy of Terror” for one admission price.

BE AFRAID… BE VERY AFRAID!

* CASH ONLY at Box office (ATM onsite) * ONLINE TICKETS Accept Credit Cards (with fee). Turn in your printed bar code voucher (can be scanned from your smartphone) at the ticket window, to receive your Spook Hollow Ticket for entrance to the event.

Count Kuhajdas Haunted House

1112 Nicholson Street, Joliet, IL 60435

We've been hosting a free walk through yard haunt for over 27 years. It's a front & backyard walk through haunt, don't just drive by, you will miss most of the features. We have about 30 characters, many animated and a graveyard of tombstones all built by us. The front yard features traditional Halloween themes, the side yard takes you through a demon bar with an introduction from your bartender. The backyard haunt is devoted to Universal classic films & science fiction, and also features our animated house band "The Dead Beats". The haunt is kid friendly with NO ACTORS! Admission is free, but we are proudly accepting cash donations for our friends at American Veterans Service Dog Academy, training rescue dogs to be service & companion dogs for our Vets. Hope to see you this season. Check out our FB page! Keep watching for special events! Closed if raining. HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Mark & Nancy

Dungeon of Doom Haunted House

600 29th Street, Zion, IL 60099

Haunting season at Dungeon of Doom, named one of the most terrifying haunted houses in the nation. Upgrade your experience to a Fast Pass or VIP experience and enjoy Buried Alive, the sensation of being buried six-feet deep, for the ultimate scare.

Nightmares loom in Zion, IL where visitors walk through the 42-thousand square-foot warehouse to experience the horror of Dungeon of Doom’s terrifying 60-minute indoor haunted house. At Dungeon of Doom, attendees experience one frightening attraction after another. Dungeon of Doom's "Killer Crew" aims to terrify the most daring of souls!

**This information was determined by looking at the haunts ’ traffic on our site from the past two years. This is not a top haunts list. The above haunts are listed here in no particular order.

Click Here for our full list of all Illinois haunted houses.

Interested in becoming a haunted house reviewer?

We’re looking for reviewers in many States to help us provide coverage across the country. If you don’t currently work for a haunt, please visit our Join Us page.

Want to Get Our Latest Reviews Sent to Your Inbox This Haunt Season?

Click Here to learn more about our “Haunt Advisor” newsletter.

Did You Know There’s a Scare Factor Podcast?

Well, now you do! 🙂 Click Here to browse our episode library. We’re also available on most major podcast distributors.

Come See Us on the Socials!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel , and follow us on TikTok , Facebook and Insta for all the latest updates from the Scream Teams this season.

The Scare Factor provides reviews and directory listings for Halloween haunted houses, haunted trails, haunted hayrides, scream parks, and other types of haunted attractions.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2023©️

[email protected]

Join our spooky adventures!

Subscribe on youtube.

We visit Halloween haunted attractions year-round! Follow us for haunted house walkthrough videos, behind the scenes footage, and more!

Haunted Places in West Dundee, Illinois

White Cemetery

Barrington, illinois.

Among the phenomena associated with this spot are glowing orbs and mist, a disappearing house and black car, and the sounds of someone walking through leaves. It is said that photographs taken of this cemetery always fail; the photos do not develop or the camera will be lost.

Munger Road

Bartlett, illinois.

Munger Road is reportedly haunted by flashing lights, screams that come from the railroad tracks, and phantom trains. Legend has it that a train once hit a school bus, killing the children on board, and their ghosts linger all over the area. But that's not the only legend told about ...

Sunrise Park

Sunrise Park has many different spirits and hauntings; first, the black dog with a human face, speculated to be a demon by those who have seen it, and next, a murderer from the 1800's who murdered children and scattered their bones around the park; his spirit is still rumored to ...

Arcada Theater

St. charles, illinois.

Arcada Theatre, built in 1926 by millionaire and Chicago Tribune cartoonist Lester J. Norris, is haunted by disembodied voices that waft from the balcony throughout the rest of the building, a phantom odd odor, and unexplained cold pockets.

Hotel Baker

At this splendid historic hotel, originally built in 1928, an apparent suicide is often given as the reason for some strange phenomena. Moaning sounds come from the sixth floor storage area, which used to be used as housing for employees. Folks say in the 1970s, a hotel chambermaid who was ...

George Stickney House

Woodstock, illinois.

Because of George Stickney's belief in spiritualism, he designed his house with no 90-degree angles inside so that no spirits would be caught in the corners. The Stickneys had 10 children, but only 3 lived to adulthood, and they are said to have regularly conducted seances on the 2nd floor ...

Long Grove, Illinois

Along Cuba Road, a phantom black car is said to appear near a cemetery or an old house before vanishing away. Trouble is, that house burned down years ago. Also along the road appears a ghost woman carrying a lantern, who flags down motorists and then disappears when they stop ...

Patten House Restaurant

Geneva, illinois.

This historic restaurant dishes up fine southern cuisine, an exquisite range of liquor and a litany of ghost stories. The main spook reported here time and time again is that of a poltergeist that makes itself known on stormy nights. (Submitted by Callum Swift)

Bloomingdale Road Bride

Glendale heights, illinois.

Under a bridge on Bloomingdale Rd. there is said to be sightings of a teenage girl jumping off the bridge or walking around underneath it. People have also heard crying and screaming. It is said to be that in the 1970's a teenage girl committed suicide by jumping of the ...

Woodstock Opera House

Interestingly enough, reports say that during any performence here, a certain seat in the balcony (DD113) is always left empty for a resident ghost named Elvira. Her spring-loaded chair has been seen folded down when she is attending a performance. She is said to be very beautiful with long blonde ...

American Flight 191 Crash Site

Des plaines, illinois.

On May 25, 1979, Flight 191 lost some parts of its engine as it was taking off and flipped on the runway. It exploded into a huge fireball, killing all the crew and passengers aboard and 2 people on the ground. Shortly after, folks reported white lights moving around in ...

O'Hare Airport

Chicago, illinois.

It is reported that spirits still linger from a disaster in 1979, when Flight 191 exploded into flames on the runway, resulting in the deaths of 271 passengers and crew members. According to some sources, flying phantom aircraft also have been seen at O'Hare.

Baymont Inn and Suites

North aurora, illinois.

Claims of a white moving "light" have been seen in the lobby as well as some visitors reporting feeling like they are being choked.

Sheraton Gateway Suites

Rosemont, illinois.

There have been several suicides committed by jumping from this 11-story hotel, and a few drug overdose deaths. Perhaps this is the reason guests have seen apparitions in their rooms and have experienced very odd things. One guest came out of the shower to find her clothes strewn about the ...

The Leland Tower

Aurora, illinois.

This 21-story building, the tallest in Aurora, has been the means for several jumping suicides. Evidence that the building is haunted includes reports of bad odors and moaning sounds that come from the elevators.

Robinson Woods

The hauntings here can not only be seen and heard, but also smelled. Folks say they have seen shadows, red or white orbs, and an ectoplasm mist that has been caught on camera. Strange sounds and scents of violet and lavender have been witnessed as well; reports say the activity ...

Benedictine University

Lisle, illinois.

This university has more than its share of haunts, including a little boy ghost in a blue t-shirt and shorts who wanders around campus, and disappears. Reports say Benedictine Hall was closed because it was so haunted. Its 4th floor was said to be haunted by a clergyman, and in ...

Old Rush Copley Memorial

The Old Rush Copley Hospital was build in 1888 and shutdown in 1996. Paranormal researchers and people that have broken in this hospital have heard footsteps,unexplained voices and even apparitions. In one encounter, a group of teens have seen a doll that might have belong to a young child ...

John Wayne Gacy House Location

1970s serial killer John Wayne Gacy hid the remains of at least 29 different people in and around his home at 8213 W. Summerdale Avenue. The house was demolished in 1979, but locals were mystified by the fact that the lot remained mostly barren for years thereafter - not ...

Mount Olivet Cemetery

This cemetery dates back to the 1850s, and has a very specific type of haunting. It is said on numerous Internet sites that spectral ghosts wearing 1950s attire are seen throughout the cemetery, only to disappear on second glance.

Mount Carmel Cemetery

Hillside, illinois.

This cemetery is said to be haunted by the ghost of Julia Buccola Petta. One family of visitors claim that, upon noticing their small boy was missing, they retraced their steps to find him hand in hand with a lady in a white gown. When they came closer, she disappeared. Al ...

Queen of Heaven Cemetery

25 victims of the Our Lady of Angels Fire of 1958 were buried here in a mass grave. There is a memorial here for the victims of the fire. People visiting the memorial and the cemetery have reported smelling smoke and feeling a burning sensation of smoke while breathing. ...

Schweppe Mansion

Lake forest, illinois.

Schweppe Mansion was built in 1917 as a gift from Mr. and Mrs. John G. Shedd to their daughter Laura as a wedding present for her and her new husband, Charles Schweppe. Tragedy struck in 1941--Charles was found dead in his bedroom after he shot himself. A note on his ...

Country House

Clarendon hills, illinois.

The haunting here, which has been profiled on many TV shows and newspaper articles, is a young woman who appeared to have committed suicide by running her car into a tree. Her ghostly figure has been seen walking through the dining room, beckoning customers from an upstairs window and even ...

P M and L Theatre

Antioch, illinois.

The PM&L Theatre has--or had--a ghost. Folks reported a ghost girl who turned lights on and off and made strange noises. But a retired longtime theater volunteer, Elmarie Beno, has admitted creating the ghost and perpetuating the rumor for years. Some say there really is a ghost, despite the ruse, ...

Flapper Ghost of Waldheim Cemetery

Forest park, illinois.

The Flapper Ghost is a brunette beauty with a bob and 1920s clothing. She has been seen since the 1930s. Her identity remains a mystery, but throughout history she has been seen in the evenings at dance halls and asked for a ride home. She would direct them to Waldheim ...

Blood’s Point Cemetery

Belvidere, illinois.

Blood’s Point Cemetery, named after the area's first white settle, Arthur Blood, is said to be a hot spot for the eerie, such as orbs, a vanishing barn, phantom vehicles and a ghost dog that sports glowing red eyes. To add to the spookiness, the nearby railroad bridge was said ...

Karcher Hotel

Waukegan, illinois.

We went to this beautiful hotel under the permission of the owner. It was built in the 1920s and in the 80s there was a fire that killed and injured many. The most haunted places are the basement, and the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th floors. Along with the ...

Showmen's Rest

Showmen's Rest is a section of Woodlawn Cemetery where remains from a 1918 circus-train wreck were buried in a mass grave. Between 60 and 110 employees were killed when another train conductor fell asleep, causing his train to strike the circus train. Many of the victims' names were not known, ...

Firehouse on North Walker Ave

According to reports, a ghost who is thankful to the firefighters patrols the firehouse, protecting it. Witnesses say they have heard footsteps and seen the firepole covers being opened and closed when everyone is asleep. The firehouse doors also have been known to open themselves almost instantly after the fire ...

St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church

Cicero, illinois.

This is the home of Our Lady of Cicero, a weeping Virgin Mary icon panel. In 1994, during Holy Week, the painting began weeping oil. It was examined by eight orthodox bishops; all determined the tears to be genuine. The Virgin Mary still continues to weep.

Music Administration Building - Northwestern University

Evanston, illinois.

The second-oldest building on the college campus, the 1874 Music Administration Building is home to Young Cliff, the ghost of a former student and prodigy. Reports say the ghost has been making himself known for several decades.

Moline House

Berwyn, illinois.

This house is a private residence. According to reports, the Moline House is haunted by shadowed spirits who hide objects or move them to places where they don't belong.

Grimes Sisters Murder Site

Burr ridge, illinois.

The Grimes sisters were kidnapped and murdered between December of 1956 and January of 1957. Their bodies were found along this part of the road and the murders were never solved. Photographs have been taken around only to have a young woman appear in the photos. Submitted by Chris Berglund

Cigars and Stripes

This bar and lounge is believed to be haunted by a number of spirits. Screams and footsteps are heard in the building when there's no one around. Objects move around by themselves, and at least five people have seen a shadowy apparition moving around the building. (Submitted by Callum Swift)

Portage Woods

Lyons, illinois.

These woods are known by locals to be the home of the ancient gnomes. Beware coming here at night, glowing eyes follow you throughout these woods. Heavy sightings are seen on the other side of the river, just over the railway bridge. (Submitted by Juan Z)

Saint Benedict Parish

This ornate church with German-imported stained-glass and details was the scene of a tragedy when it was built in 1918. A construction worker on a scaffolding fell to his death near the altar. Some have seen the worker's spirit behind the altar's columns or sitting in the front pews. A ...

Congress Theater

Congress Theater is said to be haunted by many entities. Witnesses have seen an apparition of a woman and shadow figures and they've heard disembodied footsteps and strange noises.

Morton College

The spirit of Emily, a young girl who was murdered, lingers around this school. The murder took place on nearby Laramie Bridge before the school was built. Security guards have seen Emily on the rooftops at night, and theatergoers have heard her in the theater, especially during violent plays that ...

St Andrew's Inn

According to local legend, former owner Frank Giff died when he fell off a barstool, and his ghost remains there still. Pub patrons have felt unexplained cold drafts and have reported being touched by something they couldn't see. Others have noted that objects in the bar area such as glasses ...

Willowbrook Ballroom

Willow springs, illinois.

The 1921 Willowbrook Ballroom, formerly called the Oh Henry Ballroom, is a dance venue and banquet facility and is believed to be the last place famed Chicago hitchhiker ghost Resurrection Mary danced before she died. Her ghost is said to appear here and sometimes dance with ballroom patrons. Another interesting note: ...

The Irish Legend

Formerly a speakeasy, this 1915 building was a popular hangout for gang members, including Al Capone. The place has a very violent history, and is haunted by several spirits. These include a bartender who was allegedly pushed down a flight of stairs by a gangster who took a dislike to ...

Skyscraper Building - Loyola University

According to local legend, a Jesuit priest and a nun had an affair long ago. The nun became pregnant and asked the priest to run away with her, but he refused, and she hung herself on the 13th floor. When the priest found her body, he was so distressed that ...

St. James Cemetery - Monks Castle

Lemont, illinois.

Ghosts here include several robed monks who patrol the grounds, chanting in Latin, and a phantom horse and carriage presumed to date back to 1897. A wildly dancing woman in white has also been seen.

Resurrection Mary

Justice, illinois.

Resurrection Mary, according to popular local legend, was a pretty young girl who was killed in a hit-and-run accident while walking along Archer Avenue. She had just left the Oh Henry Ballroom after a fight with her boyfriend. The driver left Mary to die. Her grief-stricken parents buried her in ...

The ghost light at Maple Lake is, according to local legend, a reddish-yellow orb that appears over the lake and floats into the woods on the other side. It is believed to be the spirit of a man who was decapitated nearby in an accident; the light is his lantern ...

Graceland Cemetery

The spirit of Inez Clark lingers in this old cemetery. She was almost 7 years old when she was fatally struck by lightning at a picnic. There is a life-size statue of her on her gravesite, enclosed in glass. It is said that on rainy nights the statue disappears, and ...

Archer Woods Cemetery

Legend has it that only those leaving the cemetery can see and hear a white, filmy, hovering spirit of a sobbing woman.

Websters Wine Bar

It is said that an apparition of a lumberjack has been seen at the second-floor party room, a lingering spirit from the 1901 building's past.

St. Killian's Catholic Cemetery

Lake geneva, wisconsin.

Reported here have been a ghostly priest, a ringing bell, strange noises and footsteps, and mysterious mists. The bell is said to be from a phantom church, which used to stand nearby but was burned down a few decades ago, reports say. Some say the church basement was used for ...

» Cemeteries near West Dundee, IL » Find museums in West Dundee, IL

ILLINOIS HAUNTED HOUSES

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

Sign up for our newsletter, find haunted houses in.

• Distance Closest
• Most Viewed
• Most Recent Updated
• Most Reviewed

Basement of the Dead in Aurora, Illinois

Basement of the Dead “Top 13 Haunted Houses in America” Hauntworld.com (World’s #1 Halloween Website) In the late 1920’s, Walker Laundry opened at 42 West New York St. and became Aurora’s largest laundry Company. Around 1945 Imus Kilya was working there as maintenance engineer. His son Al came to work as his assistant in 1960. Heat for the building and steam for the presses was supplied ... [ Read more ]

• 16 Web reviews
• 4 Youtube Videos
• 94338 Profile Views

The Darkness in Saint Louis, Missouri

The Darkness is rated the scariest haunted houses in America located in St Louis Missouri. The Darkness celebrates 30th year of fear in 2023. Every single year The Darkness is totally renovated with new scares, screams, monsters and more. The Darkness features an outdoor screamzone, two floors of fear, over 200 animations, 50 live actors, and a massive Horror Retail store. Next door to The... [ Read more ]

• 11 Web reviews
• 57 Youtube Videos
• 302430 Profile Views

Creepyworld Screampark in Saint Louis/Fenton, Missouri

Creepyworld is America's Biggest Haunted Screampark with 13 Haunted Attractions in one location including THREE new attractions in 2023. Prepare for the all-new Slaughterhouse - Fright High and live Freakshow Stageshow. Creepyworld features multiple haunted houses, hayride, drive inn 666, scarezones, and much more. For all highlights and haunt information including ticket info: http://www... [ Read more ]

• 10 Web reviews
• 29 Youtube Videos
• 262343 Profile Views

Lemp Haunted House in St. Louis, Missouri

Go deep underground where NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM inside the Lemp Haunted House. The Lemp Haunted House is the scariest REAL haunted house in America in real caves and caverns. Go deep underground in real caves deep under the old Lemp Brewery where real evil lurks. Located in downtown St Louis Missouri. This is one of the most HAUNTED REAL Attractions in America. You go deep underground belo... [ Read more ]

• 7 Web reviews
• 23 Youtube Videos
• 159156 Profile Views

Soul Reapers Haunted House in Wilmot, Wisconsin

Soul Reapers Haunted House returns, this October, to the Kenosha County Fairgrounds in Wilmot, WI for another year of SCREAMS! An old mansion, a witch board, and curious teens, what could possibly go wrong? Soul Reapers Haunted House is Wisconsin's scariest haunted house event! Featuring room after room of true terror! This highly detailed, in your face, actor-driven haunt, will leave your sou... [ Read more ]

• 0 Web reviews
• 1 Youtube Videos
• 4051 Profile Views

FIND MORE HALLOWEEN ATTRACTIONS NEAR YOU

Find haunt near you, zoom over state below to find an attraction near you, most recent video illinois uploads.

MOST RECENT ILLINOIS PHOTO GALLERY UPDATES

TOP MOST VIEWED ATTRACTIONS IN ILLINOIS

Top 10 featured articles illinois.

Chicago Illinois Haunted House Statesville Haunted Prison is Chicago's #1 Scariest and top rated haunted house.  Read the review by hauntworld.com

Find the best and scariest haunted house in Chicago, Illinois, Basement of the Dead.  Hauntworld.com rates and reviews one of the best haunted houses in Illinois. Basement of the Dead is the complete attraction!  Click here and read all the details about one of the Chicago, Illinois area's biggest and scariest haunted attractions.

TRENDING HAUNTS

RECENT UPDATED HAUNT PROFILES

Find Haunted Houses

Find haunted hayrides, find pumpkin patches, find corn mazes, real haunted houses, escape rooms.

• Illinois Ghost Hunts
• Illinois’ Haunted Hotels
• Chicago’s Haunted Hotels
• Search for:

No products in the cart.

The 16 Most Haunted Places in Illinois

Illinois is one state that has more than its fair share of paranormal activity and creepy attractions to visit! Whether you are looking for a portal to Hell, a ghostly gangster, or just some playful poltergeist fun Illinois certainly seems to have it all!

Let’s visit the most haunted places in Illinois!

1. Cave-in-Rock State Park, Cave-in-Rock

Cave-in-Rock can be found on the Ohio River and it is known as one of the most notorious treasure hunting spots in Southern Illinois. Between the 1790s and the 1870s, the area was rife with river pirates, highwaymen, counterfeiters, and horse thieves.

It is believed that as much as $1 million worth of stolen loot and counterfeit catch changed hands in the area between 1790 and 1830.

One of the most well-known stories is related to the Mason gang allegedly hiding a stash of gold in the cave, but Samuel Mason was captured and beheaded before he could retrieve it.

Now visitors claim to hear moans and cries echoing from inside the cave. Is this Mason searching for his loot?

2. BPL Plasma, Carbondale

The building that now houses BPL Plasma once served as the stately cement post office in Carbondale. According to employees, there are some very strange things that have been happening in the building.

It is fairly common for the doors to open and close by themselves and there is a massive chandelier in the lobby that has a tendency to swing on its own.

One employee, a night janitor, even claims that he was locked in a closet when he was the only person in the building! It is not clear exactly who is haunting the property, but there have been many reports of a female apparition wearing a long dress floating around in the lobby.

In fact, the woman has even been captured standing behind employees in a photograph taken in this part of the building!

3. Devil’s Bake-Oven, Grand Tower

The Devil’s Bake-Oven is a cave that sits along the Mississippi River and it is the home of one of Southern Illinois’ most famous, not to mention oldest legends.

The story goes, that a young lady called Esmerelda found herself head over heels in love with the captain of a riverboat. However, Esmeralda’s father did not approve of this match and they had to court in secret.

Unfortunately, one day Esmeralda received word that her beloved captain had been killed in a boiler explosion, and in her grief, she flung herself into the river and drowned.

She is believed to be the lady in white that people frequently see in and around Devil’s Bake-Oven.

There have also been reports of disembodied moans, shrieking, and sobbing.

There are the remnants of foundations close to the cave and historians have found photographs showing that there was indeed a manor house there, which gives the story some additional credibility.

4. Crenshaw House, Equality

Crenshaw House in Equality was originally known as Hickory Hill, but it is also known locally as ‘the Old Slave House’. It was used in the reverse underground railroad to capture free black people and then sell them into slavery.

Some of these slaves were kept in Illinois in order to work the salt tracts owned by John Hart Crenshaw. The attic of the house was a torture chamber where Crenshaw would shackle slaves into make-shift cells and whip them.

Rumors of ghosts in the attic began in the 1800s, but unbeknownst to locals the strange moans that they were hearing were actually from the very much alive slaves.

However, when the house reopened as a tourist attraction in the 1920s visitors started to hear strange noises all through the house, especially in the attic. It is also said that bloodstains appear and disappear on the walls.

5. Elmwood Cemetery, Centralia

Elmwood Cemetery was originally known as Centralia Cemetery up until 1921 and even though it has been in use since the 1860s, it was not officially established until 1877.

There is one popular ghost story connected to the cemetery which is characterized by the haunting strains of faint violin music! Witnesses claim to have heard the music in Elmwood Cemetery after dark and it has been attributed to a statue deep in the graveyard known to locals as ‘Violin Annie’.

The statue sits on top of a large monument that resembles a Greek temple. The statue depicts a young woman with long flowing hair, holding a violin. The statue represents Harriet Annie, the daughter of  Dr. Winfield and Eoline Marshall.

She died of Diptheria in 1890 just after she turned eleven. The statue has been known to glow slightly in the night at times when violin music can be heard. Is Harriet Annie practicing her music lessons even in death?

6. Pulaski County Courthouse, Mound City

The reports of paranormal activity here have been coming in for more than three whole decades!

The courthouse was originally built in 1911 and the basement housed the county jail up until it was remodeled fairly recently. One of the earliest paranormal encounters saw students from the Lovejoy School opposite the courthouse seeing the apparition of a hanged man dangling from a tree on the courthouse’s lawn!

However, it has been many, many years since anybody was hanged in Pulaski County. This is just one of four ghosts that are supposed to haunt the property.

The hanged man is believed to be the last man hanged in the county. As well as being seen in the tree, he also haunts the basement where he likely would have been held prior to his execution.

The other ghosts include a former attorney who is accompanied by the smell of cigar smoke, a female spirit nicknamed ‘the taffeta woman’ who apparently died in an accident, and an elderly black woman.

7. Rose Hotel, Elizabethtown

At present, the hotel is owned by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency who operates it as a bed and breakfast.

The property was built around 1820 and it is currently the oldest active hotel in the entire state of Illinois. The hotel is apparently haunted by the spirit of its former owner, Sarah Rose.

Guests say that they have seen an apparition that resembles Sarah walking around the hallways on the second floor and also lingering on the staircase. She has also been blamed for moving items around during the night.

Some guests have even reported hearing a disembodied female voice in the hotel. It seems like Sarah is keen to keep an eye on the property even now that she has passed on!

8. Original Springs Hotel, Okawville

In the later part of the 19th century, Okawville was known for its mineral springs which were thought to have a positive impact on general health and wellbeing. In 1867 a local businessman decided to capitalize on the unique properties of the springs by establishing the first bathhouse and spa in the town.

It, unfortunately, burned down in 1891 and was replaced by the current building, The Original Springs Hotel in 1893. The hotel and spa have operated ever since although it has passed through a number of different owners.

One of those owners, Tim Rogers died in his room upstairs in 1962. However, it is not him the guests have reported seeing, but rather a lady in a white dress circa the early 1900s. She is regularly seen sitting on the second-floor balcony, but her face is always obscured by her hat.

On a handful of occasions, she has also been seen looking out of windows or even standing at the end of guests’ beds.

The Hauntings of the Original Springs Hotel

9. The Hundley House, Carbondale

The Hundley House in Carbondale is the site of an unsolved murder from 1928 when former Mayor J. Chas Hundley and his wife Luella were shot in their own home. The only suspect was Hundley’s son, but he was never charged.

Guests and residents have been reporting paranormal activity for several decades. It is said that the porch swing allegedly swings on its own even when there is no wind.

Pots and pans are also said to bang in the kitchen, lights turn on and off by themselves, and doors open and close on their own.

10. Choate Mental Health Center, Anna

When the Choate Mental Health Center first opened in 1875, it was known as the Southern Hospital for the Insane. The hospital had quite a run of bad luck over the years. A fire destroyed one wing of the main building in 1881, then another fire took out a large section of the hospital in 1895.

It is not clear if anyone died in these fires, but the property has been rumored to be haunted for a number of years now, even while the hospital was still in operation. Visitors and passersby have seen apparitions, shadowy figures, and ghostly faces in the windows.

There is one particular story of a patient being attacked by what he described as a ‘devil dog’ in his room. When the orderlies turned on the lights there was nothing there, but the man had scratches all over his body.

There are also reports of people being unseen hands while down in the tunnels that connect the various buildings.

11. Lebanon Road, Collinsville

Lebanon Road certainly does seem like a rather terrifying stretch of road! One of the most unique features of the road is that it has seven railway bridges passing over it which are locally referred to as the seven gates of hell. There is an urban legend that circulates in the local area stating that if someone passes underneath all seven bridges at midnight, they will pass into a portal leading to Hell itself! Each of the seven bridges is also supposed to be guarded by Hell hounds!

One of the scariest of the bridges is the one known as Acid Bridge. The legend is that some teenagers were high on Acid when they lost control of their car and flipped over the edge of the bridge into the shallow creek below where they all died instantly. People say that they feel particularly uneasy on this bridge and have strange feelings while there. There are also cold spots and weird unexplained noises. Although, to be fair none of the seven bridges looks particularly welcoming!

12. Robinson Woods, Chicago

Let’s be honest – forests have a tendency to be quite creepy anyway, especially after dark, so imagine just how spooky a bona fide haunted forest must be! Rumor has it that the land is actually cursed. The land was acquired by a Mr. Robinson following a treaty with three local Native American tribes. At first, Robinson seemed to have some decent luck on his side, but it wasn’t long before his luck seemed to run out leaving him plagued by misfortune. His home was destroyed by fire which ended his family’s claim to the property meaning that it reverted to being park district property. That’s when things got weird!

Three people were strangled and left lying naked in a ditch on the property. The crime remained unsolved until 1994. Around the same time, visitors to the area began to report various strange occurrences including weird lights, sounds, and smells. Reports were made from runners, kids playing out in the woods, and even police who had been called in to investigate. There are often reports of Tom-tom drums being played which fits with the property since there are Indian burial mounds in the woods. There have also been reports of a sound that resembles sawing wood!

13. Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago BOOK NOW

Located in one of the most haunted cities in the US , The Congress Plaza Hotel was built back in 1893 and has been dubbed the Landmark of Hospitality in Chicago. It has a long history with the paranormal and is said to be home to a classic poltergeist style haunting.

For almost as long as the hotel has been open, guests and staff alike have reported strange noises coming from the hotel ballroom when it is empty. The many hallways are also commonly the site of unexplained activity! Appliances all over the hotel are said to turn on and off of their own volition and guests have claimed to see an apparition of the hotel’s former owner – Mr. Al Capone!

However, although arguably the most famous ghost to inhabit the hotel, Al Capone is not the one who most of the sightings relate to. In fact, a much more common report is from a guest who sees a ghostly gloved hand sticking out of the wall. It has been dubbed ‘The Hand of Mystery’!

See also: Chicago’s Most Haunted Hotels

The story goes that a construction worker somehow managed to get trapped behind some drywall when the property was being built and ended up walled in. The hand is all that he has been able to free from his final resting place and he is doomed to wave for all eternity in an attempt to get some help.

Another commonly spotted ghost is known as Peg Leg Johnny. He is said to be the spirit of a hobo who was murder in the building several years ago!

Read more on the haunted Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago

14. Showmen's Rest, Chicago

Showmen’s Rest is an interesting spot within Woodlawn Cemetery in Illinois. In 1918, there was a horrific train wreck involving a circus train. A conductor on another train apparently fell asleep causing his train to plow into the circus train killing somewhere between 60 and 110 circus employees and some of the circus animals. The victims are buried in a mass grave in this corner of the cemetery which has come to be known as ‘Showmen’s Rest’. Since many of the circus performers’ names were not known the markers say things like ‘Baldy’, ‘Unidentified Male’, or ‘4 Horse Driver’. These days Showmen’s Rest is still used as a burial ground for the circus folk and showmen. There have been many reports of paranormal activity here, but one of the most common is the sound of phantom elephants being heard in the dead of night!

15. Hotel Baker, St Charles BOOK NOW

Hotel Baker is a charming hotel that has been in business since approximately 1926.

Colonel Baker built the hotel on the site of an old mill and it was constructed with a working hydroelectric facility, a radio station, a rose garden and a parking garage since the Colonel had a dream of creating a luxurious hotel where guests could escape for some serious relaxation.

Today the hotel has much of the same ethos, and many of the original pieces of furniture are still in place. The furnishings are not the only things that have hung around – there are also plenty of ghosts as well!

The hauntings at Hotel Baker can perhaps be attributed to the fact that a former chambermaid committed suicide while working at the hotel by drowning herself in the nearby Fox River after being jilted at the altar.

Her quarters would have originally been on the 6 th floor, although that part of the hotel has now been converted into the penthouse suite.

However, those who have stayed in the penthouse have reported hearing disembodied voices within the suite and have even felt some unseen force tugging on the bedding.

Read more on the haunted Hotel Baker, St Charles

16. Bachelor's Grove Cemetery, Chicago

Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is a small, abandoned burial ground in Bremen Township, Cook County – the southwest suburbs of Chicago. It is certainly not a place for the faint of heart.

There are several different ghost stories that are linked to the desecrated cemetery which is often said to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in the United States.

The headstones at Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery date back as far as the early part of the 17 th century, although it was not officially consecrated as a burial ground until 1844.

There are persistent reports that Satanic rituals are conducted in the abandoned cemetery even to this day which of course just serves to add more fuel to the creepy stories that are linked to the place.

Orbs are a common occurrence not only in photographs and videos but also seen with the naked eye. People also describe seeing red streaks of light flitting between the headstones with no explanation as to what it could be!

There are also several spirits known to haunt the cemetery, but the two most well-known would be the white lady and a young boy. The young boy has been heard crying out about a lost silver coin.

Interestingly enough, in 2006 an investigation was conducted and a well-known psychic is said to have gone into a trance-like state and walked into a knee-deep muddy pond where he bent down and instantly retrieved a 1942 Walking Liberty half dollar from the bottom of the pond!

Since then it seems that the little boy ghost has not made any more appearances. Perhaps he just wanted to find his coin all along!

The white lady has actually been dubbed ‘ The Madonna of the Bachelor’s Grove’. She appears on top of one of the tombstones and looks out towards the thick woods close to the cemetery.

However, by far the strangest ghost story that has been linked to Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is the tale of the ghost house. A large manor is said to appear from time to time and has even shown up in some photographs. However, whenever you get close to the house it vanishes into thin air!

Learn more about Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery, Chicago

You may also like: Haunted Places in Chicago | Most Haunted Hotels in Illinois

Ghost Hunts in Illinois

Ashmore Estates Ghost Hunt, Ashmore, IL

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

Advertisement

Illinois Real Haunted Houses - Houses That are Truly Haunted

Categories: Real Haunted Houses

Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Museums

Categories: Real Haunted Houses | Real Haunted Bridges & Overpasses

Know of a Real Haunt that we don't already have listed? Please Let Us know

9 Terrifying Reasons Illinois Just Might Be The Most Haunted State In America

Elizabeth Crozier

An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.

More by this Author

Interested in the most haunted places in Illinois ? You may not want to live in the good ol’ Land of Lincoln anymore once you’ve learned about these nine real haunted places in Illinois. The state is full of terrifying spots to avoid and these are just a few of the scariest!

Related Stories

You Might Be Rooming With A Ghost At This Haunted Hotel In Illinois

One Of The Most Haunted Cemeteries In The World Is Right Here In Illinois

The Story Behind Illinois' Most Haunted House Will Give You Nightmares

Do you think these are the scariest places in Illinois? Tell us about any other places you know of in the comments below!

Looking for more? Check out these nine haunted cemeteries in Illinois .

Before you head out on a road trip to visit these haunted places in Illinois, check out our road trip essentials list for everything you need!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Want more Illinois in your inbox?

Get the latest on things to see, do, and eat around Illinois!

Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!

An error occured.

More to Explore

Best places to visit in illinois.

What are the most well-known parks in Illinois?

There are 69 state parks in Illinois. Here are some of the most well-known;

• In Oglesby, there’s Starved Rock State Park. This 2,630-acre park has 13 miles of trails to explore and quite a few waterfalls to see. There are also opportunities for boating and fishing.
• Mississippi Palisades State Park is located in Savanna. There is much to do in this 2,500-acre park, including 15 miles of hiking trails, swimming, and boating. But the real highlight is the limestone caves and rock formations, such as Indian Head and Twin Sisters.

Where can I go apple picking in Illinois?

The following are a few places for apple picking in Illinois :

• The family-owned and operated Honey Hill Orchard is located in Waterman. Here, there are more than 2,000 trees to pick from, with 25 varieties available like Golden Supreme and Rubymac. And if picking isn’t for you, head to the country store to grab honey, apple cider, produce, and a whole lot more.
• Poplar Grove’s Edwards Apple Orchard boasts 30 varieties of apples, such as Ginger Gold, Liberty, and Blondee, within its 100 acres. You can also pick berries and pumpkins. Grab some apple cider donuts to bring home or head to the Cider Cellar Café to grab a bite.

What are the best fall hikes in Illinois?

While going out for a hike is great year-round, there is something about the crisp air and colorful leaves that make fall destinations in Illinois such great experiences.

• In Golconda, there’s Dixon Springs State Park . This 801-acre park is chockfull of gorgeous trees, some of them over a century old. You’ll also find a 165-foot-tall red oak tree, the tallest in the state. Some of the prettiest foliage trails include Ghost Dance Trail and Oak Tree Trail.
• Morton Arboretum in Lisle has more than 4,000 different types of trees throughout its 1,700 acres. And there are 16 miles of trails for you to take in all the fall foliage.

Related Articles

• Don't Drive On This Haunted Street In Illinois Or You May Regret It
• Take A Ghost Walk Through Historic Galena Illinois, Then Dine At The Haunted DeSoto House Hotel
• This Abandoned Illinois Prison Is Thought To Be One Of The Most Haunted Place On Earth
• These Creepy Images Of An Abandoned Illinois Mental Hospital Will Give You Goosebumps
• One Of The Most Haunted Cemeteries In Illinois Is Also The Most Beautiful
• The Legends Of Showmen's Rest In Illinois May Send Chills Down Your Spine
• Heap's Haunted Corn Maze In Illinois Is Truly Terrifying
• Take A Tour Of The Historic And Haunted Dowling House In Illinois This Spooky Season

Explore Illinois

Here are haunted houses around the Milwaukee area and beyond for 2023

Tis the season for jump scares, creepy characters and sets that look straight out of horror films. 

From Wisconsin Feargrounds to the Abandoned Haunted House Complex in Mount Pleasant, here are some haunted houses around the Milwaukee area and beyond. 

Many of the adventures listed below feature multiple haunted houses on their premises.

For dates, pricing, age requirements — and warnings/waivers, in some cases — be sure to visit each attraction's website.  

Wisconsin Feargrounds, Waukesha 

Waukesha County Expo Center Grounds, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha

Wisconsin Feargrounds is celebrating its 20th anniversary . This year's attraction has two haunted houses: "The Compound" and "Sketchy's Chambers."

"The Compound" is a sprawling "sinister and foreboding" complex where malevolent creatures and nightmarish beings live, the attraction's website said. The tormented souls who dwell there unleash their twisted desires upon visitors.

Sketchy's Chambers is a "nightmarish" abode where Sketchy, a former circus clown from the 1970s, resides. He found solace at the grounds after becoming disfigured in a tragic Big Top fire, according to the website.

Since Wisconsin Feargrounds owners Chad and Brenda Franks start from scratch when converting two long expo center buildings into the attraction, what's presented each year is fresh, even if the theme remains similar, according to a Journal Sentinel report .

MORE INFO: wisconsinfeargrounds.com

The Hill Has Eyes, Franklin

The Rock Sports Complex at Ballpark Commons, 7005 S. Ballpark Drive, Franklin

The Hill Has Eyes includes four haunts that span 45 acres. 

According to the attraction's website, during "Failed Escape," extended exposure to toxic waste turned people into mutant freaks. They formed a new society centered around Junkyard Ray, AKA "The One with Many Faces." "The mutants fear and hate him as much as they fear and hate themselves, but they know he watches over them," the website said.

The mutants share a ravenous hunger for flesh. In "Hunger Hollow," visitors see captured victims skinned alive, butchered and eaten, the website said. The butcher is always experimenting with new ways to serve up dessert. "All souls are offered to The Demon, and all exits lead to his realm."

"Carnivore" is "the devil's carnival," per the website. Hell’s carnival barker leads visitors through a freak show with fire breathers and the spawn of Satan himself.

As visitors approach what seems to be refuge, they enter a space "dictated by judgment and torture," called "Dead End," the website said. They encounter a "twisted haven" of medical tests and experiments.

On Sundays, the venue is also offering a "Not So Scary Halloween Party" in which actors take visitors on a guided tour through the attractions, and kids get to trick-or-treat along the way, the website said. Kids are encouraged to dress up for that.

MORE INFO: hillhaseyes.com/home

Abandoned Haunted House Complex, Mount Pleasant

2825 SE Frontage Road, Mount Pleasant

Abandoned Haunted House Complex features three haunted houses.

According to the complex's website , "Ambush" is an intense startle-scare haunted house with loud noises, actors popping out of unexpected places and bright lighting effects.

"Hysteria" features visual and audible scares, confusion, misdirection, illusion and actor interactions.

"Stalker" is an interactive startle-scare haunted walking experience with characters lurking throughout, the website said. 

Abandoned's sister haunted house complex is Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex in Neenah. The complex, 500 N. Lake St., has four haunted attractions, including one that gives guests the experience of feeling like they're being buried alive.

MORE INFO: abandonedhauntedhouse.com

The Dark Side Haunted Adventure, Ixonia

N1255 Hoard Road, Ixonia

The Dark Side Haunted Adventure features several haunts, including "The Descent," "Twilight Nightmare," "Backwoods Revenge," "Mephistopheles Lair," "Schizophrenia" and "Foxglove Nursery," as well as Zombie Expedition paintball,  according to the attraction's website . 

MORE INFO: thedarksidehaunt.com

The Haunt, Cedarburg

Ozaukee County Fairgrounds, W67 N866 Washington Ave., Cedarburg

The Haunt strives to be terrifying, but "on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being a pumpkin patch and 10 being pee-your-pants-scary), we are about a 6,"  the attraction's website said.

The Haunt, a volunteer-run operation, lasts between 20 and 25 minutes and is mainly indoors. It's been put on for 16 years, the website said, and is a fundraiser for  Ozaukee County 4-H . 

MORE INFO: cedarburghaunt.com

Screamin' Acres, Stoughton

3865 State Road 138, Stoughton

Screamin' Acres features several attractions, including "Slaughterhaus," "Lockup: Under No Management," "The Last Resort" and "Side Effects." 

In "Slaughterhaus," a plastic chemical tote filled with an odorous liquid was discovered when a meat processing facility was undergoing an expansion,  according to the attraction's website . While hoisting the tote out of the ground, it fell and its contents spilled everywhere — including onto the butchers. They were transformed into vicious, bloodthirsty killers.

"Lockup: Under No Management" features a forgotten prison where inmates began escaping. Inside the winding prison, local adventurers discovered a laboratory, the website said. "Large barrels of toxic goo were found stacked to the ceiling with an ‘experiment’ still locked up in a cage begging to be released,' " the website said. Inmates inside the building chased the group to a sewer pipe "that proved to be the final journey out of the horrendous facility." 

"The Last Resort" is about Herman Von Richtmyer, a chemist who was involved in chemical warfare and orchestrated some of the most gruesome experiments in human history at the discretion of the governments who hired him, per the website. In his old age, he lived alone in a house in the countryside. He began to hallucinate the victims he tortured: people he cut open, poisoned and distorted. He was found dead, but his voice is still heard chaotically yelling throughout the house.

"Side Effects: Recharged!" is a mind-numbing maze in which attendees will lose touch with reality. This attraction has all-new twists and turns, according to the website.

"Deathtrap," an evolving sideshow, is designed to target natural human reactions, the website said. It's again featuring "Shock Therapy" in 2023, with more and new ways to be shocked. It's primarily fueled by static shocks, and nearly everything in the attraction is designed to target that fear.

MORE INFO: screaminacres.com

Terror on Rural Street, Hartford

147 N. Rural St., Hartford

The Terror on Rural Street Haunted House features 17 rooms with "high tech effects" and more than 30 costumed actors,  according to the attraction's website .

The haunted house was started in the late '90s by the Hartford Community Service Inc. nonprofit to raise money for the community.

"What the organizers didn’t plan on was that their efforts would draw the attention of actual spirits that haunt the old Libby’s Canning Factory that Terror on Rural Street calls home," the website said. "It wasn’t long after construction started on the new haunted attraction that strange and unusual events started to befall the workers." 

MORE INFO: terroronruralstreet.com

Six Flags Great America Fright Fest, Gurnee, Illinois

1 Great America Parkway, Gurnee, Illinois

Fright Fest at Six Flags Great America features numerous haunted houses, scare zones, shows and more,  according to its website . 

There are two new haunted houses this year: "Saw X" and "The Estate of Wretched Meadows," the website said.

During "Saw X," which is inspired the new film, attendees attempt to survive Jigsaw's "ingenious and terrifying" traps.

The story behind "The Estate of Wretched Meadows" is that, while the estate was being built in the '60s, a ceiling collapse killed a workman and his apprentice — and several others since then. During the experience, guests discover those spirits.

The park's other haunted houses are: "13th Order," "Big Top Terror," "Bloodshed" and "Gates of Hell."

In "Scare Zones" — where a zombie, witch or other terrifying ghoul could be lurking — include "Wretched Meadows," "Demon Lair," "Henchmen Alley," "Nightmares," "Underworld," "Forbidden Forest," "Lost Souls," "Lost Circus" and "Ride Cemetery." 

During "The Uprising Parade: Nightly Call of the Dead," an evil army comes out and begins their nightlong torture of guests. "The Witching Hour" is when the monsters convene at the front of the park to terrorize guests one last time. 

There are multiple shows, including: "The Ringmaster's Cabaret," featuring illusions, music and "freakish" acts, and "Love at First Fright," classic music, singing and dancing to Halloween favorites, the website said.

By day, there's Kids Boo Fest, which is for all ages and includes a "BOO-Yeah! Parade," "Not-So-Scary Story Time," a "Monster Bash Dance Party," "Patch's Hay Maze," and trick-or-treating on Candy Corn Lane, according to the website.

MORE INFO: sixflags.com/greatamerica/events/fright-fest-2023

BONUS: Nine Below's Haunted Mini Golf, Milwaukee

1905 E. North Ave., Milwaukee

Nine Below is putting on a "thrilling and eerie" haunted mini golf experience, according to a news release. The course features haunted graveyards, foggy mazes and treacherous dungeons. Visitors will come across ghoulish traps and "hair-raising" creatures along the way. On-theme cocktails and snacks are available. The experience is suitable for attendees at least 16 years old, the release noted.

"We've created a one-of-a-kind, heart-pounding adventure that combines the fun of mini golf with the excitement of a haunted house in the heart of Milwaukee’s East Side," Izzy Santiago, experience and operations manager at Bars and Recreation, said in a news release. Bars and Rec is the parent company of Nine Below, as well as five other Milwaukee entertainment brands.

The Haunted Mini Golf experience runs from 5 to 11 p.m. Oct. 19-22 and Oct. 26-31.

"Family Trick-or-Treat Haunted Mini Golf," suitable for ages 10 and up, will take place from 2 to 9 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29.

MORE INFO: ninebelowmke.com/haunted-mini-golf.html

This isn't a comprehensive list. If your favorite haunt wasn't included, please let us know. Contact Hannah Kirby at  [email protected] .

Nearby Communities

• Martinez, CA
• Walnut Creek, CA
• Concord, CA
• Lamorinda, CA
• Benicia, CA
• Danville, CA
• Pinole-Hercules, CA
• Rockridge, CA
• Berkeley, CA
• El Cerrito, CA

State Edition

National edition.

• Top National News
• See All Communities

Walnut Creek, CA | Featured Event

Elks lodge halloween haunted house 2023: walnut creek.

Event Details

Elks Haunted House

Friday & Saturday, Oct. 27-28, 2023 - 7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive, Walnut Creek, CA

From  Walnut Creek Elks Lodge #1811 :

"Come experience the scariest haunted house in Walnut Creek. 

"Zombies, Ghosts, Witches and the Walking Dead…you might just see them all!

"Open to the public.

"Fun, Games, Treats & Tricks!

• $8 Under 18"

CHECK HERE FOR MORE INFO OR ON FACEBOOK

--Image via Rachel Nunes/Patch

More Upcoming Events

Featured event, 'res run for education' reservoir 5k, 10k & fun run 2023: lafayette.

Sunday, 8:00 am Lamorinda, CA

Contra Costa Halloween Con this Sunday in Concord

Sunday, 10:00 am Concord, CA

Oktoberfest 2023: Il Fiorello Olive Oil Co., Fairfield

Sunday, 11:00 am Suisun City, CA

USS Potomac 'Music On The Bay' Cruise & Concert 2023: Oakland

Sunday, 3:00 pm Alameda, CA

Breast Ultrasound Screening is Coming Direct to You!

Tuesday, 9:00 am Concord, CA

Made and Modern Online Auction

Tuesday, 9:00 am Suisun City, CA

'Spooktacular Celebration' & Halloween Trick-Or-Treat 2023: Town Green, Danville

Thursday, 4:00 pm Danville, CA