Illinois ghost tours: Encounter the Paranormal
Do you dare to visit the haunted places in Illinois? Beyond the Land of Lincoln’s presidential past lies a darker history of otherworldly tales—suitable for the most adventurous of travel groups.
Looking for expert insights and fresh travel ideas? Download the latest issue of Leisure Group Travel for free and start planning your next unforgettable group adventure.
Walk through a deserted building as floorboards creak beneath you. Your eyes dart in every direction, lights flicker around you and strange noises fill your head. Can anyone else in your group hear them? Suddenly the lights shut off. You turn around and come face to face with a ghostly presence.
With eerie mansions, haunted theaters, and spectral sightings, there is no limit to the spooky destination in Illinois. So, if you’re eager to experience your own unearthly encounter, explore the following top haunted attractions in Illinois for group visits. But make sure to stick with your group, who knows what an apparition might do if they catch you alone.
Jacksonville: A Haunted College
Illinois College was founded in 1829 and is believed to have several haunted buildings on campus. Sturtevant Hall and Beecher Hall are two locations where people have reported footsteps, strange noises and apparitions. According to talk around campus, Beecher Hall was once a medical building and the top floor was a space for storing cadavers. Another haunted spot is The Smith House, which is said to be haunted by its original owner’s daughter, Effie, around whom many campus legends have been told. Whipple Hall is known to be the home toa Gray Ghost who has no face. Crampton Hall, the McGaw building and the Rammelkamp Chapel are also on the long list of Illinois College’s haunted places.
Decatur: Treacherous Tours
Decatur has suffered mysterious encounters that cloak the city in secrets. But visitors and tour guides have joined together to uncover the city’s ghostly secrets. One of the best Illinois ghost tours is Haunted Decatur Tours. Led by renowned historian Troy Taylor, this three-to-four–hour tour has become a staple for travel groups. Travelers will visit a variety of haunted hotspots, including old cemeteries, abandoned buildings, and crime scenes that have left a lasting mark on the city’s history.
Another frightening highlight is the Lincoln Square Theater. This historic venue has hosted performers for over a century, but its ghostly residents are just as famous. Reports of apparition sightings, cold spots, and disembodied voices make this a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts. Catch a late-night show with your tour group and chance a haunted encounter.
For more Illinois travel ideas and tips, be sure to Download the Illinois Tour Planner for FREE and Subscribe to Leisure Group Travel for more information
Joliet: Murderous Prisons and Cursed Theatres
Are you a fan of murder mystery? The Old Joliet Prison is steeped in tragedy. In 1915, the wife of the prison’s warden was murdered on-site. Beloved by the inmates and nicknamed the Angel of Joliet, her death led to riots as prisoners sought justice. However, the murderer was never discovered. Due to its cryptic background, the prison is one of the top haunted attractions in Illinois for group visits.
If you’re interested in ghost hunting in Illinois, your group has to stop at the nearby Rial to Square Theatre. Built in 1926, it’s said to be haunted by the spirits of former performers and tragic souls who died within the theatre’s walls. Some claim the theatre is one of the most haunted places in Illinois. In fact, the legends became so famous that they were featured on Ghost Hunters, making it a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts in the area.
Springfield: A Shadowy History
The Land of Lincoln plays host to countless spirits—the most famous being the man who inspired the name. At Oak Ridge Cemetery, visitors have long reported sightings of a tall, shadowy figure believed to be Abraham Lincoln himself, silently watching over his tomb.
While the president is certainly the most famous, he’s not the only spirit who calls Springfield home. A governor’s wife haunts the Illinois Executive Mansion, a vindictive actor terrorizes visitors of the Springfield Theatre Center, and a family of ghosts still calls the Dana House home. With so many Spooky destinations in Illinois, we’ve shared a few of the city’s spine-tingling tours to make ghost hunting easy.
- Springfield Ghosts: For a shorter tour with a more set schedule, take an hour-long visit to some of Springfield’s most chilling spirits.
- Springfield Hauntings: With 25 years of research, the hosts of Springfield Hauntings could be considered expert ghost hunters. This two-hour tour features surprise destinations and dark tales that will leave you petrified.
- Aristocracy Hill Haunted History Tour: If you’re visiting in October, this 2-hour tour that takes groups through a haunted neighborhood to share spine-chilling tales of ghosts, poltergeists, and hidden cemeteries.
Springfield is host to only some of the haunted places in Illinois, but the paranormal encounters will already leave visitors in a cold sweat.
Haunted Hotels
Ruebel Hotel
Grafton’s Ruebel Hotel is said to be haunted by a young girl named Abigail, who is rumored to roam the hallways. The hotel’s historic charm and ghostly reputation make it a fascinating stop for paranormal enthusiasts.
Inn at 835
Don’t miss the chance to stay at the Inn at 835—a hotel known for its paranormal activity. Haunted by the ghost of Bell Miller, Guests have reported mysterious footsteps, flickering lights, and even sightings of Miss. Miller.
Illinois Travel Tips for Group Tours
If you dare to interact with the dead, it’s best to be prepared. Here are a few helpful tips for your journey to the haunted attractions in Illinois:
●Book in Advance: Many of the haunted tours and spooky sites mentioned are nationally-known and sell out fast.
●Consider Transportation: Some of the destinations are farther apart. Rent a private busor van for your group to make it easier to travel between locations.
●Dress Comfortably: Several of the tours involve walking through old buildings or on uneven terrain, so consider tennis shoes for comfort—or if you need to make a quick getaway.
●Bring a Flashlight: Enhance the spooky atmosphere while ensuring safety on nighttime tours.
●Capture the Moment: Charge your phone or bring a camera—you never know when you might meet a ghost.
Whether you’re a believer or not, it’s time to test your paranormal suspicions. Book a group tour of the haunted places in Illinois and see what you find.
Get inspired for your next trip! Access the newest edition of Leisure Group Travel and explore expert recommendations, itineraries, and exclusive travel insights.
By Justine Leavitt
