Illinois, with its rich history and diverse landscape, is home to some of the most haunted places in the United States. From eerie ghost sightings to strange happenings that defy logic, the state has an abundance of locations that are perfect for thrill-seekers and those with a love for the supernatural.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a firm believer, these terrifying haunts in Illinois will leave you wondering if there’s more to the world than meets the eye. Here are the 12 most haunted places in Illinois.
1. Resurrection Mary (Chicago)
One of the most famous hauntings in Illinois, Resurrection Mary is a ghostly figure seen near Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois. Witnesses report seeing a young woman dressed in a white gown, hitchhiking along Archer Avenue late at night.
As the story goes, Mary was a young woman who died in a car accident near the cemetery in the 1930s, and now she haunts the area, appearing to passersby before vanishing into thin air.
2. The Old Joliet Prison (Joliet)
This historic prison, which housed some of the most infamous criminals in U.S. history, is now a popular tourist attraction. However, it is also known for its dark history of violence and death. Paranormal investigators claim to have experienced strange occurrences, such as sudden temperature drops and shadowy figures.
The prison was closed in 2002, but its eerie atmosphere has led many to believe that the spirits of former inmates still roam the halls.
3. The Lemp Mansion (St. Louis, Illinois)
Though technically located in Missouri, the Lemp Mansion is just a stone’s throw from the Illinois border and has earned its place on this list. Once the home of the wealthy Lemp family, it became infamous after several family members died under mysterious circumstances.
Today, the mansion is a restaurant and inn, but guests frequently report hearing footsteps, voices, and even encountering apparitions of the Lemp family. The Lemp Mansion is often considered one of the most haunted places in the region.
4. The Charleston Avenue Bridge (Mattoon)
The Charleston Avenue Bridge in Mattoon has a grim reputation among locals. Stories abound of people hearing voices and footsteps when walking across the bridge at night. The legend suggests that a young woman who committed suicide by jumping from the bridge haunts the area.
Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices and feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness when crossing the bridge at night.
5. The Enchanted Castle (Lombard)
This former amusement park and arcade in Lombard is home to strange paranormal activity. The building has been abandoned for years, and rumors of ghost sightings have circulated since it was closed. People who have explored the space claim to have experienced sudden chills, heard unexplained noises, and seen ghostly figures moving about. Some believe the spirits of former visitors and employees still wander the old structure.
6. The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Depot (Pontiac)
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway Depot in Pontiac is not only a piece of American history, but it’s also a hotspot for paranormal activity. Many reports indicate sightings of a ghostly conductor walking through the station. Some have even heard train whistles at odd hours, despite the depot no longer being operational.
The atmosphere around the depot is thick with an eerie presence, and it remains a popular location for ghost hunters.
7. The Palmer House Hotel (Sauk Centre)
The Palmer House Hotel, an old Victorian-style hotel in Sauk Centre, Illinois, is known for its paranormal activity. Guests have claimed to experience unexplained phenomena, from lights turning on and off by themselves to furniture moving around in the dead of night.
The hotel was built in the late 19th century, and it is said to have a resident spirit, a former guest who died in the hotel. Guests sometimes report hearing disembodied footsteps and feeling an unshakeable presence in the rooms.
8. The Macomb Area Hospital (Macomb)
One of the most terrifying places in Illinois is the abandoned Macomb Area Hospital. This old facility is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of former patients and hospital staff. Those brave enough to enter the building report strange sounds, cold spots, and shadowy figures roaming the hallways.
The hospital’s dark history, filled with death and suffering, has led many to believe it is one of the most haunted places in the state.
9. The St. James Hotel (Seneca)
The St. James Hotel in Seneca is famous for its long history of ghost sightings. Built in the 1830s, the hotel was once a popular spot for travelers, but over the years, it became associated with death and tragedy.
Paranormal experts have documented strange occurrences, including the sound of doors opening and closing on their own and unexplained cold drafts in rooms. The ghost of a former hotel manager is said to still haunt the premises.
10. The Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)
The Cahokia Mounds in Collinsville is an ancient site with a long and mysterious history. The mounds were built by the Mississippian culture around 1000 A.D., and today they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, there are persistent rumors of ghostly activity in the area.
Some say they have heard chanting and footsteps echoing in the night. The spirits of the ancient people may still linger, creating an eerie atmosphere around the mounds.
11. The Ashmore Estates (Ashmore)
The Ashmore Estates in Ashmore is a former poor farm that has gained notoriety for its haunting. The estate was home to several troubled individuals, and many of them died under mysterious circumstances.
Today, visitors to the estate report hearing disembodied voices, feeling sudden chills, and even encountering the spirits of former residents. Paranormal investigations frequently take place here, and the eerie atmosphere only adds to its reputation as one of Illinois’ most haunted locations.
12. The Beaux Arts Building (Chicago)
In the heart of Chicago lies the Beaux Arts Building, which is said to be haunted by several spirits. Originally a grand office building, it is now home to apartments. Ghostly figures have been seen on the upper floors, and some report hearing footsteps and voices when no one else is around.
The building’s rich history, combined with the unexplained phenomena, makes it a must-visit location for those interested in the paranormal.
Conclusion
From ghostly apparitions to strange sounds and unexplained phenomena, Illinois is teeming with haunted places that continue to captivate and terrify visitors. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, these locations are an integral part of the state’s eerie charm. So, next time you’re in Illinois, be sure to check out these haunted spots – if you dare!
