
Best Haunted & Paranormal Travel Destinations in Chicago, Illinois, United States
1. Bachelor's Grove Cemetery
A secluded, abandoned cemetery known for ghost sightings since the 1970s.
- Isolated Location: Located in a remote and sparsely populated area.
- Ghostly Encounters: Reports of spectral figures, orbs, and disembodied voices.
- Historical Connection: Believed to be haunted by former residents buried on the site.
2. The Old State Penitentiary
A historic prison turned tourist attraction, known for paranormal activities.
- Historical Significance: Operated from 1839 to 2013, housing infamous criminals.
- Haunted Tours: Guided tours focusing on the prison's haunting history and paranormal experiences.
- Paranormal Investigations: Opportunities for visitors to conduct their own ghost hunts.
3. The Willis (Sears) Tower Skydeck
Famous skyscraper with a unique 'Terror-Dactyl' ride rumored to be haunted.
- Iconic Structure: One of the tallest buildings in the world and a symbol of Chicago.
- Terror-Dactyl Experience: A thrilling ride simulating a skydiving experience, rumored to be haunted.
- Skydeck Ghost Stories: Stories of strange occurrences and ghost sightings at the Skydeck.
4. The Palmer House Hilton
Luxury hotel with a rich history and reports of ghostly encounters.
- Historic Landmark: Built in 1871, one of the oldest operating hotels in the US.
- Infamous Ghosts: Legend has it that President Abraham Lincoln's spirit resides in the hotel.
- Ghostly Experiences: Guests and staff have reported ghost sightings, unexplained noises, and cold spots.
5. The Chicago Water Tower
A historic water tower with a haunted history and eerie ambiance.
- Historic Landmark: One of the few structures in the city that survived the Great Chicago Fire.
- Haunted History: Said to be haunted by soldiers who died during the Civil War.
- Gothic Architecture: Its dark, gothic appearance adds to its eerie atmosphere.
6. The Lincoln Park Zoo
A family-friendly zoo with a haunted past and ghost tours.
- Family Attraction: Offers a variety of animals and interactive exhibits.
- Ghost Tours: Guided tours exploring the zoo's haunted history and ghostly encounters.
- Historical Significance: Founded in 1868, one of the oldest zoos in North America.
7. The Rookery Building
A stunning architectural marvel with ghostly residents.
- Architectural Masterpiece: Designed by the famous architect Daniel Burnham.
- Ghost Sightings: Reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises.
- Historical Renovation: Underwent a massive restoration in the early 1900s.
8. The Hull-House Museum
A social justice center turned museum with paranormal activities.
- Social Justice History: Founded by Jane Addams, a pioneer for women's and labor rights.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported strange occurrences and ghost sightings.
- Historic Preservation: Preserves the history of Chicago's immigrant communities.
9. The Lincoln Park Conservatory
A beautiful greenhouse with a haunting past and ghost stories.
- Botanical Wonder: Houses thousands of exotic plants and flowers.
- Haunted History: Rumored to be haunted by spirits from the past.
- Seasonal Attraction: Beautifully decorated for different seasons and holidays.
10. The Jane Addams Hull-House Museum
A social reform center turned museum with a haunted past.
- Social Reform History: Founded by Jane Addams, a pioneer for women's and labor rights.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported strange occurrences and ghost sightings.
- Historic Preservation: Preserves the history of Chicago's immigrant communities.
11. The Green Mill Cocktail Lounge
A historic jazz club with a gangster past and ghostly residents.
- Historic Jazz Club: Hosted Al Capone and other gangsters during Prohibition.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported strange occurrences and ghost sightings.
- Live Music Venue: Features live jazz music seven nights a week.
12. The Myopic Jury Room
A historic tavern with a ghostly spirit and a rich history.
- Historic Tavern: One of the oldest bars in Chicago, dating back to 1896.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported seeing a ghostly figure.
- Live Music Venue: Features live music performances and trivia nights.
13. The Drake Hotel
A luxury hotel with a haunted past and ghostly residents.
- Luxury Accommodation: Offers luxurious rooms, suites, and dining options.
- Ghostly Encounters: Visitors have reported strange occurrences and ghost sightings.
- Iconic Landmark: An iconic symbol of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood.
14. The Resurrection Mary Legend
A ghost story about a phantom hitchhiker who haunts local roads.
- Urban Legend: One of Chicago's most famous and enduring ghost stories.
- Haunted Road Trip: Visitors can try to spot Resurrection Mary along local roads.
- Ghostly Encounters: Stories of sightings and strange occurrences related to the ghost.
15. The Morton Salt Plant
A historic factory with a haunted history and paranormal tours.
- Historic Factory: Manufactured the iconic Morton Salt Umbrella girl logo.
- Haunted History: Rumored to be haunted by former employees and residents.
- Paranormal Tours: Guided tours exploring the factory's haunted history.