The 10 Most Haunted Places In Illinois You Need To Visit

Anyone from Illinois knows of at least one “haunted” place; it’s basically a must. From graveyards to hotels, Illinois is home to some of the absolute spookiest places around the state. Here are the 10 most haunted places in Illinois you need to visit…if you dare.

10. Excalibur/The Castle – Chicago, IL

Often referred to as Excalibur, the building definitely looks like it’s haunted just from the outside alone. It was most previously a nightclub until it closed down a few years ago. However, visitors often said they felt some kind of “heavy energy” when walking around the building. People have claimed to hear children crying, seeing little girls disappear and reappear, and various glass bottles mysteriously breaking. It was even featured on “Ghost Adventures!’

9. Acid Bridge – Collinsville, IL

This bridge and the surrounding area has been said to be one of the scariest places in Illinois. Decorated with graffiti, the legend says that two teenagers were driving through the back roads while high on acid and lost control of their car and drove off the bridge, killing them instantly. People have claimed to experience strange feelings and hear voices around the area.

8. The Devils Backbone – Grand Tower, IL

There have been tales of evil spirits and ghostly activity for centuries, first depicted by the local Native Americans. Strong rapids at the Devil’s Backbone have caused dozens of deaths and disappearances. There have been sightings of a ghostly woman grieving for her dead husband around the area as well.

7. Old Union Cemetery – Kenney, IL

In central Illinois, hidden away between Bloomington and Springfield is a cemetery that is said to be a hotspot for ghosts. Numerous visitors have claimed to see mysterious balls of light and hear various noises.

6. Red Lion Pub – Chicago, IL

With reports of people dying and seeing and hearing strange things, this pub is said to be one of the most haunted bars in Chicago. Originally built in 1882, there have been stories of female spirits playing pranks on workers and a cowboy-like male walking around. While the building was demolished and rebuilt in recent years, people still claim to have seen and heard things.

5. Ashmore Estates – Ashmore, IL

Built in 1916, dozens of people reportedly died at the estate. In 1959, the estates were purchased and reopened as a psychiatric hospital. It has eventually become a hot spot for unexplained paranormal activity and has been featured on ghost hunting shows.

4. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery – Midlothian, IL

This is located in northern Illinois and has been claimed to be one of the most haunted cemeteries in the country. Many visitors have claimed to see a “blonde” female ghost, also described as “Madonna.” One notable sighting is actually a ghost house. Yes, a ghost house. There were once a handful of eyewitnesses who claimed to have seen a white farmhouse at various places in the woods alongside the trail. I’d say this qualifies as one of the most haunted places in Illinois.

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3. Munger Road – Bartlett, IL

Legend has it, a school bus full of children was once stopped on the tracks on this infamous road and was struck by a train. Visitors often drive slowly on the road at night, sprinkle baby powder on their car bumpers and sit on the tracks with the car in neutral. They let the ghost kids take it from there, pushing their cars off the tracks. Some have even claimed to see their fingerprints in the powder. This popular tale even inspired a film of the same name!

2. The Congress Plaza Hotel – Chicago, IL

This is one of the most infamous hotels in the country. The Congress Plaza Hotel was built back in 1893 and ever since then, guests and employees have claimed to hear or see strange noises in the halls and in the hotel’s ballroom. People have also claimed to see an apparition of the hotel’s former owner – Al Capone! There are also strange sealed-off rooms, including room #666. Room 1408 is rumored to have inspired Stephen King’s story by the same name. Serial killer H. H. Holmes even reportedly met his victims in the hotel lobby before luring them to his murder castle. So, yeah, this place is absolutely one of the most haunted places in Illinois.

1. The Seven Gates to Hell – Collinsville, IL

Located near Acid Bridge, the Seven Gates of Hell are located in the twisted backgrounds of Collinsville. The “gates” are all rundown bridges, and if you drive through them in order and arrive at the seventh and final gate at midnight, you are transported straight to – wait for it – Hell. Local officials have even tried closing down some of the bridges so you can’t drive through all seven.