Illinois is a state rich in history, and with that history comes a collection of eerie tales and haunted locations. From abandoned asylums to historic hotels, here are eight of the most haunted places in Illinois that continue to intrigue and spook visitors.
1. Congress Plaza Hotel – Chicago
Often dubbed the most haunted hotel in Illinois, the Congress Plaza Hotel in Chicago has a dark history dating back to the early 20th century. Guests and staff have reported sightings of a woman in a white dress, believed to be a former guest who died under mysterious circumstances. Other paranormal activities include unexplained noises and cold spots, especially on the hotel’s upper floors.
2. Ashmore Estates – Ashmore
Built in 1916 as an almshouse, Ashmore Estates later became a psychiatric hospital before closing in 1986. Since its abandonment, numerous paranormal investigations have been conducted, with reports of shadowy figures, disembodied voices, and sudden temperature drops. The estate has been featured on several paranormal TV shows, further cementing its reputation as a hotspot for ghost hunters.
3. Peoria State Hospital – Bartonville
Operational from 1902 to 1973, Peoria State Hospital was a psychiatric facility that housed thousands of patients over the years. Today, the site is known for its eerie atmosphere, with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises. The hospital’s cemetery, where many unmarked graves remain, adds to the site’s haunted reputation.
4. Elgin Mental Health Center – Elgin
Established in 1872, the Elgin Mental Health Center has a long history of treating individuals with mental illnesses. While still operational today, the older buildings on the campus are rumored to be haunted. Paranormal enthusiasts have reported hearing footsteps, voices, and experiencing sudden cold spots in these historic structures.
5. Munger Road – Bartlett
Munger Road is infamous for its ghostly legends, particularly the story of a school bus that was allegedly struck by a train, killing all the children aboard. Visitors to the railroad tracks near Stearns Road have reported seeing handprints on their car windows and hearing children’s laughter, adding to the road’s haunted reputation.
6. Resurrection Cemetery – Justice
Located in Justice, Illinois, Resurrection Cemetery is the final resting place of the legendary “Resurrection Mary.” According to local lore, Mary is a young woman who hitchhikes along Archer Avenue, only to vanish when drivers approach the cemetery. Her story has been passed down for generations, making the cemetery a popular spot for those intrigued by ghost stories.
7. Pemberton Hall – Charleston
As the oldest women’s residence hall in Illinois, Pemberton Hall at Eastern Illinois University has its share of ghostly tales. Legend has it that a student was murdered by a janitor in the early 1900s, and the building’s first matron, Mary Hawkins, discovered the body. Both are said to haunt the halls, with reports of strange noises and sightings, particularly on the third and fourth floors.
8. George Stickney House – Bull Valley
Built in 1865, the George Stickney House was designed with rounded walls and no 90-degree angles, based on the Stickneys’ belief in spiritualism. They believed that spirits could become trapped in sharp corners. Today, the house serves as the Bull Valley Police Headquarters, and employees have reported hearing footsteps, voices, and experiencing other unexplained phenomena, especially in the second-floor ballroom.
Illinois’ haunted locations offer a glimpse into the state’s rich and sometimes eerie history. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these sites provide a spine-tingling experience for those brave enough to explore them.
This article was written by Gina Stanley. AI was used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.