Where to Find the Most Haunted Places in Chicago

Chicago is a city of striking architecture, deep history, and…lingering spirits. Looking for some spooky thrills? Exploring haunted places in Chicago offers a spine-tingling journey through the Windy City’s past. From legendary ghosts to recently reported paranormal activity, the city is packed with tales that will intrigue, chill, and entertain.

Here’s your guide to the haunted places Chicago residents and visitors love to explore, updated with 2025 events and experiences.

1. The Congress Plaza Hotel

A cornerstone of Chicago’s haunted lore, the Congress Plaza Hotel has been the site of countless paranormal sightings. Guests have reported cold spots, mysterious sounds, and shadowy figures in hallways. With its historic architecture and long history of hosting dignitaries, performers, and gangsters like Al Capone, it’s no wonder this location frequently appears on lists of haunted locations in Chicago.

2. Resurrection Mary

One of Chicago’s most famous ghost stories, Resurrection Mary is said to appear along Archer Avenue in suburban Chicago. Drivers have reported seeing a young woman in a white dress, sometimes requesting rides, only to vanish mysteriously. Her legend has endured for decades and remains a must-know tale for anyone interested in the city’s haunted history.

3. Hull House

Founded by Jane Addams, Hull House is both a historic social settlement and a hotspot for ghost sightings. Some claim to hear footsteps, whispers, or catch glimpses of apparitions of past residents and staff. The combination of its rich history and occasional paranormal activity makes it a fascinating stop for those seeking haunted places in Chicago.

4. The Chicago Theatre

With its iconic marquee, the Chicago Theatre is not just a cultural landmark—it’s also rumored to be haunted. Backstage areas and dressing rooms have had reports of flickering lights, unexplained noises, and mysterious shadows. For theater lovers with a taste for the supernatural, this is a unique blend of glamour and ghostly intrigue.

5. The Whitney Mansion (Jefferson Park)

Often called the “Jefferson Park Mansion,” The Whitney Mansion has a reputation for eerie occurrences, including ghostly figures in the windows and sudden cold spots. The mansion’s combination of historic charm and creepy stories places it high on the list of haunted places Chicago thrill-seekers enjoy visiting.

6. 2025 Haunted House Events and Tours

This year, several 2025-specific events allow visitors to experience Chicago’s haunted side like never before:

• The Haunted Town of Chicago Walking Tours – Immersive walking tours through some of the city’s most storied haunted streets, with actors bringing classic ghost tales to life.

• Lincoln Park Ghost Walk – Updated for 2025, this evening tour explores haunted parks, cemeteries, and historic neighborhoods.

• 13th Floor Haunted House Chicago – Returning in 2025 with new themed scares, this is one of the most intense “haunted houses” in the city, designed for older teens and adults.

• The Haunted Halloween Ball – The Haunted Halloween Ball at Chicago’s historic Congress Plaza Hotel transforms its grand 20,000-square-foot ballroom into an eerie, zombie-run nightclub blending luxury, terror, and high-energy entertainment. Guests dance to world-class DJs, encounter costumed performers, and compete in a risqué $2,000 costume contest at one of Chicago’s most exclusive Halloween parties.

• Chicago Halloween Cruises – Experience a spine-chilling night on the water with Halloween Chicago Cruises, an exclusive 21+ event featuring haunting music, stunning skyline views, and a thrilling adults-only party atmosphere.

• Chicago Halloween Party – On Friday, October 31st, Wrigleyville transforms into a massive Halloween celebration where costumed partygoers crawl from bar to bar, singing, dancing, and drinking through the night. Join Chicago’s biggest Halloween party for a night of spooky fun, wild costumes, and nonstop entertainment.

Whether you prefer a guided tour, a haunted house experience, or a self-guided exploration, 2025 offers fresh ways to discover haunted locations in Chicago.

7. Graceland Cemetery

Graceland Cemetery is a serene and beautiful resting place, but it’s also the site of numerous ghostly sightings. Statues reportedly move on their own, and some visitors claim to hear whispers among the tombstones. Its combination of architectural beauty and eerie stories makes it a unique haunted place in Chicago.

8. Chicago River Ghost Stories and Why a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour Can Be Spooky Fun

For a different perspective, consider the spooky tales associated with Chicago’s waterways. Stories of drowned sailors and unexplained sounds along the river have persisted for decades. It’s a reminder that the city’s history isn’t limited to streets and buildings—its rivers hold secrets too.

While most visitors think of architecture cruises as scenic and educational, they can also be a unique way to experience the city’s eerie side. Tours & Boats offers 90-minute cruises along the Chicago River that showcase the city’s historic buildings and skyline. On select evening cruises in October, guides may share chilling stories about the city’s haunted past, combining architecture and ghost tales for a memorable experience. Even for families or groups new to ghost lore, it’s a safe, comfortable, and engaging way to explore the city from the water.

For private events, Tours & Boats also offers customizable evening cruises. Whether it’s a spooky-themed gathering, a corporate event, or a family outing, private charters provide a memorable backdrop to see Chicago’s skyline while hearing stories of haunted legends.

9. Tips for Exploring Haunted Locations in Chicago

• Plan ahead: Some haunted houses and walking tours require tickets or reservations, especially during Halloween. 
• Time your visit: Evening tours often provide the best atmosphere for ghost stories. 
• Stay safe: Stick to well-lit areas and official tour paths if exploring classic haunted sites on your own. 
• Bring a camera: You never know when you might capture an unexplained shadow or flicker!
  

Explore Chicago’s Haunted History

Chicago’s haunted history is alive in its buildings, cemeteries, streets, and riverbanks. From enduring legends like Resurrection Mary to fresh 2025 haunted events, the city offers a wealth of experiences for ghost enthusiasts, history buffs, and adventurous families. Whether you’re walking the streets, visiting historic hotels, or taking a twilight river cruise, exploring haunted places in Chicago offers a thrilling glimpse into the Windy City’s eerie side.