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10 Best Ghost Tours in Chicago You Need to Book
Have you been wondering about ghost tours in Chicago? You’ve come to the right place!
Chicago is a city of many layers. From its bustling downtown to its many neighborhoods, the food scene to the architecture, there’s always something new to explore in this amazing city.
I lived in Chicago with my family for over 16 years and during that time, I was able to take several haunted tours in Chicago and visited numerous haunted places in the city, too. Including some spots that don’t show up on any ghost tour!
When it comes to ghost tours specifically, there are so many options for people who are looking for a unique tour of the Windy City. With so many choices, it can be difficult knowing which one is right for you.
From haunted bus trips to creepy segway rides, every haunted tour Chicago offers has something different. Explore historical sites while hearing all about their supernatural secrets and the dark corners of the city’s past.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or a fun way to learn more about Chicago’s history, there’s bound to be something that appeals to everyone. So let’s jump into the best Chicago ghost tours! 👻
My Top 3 Picks: Ghost Tours in Chicago
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Gangsters & Ghosts Tour
✅ Viator Excellence Award
✅ Visit notorious historical sites
✅ Refreshment & restroom break included
Medieval Torture Museum Tour & Ghost Hunt
✅ Viator Excellence Award
✅ Wheelchair Accessible
✅ Kids under 10 are free
Best Ghost Tours in Chicago
It’s no secret that Chicago has a long and spook history!!
With its countless haunted places, like centuries centuries-old graveyards and notorious mobsters, it’s no surprise that the City of Broad Shoulders is one of the most haunted cities in the USA.
As someone who has personally experienced the Chicago Gangsters and Ghosts tours, I can guarantee that it’s not something you want to miss if you’re a fan of history, ghost stories, or just looking for a unique and exciting activity in the Windy City.
The Ghost and Gangster tour Chicago takes you back in time to the roaring 20s when Chicago was a hotbed of illegal activities. Led by a knowledgeable historian, explore the notorious Chicago Loop, once teeming with bootleggers and gangsters.
One of the highlights of the tour is visiting former gangster hangouts and haunted sites, such as the Palmer House, Congress Hotel, and Death Alley. These locations are not only steeped in history but also known for their paranormal activity.
Step into the past and hear chilling ghost stories that will send shivers down your spine. Guides possess an in-depth knowledge of Chicago’s rich history and share fascinating tales about the city’s notorious gangster past!
Brandon…did an excellent job conveying rich, interesting stories. Learned many new, fun factoids. Tour is great value for the price. I’d recommend this to all. Families too.
barbara N (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Walking tour in Chicago’s Loop
☑️ Wear comfortable shoes
☑️ 20 participants maximum
☑️ All ages welcome
2. Medieval Torture Museum Tour w/Ghost Hunting
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | ✅ Book Now!
Before we dive into the details, note that this activity is best suited for families with older kids, as some exhibits can be quite gory. If you’re ready to face the darker side of humanity’s past, explore what this haunted Chicago tour has to offer.
The Medieval Torture Museum is the largest interactive torture museum in Chicago, spanning an impressive 6,000 square feet. As you step inside, you’ll be transported back in time to an era when punishments, tortures, and executions were a grim reality.
The exhibition features an extensive collection of devices used for torture, interrogation, restraint, and execution. But don’t worry, you won’t be left to navigate this macabre world alone. An audio guide is included with your ticket.
With this combo package, not only will you delve into the terrifying history of medieval times, but you’ll also have the opportunity to channel your inner ghost hunter. Search for and try to capture paranormal activity throughout the museum!
This place did not disappoint!! It was awesome. The staff was amazing & helpful. It was so much better than expected. The displays were perfect & informative.
sheri z (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ All taxes and fees included
☑️ Centrally located on Lake Street in the Chicago Loop
☑️ Audio guide and ghost hunting Chicago app included
☑️ Kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
☑️ Kids under 10 are free, but I don’t recommend taking kids this young
3. Haunted Segway Tour of Chicago
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 hours | ✅ Book Now!
This Segway Chicago hauntings tour offers a perfect combination of thrills and sightseeing.
Not only will you learn about Chicago’s eerie and interesting history, but you’ll also get to hear stories of death, disaster, murder, ghost things, and infamous gangsters from your knowledgeable and costumed guide.
They will bring these tales to life, sharing the intriguing and sometimes chilling details that make Chicago’s past so captivating. One of the advantages of this tour is the ability to see more sights and cover more ground on a Segway than you would on foot.
It allows you to effortlessly glide through the streets, providing a unique and exciting way to explore the city while taking in the spine-tingling stories that surround you. So buckle up and put on your bravest face for this unique Chicago ghost tour!
Tammie was great! It was a great evening riding through Chicago learning a ton of history! Beautiful sights! Would definitely do again!
ashley G (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Certified Segway tour guide
☑️ Thorough Segway orientation & safety helmet
☑️ Bag for personal belongings
☑️ Participants aged 12+ only
☑️ 9 participants maximum
☑️ Participants must weigh 100-260 lbs
4. Lincoln Park Hauntings Ghost Investigation Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.25 hours | ✅ Book Now!
As you stroll through the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood with a paranormal investigator, you’ll not only learn about its rich history but also look for signs of paranormal activity.
During the tour, you’ll discover fascinating stories related to the Great Fire of 1871, the Suicide Bridge, and the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. You’ll be transported back in time for a glimpse into the dark and mysterious past of the city.
A visit to Lincoln Park is also on the itinerary. This iconic park holds its own share of ghostly legends and eerie encounters. As you explore its grounds, keep your senses sharp and be open to the possibility of supernatural phenomena.
One of the exciting aspects of this tour is the chance to try out ghost-detecting equipment. It adds a whole new level of excitement and engagement to the experience!
Tony was a great tour guide. He knew the history, the tall tales, and had a great sense of humor. The gadgets provided made for a more immerse experience!
jennifer c (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Guests can use paranormal investigation equipment during the tour
☑️ Tour starts at Chicago History Museum
☑️ Wheelchair and stroller accessible
☑️ 30 participants maximum
☑️ All ages welcome
5. Devil in the White City: A Haunting History Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book Now!
If you’re a fan of Erik Larson’s thrilling novel “The Devil in the White City,” then the Devil in the White City: A Haunted History tour is an absolute must for you.
This half-day tour takes you on a journey through the dark and intriguing history of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair and the infamous criminal, H.H. Holmes.
From the impressive Prairie Avenue Historic District to the scenic Jackson Park and the enchanting Midway Plaisance Park, every stop on this tour is steeped in history and mystery.
Throughout the tour, you’ll travel by bus and on foot, allowing you to take in the sights of Chicago while immersing yourself in the city’s captivating history. Your guide will provide fascinating insights and stories about the Victorian era of Chicago.
We had a great time learning even more tidbits about the 1933 World’s Fair and H.H. Holmes. We had a good time!
beth c (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Guided tour on foot and by bus
☑️ 52 participants maximum
☑️ All ages welcome
🤩 Check Rates and Availability! 🤩
6. Prairie Avenue Haunted History Tour & Ghost Hunt
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.33 hours | ✅ Book Now!
Prairie Avenue, often referred to as Chicago’s original “Millionaire’s Row,” is a neighborhood in the Near South Side known for its stunning Gilded Age mansions. Explore it while immersing yourself in a delightfully eerie atmosphere.
As the evening sets in, you’ll meet your guide in front of the historic Glessner House, a mansion that holds its own share of secrets. Equipped with ghost-hunting gear, you’ll embark on a thrilling adventure through the streets of Prairie Avenue.
This two-in-one experience seamlessly combines history with ghost-hunting, allowing you to delve into the rich past of the Prairie Avenue Historic District while attempting to spot otherworldly apparitions.
As you navigate the dimly lit streets after dark, you’ll gain a whole new perspective on the city. The ambiance and haunting tales bring a different energy to these familiar surroundings, making for an unforgettable evening.
The guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. The guide welcomed all questions and answered them with enthusiasm. The history of the beautiful neighborhood is interesting and engaging and the ghost hunting tools are fun.
nina r (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Walking tour with ghost hunting gear
☑️ All ages welcome
☑️ Stroller & wheelchair accessible
☑️ 25 participants maximum
🤩 Check Rates and Availability! 🤩
7. Fright Hike: Chicago Halloween Bike Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book Now!
As you embark on this thrilling adventure, your professional actor guides will lead the way, taking you through the Halloween streets while bringing Chicago’s ghosts to life.
Get ready for a hair-raising experience as they share chilling tales and legends from the city’s past. Discover the haunting story of ‘Resurrection Mary’ who is said to appear along Archer Avenue, and delve into the dark history of the Levee District.
No ghost tour of Chicago would be complete without mentioning H.H. Holmes, the city’s most notorious serial killer. Your guides will bring this dark chapter of Chicago’s history to life, giving you a glimpse into the mind of a deranged killer.
As you pedal through the streets and witness the darker side of Chicago! The tour is a seasonal offer only available on select dates in October, making it the perfect activity to get into the Halloween spirit.
Great all round scenes of Chicago, lakeshore, city streets, under the L, around museums. The ghost stories were very informative and fun. I highly recommend it and I’d do it again!
adriana s (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ All ages welcome
☑️ Bike & helmet included
☑️ Child bikes, seats, and tag-alongs are available on request
☑️ Kids must be strong, capable riders and be able to bike for 9 miles
☑️ 15 participants maximum
🤩 Check Rates and Availability! 🤩
8. Private Haunted History of Chicago Ghost Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours | ✅ Book Now!
Step into the darker side of the Windy City as you embark on a chilling journey filled with spooky stories and eerie encounters. On this private tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit places that are steeped in history and mystery.
From the infamous Murder Castle to the haunting Death Alley, every location has a story to tell. Prepare to be transported back in time as you hear about the dark secrets and gruesome events that unfolded within these walls.
Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating details about historical events and the rumors of murder and mayhem that still linger in the city.
One of the advantages of this private tour is the ability to see more. There’s no rushing or waiting for others – it’s all about you and your exploration of the haunted history of Chicago.
Great tour telling some of the sad stories in Chicago’s history. My 13 year old grandchildren loved it. Well done. Adam was a great guide!
tripadvisor reviewer (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Hotel pickup included (from some hotels)
☑️ Private transportation with driver
☑️ Wheelchair and stroller accessible
☑️ Private tour for your group only
☑️ All ages welcome
🤩 Check Rates and Availability! 🤩
9. Chicago Mobs & Haunts Walking Tour
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5-2 hours | ✅ Book Now!
As you explore the historic streets and alleys of Chicago, you’ll find yourself immersed in the stories of mobsters and the lingering spirits of the condemned. Walk in the footsteps of these infamous figures for a glimpse into the city’s murky past.
This tour is tailor-made for lovers of all things mysterious and haunting. Enjoy a sultry and gritty cocktail of Chicago’s darkest stories. From Grant Park to the Alley of Death, your expert guide will explain the secrets lurking around every corner.
Get ready for a thrilling adventure filled with thrills and just the right amount of chills. Every step you take will be accompanied by tales of notorious criminals, haunted locations, and the supernatural. It’ll leave you wanting more!
The Chicago Mobs and Haunts walking tour will teach you about the notorious mobsters who once ruled these streets, and help you uncover the haunted mysteries that have captivated residents and visitors alike.
Kevin was an excellent guide. Tour was well paced & he was informative & entertaining. He was friendly & droll. Tour was pitched well for both the young & adult members of our family.
tripadvisor reviewer (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ Professional local guide
☑️ Walking tour through the Chicago Loop
☑️ 20 participants maximum
☑️ All ages welcome
🤩 Check Rates and Availability! 🤩
10. Windy City Ghosts: Hauntings of Chicago
⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour | ✅ Book Now!
If you’re a fan of all things eerie and intriguing, then the Windy City Ghosts Chicago Hauntings tour is tailor-made for you. Discover the ghastly and ghoulish side of the Windy City in a walking tour that will put chills down your spine.
As you stroll through Lincoln Park, your guide will regale you with tales of the ghosts of gangsters and serial killers that still haunt its streets. You’ll learn about the dark legends and untold stories that have left their mark on this part of Chicago.
But the spooky adventure doesn’t stop there. As you continue your journey, you’ll walk above the forgotten burial ground that lies beneath Lincoln Park. Feel eerie presences in the ancient resting place, with whispers of their presence surrounding you.
And speaking of hauntings, keep your eyes peeled for the Victorian woman in white at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Legend has it that her spirit roams the zoo grounds, leaving visitors awestruck and fascinated by her ethereal presence!
Loved learning about Chicago’s supernatural side. Hauntings and ghost sightings gave a fun and interesting twist to Chicago’s history. Had a great time!
get your guide traveler (read more Reviews)
🔑 Key Essentials
☑️ 1-hour haunted walking tour
☑️ Professional tour guide
☑️ Haunted history stories
☑️ All ages welcome
Haunted Places in Chicago
Chicago has a long history of haunted places. Here are some of the most haunted places in the Windy City.
- Congress Hotel: The Congress Hotel is known for its eerie history and is considered one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
Guests (including my own parents!) have reported strange noises, flickering lights, and even encounters with ghostly apparitions. - Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery: Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery is an abandoned burial ground known for its paranormal activity. Visitors have claimed to see ghostly figures, glowing orbs, and hear disembodied voices.
- The Red Lion Pub: The Red Lion Pub is said to be haunted by a ghost named “Peg Leg Johnny.” Visitors have reported seeing apparitions, objects moving on their own, and hearing unexplained footsteps.
- Graceland Cemetery: Graceland Cemetery is not only a beautiful resting place for the deceased but is also rumored to be haunted. People have reported seeing ghostly figures wandering among the tombstones.
I haven’t seen ghosts here, but was walking by with friends once when some people came out in a panic, claiming they saw “something”. - Hull House: Hull House, once a settlement house for immigrants, has a dark past and numerous reports of paranormal activity. Visitors have experienced cold spots, strange sounds, and even sightings of apparitions.
- The Palmer House: The Palmer House, a historic hotel now owned by the Hilton, is said to be haunted by several spirits. Guests have witnessed objects moving on their own, strange voices, and even encounters with ghostly figures.
My uncle stayed here on a business trip but didn’t see any ghosts. - The Site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre: The site where the notorious St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place is believed to be haunted.
Visitors claim to hear gunshots, screams, and see ghostly figures reenacting the tragic event. - The Oriental Theatre: The Oriental Theatre is known for its haunted balcony, where people have reported feeling a chilling presence and seeing a ghostly apparition.
- Jane Addams’ Hull House Museum: The museum dedicated to Jane Addams, the founder of the original Hull House, has reported paranormal activity. Visitors have experienced unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and strange sounds.
- The Rookery Building: The Rookery Building is not only an architectural marvel but also rumored to be haunted. People have reported seeing ghostly figures, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling an eerie presence.
David and I attended a wedding there but sadly didn’t see any original ghostly phenomena.
These locations have a long history of alleged paranormal activity, and while some may be skeptical, they continue to attract visitors who are intrigued by the possibility of encountering the supernatural.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, exploring these haunted places can provide an exciting and spine-chilling experience. Stop by a few of them before or after your haunted tours of Chicago for an extra dose of eerie!
🤩 The Gangsters and Ghosts Tour is the best ghost tour in Chicago because it includes mob history and ghost stories in one centrally located walking tour! 🤩
Final Thoughts: Chicago Ghost Tours
Chicago is a city rich in history, culture, and, of course, its fair share of ghostly tales.
Whether you’re a fan of true crime, fascinated by the supernatural, or simply seeking a unique and entertaining way to explore Chicago’s darker side, there’s a ghost tour on this list to suit your interests.
From walking ghost tours in Chicago that take you through the historic streets and alleys, to ghost bus tours that cover a wider range of haunted locations, each one offers its own unique perspective on the haunted history of Chicago.
From the ghostly legends of gangsters to the haunted sites that still send shivers down your spine, these haunted tours Chicago offers promise thrills, chills, and an unforgettable adventure!
So, don’t miss out on the chance to bring your ghostly curiosities to life. Book one of these ghost tours Chicago offers today and immerse yourself in the chilling stories that have captivated residents and visitors alike.
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FAQs About Ghost Hunter Tours in Chicago
Do you still have questions about ghost city tours in Chicago? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How long is the Gangsters and Ghosts tour Chicago?
The Gangsters and Ghosts tour in Chicago is approximately two hours long. Arrive at least 15 minutes early so that the tour can start on time.
Was Al Capone in Chicago or New York?
Al Capone was mainly associated with Chicago, Illinois, where he established his criminal empire and became one of the most notorious gangsters in American history.
However, he was born in Brooklyn, New York and maintained connections to New York and even extended to locations like Florida.
What was Chicago’s original name?
Chicago’s original name is believed to come from the Algonquin word “shikaakwa,” which means “wild onion” or “stinky onion.”
The name refers to the plentiful wild garlic and onions that grew around the Chicago River.
Are there any abandoned buildings in Chicago?
Yes, there are several abandoned buildings in Chicago. Some notable examples include the Damen Silos and the Pullman Clock Tower and Administration Building.
These abandoned buildings offer a glimpse into Chicago’s history and can be fascinating to explore. Entering these buildings without proper authorization can be dangerous and is often illegal.
Who was the notorious Chicago serial killer?
One of the most notorious Chicago serial killers is John Wayne Gacy. Known as the “Killer Clown,” Gacy was responsible for assaulting and murdering at least 33 boys and young men in the 1970s.
Another infamous serial killer associated with Chicago is H.H. Holmes, also known as Herman Webster Mudgett. Holmes, active in the late 1800s, built a castle in Chicago that became the site of his gruesome murders.
