Haunted Hotels in Chicago, Illinois You Can Stay In

Haunted History of Chicago, Illinois

Chicago's haunted history is as bold and gritty as the city itself. Forged in the flames of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the city's very foundation is built on a legacy of tragedy and rebirth. The spirits of the hundreds who perished in the fire are said to still wander the rebuilt streets, their phantom screams sometimes heard on the autumn wind. This catastrophic event was just the beginning of the city's reputation as a paranormal hotspot.

The Roaring Twenties brought a new, more notorious kind of ghost to Chicago. The era of Prohibition saw the rise of infamous gangsters like Al Capone, and their violent reign left a bloody mark on the city. The spectral victims of mob hits, like the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre, are said to haunt the alleys and speakeasies where they met their untimely ends. Add to this the sinister tale of H.H. Holmes' "Murder Castle" and the tragic Eastland Disaster on the Chicago River, and you have a city whose history is packed with enough restless spirits to keep ghost hunters busy for a lifetime.

Other Haunted Attractions in Chicago, Illinois

• Nederlander Theatre & "Death Alley": This beautiful theater stands on the former site of the Iroquois Theatre, where a horrific fire in 1903 killed over 600 people. The alley behind the theater, where victims' bodies were stacked, is now known as "Death Alley" and is considered one of the most haunted spots in Chicago. Passersby report hearing disembodied screams and feeling an overwhelming sense of panic and despair.
• Lincoln Park: While beautiful by day, much of Lincoln Park, including parts of the zoo and the land around the south pond, was built over a massive, unmarked 19th-century cemetery. Though some bodies were moved, it's estimated that thousands remain buried beneath the park's idyllic lawns. Visitors report seeing ghostly Victorian figures, hearing phantom sobs, and experiencing strange encounters with malfunctioning electronics.
• Graceland Cemetery: This stunning Victorian cemetery is the final resting place of many of Chicago's most famous architects, industrialists, and politicians. It is also home to several legendary ghosts, including a young girl named Inez Clarke whose life-sized statue is said to weep and disappear from its glass case during thunderstorms.
• Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours: To truly dive into the city's dark past, a guided tour is essential. Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours is one of the original and most respected tour companies, offering bus tours that explore the history of H.H. Holmes, gangster-era haunts, and the city's most legendary ghosts.

Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Chicago, Illinois

• Explore Gangster-Era Haunts: Many of the old speakeasies and hangouts of Al Capone and his rivals are now legitimate bars and restaurants. Seek them out to have a drink where some of Chicago's most infamous ghosts are said to still linger.
• Take a Historical Ghost Tour: Chicago's hauntings are deeply tied to its history. A tour that focuses on the Great Chicago Fire, the city's gangster past, and its World's Fair mysteries will give you the best context for your ghost hunt.
• Visit a Haunted Theater: Chicago's historic theater district is packed with beautiful venues and spooky stories. Catch a show and keep an eye out for any spectral patrons or ghostly performers sharing the stage.
• Walk Through "Death Alley": If you're brave enough, a walk through the alley behind the Nederlander Theatre is a quintessential Chicago ghost hunting experience. The heavy, sorrowful energy is something you have to feel to believe.

FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Chicago, Illinois

Are haunted hotels in Chicago, Illinois safe to stay in? Absolutely. Chicago's haunted hotels are often historic and grand landmarks that prioritize guest safety and comfort. The ghost stories are a celebrated part of their legacy and are not a threat to visitors.

What is the most famous haunted hotel in Chicago, Illinois? The Congress Plaza Hotel is arguably the most famous and most haunted hotel in Chicago. With a history of ghosts ranging from a mischievous little boy and a one-legged man to its most famous spectral resident, Al Capone himself, the hotel is a world-renowned paranormal hotspot.

Are there hauntings in Chicago related to Al Capone? Yes, the ghost of Al Capone is one of Chicago's most famous. His spirit is most often reported at his old haunts, including the Congress Plaza Hotel and former speakeasies around the city. Many other stories involve the ghosts of his rivals and victims.

Who was H.H. Holmes? H.H. Holmes was one of America's first documented serial killers. During the 1893 World's Fair, he operated a hotel, later nicknamed the "Murder Castle," in the Englewood neighborhood, which he designed with secret passages and traps to murder his guests.

What is the best time of year for a haunted visit to Chicago, Illinois? Autumn is the perfect time for a spooky trip. The anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire is in October, the crisp weather is ideal for walking tours, and the entire city embraces the Halloween season with gusto.