Interested in the most haunted places in Illinois? You may not want to live in the good ol' Land of Lincoln anymore once you've learned about these nine real haunted places in Illinois. The state is full of terrifying spots to avoid and these are just a few of the scariest!
1. Greenwood Cemetery
This cemetery is so old that there are grave makers here that date back to before it was dedicated as a graveyard. It is likely that it was originally a Native American burial ground, and it has definitely been robbed many times over the centuries. One of the most haunted areas of the cemetery is a Confederate grave memorial that commemorates a crew of soldiers who all died from Yellow Fever on a train passing through the area. It stands as one of the most haunted places in Illinois. Learn more about Greenwood Cemetery and its haunts.
Take a look at this video by @FreyzelProductions:
2. McPike Mansion
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a real haunted place in Illinois, this old house is situated in one of the state's most haunted towns. It is believed to be haunted by former residents of the house. There have been reports of lights flickering, flashlights mysteriously turning off, and the strong smell of the former owner's perfume. Discover more details about the two ghosts that haunt the McPike Mansion, one of the most haunted places in Illinois.
Take a look at this video by @fox2stlouis:
3. Woodstock Opera House
This beautiful and popular venue is rumored to be haunted by an actress who was turned down for a role in a play at the opera house. She committed suicide by jumping off the building and still roams the halls to this day, sitting in seats and sighing and dropping props. For many, this is considered to be one of the scariest places in Illinois. Find out what else this ghost gets up to at the Woodstock Opera House.
4. Cairo, Illinois
This southern Illinois town sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers but suffered from much flooding and is now nothing more than a ghost town. It is rumored that residents still roam here, though, but you won't want to see them. Learn more about the ghosts of Cairo, Illinois, one of the most haunted places in southern Illinois.
Take a look at this video by @artofexp:
5. Aux Sable Cemetery
Another haunted place in southern Illinois, this remote cemetery looks mundane but is actually very alive with paranormal activity. People have reported seeing mysterious fires and mists as well as having their car doors lock and windows move automatically when driving by. Learn more about the history of the strange patch of land at Aux Sable Cemetery.
6. Dug Hill Road
It is rumored that you might come across a dead body on the ground along this swatch of road, one of the most haunted places in Illinois. Those who have tried to move it find that their hand goes right through the corpse like it's a ghost. Get more details on who the ghost of Dug Hill Road might be.
7. Ridge Cemetery
If you're looking for "haunted places near me," sometimes a cemetery is your best bet to experience paranormal activity. Situated at the top of a hill, this eerie cemetery comes with some strange tales. The most talked about is that of a young girl who went missing and was later found walking down the road that leads to the cemetery. She said the people who lived there wanted her to come and stay with them. Hear about more weird stuff that has happened at Ridge Cemetery, a real haunted place in Illinois.
8. The Old Slave House
Also known as Hickory Hill, this home is one of the most diabolical and now most haunted places in Illinois. Though the Land of Lincoln was supposed to be a free state, this was the home of a slave owner who took his operations beyond their legal extensions and kept people chained up in his attic. He was not found out until after he started kidnapping people from the Underground Railroad operation. Learn more about Hickory Hill, a haunted Illinois locale.
9. The Watseka Wonder
One of the strangest things to have ever happened in Illinois is something not everyone believes. It involves two young women who had suffered from severe mental health conditions. It is rumored that one of the girls was able to channel the other and live like her for an entire year. Learn more about the Watseka Wonder.
Do you think these are the scariest places in Illinois? Tell us about any other places you know of in the comments below!
Looking for more? Check out these nine haunted cemeteries in Illinois.
Before you head out on a road trip to visit these haunted places in Illinois, check out our road trip essentials list for everything you need!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!