5 spooky ghost tours in Chicago from bootleg gangsters to brutal ghouls

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Top 5 Ghost Tours in Chicago, from walking to busses to cruises

If you’re seeking a spine-tingling experience in the Windy City, look no further than these top 5 ghost tours in Chicago. Each of these ghost tours in Chicago offers a unique glimpse into the city’s haunted history, filled with eerie tales and ghostly encounters that will leave you shivering with excitement. Whether you prefer walking tours, bus rides, river cruises, or pub crawls, these five ghost tours in Chicago can satisfy your supernatural curiosity.

1. Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour

The Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour is a must for those who want to explore the haunted and historical sites of Chicago’s past. Starting outside “Hoyt’s Tavern,” this tour includes highlights such as the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Al Capone’s infamous haunts, and Death Alley.

Highlights:

• Hoyt’s Tavern: Meet your guide at this historic tavern before embarking on a journey through Chicago’s haunted past.
• Chicago’s South Loop: Discover the dark history of this vibrant neighborhood.
• Chicago Riverwalk: Hear tales of the spirits that linger along the river.
• The Chicago Theatre: Learn about the ghosts that haunt this iconic venue.
• Palmer House: Explore the paranormal activities reported at this historic hotel.
• Cloud Gate: Discover the ghostly tales surrounding this famous sculpture.
• Art Institute of Chicago: Delve into the haunted history of one of Chicago’s most renowned museums.
• The Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center: Encounter the spirits that reside in this notoriously haunted hotel.
• Al Capone: Learn about the notorious gangster’s connection to Chicago’s haunted history.
• Death Alley: Visit the site of the tragic Iroquois Theatre fire and its lingering spirits.

Of all the ghost tours in Chicago, this one offers a comprehensive look at the haunted history of Chicago, blending tales of gangsters and ghosts for an unforgettable experience. Check tickets for Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Guided Walking Tour

2. Chicago: Ghosts & Hauntings of the Windy City Walking Tour

Unlike some other ghost tours in Chicago, Chicago: Ghosts & Hauntings of the Windy City Walking Tour takes you through the mysterious Lincoln Park neighborhood, where you’ll uncover haunted locations and forgotten burial grounds. Meeting at the Tin Man statue in Oz Park, this tour is perfect for those who love eerie stories and historical mysteries that make the ghost tours in Chicago so much fun.

Highlights:

• Oz Park: Start your tour at the Tin Man statue, a whimsical beginning to a spooky journey.
• Lincoln Park: Explore the haunted locations in this picturesque neighborhood.
• Forgotten Burial Ground: Discover the eerie history of this hidden graveyard.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: Hear about the ghostly encounters in the bathroom mirrors and the Victorian woman in white.
• Al Capone’s Spirit: Learn about the infamous gangster’s haunting presence in the area.

This tour combines the charm of Lincoln Park with its haunted past, offering a unique perspective on Chicago’s supernatural side unlike other ghost tours in Chicago. See more info for Chicago: Ghosts & Hauntings of the Windy City Walking Tour

3. Chicago: Ghost Bus Tour of Haunted Locations

For a chilling experience on wheels, the Chicago: Ghost Bus Tour of Haunted Locations is the perfect choice. Meeting inside the bar at the Congress Plaza Hotel, this tour takes you to some of Chicago’s most infamous haunted sites and landmarks, making this one of the most wide-ranging ghost tours in Chicago.

Highlights:

• Congress Plaza Hotel: Start your journey at this haunted hotel bar.
• Ghostbusters and Rosemary’s Baby: Visit locations that inspired these popular films.
• Eastland Disaster Site: Learn about the river tragedy that claimed 844 lives.
• Devil Baby of Jane Addams’ Hull House: Hear the chilling tale of this infamous folklore.
• Phantom Hitchhiker Resurrection Mary: Discover the legend of this spectral hitchhiker.
• Death Alley/Iroquois Theater Fire: Visit the site of this tragic fire and its lingering spirits.
• Fort Dearborn: Explore this notorious historical site.
• St. Valentine’s Day Massacres: Uncover the grim details of this infamous crime scene.
• Lincoln Park Zoo: Uncover the zoo’s haunted past, built on the ashes of the Great Chicago Fire.
• John Hancock Building: Learn about the architectural marvel believed to harness otherworldly forces.

One of the easiest ghost tours in Chicago to enjoy, just sit back and relax and enjoy a comprehensive look at Chicago’s haunted history from the comfort of a bus. Out of all the ghost tours in Chicago, this is a great option for those who prefer not to walk. Ride the bus! Chicago: Ghost Bus Tour of Haunted Locations

4. Chicago: Nighttime Hauntings River Cruise

Perhaps the most uniqe and scenic amond ghost tours in Chicago, the Chicago: Nighttime Hauntings River Cruise offers an evening cruise filled with spooky stories and stunning views of the city. Departing from the Northeast corner of the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Wacker Drive, this tour is a perfect blend of sightseeing and ghostly tales, earning its spot on our list of best ghost tours in Chicago.

Highlights:

• Chicago River: Cruise down the river and take in the city’s famous landmarks.
• Chicago Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, and Willis Tower: View these iconic buildings illuminated at night.
• Eastland Disaster: Hear the tragic story of the capsized vessel and its ghostly aftermath.
• Chicago Fire: Learn about the devastating fire and the spirits it left behind.
• H. H. Holmes: Discover the dark history of America’s first serial killer.
• Cocktails and Spooky Stories: Enjoy a drink as you listen to chilling tales of Chicago’s dark side on one of the best ghost tours in Chicago.

This river cruise offers a relaxing yet eerie way to explore Chicago’s haunted history, making it a great option for a spooky night out and a different experience from other ghost tours in Chicago. Climb abord the Chicago: Nighttime Hauntings River Cruise

5. Chicago Haunted Pub Crawl: Spirits of the Water Tower

If you enjoy combining ghost stories with a good drink, the Chicago Haunted Pub Crawl: Spirits of the Water Tower is the perfect tour for you. Meeting at Streeter’s Tavern on Chicago Ave., this 2-hour haunted pub crawl takes you to some of Chicago’s most haunted pubs, making it one of the liveliest ghost tours in Chicago.

Highlights:

• Streeter’s Tavern: Start your pub crawl at this lively tavern.
• Holy Name Cathedral: Hear the ghostly tales of this historic cathedral.
• Water Tower’s Spectral Pumpman: Discover the legend of the spectral pumpman haunting the Water Tower.
• Haunted Pubs: Visit Kerryman Irish Pub and Fado’s Irish Pub, known for their ghostly patrons.
• Chilling Ghost Stories: Enjoy a drink as you listen to spine-tingling tales of Chicago’s haunted past.

This pub crawl offers a fun and social way to explore Chicago’s haunted sites, making it a perfect choice for a night out with friends who want to enjoy one of the best ghost tours in Chicago. Fun awaits on the Chicago Haunted Pub Crawl: Spirits of the Water Tower

Conclusion to our review of ghost tours in Chicago

With its haunted history, there are many ghost tours in Chicago that cater to different interests and preferences. Whether you’re fascinated by gangsters and ghosts, haunted neighborhoods, eerie bus tours, spooky river cruises, or haunted pub crawls, these top 5 ghost tours in Chicago provide unforgettable experiences that will leave you with chills and thrills. So, gather your bravest friends and embark on one of these ghost tours in Chicago for a night of supernatural adventure!

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