About Windy City Ghosts: Why We're The Best

Our Founder

The founder of US Ghost Adventures developed a deep respect for history through his military service and global travels. These experiences have given him a unique perspective on the importance of preserving the stories of those who came before us. At US Ghost Adventures, we’re dedicated to more than just ghost stories—we focus on honoring history and the lives that shaped it.

We proudly support the SYTA Youth Foundation and many other charitable organizations. Through our tours, we aim to keep history alive and share the legacies that continue to impact our world.

Real History | Real Hauntings

The chilling truth behind Chicago’s hauntings lies in its tragic history. Thousands perished during the deadly cholera outbreaks, their bodies hastily buried in mass graves. The Chicago Fire of 1871 turned the city into an inferno, reducing homes to ashes and leaving countless souls trapped in the flames, forever haunting the places they once knew. In the shadows of Lincoln Park and beyond, their restless spirits still linger. Chi-Town was also the final scene for notorious gangster John Dillinger, gunned down in cold blood, his ghost rumored to roam the very streets where he met his end, although some say his presence still lingers.

Exclusive Stories and Locations

Windy City Ghosts offers exclusive content you won’t find on any other tour, featuring chilling stops and untold stories that will leave you looking over your shoulder. For those daring enough, our extended tour takes you deeper into Chicago’s haunted past with spine-tingling stops like:

• The Red Lion Pub – Famous for its hauntings, but beware of the scent of lavender. And if you’re not ready for a paranormal encounter, maybe skip the ladies’ room—many have reported ghostly activity there.

• Lincoln Park Zoo – Built over what was once a massive graveyard, this zoo is no stranger to eerie sightings. Apparitions and disembodied voices are often reported, reminding visitors of the restless souls buried beneath.

Best Local Guides

The right host can truly make or break a ghost tour. That’s why we carefully choose our guides from locals who know Chicago’s haunted history inside and out. Our tour guides aren’t just storytellers; they have a deep appreciation for the neighborhoods, the chilling past, and, of course, the ghosts that still linger. With a passion for both history and the otherworldly, they bring every tale to life, making sure you feel the eerie presence of the city’s spirits. Their local knowledge and connection to the area ensure you get an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Why is Chicago so Haunted?

The answer lies in its gruesome past, a city scarred by tragedy and crime. The cholera epidemic claimed thousands, their bodies buried in haste, leaving restless spirits beneath the city’s bustling streets. Chicago’s eerie history also includes the chilling Tylenol Murders, where innocent lives were taken by cyanide-laced capsules, leaving a dark mark on the city’s psyche. 

The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 added to the torment, as flames consumed entire neighborhoods, trapping souls in a fiery end. Even more disturbing were the medical students from Rush who dug up graves for grisly experiments, disturbing the peace of the dead. These horrific events have left a ghostly imprint, making Chicago one of the most haunted cities in America.

Some of Our Favorite Locations

Prepare yourself for some of the most haunting stops on our Windy City Ghosts tour, where the air grows colder and the stories darker with each location. These haunted spots are not for the faint of heart:

• John Barleycorn’s Memorial Pub – Once a favorite haunt of the notorious John Dillinger, this pub still echoes with his ghostly presence. Step inside, and you might feel a cold draft as if Dillinger himself is still keeping a watchful eye.

• The Golden Dagger – Once home to the sinister Egyptian cult known as the Golden Dawn, this location is steeped in occult rituals. Visitors often report a heavy, oppressive atmosphere, as if ancient forces still linger, guarding their dark secrets.

• Alphawood Foundation (formerly Hobbs Institute) – This former mental hospital gained a terrifying reputation for cruelty and experimental treatments. The souls of those who suffered within its walls have never left, and reports of disembodied screams and shadowy figures are common. The haunted legacy of the Hobbs Institute remains, feeding the nightmares of anyone who dares to enter.

Interactive Experiences

At Windy City Ghosts, we don’t just tell ghost stories—we immerse you in them. Our hosts go above and beyond to bring Chicago’s haunted history to life, making sure you feel the eerie atmosphere of every stop. From spine-chilling tales to interactive experiences, we want you to not just hear about the spirits but feel their presence. For the truly daring, we offer EMF detectors for rent, allowing you to track otherworldly energy throughout the tour. This interactive element adds an extra layer of excitement as you explore Chicago’s most haunted spots, searching for evidence of the unseen. Get ready to dive into a ghostly world like never before!

Featured In

Our tour has caught the eerie gaze of major publications and networks, drawing attention to the haunted streets of Chicago. Featured in The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and The Travel Channel, our tour has become a chilling sensation for those seeking the darker side of the Windy City. With every step, you’ll uncover the ghostly tales that have captivated writers and paranormal enthusiasts alike. These hauntings aren’t just stories—they’re real, and they’ve earned us a place among the most bone-chilling attractions in the country. Join us, if you dare, and see why the world can’t look away from Chicago’s restless spirits.

What Our Guests Are Saying

“Me family and I came to Chicago for vacation before school starts. We are from Tulsa, OK! We had THE BEST time with this tour. I wish I remembered our guides name but she knew her stuff!!! It was the perfect night and our tour mates were also really fun! Can’t wait to research these places more and can’t wait to do it again!!!” (5 Stars) -Stevie Skinner

“We had a fantastic tour. Our tour guide was Megan and she was filled with great stories. She was knowledgeable about Chicago history and all the locations we visited. Highly recommend” (5 Stars) -Wendy Wagner

“The ghost tour was amazing and Alex really knew his stuff! He kept us well entertained and intrigued! We learned a lot a lot Chicago’s creepy past!” (5 Stars) -Jaye Moseley

Photos and Experiences

Unlike other tours, we encourage you to bring your cameras and take lots of photos, but you might capture more than you bargained for. The spirits have a way of making themselves known in the most unsettling ways, and many of our guests have found strange figures lurking in the background of their photos or eerie orbs floating through the darkness. You might even catch a glimpse of a ghostly face staring back at you. So, keep your camera ready, but be prepared—Chicago’s restless spirits are always watching, and you never know what might appear in your shot.