9 Terrifying Reasons Illinois Just Might Be The Most Haunted State In America
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
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!
Greenwood Cemetery, 606 S Church St, Decatur, IL 62522, USA
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:
Take a look at this video by @FreyzelProductions:
McPike Mansion, 2018 Alby St, Alton, IL 62002, USA
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:
Take a look at this video by @fox2stlouis:
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Woodstock Opera House, 121 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098, USA
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.
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Cairo, IL 62914, USA
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:
Take a look at this video by @artofexp:
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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.
Dug Hill Road, Dug Hill Rd, Union Precinct, IL 62952, USA
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.
Ridge Cemetery, Tower Hill, IL 62571, USA
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.
Illinois 1, IL-1, Equality Township, IL, USA
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.
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Watseka, IL 60970, USA
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!
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More to Explore
Best Places To Visit In Illinois
What are the most well-known parks in Illinois?
There are 69 state parks in Illinois. Here are some of the most well-known;
- In Oglesby, there’s Starved Rock State Park. This 2,630-acre park has 13 miles of trails to explore and quite a few waterfalls to see. There are also opportunities for boating and fishing.
- Mississippi Palisades State Park is located in Savanna. There is much to do in this 2,500-acre park, including 15 miles of hiking trails, swimming, and boating. But the real highlight is the limestone caves and rock formations, such as Indian Head and Twin Sisters.
Where can I go apple picking in Illinois?
The following are a few places for apple picking in Illinois:
- The family-owned and operated Honey Hill Orchard is located in Waterman. Here, there are more than 2,000 trees to pick from, with 25 varieties available like Golden Supreme and Rubymac. And if picking isn’t for you, head to the country store to grab honey, apple cider, produce, and a whole lot more.
- Poplar Grove’s Edwards Apple Orchard boasts 30 varieties of apples, such as Ginger Gold, Liberty, and Blondee, within its 100 acres. You can also pick berries and pumpkins. Grab some apple cider donuts to bring home or head to the Cider Cellar Café to grab a bite.
What are the best fall hikes in Illinois?
While going out for a hike is great year-round, there is something about the crisp air and colorful leaves that make fall destinations in Illinois such great experiences.
- In Golconda, there’s Dixon Springs State Park. This 801-acre park is chockfull of gorgeous trees, some of them over a century old. You’ll also find a 165-foot-tall red oak tree, the tallest in the state. Some of the prettiest foliage trails include Ghost Dance Trail and Oak Tree Trail.
- Morton Arboretum in Lisle has more than 4,000 different types of trees throughout its 1,700 acres. And there are 16 miles of trails for you to take in all the fall foliage.