AFTER DARK · CHICAGO GHOST TOURS
Good chicago ghost tours run small groups and fill up around Halloween. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Walk about 1.5 miles through Chicago’s Loop with a historian guide such as Taka, Sophia, Tanner, or Avery. Hear true Prohibition-era tales, ghost stories, and the story of the SS Eastland while visiting the Palmer House, Riverwalk, Chicago Theatre, and Congress Plaza Hotel.
“Very exotic experience, another good way to know about Chicago history beside just regular tourist spots”
Walk 1.5 miles through Chicago’s South Loop with an English-speaking historian guide. Hear Al Capone stories, ghost lore, and local history while visiting the Riverwalk, Death Alley, Palmer House, Chicago Theatre, and Congress Hotel. Guides such as Max, Baylor, Tanner, and Chris are known for lively storytelling.
“Our guide Matthew was amazing! His storytelling of the Gangsters was great and his knowledge and...again storytelling of yhe historical "ghost"events were tremendous. I am a travel agent and I will definitely be recommending your Gangsters and Ghosts Walking Tour.”
Step into Chicago’s 6,000-square-foot Medieval Torture Museum for about 90 minutes of grim history, wax figures, and interactive devices. Use the included audio guide at your own pace, then try the ghost-hunting app. Bring earbuds, expect dim lighting, and consider the mature subject matter before bringing children.
“I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this museum. I went because by daughter wanted to see it. Very informative audio tour. You go at your own pace.”
Spend about two and a half hours walking Lincoln Park with guides such as Katie, Lara, Mallory, and Bobby, hearing ghost stories tied to old bars, alleys, Oz Park, and Chicago’s past. You’ll visit Glascott’s, Lilly’s, and Hook and Ladder. Drinks cost extra, and the group is limited to 12.
“Mallory was wonderful descriptive and enthusiastic. She made sure to connect with everyone and left no one behind :)”
Ride from the Congress Plaza Hotel through Chicago’s darkest stories, from the Devil Baby and old City Cemetery to Al Capone’s massacre site and John Dillinger’s death place. Guides such as Tony, Larry, Jen, and Joann mix local history with EMF readers, dowsing rods, and short walks.
“Very informative. Lots of history about the city. Nice comfy bus ride, with bathroom which is a plus. Was raining very hard so we couldn't get out and explore.”
Walk through Lincoln Park with guides such as Elliot, Rachel, Carrie, and Josephine, hearing stories tied to Julia Porter Park, the Biograph Theater, Oz Park, and haunted pubs. The one-hour tour costs $32, covers outdoor sites, and offers an extended option for more stops.
“The experience was excellent and the vibes were quite spooky. Our guide was knowledgeable of the city and made my partner and I, as long-time residents or Chicago, feel just as welcome as the other members of the group from out of town. There was a lot to learn!”
Spend 90 minutes on the Chicago River after dark, hearing ghost tales, mob stories, and strange city lore while famous landmarks glow around you. Guides such as Andy and Rich bring humor and energy, but the storytelling can vary. Bring a warm layer, arrive 30 minutes early, and enjoy the onboard restroom and bar.
“Its a load of fun just hope you dont have super loud people behind you. Would definitely do it again if I visit Chicago again.”
Meet your guide by the Tin Man in Oz Park for a one-hour, one-mile walk through Lincoln Park. Hear stories of mobsters, serial killers, Prohibition, and the Victorian woman in white near Lincoln Park Zoo. Guides such as Alec and Tammie lead the tour in English at a family-friendly pace.
“Alec V. is a great guide; fun, personable, and knowledgeable. There were only two on my tour and Alec made the this feel like a personal conversation with us. I highly recommend this activity!”
Board Mercury at Michigan and Wacker Drive for a 90-minute Chicago River cruise with a live English guide. Hear about the Eastland disaster, the Chicago Fire, H. H. Holmes, and mob-era Chicago while the Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, Merchandise Mart, and Willis Tower glow after dark.
“Overall was a superb experience yet I need to mention a small discontent prior to take the tour, one of the ground employee he gave me an err info. which it almost cost me to loose the tour, even though I was there way before the required time. and glad that Iwas diligent and when I noticed that I'd did notade sense his info given to me I seek assistance by the location we're people purchase txs or request info a very courteous young lady staff asked me if she could assist me so she directed me to the correct dock. As I arrived to the correct dock this young…”
Start at the Chicago History Museum at 8 p.m. for a 2-hour-15-minute walk through Lincoln Park with a paranormal guide such as Tony or Joanne. Hear stories tied to the Great Fire, Suicide Bridge, the old City Cemetery, and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, while using EMF readers and other ghost-hunting tools.
“Tony gave us such a great, informative, interactive tour that I couldn't believe three hours had flown by! A wonderful host who weaves the tour around our group's interests and everyone one felt involved and engaged.”
Join Ghost City Tours of Chicago at 8:30 pm for a 90-minute adults-only walk through haunted downtown. Hear about the Iroquois Theatre fire, Frederick H. Hild, Room 441 at the Congress Plaza Hotel, haunted art, and Al Capone. Guides such as Joe and James bring the stories to life.
“This was a fun tour, something that you can do at night when things slow down. I enjoyed the experience and the interesting facts of what makes this city spooky! Joe was a great guide with a lot of knowledge and a fun personality. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to hear about some of the most infamous incidents in Chicago history!”
Ride a Segway through central Chicago with a costumed English-speaking guide. After hands-on training, visit sites tied to the Iroquois Theatre fire, the Eastland disaster, hotel ghost tales, and Chicago Outfit murders. The two-hour tour is capped at eight people and includes a helmet and personal bag.
“The tour was great! Interesting and fun for adults and kids. Not much of a haunted tour, but great history of Chicago.”
Spend about two hours touring Chicago’s Loop by vehicle, stopping at sites tied to Al Capone, Frank Nitti, gang violence, fires, and ghost lore. Guides such as Alan, Avery, Ty, Kris, Matthew, and Karina bring the stories to life. The tour starts and ends at the Palmer House Hilton and costs $49.
“History of Chicago gangsters, some chilling Chicago ghost stories with a luxurious mini bus and good recommendations from Al & Doug. As described, was ideal after tiring sightseeing.”
Starting at the Congress Plaza Hotel at 2 p.m., this three-hour Chicago Hauntings tour uses a bus and short walks to connect H.H. Holmes, the 1893 World’s Fair, Prairie Avenue, Jackson Park, and the old stockyards. Guide Tony leads the route with history, legends, and plenty of Chicago context.
“Tony the guide !!!! The guide knew his information so well. He spoke with meaning and belief. His ability to tell stories was fascinating. We saw things of Chicago we had never seen before.”
This 90-minute evening walk begins at the Millennium Monument and ends near Buckingham Fountain. Your English-speaking guide pairs Chicago landmarks with family-friendly stories about the Devil Baby, H.H. Holmes, Abraham Lincoln Park, haunted Room 441, Fort Dearborn, John Dillinger, and the Eastland Disaster.
“Loved Joe. He was great. Would have given a much lower star score if he hadn’t been so great. Really rough start. He was told to meet at the bean and we were told to meet at the fountain. We sent messages, left a voicemail and even ran to the next site to see if we could find the group. It was a ROUGH start. But he was personable, entertaining and knowledgeable. He really really turned a bad situation around and I hope he is appreciated. Not a scary tour. My daughter was nervous, but really not overly scary. Just cool information.”
A walk, a graveyard, a crawl or a full investigation.
