Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Walk through Old Chicago

Intro

If you’re intrigued by the spooky side of Chicago, the Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Walk through Old Chicago promises an evening packed with ghost stories, eerie sites, and a touch of paranormal investigation. As one of the city’s oldest and most established ghost tours, it’s been captivating visitors for over 24 years — and with good reason.

What sets this experience apart? First, it’s based on original research by Ursula Bielski, the tour’s founder and a published author on Chicago’s haunted history. Second, it’s interactive, inviting you to become a paranormal investigator with simple tools, making it not just a story but a hands-on experience. Lastly, its small group size (max 30 travelers) ensures that everyone can enjoy the stories and clues without feeling lost in a crowd.

However, keep in mind that this tour takes place at night, so dressing warmly, especially during chillier months, is advisable. The experience is best suited for those who enjoy history, ghost tales, and a bit of spooky fun, particularly if you’re eager to explore Chicago’s darker past beyond the usual sightseeing.

Good To Know

• Authentic research and stories from Chicago’s most haunted sites.
• Interactive and investigative, allowing you to look for spirits with simple tools.
• Small, intimate groups providing a personalized experience.
• Eerie stops include Fort Dearborn, a haunted building linked to “Ghostbusters,” and sites of tragic events.
• Ideal for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and curious travelers wanting a mix of education and entertainment.
• Evening tour with a recommended warm dress code, especially in October.

A Deep Dive into the Chicago Hauntings Ghost Walk

What You Can Expect From the Tour

This tour, priced at $40 per person, offers about 1 hour and 30 minutes of strolling through some of Chicago’s most notorious haunted locations. Starting at the Reid Murdoch Building, you’ll meet your guide, Lara, who is praised for her engaging storytelling and extensive knowledge. From there, the tour seamlessly combines historic facts with ghost stories, making the experience both educational and spooky.

Stops and Their Significance

Fort Dearborn Site

Your first stop is the site of the fabled Fort Dearborn, the city’s earliest settlement. This spot is believed to be haunted, with tales of lingering spirits connected to Chicago’s frontier days. Walking here, you might get a sense of history blending with the supernatural, especially as you hear stories of tragic battles and lost lives.

An Enigmatic Haunted Structure

Next, the tour visits one of Chicago’s most haunted and mysterious buildings. While the specific building isn’t named, reviews highlight its cursed reputation, linked to freak accidents, deaths, and murders. Some say it even inspired the movie “Ghostbusters,” adding a fun pop-cultural twist to your spooky night. The guide shares tales of the building’s dark past, and you’ll learn about the paranormal activity reported there.

The Old Gallows Site and the Eastland Disaster

A key moment involves gazing upon the waters where 844 lives were lost in the Eastland disaster of 1915. Standing at this historic waterside, you can imagine the tragedy that unfolded, with stories of spirits said to still linger near the site. It creates a sobering yet fascinating connection to Chicago’s history of disaster and loss.

The Interactive Experience

What makes this tour stand out? It’s interactive. Guests are encouraged to use simple tools—such as EMF meters or other basic devices—to look for signs of spirits. This hands-on approach makes the experience more immersive and memorable, especially for those who like to engage directly with the paranormal rather than just listen to stories.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere, which enhances the storytelling and investigation. The small group ensures that everyone can hear the guide clearly and participate in the investigation. The tour is designed to be engaging without feeling rushed or crowded.

Practical Details and Tips

Meeting Point and Timing

The tour begins promptly at 8:00 pm at the Reid Murdoch Building on North La Salle Drive. It ends near the Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Avenue, making it convenient for travelers to continue exploring the city afterward.

Weather Considerations

Since the tour is held outdoors at night, dressing warmly is important, especially in October or colder months. Reviewers mention bringing a warm coat, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable while exploring near the water, where it tends to be breezier and chillier.

Accessibility and Convenience

The tour is near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, provided they’re comfortable walking and standing for the duration.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book their spots about 6 days in advance, and with the tour being non-refundable, it’s best to confirm your plans early. If weather conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, which offers some peace of mind.

What We Loved About the Experience

The storytelling by Lara is a highlight; her engaging manner keeps everyone captivated. The authentic research behind the stories lends credibility and depth, setting this tour apart from gimmicky ghost walks. The hands-on investigation aspect is a fun addition, especially for those curious about whether they can “sense” spirits themselves.

The historic sites visited—like the Eastland disaster waters and the haunted structures—are genuinely evocative, creating a vivid connection between Chicago’s past and its hauntings. Plus, given the small group size, it feels more personalized and less touristy, making for a relaxed yet eerie atmosphere.

Potential Drawbacks

The main consideration? Being an outdoor night tour, it requires warm clothing and a willingness to walk through potentially chilly neighborhoods. Some might find it less suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues, though the tour is generally accessible.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This ghost walk is perfect for history enthusiasts, ghost lovers, and curious travelers eager to explore Chicago’s darker stories. It suits those who enjoy storytelling combined with a bit of interactive fun and don’t mind wandering outdoors at night. Ideal for a date night, small group adventure, or a spooky solo outing, it delivers a meaningful taste of Chicago’s haunted side.

Final Verdict

The Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Walk offers a well-researched, engaging, and interactive glimpse into the city’s haunted history. The combination of authentic stories, atmospheric locations, and the chance to investigate spirits makes it a worthwhile addition to your Chicago itinerary.

While it’s not a high-tech ghost-hunting expedition, the personal touch, knowledgeable guide, and evocative sites create a memorable experience. It’s especially suited for those interested in a fun, spooky evening that’s both educational and slightly eerie — all within a manageable, small-group setting.

If you enjoy history, ghost stories, or just want to add a mysterious twist to your trip, this tour is a smart pick. Prepare for a few chills, learn some fascinating tales, and maybe even catch a ghostly glimpse or two.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the tour is outdoors and involves walking at night, so it’s best suited for older children comfortable with dark, outdoor environments.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, which provides enough time to explore several haunted sites without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the Reid Murdoch Building on North La Salle Drive and ends near the Chicago Water Tower on Michigan Avenue, making it easy to continue exploring afterward.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly, especially during October or colder months. Bring a coat, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable while walking near the water.

Are tickets hard to get?
Most travelers book about 6 days in advance, and with a maximum group size of 30, securing a spot early is advisable.

Can I use my own investigation tools?
Yes, the tour encourages using simple tools like EMF meters to look for spirits, adding a fun, interactive element.

What if the weather is bad?
If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

How educational is this tour?
It’s based on original research by Ursula Bielski, providing authentic stories rooted in Chicago’s haunted past, not just ghostly tales.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but consider the outdoor night setting and the nature of the stories before bringing very young children.

Embark on this ghostly adventure to discover Chicago’s haunted corners — a perfect mix of history, mystery, and interactive fun.