Spookytown: New Study Names The Most Haunted Places In Illinois

In a world full of seasonal haunted houses that open in October and close on November 1st, there are plenty of allegedly haunted spots in Illinois that don't care one bit about what the calendar says.

And according to a new study, the Land of Lincoln has 156 documented locations associated with reports of paranormal activity. That's enough to keep you ghost hunters busy long after the Halloween candy has been eaten or tossed out.

HauntBound, a website specializing in haunted travel and historical ghost stories, recently released its 2026 rankings of America's most haunted places. Unlike lists based on popularity, this one examines independently published reports, how well they're documented, and how far back the accounts go. The researchers aren't claiming to prove ghosts exist, they say. They're ranking the evidence behind the stories.

Spooky church and graveyard at night

Let's Take A Look At The Illinois Spots That Made The List

Coming in at #1 is Peoria State Hospital in Bartonville. Opened in 1902 as a psychiatric institution, the former hospital has a long history of reported paranormal activity. Visitors have described shadowy figures, unexplained footsteps, cold spots, and disembodied laughter. Historical and paranormal tours are available.

#2 is Bachelor's Grove Forest Preserve near Midlothian, famous for its small, historic cemetery and reports of the White Lady, a ghostly figure supposedly seen carrying a baby.

Third place goes to McPike Mansion in Alton. Built in 1869, this historic home has generated reports of apparitions, including one known as Sarah, who's believed to have worked for the McPike family.

Rounding out the top 10 are the Roff House in Watseka, Rock Island Arsenal's Quarters One, Old Joliet Prison, Mineral Springs Hotel in Alton, the site of Chicago's Iroquois Theatre fire, the Drake Hotel and White Cemetery along Cuba Road.

black and gray cement tombs

Rockford Gets A Special Mention On The List, Too

Here's a little local pride for you.

Rockford's own Tinker Swiss Cottage earns a special mention as HauntBound's recommended family-friendly haunt. The historic home has attracted paranormal investigators and even appeared on Ghost Hunters.

Want to investigate? Check each location's visitor rules before heading out. Some offer tours, while others have restrictions.

Because Halloween may last one night, but apparently, in Illinois, the haunting never ends.