Going to haunted houses is a beloved tradition for many people in Northern Illinois, but what if the spooky setting was real and not just elaborate decorations and props?

Abandoned Buildings in Illinois

Abandoned buildings fascinate me, but they also make me sad. Whenever I see a forgotten and neglected building in pictures or in person, I always wonder what it looked like in its "glory days" and why it was left behind.

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Honestly, the mystery of the unknown and the eerie surroundings are what draws me to abandoned buildings, and isn't that ultimately the vibe every good haunted house is try to create?

That fact got us thinking...what abandoned buildings in the Rockford area would make an awesome haunted house?

Sweet Lenny and I both said Midway Theater in Downtown Rockford...

Credit: Google Street View
Credit: Google Street View
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but we decided to take the question to Facebook for some more inspiration...

It was no surprise that we received many calls and messages saying the former Singer Mental Health facility in Rockford would make a terrifying haunted house, ( 100% agree!), but what else would work?

Here are some other suggestions we got...

The old Rock River Elementary School.

 

The old factories on South Main  or the old paint factory on Kishwaukee by the Baer place.

 

The Nation Guard Armory on Main St.

 

The AT&T building off Church.

I'm not sure what it takes to get a haunted house up an running, but if you wanted to start one in an abandoned building I'm sure there are a lot of hoops you'll need to jump through first.

Is the building even safe for people to enter? I'm guessing the answer is no for all five places mentioned above. Bummer!

I guess we'll just have to imagine we're walking through a haunted house while we look at these creepy pictures...

42 Terrifying Photos Inside the Former Rock River Elementary School in Rockford, Illinois

Gallery Credit: William Lee/ILLINOIS Abandoned Photos via Facebook

LOOK: Abandoned Home In Illinois Dubbed Death House For Good Reason

The history of this abandoned home is filled with death.

Gallery Credit: JB Love

 

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