Ghostly Encounters at Rockford University: Top 3 Sites

As a lifelong Rockford resident, I like to think I know a lot about this city’s history and local legends, but today I learned that Rockford University is apparently one of the most haunted spots in town!

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History of Rockford University

To fully understand the hauntings of Rockford University, I think it helps to know a little bit about the school's history.

Rockford University opened in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary, and originally held classes in the old courthouse downtown.

Shortly after opening, the seminary moved to its own campus that was located between the Rock River and Seminary Street in Rockford where it remained until it moved to its present location on E State Street in the mid 1960s.

In 1892 Rockford Female Seminary became Rockford College, and during World War II the school finally started accepting male students. In 2013 Rockford College officially became Rockford University.

Famous Hauntings of Rockford University

When it comes to haunted places, I must admit I'm a bit of a skeptic, but when you think about how long Rockford University has been a part of this community, it makes sense that a few spirits decided they never want to leave campus.

There are three spots on Rockford University's campus that many people claim are extremely haunted:

Adams' Arch

This arch is the only part that still remains of Rockford University's original campus, and several people say you can hear a woman laughing when you visit the arch late at night.

A former student told Illinois Haunted Houses:

I went to Rockford University in 14-15 and that whole campus was haunted. Went down to Jane Addams arch one night, a girl in our group walked down the path to the arch with her phone recorder and started asking questions. She came back claiming she heard nothing, but when we listened to the recording, one of her questions was "can you laugh for us" and we could all clearly hear a girl give a faint "ha ha" into the recorder.

Clark Arts Center

Rockford University's Clark Arts Center features two theaters, an art gallery, dance studio and more. Many people say the spirit of the man who designed the center still lingers there and likes to play the piano and make the lights flicker.

Past students, staff, and visitors of Rockford University have also shared stories of paranormal experiences at McGaw Hall. Legends say the building was haunted by a spirit of a girl who died in a bathtub during an epileptic seizure. Several people have reported hearing a girl singing, a man's "garbled" voice, and seeing objects mysteriously moving, but McGaw Hall was torn down several years ago, so you will not be able to experience these claims for yourself.

Do you have any spooky stories to share about Rockford University? Please send us an app message and tell us about it!