Spooky season is fast approaching, and we’re rounding up some local spots that would scare anyone — except, uh, us.
H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle in Englewood
Know that post office on 63rd? Serial killer H.H. Holmes lured visitors from the 1893 World Fair to torture and kill there. Do we think Keanu Reeves and others will film at the site for the upcoming “The Devil in the White City” series?
The Drake Hotel in Streeterville
Two ghosts haunt the hotel: A Woman in Red who caught her cheating husband in 1920 and a Woman in Black who fatally shot a socialite in 1944.
Graceland Cemetery in Uptown
Look into the eyes of the “Eternal Silence” statue, and it’s rumored you’ll see an image of your death, or you might be haunted by a young girl who was fatally struck by lightning in the mid-19th century.
Camp Douglas in Bronzeville
You might see the ghosts of Confederate soldiers who were kept at this prison camp during the Civil War.
If you want some more spooky locations, there are lots of haunted houses in the Chicagoland to check out, too.
The Best Haunted Sites for Local Frights

Sidney Madden

H.H. Holmes’ Murder Castle in Englewood in the mid-1890s. (Chicago History Museum / Getty)
Share article

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Chicago's Best
Hidden Gem Swimming Spots
Underrated swimming spots in Chicago this Summer.
The Hot Dog Cart-icle
Hot dog carts are rare in Chicago. Consider visiting one this National Hot Dog Day!
5 Queer Chicago Poets You Should Know
These local queer poets are worth checking out — during Pride month and beyond.
Welcome to The Belmont and Decibel — AKA New Berlin
Decibel is now open in the former Berlin space on Belmont. Comparisons are inevitable.
Chicago Was — Is? — a Magic Town
The Hand & The Eye is a new venue marketing Chicago-style magic. But what is Chicago-style magic?
Chicago’s Splashiest Water Activities
As we mourn the Humboldt Park swan boats, there are still plenty of Chicago water and boat activities to enjoy as the season heats up.
Celebrate Poetry in Chicago
Every month is Poetry Month in Chicago. But since April is actually National Poetry Month, consider diving in deeper.
Where You Can Still Bowl in Chicago
There are just about a dozen bowling alleys left in Chicago. Lucky for us, though, they’re as fun as ever.
The latest in Chicago
Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz
How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.
Partners In Crime Offers Beach-Ready Mystery and Romance Novels
Jeff and Amanda Morse combined their love for the mystery and romance genres by creating a bookstore that specializes in both.
Where to Find Summer Beach Reads
Chicago has nearly 100 independent bookstores, so here are a few spots that specialize in genres that sound best by the lake.
Your Guide To Chicago’s Ice Cream
Where to get ice cream in Chicago this Summer
7 — Yes, 7! — New Cafes
Every month, we bring you the newest restaurant openings across Chicago. This month, they’re all cafes!
Why Kids Love Teddy’s Ice Cream and Its Giant Inflatable Bear
A look into Teddy's Ice Cream in Chicago
Feld Review: Don’t Listen to the Haters
What it's like to eat at the restaurant Feld.
New Spots To Dine & Drink in Chicago
Chicago has no shortage of good places to eat around town. Here are some of the bar, restaurant, and café openings we're watching.