This isn’t just a ghost tour, it’s a story-driven walk through one of Chicago’s most haunted landscapes, where real history and local legend collide.
Unlike tours that rely purely on jump scares or folklore, this experience is rooted in true events—from the forgotten cemetery beneath Lincoln Park to the devastating fires, disasters, and tragedies that shaped the city. Each stop connects documented history with reported paranormal activity, giving the stories weight, context, and credibility.
Set entirely within Lincoln Park, one of the most beautiful areas in Chicago, the contrast is part of what makes it unforgettable: you’ll walk through scenic paths and peaceful views while uncovering the dark past hidden just beneath your feet.
A blend of storytelling, humor, and atmosphere, this tour feels less like a lecture, and more like stepping into Chicago’s past as it quietly comes back to life around you.
Tour Options
8:00 PM
Itinerary
20 min
Café Brauer looks peaceful, but this area has seen some of Chicago’s darkest history. Gang violence, deadly disasters, and mass tragedy all unfolded nearby.
Some believe places like this hold onto that energy. And many visitors say they feel it - an unexplained chill, like something lingering just out of sight.
20 min
This zoo is home to hundreds of animals…
but it may also be home to thousands of the dead.
After the Civil War, this area was a cemetery. The city tried to relocate the bodies - but many were left behind. Some estimates say up to 10,000 people still remain beneath your feet.
Then the Great Chicago Fire swept through, destroying grave markers and erasing identities, leaving the dead unmarked and forgotten.
Over the years, visitors and staff have reported strange sightings - figures in old-fashioned clothing, shadowy shapes, and an unshakable feeling that something isn’t quite right.
20 min
This statue honors a Civil War hero and U.S. president, but here’s something most people don’t know: Ulysses S. Grant believed in the supernatural.
He once claimed to have experienced visions of his own future long before he rose to power. And fittingly, his monument stands in one of the most haunted areas of Chicago. In 1892, a sudden storm rolled in, and people gathered right here for shelter. Then, a bolt of lightning struck the statue.
Three people were killed instantly...
20 min
But sometimes, the most unsettling places are the ones that aren’t haunted, because from here, you can see everything that is.
The zoo. The park. The ground where thousands were buried, where tragedy unfolded, where stories refuse to fade.
Writers and visitors alike have drawn inspiration from this view, because it’s not just a skyline… it’s a reminder of everything that came before.
Highlights
A spooky and historically accurate tour for all ages.
What's included
Included
A spooky and historically accurate tour for all ages.
Not included
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
4.0
13 reviews
5
9
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3
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Important Information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does Haunted Chicago: Lincoln Park Ghost & History Walking Tour take?
Haunted Chicago: Lincoln Park Ghost & History Walking Tour lasts about 1h 30min. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Haunted Chicago: Lincoln Park Ghost & History Walking Tour cost?
Prices start at $30 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Haunted Chicago: Lincoln Park Ghost & History Walking Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is You will meet your tour guide at 2021 N. Stockton Drive.
Meet by the benches across from Cafe Brauer.
. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Haunted Chicago: Lincoln Park Ghost & History Walking Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(13)
E
Erin_S
August 2, 2025
They cancelled last minute
Bad! They cancelled with about an hours notice and I didn’t see the email until we got there. We were disappointed and couldn’t reschedule for something else.
Operator response
We’re truly sorry for the last-minute cancellation and the inconvenience it caused. We understand how frustrating it must have been to arrive expecting the tour, only to find it was canceled. We always aim to give as much notice as possible, and we regret that this situation impacted your plans. Please reach out to us at 855-999-0491 so we can make it right.
A
Amanda_H
July 30, 2025
Joe turned a one star situation into a five star tour.
Loved Joe. He was great. Would have given a much lower star score if he hadn’t been so great. Really rough start. He was told to meet at the bean and we were told to meet at the fountain. We sent messages, left a voicemail and even ran to the next site to see if we could find the group. It was a ROUGH start. But he was personable, entertaining and knowledgeable. He really really turned a bad situation around and I hope he is appreciated.
Not a scary tour. My daughter was nervous, but really not overly scary. Just cool information.
Operator response
Thank you for joining us, and Joe, in Chicago. We really appreciate it and hope that the rest of your time in town was just as much fun!
W
Wendy_L
May 26, 2025
UNghostly slightly boring tour
Worst ghostly tour in Chicago. The tour guide was super nice and energetic but that didn’t make up for the fact that she was 25 minutes late and her stories, though mildly interesting, were not scary or ghostly at all. It was really awkward… everyone in my group was rolling eyes and embarrassed for her and … bored.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re glad to hear that you found your guide nice and energetic, though we understand that the overall experience did not meet your expectations. We also recognize your concerns about the delayed start and the balance of historical versus ghostly storytelling. Because the circumstances surrounding the late arrival and the experience are important to review accurately, we would welcome the opportunity to look into the reservation and tour details directly. Please contact info@ghostcitytours.com so our team can review what occurred. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention.
A
alecia15
November 2, 2024
Fun Dark History Tour
Mary was a great tour guide! I learned some interesting history about Chicago. I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to learn more about the dark history of the city.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Mary made your tour enjoyable while sharing some of Chicago’s fascinating history. It’s wonderful to know you discovered new details about the city’s darker past and would recommend the experience to others. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Mary. We truly appreciate you choosing Ghost City Tours and hope to welcome you back for another fascinating evening in Chicago!
8
875gissellel
October 14, 2024
Fun for the family even with kiddos under 10
Amazing and informative. I went with my 8 and 5 yrs old sons. My eldest was fully engaged, and my youngest had moments of listening to the information/stories and other times in awww by the scenery (where we stopped to listen). Overall I recommend it as it’s a great way to listen to ghost stories, learn about Chicago and sightsee areas at night
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're glad that you had a great time and enjoyed the tour.
L
logicald2024
September 14, 2024
Great Tour with an Awesome Lady
Mary was amazing and knew Chicago well! We appreciated her so much! Will recommed this to others and would do it again! 😊
Operator response
We enjoy having Mary! So glad that you had a great time!
B
brandoncQ6399BJ
July 15, 2024
A fun time!
It was a great time and our guide was very knowledgeable! The stories were fun and my kid really enjoyed it! I wish it was a little longer and went a little further with more stories, but all in all a good time
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re glad to hear you had a great time, enjoyed the stories, and that your kid especially had fun. It’s wonderful to know that your guide’s knowledge helped make the experience enjoyable for your family. We also appreciate your feedback about wanting a longer tour with more stories. We’re happy you enjoyed the experience overall and truly appreciate you choosing Ghost City Tours. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you and your family back for another memorable adventure!
J
jordyl475
June 30, 2024
Fun facts and spooky stories galore!
Eben gave a great tour to me and my friend. Even though there were multiple areas of construction, he navigated it well and made the tour enjoyable and fun.
-Jordy
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, Jordy! We’re delighted to hear that Eben made the tour enjoyable and fun for you and your friend. It’s great to know that he handled the construction areas along the route smoothly while keeping the experience engaging. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Eben. We truly appreciate you choosing Ghost City Tours and hope to welcome you and your friend back for another memorable tour in the future!
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laurahH5053FG
June 26, 2024
Great family experience to walk and learn about the city
Mike was a great guide. My son asked so many questions and he was patient and gave great responses. Plus, the facts were family friendly and appropriate considering the ages of my boys (7 and 11).
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback! We’re delighted to hear that Mike made the experience enjoyable for your family. It’s wonderful to know he was patient with your son’s many questions and provided thoughtful, engaging answers throughout the tour. We’re also glad the stories and facts were a good fit for your boys. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Mike. We truly appreciate your family joining Ghost City Tours and hope to welcome you back for another memorable adventure!
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O1729GLjacquelinej
June 24, 2024
Hoped for more :(
I appreciated our tour guides and hope this information is helpful. With that being said, I am disappointed with this tour. I've been on many ghost and crime experiences in Chicago/in cities all over the country and I just felt this did not compare. It started off strong but I feel all of the other stories were lacking in historical details and actual ghost stories. Though it's totally valid to have your own beliefs, our tour guide mentioning multiple times that he didn't believe in ghosts and that he did this just for the money didn't really help create a fun environment. He also asked people in our group questions about why we believed in ghosts and then fully ignored us when we tried to answer the questions.
It felt like at times the guests of the tour were guiding the group because nobody was taking charge/didn't know which way they wanted to go. Lastly, there were two people training in our group, I totally understand they need to get out there and that it won't be perfect (fully support that!!). However, they were given two of the most famous and important stories on the tour and it just didn't seem like a wise choice as those are the ones we were looking forward to hearing more about (and the information was lacking). Hopefully this doesn't seem too dramatic but with the price of this tour it did not seem worth it.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We appreciate your kind words about the guides while also understanding that the tour did not meet your expectations, particularly regarding the historical detail, ghost stories, and overall flow. We also hear your concerns about the storytelling and interactions you experienced during the tour. Since some of the details you described are specific to your visit, we would welcome the opportunity to review the reservation and tour details directly. Please contact info@ghostcitytours.com so we can better understand your experience. Thank you again for sharing your perspective.
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