Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour

If you’re a fan of the paranormal, dark history, or just looking for a different way to explore Chicago after sunset, the Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour might catch your eye. This 3-hour journey takes you through some of the city’s most haunted spots, with guides sharing stories that range from eerie legends to notorious crimes. It’s an experience that promises a little scares, a lot of history, and a unique way to see the city’s nightscape.

What we love about this tour is how it combines entertainment with education—you get to learn about Chicago’s shadowy past without having to walk in the dark or visit cemeteries on your own. Plus, traveling by bus makes it easy to cover more ground in less time, which is perfect if you’re short on nights but want a taste of the city’s spooky side. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the overall rating sits at around 3.5 out of 5, so it’s not a perfect experience, and some may find it a bit too focused on the gangster lore rather than ghostly encounters.

This tour is particularly well-suited for horror movie fans, true crime aficionados, or history buffs who enjoy stories of Chicago’s darker chapters. If you’re traveling with kids, keep in mind that the content leans toward adult themes, and the atmosphere might be more intense than a typical sightseeing cruise. Overall, it’s a fun, spooky option if you’re ready for a night of storytelling and city views—just set your expectations accordingly.

Key Points

• Engaging Guides: The guides are praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills, making the journey memorable.
• Convenient Transportation: Traveling by bus means no walking in the dark, and you get to see more sights in less time.
• Diverse Stops: The tour covers historic cemeteries, crime scenes, and sites of notable tragedies, blending history with ghost stories.
• Interactive Elements: Some reviews mention the opportunity to use ghost-hunting tools, adding a fun, hands-on element.
• Good Value for Money: For $59, you get a mix of entertainment, education, and city sightseeing, which many travelers find reasonable.
• Mixed Experiences: While many reviews rave about the guides and stories, some mention that the tour can be more gangster-focused than ghostly, and the overall rating reflects a range of experiences.

A Closer Look at the Chicago Hauntings Ghost Bus Tour

What to Expect When You Join the Tour

The tour kicks off outside the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, where you’ll meet your guide and hop onto a comfortable bus. From there, the journey takes you through various historic and spooky sites that are linked to Chicago’s darker past. The entire experience lasts about three hours, including numerous stops and commentary.

Your guide will narrate stories that bring each location to life, whether it’s tales of infamous gangsters or ghostly legends. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling—many reviewers specifically mention guides Tony and Sadie for their enthusiasm and expertise.

The Stops and Their Stories

Jane Addams Hull-House Museum

Here, the focus is on a creepy local legend—the “Devil Baby.” According to some stories, this ghostly figure has haunted the museum for years. It’s a brief stop of about 15 minutes, but it sets the tone for the night, blending Chicago’s social history with ghostly tales.

Chicago City Cemetery

Once home to around 13,000 unmarked graves, this abandoned cemetery is a fascinating stop. The stories of spirits said to linger beneath the grounds make this a highlight for many. Walking around the cemetery provides an eerie atmosphere, even if you don’t see ghosts yourself.

Couch Mausoleum

This historic mausoleum is another stop where the history and mysteries mingle. Tourists are curious about who’s buried there and what strange happenings have occurred around it. About 10 minutes are spent here, but the stories stick with many visitors.

Chicago History Museum

A quick stop—just 10 minutes—yet it’s said that some visitors have reported seeing a ghost near Abraham Lincoln’s bed. Whether you believe in such tales, it’s an intriguing snippet of Chicago’s storied past.

Bridge over South Pond

The site of Chicago’s most famous “suicide bridge.” This location offers a somber reflection on tragedy and the stories of spirits who may still be tethered to this spot.

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Site

This is the big one for many—linked to mobster Al Capone and one of Chicago’s most infamous crimes. Standing at Lincoln Park, you can almost hear the echoes of the past, even if it’s just stories.

Lincoln Park Zoo

It might seem like an unlikely place for ghosts, but with the old cemetery underneath, some visitors enjoy imagining what spirits might linger here.

Biograph Theatre

The site where gangster John Dillinger was shot is a must-see for crime buffs. Some say Dillinger’s spirit still roams the area, adding to the thrill.

S.S. Eastland Memorial

This tragic boat sinking killed hundreds, and stories of spirits still associated with the disaster persist.

James M. Nederlander Theatre

The site of America’s worst theatre fire, this stop is steeped in ghostly tales. The area is called “Death Alley” in some circles, adding to its chilling reputation.

The Experience and Atmosphere

Most reviews mention the comfortable bus and the smooth organization of the tour. The guides keep a good pace, giving enough time at each stop to absorb the stories without dragging things out. Many visitors appreciate the interactive aspect, with some even being allowed to use ghost detection tools, making the experience more engaging.

While some say they didn’t see actual ghosts, the stories and atmosphere often make up for it. One reviewer said, “We didn’t see any ghosts but heard about hauntings in the area,” which sums up the tour’s focus on storytelling rather than supernatural sightings.

The Value and Practicalities

At $59, the tour offers a decent balance of entertainment, education, and sightseeing. You get to cover a significant part of Chicago’s haunted history without the hassle of walking in the dark or dealing with complicated logistics. The tour can accommodate up to 50 travelers, and most reviews find it well-organized and suitable for most ages, though the themes are primarily adult-oriented.

Transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, so plan your arrival accordingly. The tour operates even in near-public transportation locations, making it accessible for many.

What the Reviews Say

The high praise in reviews often centers on knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and the value for money. Many mention guides Tony and Sadie, admired for their storytelling skills and friendliness. A typical comment: “Tour guide was great… full of knowledge and easy to understand.” Others appreciate the interactive elements, like using ghost-hunting equipment, which adds a fun twist.

However, the overall rating of 3.7 out of 5 hints that the experience isn’t perfect for everyone. A negative review recounts a missed bus, which was promptly refunded, demonstrating the importance of staying in touch with the company.

Final Thoughts

The Chicago Hauntings Ghost Bus Tour offers a fun and informative way to explore Chicago’s haunted and criminal past. It’s ideal for those who enjoy stories of gangsters, tragedies, and ghostly legends, especially if you prefer not to walk around at night or visit cemeteries on foot. The guides seem to be a highlight, making the stories come alive and adding a personable touch that many reviewers appreciate.

While some may find the focus on gangster lore a bit heavy, others will enjoy the blend of true crime and ghost stories. The price is reasonable for a night’s entertainment and sightseeing, especially given the variety of stops and engaging narration.

If you’re after a well-organized, storytelling-driven experience that combines history with a touch of spooky fun, this tour is a strong contender. Just keep in mind that it’s more about stories than supernatural encounters—so if you’re hoping to see ghosts, manage your expectations.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the meeting point is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the Congress Plaza Hotel where the tour begins.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 hours, including multiple stops and commentary.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
Yes, but if weather conditions are poor and cause cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but keep in mind the themes tend to be more suitable for adults.

What makes this tour different from other ghost tours?
This tour combines a bus ride with several stops, offering a broad overview of Chicago’s haunted spots without the need for walking long distances.

Can I use ghost-hunting equipment during the tour?
Some guides allow or even encourage guests to use ghost-detecting tools, adding an interactive element.

Is it worth the price?
Most reviews say yes—considering the guides’ knowledge, the variety of sights, and the storytelling, it offers a decent value for those interested in Chicago’s darker history and spooky tales.

In the end, whether you’re a history nut, crime story enthusiast, or just looking for a spooky night out, the Chicago Hauntings Ghost Bus Tour delivers a blend of entertainment and education. It’s a lively, atmospheric journey into the shadows of one of America’s most fascinating cities—just don’t forget your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera!).