Lincoln Park Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour

If you’re into ghost stories, dark history, or just looking for something different to do in Chicago, the Lincoln Park Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour might catch your eye. It’s a guided stroll through some of the city’s most ghostly sites, designed to give you chills and maybe a little history lesson along the way. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, we’ve looked into what makes it tick—and who it’s best suited for.

What really stands out about this experience are its knowledgeable guides who keep the stories engaging and authentic. Another plus is the inclusion of paranormal equipment, which means you’re not just listening to tales—you’re actively hunting for spirits yourself. That said, since it’s a walking tour focused on eerie sites, it’s worth considering the timing and physical demands before booking, especially if you’re not keen on chilly Chicago evenings or walking for 2.5 hours.

This tour isn’t for everyone—if you’re sensitive to ghost stories or prefer more upbeat activities, it might feel too spooky or slow. But for those who love history, a touch of the supernatural, or just want a memorable way to explore the city after dark, it can be a great pick. It’s a solid choice for adults or older teens who enjoy a good ghost story with some historical context.

Key Points

• Knowledgeable Guides: They make the stories come alive and keep the tour engaging.
• Interactive Experience: Use of paranormal equipment adds a fun, hands-on element.
• Historical and Haunted Sites: Includes iconic locations like Lincoln Park Zoo and the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre site.
• Time & Cost: 2.5 hours for $39, offering good value for an immersive ghost-hunting experience.
• Not for Young Children: The tour is not suitable for kids under 7, and may be too intense for sensitive travelers.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for some guests.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

The Lincoln Park Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour is designed to blend spooky tales with real history, all within a 2.5-hour window. Starting at the Chicago History Museum, the tour guides you through a series of sites infused with ghostly legends, starting with Lincoln’s own spirit reportedly wandering the halls of that historic museum. It’s a chilling way to kick off the evening, with stories that will make your hair stand up.

From there, you’ll move to the Couch Tomb, which holds the last remaining marked grave from the Chicago Cemetery. The cemetery was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire, but the spirits of those lost might still linger around the monument. The guide will explain the tragic history and the rumors of wandering souls, helping you connect the dots between history and superstition.

Next, the tour heads to the Lincoln Park Zoo—a surprisingly spooky spot. Built on the ashes of the Great Fire, some visitors report sightings of Victorian-era apparitions, unaware they’ve crossed into the afterlife. It’s a strange contrast to the zoo’s usual family-friendly vibe, but the stories add a layer of intrigue.

Then, things get a little darker at Café Brauer, a former fine dining spot that turned speakeasy during Prohibition. The ghosts of mobsters from that era are said to still haunt the place, making for some lively tales of Chicago’s lawless past. It’s a reminder that Chicago’s history isn’t just about the living but the spirits of its crime-filled days.

Finally, the highlight of the evening is the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Standing here, you might imagine the sounds of gunfire and shouts echoing through time. The guide recounts the brutal event where seven men lost their lives, leaving behind stories that still send shivers down the spine.

The Experience: Going Beyond the Stories

What makes this tour a little different from your average ghost walk is the paranormal equipment provided. As you visit each site, you’ll get the chance to use ghost-hunting tools—think EMF meters and other devices—to see if spectral activity can be detected. This interactive element makes it more engaging and fun, especially if you’re into the paranormal or want to try your hand at ghost hunting.

The guides are often praised for their knowledge and storytelling skills. We’ve seen reviews where participants highlight how the guides’ enthusiasm and factual storytelling bring these ghostly tales to life. They do a good job of balancing historical facts with spooky legends, which makes the experience both entertaining and educational.

The tour meets in front of the Chicago History Museum’s Clark Street doors, and the walk itself takes you through some of Lincoln Park’s most iconic and historic locations. Keep in mind that the pace is leisurely enough to take in the stories fully but not so slow that it drags. It’s perfect for an evening activity, especially if you’re looking to add some mystery and history to your trip.

The Practical Side: Price, Duration, Accessibility

At $39 per person, this tour offers a fairly affordable way to explore some of Chicago’s haunted spots while getting a bit of history along with the thrills. It lasts about 2.5 hours, which is enough time to get a good dose of spooky stories without it feeling exhausting. Plus, the fact that it’s wheelchair accessible broadens its appeal to a wider audience.

The tour runs on select evenings at 8 PM, so it’s best suited for after sunset when the spooky atmosphere is at its peak. Because it’s a walking tour, be prepared for some outdoor exposure—Chicago evenings can be cool, even in summer, so dressing warmly is recommended.

Booking is flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. That’s a nice perk for travelers who want to keep their plans flexible. Just remember, this tour isn’t suitable for children under 7 or those sensitive to scary stories.

What Past Participants Say

People generally rave about the guides’ storytelling abilities. One reviewer mentioned, “The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and kept everyone engaged with interesting facts and spooky stories.” Others appreciated the interactive element: “Using paranormal equipment made the experience so much more fun and believable.”

However, some found the tour to be a bit intense, especially if they’re not fans of ghost stories or haunted sites. It’s good to go in with an open mind and a sense of adventure. If you’re expecting a casual stroll with a few spooky tales, this might be a little more immersive than that.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adults and older teens who enjoy eerie stories, history, or paranormal activities. It’s great if you’re visiting Chicago and want a different kind of night adventure, especially if you’re into ghost stories or want to learn about the city’s darker past.

If you’re traveling with someone who loves history and ghost stories, this tour offers a balanced mix of both, delivered by capable guides. It’s also a good fit if you want a memorable, spooky evening that’s both fun and slightly educational.

All in all, the Lincoln Park Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour provides a well-rounded, engaging experience that combines ghostly tales with real Chicago history. For $39, you get about 2.5 hours of storytelling, paranormal equipment use, and access to some of the city’s most haunted spots. The guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm seem to be the tour’s biggest assets, making the experience both fun and authentic.

It’s not perfect for everyone—particularly not for young kids or those who prefer more upbeat daytime activities. But if you’re into ghost stories, enjoy exploring Chicago’s dark corners, or want a unique evening activity, this tour is likely to leave you with some memorable tales—and maybe a few spine-tingling moments.

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is not recommended for children under 7 due to its spooky content and evening setting.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours.

What is the price?
It costs $39 per person, which is a fair price for an interactive, guided ghost tour.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is in front of the Clark Street doors at the Chicago History Museum.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

What kind of paranormal equipment is used?
Participants get to use ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters to look for spectral evidence.

When does the tour run?
It is available on select evenings at 8 PM.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Is this tour related to Chicago’s history?
Absolutely. It covers sites connected to Chicago’s past, including the Great Fire, mobster history, and the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Would I enjoy this if I don’t believe in ghosts?
Even skeptics often find the stories entertaining and the paranormal equipment fun to try, but expectations should be realistic. It’s primarily a storytelling experience with an interactive twist.

If you’re after a spooky night out that blends history with a ghost-hunting vibe, the Lincoln Park Haunted History Walking Ghost Tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to dress warmly, keep an open mind, and enjoy the eerie tales of Chicago’s haunted corners.

You can check availability for your dates here: