Halloween In Illinois: Is This Our State’s Most Haunted House?

We may have supply shortages in other areas, but the current supply of "haunted houses" in Illinois and throughout the country is very strong heading into Halloween 2024.

You've got places like the Amityville Horror house, the Lizzie Bordon house (which is now a bed and breakfast), the Villisca Ax Murder House in Iowa, and many others, along with the haunted houses that are slapped together each Halloween season for scary-but-not-too-scary holiday fun in nearly every city and town.

We've all done the "hey-it's-just-for-fun-so-don't-pee-your-pants-or-punch-anybody" haunted houses, but have you ever spent some time in a house or mansion that is believed to be truly haunted? Your field trips to Tinker Swiss Cottage in Rockford do count.

Word Has It That If You're Looking For A Real Haunted House, Complete With Ghosts And Restless Spirits, You Should Take A Trip To Alton, Illinois

Before we get to Alton, I should point out that the Whaley House Museum in Old Town San Diego, California calls itself "America's Most Haunted House." Visitors claim they've seen a ghostly family, a ghostly young girl, even a ghost of the family' dog, not to mention the ghost of some guy who was hanged on the property before the house was even built.

From their website:

Over the years, many descendants of the Whaley family lived and died in the house, including Anna and a few of the children, Thomas Jr., Violet and Francis. Although the Whaley family’s unfortunate past plays a key role in the home’s chilling history, many believed it was destined to be haunted before construction even began. The eerie legacy of the Whaley House continued to grow as the family was struck with tragic deaths, as well as paranormal and spiritual encounters that many still discover today.

Enough About West Coast Ghosts And Hauntings, Let's Get Back To Alton, Illinois And A Place Called The McPike Mansion

McPike Mansion was built all the way back in 1869 for original owner, Henry Guest McPike, whose family lived there until 1936, and is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

According to the McPike Mansion website, all sorts of haunted occurrences have taken place at the home, and continue to do so to this very day:

It is readily known today for its hauntings in paranormal circles. The grounds are often visited by ghost hunters and haunted tour groups in the area.

It is not uncommon to find in photos of the mansion, orbs, balls of light, even figures appearing in the windows that were not seen by the human eye when the photo was taken.

This Grand Ole House is thought to still house many of the spirits that once lived here. Many Psychics and Mediums have felt the presence of what they believe to be McPike family, servants, as well as some of those who resided in and owned the house since 1936.