Board a coach at the Congress Plaza Hotel and ride three hours through Chicago’s dead-of-night stories—from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre to the Eastland Disaster. This guided ghost bus blends archival history with local lore and short walking stops.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step into a dim bar at the Congress Plaza Hotel and the hum of the city outside drops away. The bus idles, headlights cutting through drizzle off Lake Michigan, and a guide—part historian, part raconteur—begins threading stories through the streets: a murdered body on a bridge, a theatre full of smoke and panic, a boat that never made shore. The city becomes a moving stage where alleys, facades and riverbanks take on an unsettling life.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—mostly seated with brief, low-impact walking at stops.
Wildlife
History
The tour draws on 23 years of local research into Chicago’s high-profile tragedies and notorious crimes, linking physical sites to archival accounts and eyewitness testimony.
Conservation
As an urban tour, low-impact behavior—staying on sidewalks and avoiding litter—is the key contribution; support local historic preservation groups to help maintain these sites.
Reserve your spot on the Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early
Be at the Congress Plaza Hotel bar 15 minutes before departure—late arrivals can’t be guaranteed entry onto the bus.
Dress in Layers
Lake Michigan winds make evenings chilly; wear a windproof layer and comfortable shoes for curbside walking.
Bring ID and Mobile Ticket
Have your mobile or printed ticket and photo ID ready when you board to speed entry.
Respect Historic Sites
Stops include memorials and public facades—stay on sidewalks and follow the guide’s directions to avoid crowding sensitive areas.
Comfortable walking shoes
City sidewalks and short walking segments require supportive footwear.
Warm jacket or windbreaker
Evening winds off the lake make layers necessary, especially in cooler months.
fall
Charged smartphone
Used for ticket QR codes, photos, and navigation back to your hotel.
Small flashlight or headlamp
Useful in poorly lit areas during winter evenings, though stops are typically lit by streetlights.
winter