easy
2 hours
Suitable for most fitness levels as it involves moderate-paced walking.
Step into Chicago’s dark past on a 2-hour walking tour revealing ghost stories, gangster lore, and haunted sites. Experience the city’s sinister history through immersive storytelling amid iconic architecture.
Explore the Dark Side of Chicago • 2 Hours • 1.75 Miles • All Ages
Embark on a spine-chilling 2-hour walking tour through Chicago's haunted history, where ghost stories intertwine with tales of notorious gangsters and tragic events. Explore historic sites, uncover eerie architecture, and delve into the origins of ghost lore. Experience the city's darker side and leave with unforgettable memories and goosebumps.
If you love ghost stories, gangster legends, and true crime TV, or even if you simply savor that eerie feeling of crisp autumn evenings, this is the Chicago tour for you. For two chilling hours, we’ll peel back the glamorous façade of the Windy City to uncover its darker side—where mobsters ruled, tragedies struck, and restless spirits still make their presence known.
On this 2-hour walking tour (just under 2 miles at an easy pace), you’ll hear real stories of rival gangsters gunning each other down right after church, psychopaths hiding in plain sight, and the unforgettable disasters that scarred Chicago’s past—from the Haymarket Affair to the Iroquois Fire to the Eastland Disaster. Along the way, you’ll step inside a few historic interiors where gangsters once gathered and where ghosts are still said to roam.
We’ll also dive into the origins of ghost lore: are people really seeing specters, or does the strange design of some buildings simply play tricks on the mind? You’ll learn why certain spots get labeled “haunted,” and decide for yourself if Chicago’s spookiest stories are fact, fiction, or something in between.
Perfect for fall evenings and curious minds alike, this tour combines a little taste of Chicago’s gangster history with spine-tingling true crime and ghost tales. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the city’s past—and maybe a few goosebumps, too.
Ready to explore Chicago’s dark side? Join us for a tour that’s equal parts eerie, fascinating, and unforgettable.
2 Hours 1.75 miles on foot
The tour covers city streets for roughly two hours, so sturdy footwear will keep you comfortable.
Chicago weather can be variable; bring a jacket in cooler months and sun protection in summer.
Tours may fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures your participation.
Though the tour occurs mostly in daylight, some photo opportunities of eerie architecture arise.
Chicago’s Prohibition-era gangsters shaped much of the city’s 20th-century identity, influencing crime and law enforcement reforms.
Guides emphasize respecting private property and minimizing noise to preserve the urban environment and residential peace.
Keeps your feet happy during the two-hour walking tour.
Light jacket or rain gear for unpredictable spring weather.
spring specific
Hat and sunscreen to guard against strong summer sun while outdoors.
summer specific
Extra layers to stay warm during cooler autumn evenings and mornings.
fall specific