8 Creepy Cemeteries in Illinois That Draw Curious Crowds

Illinois isn’t just known for its cornfields and Chicago skyline; it’s also home to some of America’s most haunted burial grounds.

From phantom hitchhikers to mysterious floating orbs, these cemeteries have drawn paranormal investigators, thrill-seekers, and history buffs for decades.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, these eight haunted Illinois cemeteries offer fascinating stories that blend local history with supernatural mystery.

1. Resurrection Cemetery: Home of Chicago’s Famous Phantom Hitchhiker

Located in Justice, just southwest of Chicago, Resurrection Cemetery houses the most famous ghost in Illinois: Resurrection Mary. According to legend, Mary was a young woman who died in the 1930s after being struck by a car while leaving a ballroom on Archer Avenue.

Dozens of motorists since the 1930s have reported picking up a young woman in a white dress along Archer Avenue, only to have her vanish from their car as they pass the cemetery gates. Some witnesses claim to have seen her dancing inside the cemetery at night or frantically trying to escape by gripping the cemetery’s iron bars.

The cemetery itself is massive and well-maintained, spanning 380 acres with over 160,000 burials. Visitors often leave flowers at the entrance gates where Mary supposedly appears.

2. Lincoln Park: Chicago’s Forgotten Burial Ground

Few visitors to Chicago’s popular Lincoln Park realize they’re strolling across what was once the city’s main cemetery. After the Great Chicago Fire and concerns about disease, the city converted the cemetery into parkland in the 1860s, though many bodies were never properly relocated.

Construction projects throughout the years have unearthed human remains, confirming that thousands still lie beneath the park’s playgrounds and walkways. The most famous ghost is that of Inez Clarke, a young girl whose monument in nearby Graceland Cemetery allegedly disappears during thunderstorms.

Night visitors report cold spots, unexplained sounds, and apparitions near the park’s lily pond. The Couch Tomb, the only visible reminder of the cemetery, remains as a limestone mausoleum that some claim emits strange noises after dark.

3. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery: The Midwest’s Paranormal Hotspot

Tucked away in the forest preserves of Midlothian sits what many paranormal experts consider the most haunted cemetery in the entire Midwest. Abandoned since the 1960s and plagued by vandalism, Bachelor’s Grove has become legendary for its supernatural activity.

Visitors report floating orbs, unexplained temperature drops, and the famous “white lady” who wanders among the tombstones cradling an infant in her arms. The most famous photograph, captured in 1991, appears to show a transparent woman sitting on a grave marker.

A phantom farmhouse reportedly appears and disappears near the cemetery’s edge, while ghostly vehicles have been spotted on the nearby road. Despite restricted access, the cemetery continues to attract ghost hunters hoping to witness these phenomena firsthand.

4. Alton Cemetery: Spirits of the Mississippi River Town

Perched on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River, Alton Cemetery reflects the haunted reputation of what’s considered one of Illinois’ most supernatural towns. Founded in 1807, the cemetery holds graves dating back to the early 19th century, including victims of a smallpox epidemic and Civil War soldiers.

Paranormal investigators flock to the Lucy Haskell memorial, a statue of a little girl who died from diphtheria in 1890. Visitors claim her statue changes expressions and sometimes appears to cry tears. The cemetery’s proximity to the former state penitentiary adds to its ghostly atmosphere.

Mysterious orbs, unexplained footsteps, and shadowy figures frequently appear in photographs taken here. Ghost tours of Alton regularly include the cemetery as a highlight, making it a cornerstone of the town’s supernatural tourism.

5. Graceland Cemetery: Victorian Ghosts Among Architectural Masterpieces

Chicago’s Graceland Cemetery serves as both an architectural treasure and paranormal hotspot. Established in 1860, this Victorian-era cemetery houses elaborate monuments designed by famous architects and sculptors, creating a hauntingly beautiful setting for its supernatural residents.

The most famous ghost is Inez Clarke, a six-year-old girl supposedly killed by lightning in 1880. Her life-sized marble statue, protected in a glass box, allegedly disappears during thunderstorms. Another famous monument, the Eternal Silence statue (known as the Dexter Graves monument), features a hooded figure that local legend claims will show visitors a vision of their death if they look into its face.

Cemetery caretakers report hearing children’s laughter near the Potter Palmer tomb, while visitors frequently capture unexplained anomalies in photographs. Despite its ghostly reputation, Graceland remains an active cemetery.

6. Cave Hill Cemetery: Mysterious Lights in Southern Illinois

Near the town of Metropolis in southern Illinois, Cave Hill Cemetery earned its reputation through strange phenomena that have puzzled locals for generations. Named for the natural cave formations nearby, this rural cemetery dates back to the early 1800s and serves as the final resting place for many of the area’s earliest settlers.

Visitors report seeing mysterious floating lights that hover above certain graves before vanishing into the surrounding woods. These unexplained orbs, often blue or white in color, seem most active during the spring and fall months. Local legend suggests they’re the spirits of Native Americans who once used the caves for ceremonies.

The cemetery’s remote location, surrounded by dense forest and limestone bluffs, adds to its eerie atmosphere. Paranormal investigators have recorded unexplained electronic voice phenomena and temperature fluctuations throughout the grounds, particularly near the oldest section.

7. Witch’s Grave at St. Omer Cemetery: A Curse in Central Illinois

St. Omer Cemetery near Ashmore holds one of Illinois’ most infamous burial sites: the so-called Witch’s Grave. Local legend identifies this as the final resting place of Caroline Barnes, accused of practicing witchcraft in the late 1800s. Her gravestone has allegedly been replaced multiple times after mysteriously cracking or disappearing.

Visitors who disrespect the grave reportedly experience bad luck, car troubles, or sudden illness. Paranormal investigators claim their equipment malfunctions near the site, and cameras often capture unexplained light anomalies. The grave itself appears sunken compared to surrounding plots, fueling speculation about supernatural forces.

Though historians dispute the witchcraft claims, pointing out that Barnes was likely just an eccentric or misunderstood woman, the legend persists. The small rural cemetery becomes particularly popular around Halloween when brave visitors leave tokens to appease the supposed witch’s spirit.

8. Greenwood Cemetery: Decatur’s Paranormal Playground

Established in 1857, Greenwood Cemetery in Decatur hosts an impressive collection of ghostly phenomena that have made it a favorite among Midwest paranormal researchers. The cemetery’s rolling hills and Victorian monuments create a picturesque backdrop for its supernatural activity.

The most reported apparition is the “Gray Lady,” a woman in Victorian-era clothing who floats between tombstones before vanishing. Children’s laughter and singing have been recorded in the cemetery’s infant section, where many young victims of early 20th century epidemics are buried. Visitors frequently report cold spots, the sensation of being watched, and difficulty breathing in certain areas.

The cemetery’s mausoleum is particularly active, with reports of shadowy figures seen through its windows after dark. Despite its haunted reputation, Greenwood remains an active cemetery and historical landmark that draws paranormal enthusiasts from across the state.