This was one of the most amazing tours I've been on and I've been on these across the United States. ( I'm from Houston Texas) Let me start by saying I don't believe in ghosts, but I do believe in fun alternative history which is what you get a lot of on a ghost tour. So if you're silly enough to believe something's gonna jump out from behind a headstone and say boo, that's not gonna happen. EVER! My tour guide's name was Tony and we met at the museum and it turns out I was the only one on the tour. Toni was engaging knowledgeable and easy-going. He answered tons of my questions. The tour was very encompassing. It included hauntings, history, gangsters, and even the Saint Valentine's Day massacre. So a very wide ranging list of events. I HIGHLY recommend this tour! Even if you're from Chicago, you need to know the history of this area. At the end of the tour, I gave Tony a $40 tip and I almost wish I'd have given him $60. So do yourself a favor take this tour and learn some history and get some great exercise walking. Thank you, Toni!!!!!! read more

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - One of the historical markers on the tour! - Walking Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This ghost tour was awesome! I think Tony does an awesome job at narrating all these haunted sites and the ghost stories attached. The coach bus was nice and comfy and we saw beautiful panoramic views of the city. We got to stop off at many places throughout the city and do ghost hunting with EMF readers and the ghost rods. Tony was lively and so passionate about Chicago and it's history. It was such a blast and we will for sure be purchasing another tour with him. We can't recommend this tour enough- it was everything we hoped for and more. I was not sure after reading some of the reviews but if you are contemplating going, DO IT! Also wanted to note that there was a bathroom on our coach bus which was a relief for me since it is about a 3- hour tour! read more

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - Walking Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I went on a tour this weekend with my friend and we had a blast. Our tour guide was so informative and entertaining. It was really cool learning about the dark history of areas and buildings that I pass by weekly. You cover a long stretch of Lincoln Park via walking but you don't even notice since the tour is so interesting. It was the perfect mix of history, true crime, and paranormal. Our tour guide had EMF readers, a spirit box, and dowsing rods, which added to the tour. We noticed a lot of activity too! It was an incredible experience. I have already recommended it to my friends and plan to do it again sometime. read more

Do not waste your money. This tour is absolutely worthless. The driver and guide were rude. They left me behind while I was trying to check in. My wife had to make the bus stop while I ran to check up. Then made sarcastic remarks over the PA system to the entire tour. Not once checking us in or apologizing for their unprofessional behavior. The tour guide talked to everyone like they were 4 year olds. The guide did not know the content and said "um" every fourth word. People were falling asleep. We signed up for a ghost tour and we got kindergarten story time, barely. We ended up walking off the tour at the second stop. Then the tour is stating we left the tour and won't refund our tickets. This tour is a complete waste of time and money! Do not make the same mistake! Find another tour. read more

Hey Ursula. I'm Eric's wife. The one who yelled three times for the bus to stop as it took off without my husband, who was inside the bar, as instructed, to check in with the tour operator - the person who DID NOT bother to check anyone in, nor confirm that everyone was on the bus before leaving, and who also poked fun and insulted me after they finally pulled over to pick up my husband who was running after the bus. She stated "let's make sure everyone has their buddy now" in a sarcastic tone as if she was speaking to toddlers. By the way, she mentioned several times that she was a kindergarten teacher, and gave the tour as if speaking to children. She then proceeded to completely ignore us on the bus. Didn't bother to apologize or address their error. Just ignored us. And proceeded with the absolute worst ghost tour we have ever been on. In between the "ums" and the "uhs" (which were every 4-5 words) she repeatedly pointed out places to tell stories about, but then talked about how there were no documented events at these. Then we sat in silence for at least five minutes. We got to the first stop, where she continued the completely unprofessional tour, ignoring all but a couple of groups. So, yes, at the next stop, we called a cab and left. People on the bus didn't even want to get off. We weren't the only ones who knew this tour stunk. our trip to Chicago was to celebrate my 50th birthday. And my husband booked this tour as we always take ghost tours during our travels and he knew it would be a special treat for me. Not an evening where he had to hear me frantically yelling to the tour guide to stop the bus as I called him on the phone that we had left. He also didn't think I would be made fun of to the ENTIRE bus about not having "my buddy" - like I was an ignorant child. Again, yes, we voluntarily separated from the tour. When you are served a crappy meal, do you continue to eat it?? When you experience terrible customer service, do you just accept it? We don't. And, since this was a birthday celebration, we did not want to waste another minute of our lives stuck on that bus listening to that horrible tour guide. All we asked was for our money back, which is completely reasonable. You refused our request and offered another tour on a different day. Why would we do that again?? You stated it wasn't your policy to refund for a terrible experience. Isn't it also your policy to check people in, making sure they are all present before driving off? I had to choose at least one star for this review to be posted. But I would give negative stars if given the chance. DO NOT TAKE THIS TOUR. But if you do, make sure you hold on tight to your buddy and pack a headset and listen to something else while in the bus. Better yet, spend your money on the Chicago Crime Bus Tour, which was an awesome tour! The guide was engaging and entertaining, keeping everyone included and excited. They also had a check-in process that was followed and no one was left behind. read more

My husband and I went on the Devil in the White City tour recently and loved it. My husband is a Chicago native and learned some Chicago history that he'd never heard before. Our tour guide, Dave was ridiculously knowledgeable as well as funny and helpful. It's clear that he enjoys his job and that made the evening even more fun. I also emailed Ursula about a related matter and she got back to me quickly and gave me the info I was looking for. I can't wait to book another tour! read more

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The Original Ghost bus tour satisfies two types of people: those who love history, and those who love the paranormal. If you're someone who happens to love both of those things, you're in for a treat. Tony (our tour guide) was extremely well versed in the storied past of Chicago, he answered all of my questions with surprising depth, and he even took part in some witty banter with me. During the tour you'll be given the opportunity to get off the bus and stand at the site of certain historical events, like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Tony let us use some equipment, like electromagnetic frequency detectors and divining rods. If you take this tour, sit in the front of the bus so you can ask the most questions and get first access to the equipment. Kurt was our driver and he was full of humor (also drove pretty safely so that's always a plus). Tips are appreciated but not necessary--so bring some cash with you, 'cause you're gonna wanna thank them for the awesome experience. read more

My boyfriend and I had been wanting to go on this tour for a while, we opted with the Original tour. The tour was lead by Tony, he was a great guide. He knew what he was talking about and tried to make it very fact orientated. He was able to provide his own experiences with the stops we were making which made it even more spooky. Overall the tour was great, they had devices that we were able to use throughout our stops to try to come in contact with the any spirits. My boyfriend and I actually were able to come in contact with one at one stop. I plan to take another tour with these company. I would recommend to everyone! read more

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The Devil in the White City tour was amazing. We went on Saturday 11/23/19 at 2pm. Our guide led us to so many interesting places and taught me that so much of the city's history is connected in fascinating ways. I grew up in Chicago and never knew so many significant landmarks were hiding in plain sight. I really like how our guide gave us extensive background on everything; from the hotel we met at, to the world's fair grounds, to the stockyards, to the old red light district, and more! The tour was about so much more than just H.H. Holmes and the World's Fair! The guide was very personable and kept the group laughing and engaged the entire time, even the tour bus driver was having a good time! The tour reminded me of a grittier version of a Geoffrey Baer PBS Chicago documentary. So much interesting information. If you love Chicago, history, architecture, or want to know more of the seedy side of 18th/19th century city life then I think you would love this tour. Highly recommend. read more

This is the ad "A full day of paranormal adventure through historic and fabled Northeastern Illinois. We'll board our luxury coach in the quaint village of Long Grove and depart on a whirwhind tour of cemeteries, historic sites, forests and more. From Cuba Road to the the Mineola Hotel . . . from Six Flags to St. Patrick's Cemetery and the notorious "Gate." The tour includes a lunch stop (included) at a haunted tavern, and you may BYOB on the bus. Tour includes coach transportation, fully narrated tour by Ursula Bielski and special guests,, extended stops where you can try out your ghost hunting tools (or ours!), and trivia prizes and giveaways. Only 40 spots available! $80 per person includes luxury coach, full 7 hour-excursion and lunch! I'm sorry but we cannot take more than 40 people on this one! Visit www.chicagohauntings.com and click on any "book now" button for the pop up calendar". Ursula was NOT present. No Mineola hotel. No six flags. They did NOT bring ghost hunting tools as stated. No trivia prizes. No giveaways. Some "stops" were drive bys. At devils gate the majority of guests wanted to see the building foundations. Guides didn't want to come along so we wandered until they came and told us we had to leave to get back by 4. Not really guided. $80 per person is a bit pricey for this tour that lists way more perks than you actually receive. I submitted this review and forwarded it to Ursula so she knew what is actually happening. I got a frankly nasty email back which I will submit a copy of. "Thanks for that. The crowning glory on the week of my mom's death. I'll get you a refund right away. Best wishes and have a great weekend, Ursula " I didn't ask for a refund. Just think they need to provide what's advertised. Someone deleted my first review so here it is again read more

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - In response to my review this is the email I received.... - Walking Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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April 27th (day of a freak snow storm!!) we did the Devil in the White City Tour. It was amazing. I grew up in the South Suburbs and never knew all these events. Now I live on Florida, last year my mom found we are distant relatives of the Couch crypt. I happened to find the Lincoln Park Tour last year( Tony was amazing! ). So I had to return to do the HH Holmes Tour. Our guide was amazing! I wish my old brain could remember his name. He was so knowledgeable on so much history of the city and you can feel his passion on all the subjects. Wish the weather had been a bit nicer, weird snow storm, but we still had a fantastic time and grateful it was a bus tour that day. I miss my city but love coming home to be a tourist. read more

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - By MOIS - Walking Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I bought tickets for the Old Joliet Prison ghost hunt when they were open to museum members. The hunt was scheduled from 10-1 and was priced at $120. Now the time has been changed from 10 - 11:55 and the price went down to $55. On their Prison Tour Facebook page it was posted that the change was due to safety concerns. I emailed the company and asked to be refunded what I over paid and they claim the time hasn't changed and they just had a sale. That they are not going to refund my money. So they are lying about what they posted and they overcharged museum members who had early access. I bought my tickets on October 6 and discovered the changed time and price when I went to get more tickets for family members on October 1. I wanted to update that I was able to get a refund for what I was overcharged! I'm so happy about that because I am really looking forward to the ghost hunt! read more

We took this tour on Saturday October 29th. 2016. We had a fantastic time. It's not so much a ghost tour as its more of a Chicago history tour where tragic events took place. All the sights are supposed to be haunted though. You meet at the Congress Plaza hotel. This was almost a three hour tour. The bus which was wonderful and full of people is parked out front. We did a special 8pm tour. Our tour guide was Jon who was so informative and interesting. He was never boring and his knowledge is incredible. The stops included the site of the Eastland disaster, Hull House, "Death Alley" and the old city cemetery at Lincoln Park. We got off the bus at all the stops and there was lots of narration about each place. We also drive by plenty of interesting sights as well. We had a great time. I wish the tour could of lasted another three hours. I highly recommend this tour company to anyone. read more

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We took this tour over Memorial Day weekend, so it was a full house on the bus. Our tour guide was a kind, unassuming girl with gorgeous, beat-up, Victorian-era-looking button-up boots and a hole in the rear of her black pants. She seemed to know something about the topic, but unfortunately it did not really come across very well once the tour got rolling. First stop was the theatre district where many, many people perished on the opening night of a show. Our guide gave us some great history on the details of the theatre and the fire, and guided us back to an alley where we were told that spots may appear on our photographs. She then went in to great detail about orbs, and other types of spots (forgive me, I love the historical aspect but am not into trying to "capture" paranormal activity so I don't know the nomenclature) that we might see on our photos, and I really lost interest and just wandered around the alley, thinking of what had happened here way back when and trying to picture it. As we were int he alley, another tour came along, Weird Chicago, I think, and their guide began telling the same story. Unfortunately for our guide, the Weird guide was much more interesting to listen to, a natural orator. We visited about three locations in tandem with this other tour, when finally our guide decided to linger at one of the sites so that we would avoid the distraction of having two tours running right next to each other. Throughout the tour, the places we visited and the stories and history that was related to us was very interesting, but again I got the overall feeling that our guide just wasn't really all that into it. I'm glad we took the tour, but this one really didn't measure up to ghost tours that we've taken in other cities. Good for the historical experience, though. read more

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - Hull House - Walking Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Me and my girlfriend wanted to do something fun and new this weekend so we chose to go on the Haunted Chicago ghost tour. Our host/guide Eric was very fun,engaging and knowledgeable. From start to finish the tour was enjoyable and not once did I feel bored. I enjoyed visiting all these places that we went too that had part in so much rich history in the darkest days of the city of Chicago. We're from the city so it's not just something for out of state tourists. I wish the tour went on longer but thing that stunk was that, it was really cold that day so me or any of the members of the group didn't feel like staying out too long. This tour gave me a newfound perspective on my city. Definitely recommend. read more

I have taken many tours with with them since they opened! Even organized group tours for family and work. Always too notch best tours with lots of authentic info! I love that they also give some history about the buildings and society. Wet thorough! Many try to copy their tours, but they fail! Chicago Hauntings is always updating and improving their tours. read more

I was part of the Devil in the White City Tour this afternoon. Let me start with the positives because there are a few. Tony is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He was able to answer questions. He told amazing stories. And I left the tour with more knowledge than when I began - which any good tour should give you. Thank you very much, Tony - you made the tour enjoyable. The negative - the bus driver. I understand (per Ursula) that this is a contracted business and the driver they had today was not one that they had ever worked with before. However, the driver got lost multiple times. Tony had to spend just as much time directing the driver as he did pointing out sites to the tour. The driver also drove AGAINST traffic more than once (causing a few cars to have to reverse away from us but that was okay because and I quote "we are in the bigger vehicle"), under bridges that he admitted he wasn't sure we would fit under, a few illegal u-turns (in front of law enforcement), and plugged his own PERSONAL tour of his home in Michigan. I sent this information to Ursula during the tour to let her know what was happening. As I don't believe this is fair to her business and was hoping she would show concern for her patrons. Instead, I was told to contact the bus company myself and the BBB. Again - I understand that you do not own the bus company. I understand that you do no employ this driver. However, you hired this bus company. And I would hope you would take these allegations more seriously. If this had been handled differently - I would have recommended this company and this tour. If not for Tony, my day would have been wasted. read more

Of all ghost tours, these tours are my favorite! Tony, Jack and Mark are the best. I especially like the way they narrative the stories and corroborate them with verified historical events. The history of Chicago is so interesting, and this is the best way to learn about it. read more

Really great experience! My friend and I have been wanting to take this tour for a while. Last night was the coldest day of the year which made the tour even spookier. The tour guide, Dave was very informative. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the city's ghost history made the tour so much better. We stopped at a few sites where we were able to roam around and take pictures. I will definitely be going on the Devil In The White City tour soon! read more

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I did my first Chicago Hauntings tour when I moved to the city about 5 years ago now. I wanted to know more about Chicago history and this was the obvious best choice. At the time the tour guide I had was Adam Selzer, who was incredible and really got me interested in Chicago history. I've since read some of Adam's books and have listened to a podcast of his about Chicago. I'm telling you this tour just got me hooked. Last night I took the tour again and again was not disappointed. Our tour guide was Larry Arroyo better known as Cemetery Larry. I absolutely loved him as a guide and learned more about Chicago when I thought I already knew a majority of the macabre things to have happened. I really recommend this tour group. They are genuine and are here to teach us. You will not be disappointed!!! read more

I was really excited about this tour. I love history/scary stories/ and Chicago - So it really seemed like a great fit. Unfortunately, my tour was cancelled last minute. This normally wouldn't be a problem as I understand that "life happens" but the way it was done was such a mess that really left me frustrated and angry. Problems: 1. The original e-mail that was sent regarding the cancellation was confusing/ not at all clear about what days were being cancelled. 2. When I had a question regarding the cancellation I could not get in touch with anyone. I called a phone number that told me to go to the website. When I went to the website there was no information. I called another number given on the original message machine and there was no answer there either. I finally got in touch with someone via email multiple hours later 3. Even though my tour was cancelled I still got the "how was your tour" e-mail which they apparently can't stop. This email just added to my frustration about POOR COMMUNICATION with the company 4. No information about how to reschedule or get my money back. I guess I am just "flushing" 86$ down the toilet. Thanks Chicago Hauntings read more

My boyfriend often accuses me of getting overly excited about things, only to be disappointed when they can't live up to my lofty expectations. Chicago Ghost Tour, congratulations on being my most recent letdown. Yelp Star detracting moment #1: -I emailed "Ursula" 3 weeks prior to the 4/17 date. Since I had purchased a Groupon, I had a feeling that they were going to be flooded with requests. After several pestering e-mails, I was FINALLY confirmed at 3pm Friday April 16th for the tour because "9,000 people had contacted him to go on the tour this weekend". Seems a little exaggerated, but okay, still excited to Ghost Tour it up. Yelp Star Detracting Moment #2: Location, location, location. The first two stops were the Oriental Theater and Wacker Driver along the river. Seriously? Despite the guide's best efforts to create a spooky ambiance, this fell flat: 1. I work mere blocks from these places 2. There are people walking through these "haunted areas" enjoying their Saturday night. Granted, not the tour's fault, but you think they'd pick places a little off the beaten path. Yelp Star Detracting Moment #3: At every place we went to, people have captured photographic evidence of apparitions, shadows, and unexplainable phenomenon. Where are these pictures?! Just like another Yelper brought up, I'm sure I'd get a little more freaked out by visiting Hull House if there was a picture of a devil baby looking demonically out of the window. Our guide said that with the paranormal, you can't just "scoop it up in a jar and say: here's your evidence". Well yeah, but you can go to Walgreens and make reprints. The rest of the trip was spent driving on Lake Shore drive as we listened to another boring narration of what I'm sure was meant to be terrifying Chicago History. Did I mention we saw the haunted spot where the Valentine's Day Massacre occured? Yeah, it was an empty lot in between two buildings on Clark in LP. After that horrifying moment, I knew there was no sleep for me that night! (Maybe I'll get haunted for the simple fact that I'm so sarcastic). The tour did get unintentional comedy points from the eager-believers on the bus. Especially the girl who clamored back on the bus and declared "ALL OF MY CELL PHONE PICTURES HAVE BEEN DELETED!" citing a otherworldly beings as the culprit, only to say a few minutes later "Oh, there they are." I'm sure the ghost of Verizon Past magically restored them for your faith in the afterlife. Of course I wasn't expecting to experience a haunting firsthand, but I did want to be a little scared and maybe visit places that aren't on the Chicago Double-Decker Tour Bus list of scheduled stops. read more

I love ghost stories and I love Chicago, so I had high hopes for the Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour. I purchased a Groupon as well as everyone else that was on the tour, and set sail on a Sunday evening. I specifically chose Sunday because I figured there would be less traffic and thus, they'd be able to pack more in the tour. To be honest, it was kind of boring. The tour guide did little to get the group enthused and at times was downright condescending and mocked people that we encountered along the way. It made people uncomfortable. We ventured out and saw the following supposed haunted sites: -site of the Eastland disaster -Iroquois Theater fire -site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre -bridge where Resurrection Mary was killed There were a few other places but I can't really recall because they were not memorable. At almost every stop, we were told to get off the bus so we could take pictures, as well as "experience the ghostly energy" around us. I thought that a 10 minute stop each time was overkill and just dragged out the tour. I would have preferred less stopping time and more sites/sights to see. The tour was ok. I'm glad I didn't give up a Friday or Saturday night to go on this excursion, and even happier that I didn't pay full price. Given the number of ghost stories Chicago is known for, I think the tour could have been better. We were the only locals on the tour and I will say that the out of towners seemed to enjoy it, so maybe this tour would appeal more to tourists than locals. read more

Another Groupon here. Simply put: our tour guide was awful. He was rude, as well. He made sure to shush my friend multiple times, at one point stopping his presentation (or whatever it was) to ask her if he could go on, because he apparently thought she was talking. She was not, I assure you. She was sitting there waiting for him to begin. Additionally, he made fun of Catholics, called my girlfriends "honey", and during the tour let out this fun anecdote: "If you could get a decent job, why would you dig up bodies [as a cemetery worker]?" Well, hope no one on the bus had folks in the funeral business. The guide filled his talk with lots of useless details, like letting us know that 25,000,000 years ago Chicago was a swamp land and we had foot long dragonflies. Really? This is part of the ghost tour? All that aside, here's why the tour really fails: 1. The guide truly thinks people are there to do research or collect facts, as opposed to being entertained. Dude... we're not there cause you're a professor. We're here to get scared, hear cool stories, and have FUN. 2. The guide fails to set any sort of ambiance. #2 is the kicker. No atmosphere is set in what should be, frankly, a performance. Thrill us! Make us scared! Get folks into the stories you're telling! Boring. Would definitely not go back. read more

Let me preface by saying Chicago History thrills me. I was looking forward to this fun tour so much, and thanks to the Groupon, 4 friends and I went on a March Saturday. Well, we got on the bus and 40 minutes after a looooooong story, we were released to get out and look at the spot for 10 minutes. Then We sat through another 40 minute story we were allowed to pop off the bus for a 10 minute look. By this time, there were so many diesel fumes in the rickety old bus, some of us were light headed. We ended the tour at a third spot, same thing. But when the driver started talking about a "devil baby who could speak in tongues and had hooves for hands" we started giggling. Funny stuff. The driver got really annoyed really fast and reprimanded two of us. Oiy. Finally, the tour gets enjoyable, and that's doused. We wanted to just ditch the tour at this point, but we were of the main drag. I love historical stories, I love the mystery and suspicion the tour offers, but it was such a snoozer. In talking with friends, apparently there's another tour that is a bit more energetic, and hits about 10 spots. This 3 hour ( yes, 3 hours, only 3 stops) tour that I took should've been 40 minutes- WITH all the good details of the stories. I won't recommend this tour, but will recommend they shorten the stories and add stops. Bonus- you can BYOB on this tour. Dang- THAT would've helped a little. read more

I love ghosts and scary shizz so I was pumped to take this tour. However, I found it lackluster at best. It wasn't scary. We were on a big charter bus - in the back next to an overflowing toilet. The best part was jumping out to grab some booze . . or maybe when it ended. Toss up. I will give props to the guide - he was into it even if he didn't successfully engage me. He was also well-informed and had a few good stories. . a few. There are other ghost tours in the city (like the one that stops at Flounders?!?! Muhahaha) and I do not recommend this one. read more

It's tradition for my boyfriend and I to attend a ghost tour for Halloween. We found Chicago Hauntings and decided to give it a try because of good ratings from Yelp. We met outside the Rock N Roll McDonalds... there was probably 4 or 5 ghost tour buses. The buses aren't marked "Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour" so you do not know which bus is yours. Customers are stuck asking every tour guide what bus they are on, so you literally ask every tour guide if your name is on their list. On our experience, we didn't find our name on any list (even though we had a receipt to prove we paid for tickets). One tour guide was nice enough to let us on the mega charter bus. We were slightly annoyed, but happy to be on a freakin' bus! Tour guide was interesting, he really gave you a lot of background to what happened in each spot to make them a haunted place. Everyone gets off the bus at various locations to check out the area and take pictures. The stops could have been more interesting... I was hoping for more stories about Chicago's infamous mobsters. Overall, we weren''t impressed and will probably look for a different ghost tour to go with next year. read more

As a Chicago native armed with a Groupon, I thought this would be a kitschy way to see a different side of my city. I figured the tour could go two ways: it could either be genuinely spooky, or it would embrace the campiness of driving around on a black short bus telling ghost stories. The tour was neither: it was an abrupt circuit of just a few locations with crappy narration. This was definitely worst tour guide I've ever had. Genius Orator he was not - he was an awful storyteller and was prone to using the word "literally" in every sentence. Yes, I understand that great disasters "literally" occurred causing fodder for ghost stories. It was an irritating speech habit that made everything the guide say patently ridiculous and not in the least compelling. If we had gone anywhere remotely interesting, it might have made up for the bad tour guide - but we didn't. Sorry for my inability to believe a stretch of Wacker Drive is haunted. I will say I had a blast, snickering out of control at how idiotic the storytelling was. I felt bad laughing AT rather than with the whole thing, but hey, I had to find entertainment out of the evening somehow. Save yourself the money and go take a walk through the Loop. read more

I went on this tour two weekends ago now and all I have to say is wow. It was such a snoozefest. I live in Chicago and like so many others purchased this tour through Groupon because I thought it would be an interesting way to learn new things about the city. I spent most of the tour tuning out the drone of the insanely boring tour guide and instead thinking to myself, "Wow. Chicago is beautiful." We stopped at the now empty site of the Valentine's Day Massacre and I thought "hm, it has been awhile since I've been to Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinders. I love that place!" Meanwhile, the tour guide was talking to a small group of people about the massacre and as we were on busy, busy Clark Street, I couldn't hear a word he was saying. We stopped somewhere on Wacker to stare in the water and look for the souls of people that died when a boat "bigger than the Titanic" sunk. I spent that time staring longingly across the river at a happening party at Sweetwaters. We stopped at the Couch Mausoleum just north of Lincoln Park and I thought about how cool it was that the kids attending Latin have a Mausoleum so close to their school. {Wow. I am a dork." I snickered every time our tour guide told us that while we might be cynics we just needed to pay attention to the way the scenes of these travesties made our bodies feel. I'm not going to lie - as a "hauntings" tour, this tour was an absolute joke. There was nothing even remotely ghost-like about this tour. Our tour ended up lasting 2.5 hours and we made about 8 stops so I definitely feel like I got my money worth AND I even learned a little bit of new history about Chicago. But holy cow, when our tour guide told us about the demon baby with hooves at the Hull House... well, that was about it for me. I laughed out loud to the chagrin of the people I was on the tour with. The tour guide tried really hard but demon babies are just too much. read more

Ok,I'm willing to admit maybe it was my own fault. I worked myself up for one hell of a tour... I mean,i had just did the Dells ghost tour, and it was pretty good...hell, this is Chicago! There should be spooky ghost shit on every block,right? Well safe to say nearly 40 minutes into it I was bored if not almost asleep. The placesand stories they took us were....interesting at best ,but I figured this was all leading to some good stuff. But alas,no.This tour sucked....honestly sucked. It had some moments, but too much time was spent getting on and off the bus, save the getting off for the good stuff. This tour could be muc h better if re-vamped and with better atmosphere and direction. Get into it, people! If ypou want to make money in Chicago, create your own ghosts tours for Chicago. The one in the Dells was corny,but it was at least interesting....come on,Chicago we deserve better! read more

I can't give this tour enough stars! Tony was our tour guide for the Lincoln Park Tour and was phenomenal! Everywhere I travel, I have to make sure I go on a ghost tour and this is one of my favorites. Tony had so much history and information about Chicago, it was unreal! It wasn't theatrical, which is better because I want a hands on experience, not a show. He told us he was a paranormal investigator as well, which made it even better because he knew his stuff. We brought equipment with us (k2, evp and camera) and ended up communicating with a few spirits. Since we were also staying at the Congress Hotel, he gave us tons of history on that as well. He had investigated that hotel several times and told us a few hot spots to check out. We have found so much thanks to him! Our group had a blast with Tony and will definitely book other tours with this company in the future. Ursula made it so easy to book and was so friendly! This tour is a must if you are in town. Become an investigator and learn to talk with spirits! Such a fun night for everyone! Thank you, Tony! We will see you again soon! read more

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I would like to start out by saying that I do not believe in ghosts. I am a firm believer in science. Even with my logical mind, I was still very intrigued about this tour and I am very glad that I went. First off, this is not a tour where people jump out and scare you. It is not like that at all. You jump on the bus in the River North area and tour the near north, loop and south loop areas. The tour is historically based. At each stop the tour guide gives you the historical background of the site. I am not going to disclose any of these sites as it would spoil some of the surprise. Once they explain the historical significance, they inform you of some of the reported supernatural occurrences at the site. After putting this strong suggestion into one's head they allow you to walk around the site for a while and let you imagination run free. Our tour guide was awesome. He REALLY knew his stuff which made this phenomenal tour all that much better. I would highly recommend this tour for a fun, interesting and educational night out. read more

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND EFFORT I contacted this tour company in the beginning of September. I requested four reservations for a specific time and date in October: -I first tried to reserve spaces online; that portion of their site was down -Then, I tried calling the number provided to leave a message. The voicemail box was full. -Third, I emailed the contact person, Ursula. She got back to me a week later. I asked her if we could reserve 4 spots for the 10/13 tour at 7pm. This was her "response": "Yes, that tour is available." Um, ok? So I replied with my credit card information, and asked her for a confirmation that our spaces would be reserved and another confirmation when my credit card was charged. Didn't hear from her for about two weeks. So I sent a follow-up email. she responded that she DID NOT HAVE RECORD OF MY RESERVATION. I forwarded our previous correspondence. This is now the end of September. She responded that the specific tour we wanted was not fully booked. She recommended I check the website, because they would soon have more tour dates posted. To sum up: they are disorganized, unprofessional, and now I have two weeks to set up another tour with another company. I had heard good things about the tour itself, so I really wish I could have experienced it. Unfortunately, I don't want to do business with them. read more

I was very impressed with this tour. I registered for this tour last minute and had no trouble with the registration and the tour guide had my info with him. Tony was an amazing tour guide. He is very informative and his knowledge was genuine, not read off of cue cards or preset for him. He answered all of our questions with a background that was truly impressive. He took us to several locations and provided a multitude of information about each area. He was very professional during the entire tour even when we separated ourselves as we were walking from site to site. read more

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I love a good ghost story. So I was super excited to finally go on a real ghost tour. I was very familiar with the owner Ursula Bielski of Chicago Ghost Tours from several documentaries that I had seen over the years. I took my 15 year old son along, I thought that he would find it cool, instead he kept nodding on and off during the tour. Our guide was Laura she did an okay job of story telling, but I might have been a little disappointed because I had read the reviews about Adam and how entertaining he was. I have to be honest and say that this was more of an interesting tidbit history tour than an actual creepy ghost tour. I did learn some new info, however most of the stories I was already familiar with. If you are visiting Chicago you might find this tour interesting. If you are a native Chicagoan like myself and have a real interest in the ghosts of Chicago, you might want to skip this one and find one with a little more umph. I purchased our tickets via Groupon and I agree with another poster that there is no way I would have paid full price for this. read more

The family did the Lincoln Park Hauntings Ghost Investigation Tour a few nights ago and we had a blast. My son enjoys paranormal stories. We met at the Chicago History Museum and made our way through the old cemetery to Couch's crypt. This is where our tour guide (I apologize but forgot his name) brought out this EMF meters to detect ghosts. Kids loved it. My daughter quickly handed it to me once it started going off the scale; happened when we started talking about dead gangsters. We ended at the Valentine Day Massacre site. I highly recommend this tour if you enjoy Chicago history wrapped up with criminal / ghostly elements. TIP: If you are afraid that you will pick up a ghostly hitchhiker, just tell them that they need to stay in the park before you leave. Happy Haunting. read more

Fun, informative tour to do with a group. Good stories, learned some history and loved seeing parts of the city I hadn't spent time and I've lived here 20plus years. Good fall adventure. read more

My husband and I have been on a number of tours with Chicago Hauntings and we have loved every one. The guides are entertaining and very knowledgeable on the history of Chicago. There are a wide range of tours and times and dates to pick from and you will not be disappointed. Ursula also usually has a yearly Ghost Con in the fall and we have been to a few of those as well...the guest speakers are always wonderful. We always come away knowing more then when we started. read more

This is a review on booking and customer service and not the Tour itself. Me and my friend had separately booked a ghost tour of the Joliet prison. Being paranormal fanatics we were excited to go on this tour. Well the Friday before the tour we got an email saying their system accidentally booked us even though they stopped giving tours in November. They offered to rebook us in the spring and give us a 10% refund which wasn't bad but it was too far ahead to know if dates would match our schedules. We both asked for our money back via email and phone and have gotten no response. Now I am disputing the charges with my bank. I'm so dissapointed that this well know company would have such poor customer service standards. Due to this experience we will be staying away from this tour company. read more

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect on this tour. I did go in open-minded. This is NOT a ghost hunting tour. It is more driving by various locations and learning the history behind those locations (The Congress Hotel, The St. Valentines Day Massacre, Lincoln Park Zoo, Hull House, The John Hancock Bldg, The Drake Hotel, The Chicago River/The Chicago Fire and a few more) that are said to be haunted in Chicago and possibly why they are haunted. The bus does stop at many of the locations so you can get out and look around, take pictures and listen more details. The tour guide was very knowledgable. I really didn't have any complaints. This was a date night for my husband and I. I love the City and would recommend this trip. read more

Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tour - The Chicago River Area - Walking Tours Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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