“And this also has been one of the dark places of the earth...”
Haunted by Our Dark Side: Ghosts, Gangsters, Murder & Mayhem
Currently available for private group bookings!
The rise in popularity of true crime TV shows tells us something: we are fascinated — morbidly fascinated — by true stories of death and disaster. What is it in us that makes us seek out the darker side of humanity? Why do we feel compelled to learn about the villains among us? What attracts us to stories of suffering, and how do we process this as part of our history?
This tour explores a worldwide phenomenon called “Dark Tourism” — the growing field of interest in visiting sites of death and tragedy. On this 2-hour walking tour, we will cover the real stories behind some of Chicago’s darkest characters, like rival gangsters shooting each other in front of a church where they had just prayed, and psychopaths who went about life as if nothing had happened after murdering innocent people. We will talk about the origins of ghost stories, and the present-day hauntings of certain buildings in downtown Chicago. Do people actually see specters? Or do they just feel weird in a space because it lacks right angles? We’ll talk about how places can unfairly get labeled as “haunted” simply because of their eccentric design.
Covering just under 2 miles on foot (a mile at a leisurely pace is ~20 minutes), we’ll explore a few interiors where ghosts have made their presence known, and where gangsters welcomed fellow criminals as they ran the city. We’ll visit places that remind us of the real-life tragedies that stain Chicago’s storied past, from the Haymarket Affair to the Iroquois Fire to the Eastland Disaster. Our world-famous city has its beautiful side, which you can see on any of our interior architecture tours. But this tour explores the other side — the dark side. Come join us.
TOUR LOGISTICS & FAQ
How much do tickets cost (USD)?
We are currently booking this tour as a private offering, with group rates available from 1 person to 50+!
How long is it?
This tour lasts about 2 hours, covering about 1.5 miles on foot.
Do we go inside buildings?
Yes, we do go inside at least one building on this tour, possibly more depending on private events that might be scheduled inside. This tour is mostly an outdoor tour.
How many people in the group?
Private tours are customized, both in content and in the capacity! So the more the merrier.
When is this tour offered?
We can schedule private tours all week — it just depends on the availability of our guides. Contact us with your dates!
Where does this tour start & end?
We start on the north end of the Magnificent Mile, and end near the Chicago River (Main Branch).
What about rain?
Tours run rain or shine, though may be cancelled/refunded due to extreme weather. Always dress for the weather!