Haunted Places in Iola, Illinois



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    King Cemetery

    Dieterich, Illinois

    16.8 miles from Iola, IL

    There are vague reports online about orbs and shadow people being seen here. This cemetery is on private property, so be sure to secure the proper permissions before even thinking about visiting.


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    Ramsey Cemetery

    Effingham, Illinois

    25.7 miles from Iola, IL

    Ramsey Cemetery, established in 1851 with the burial of namesake Alexander Ramsey, is also known as Casbar Cemetery and is a nighttime teen hangout. Besides the graves, rock shelters and sandstone caves are nearby, covered with carvings from its many visitors. A young man committed suicide inside a chapel that ...


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    Violin Annie - Elmwood Cemetery

    Centralia, Illinois

    33.5 miles from Iola, IL

    Local legend says that Harriet Anne Marshall (Annie) was an accomplished violinist, and the daughter of a wealthy doctor. She became ill and died of diptheria, and at her grave her parents placed a statue of her playing the violin. It is said that cemetery visitors can hear the violin ...


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    Ridge Cemetery

    Tower Hill, Illinois

    36.1 miles from Iola, IL

    Ridge Cemetery at Williamsburg Hill is said to be visited by apparitions, eerie lights and a disappearing old man. Phantom crowds and horses also have been seen and heard around the area. Rumors of sinister cult activity surround this place as well, and one report tells of a 3-year-old girl ...


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    Pemberton Hall - Eastern Illinois University

    Charleston, Illinois

    51 miles from Iola, IL

    The ghost of Mary Hawkins, a former dorm mother, is said to be the head haunt here.


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    The Harrison Street Inn

    Sullivan, Illinois

    52.9 miles from Iola, IL

    Eyewitnesses report apparitions, footsteps, diesmbodied voices, showers and toilets that work by themselves, and many other strange phenomena at this historic inn.


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    Fife Opera House

    Palestine, Illinois

    55.8 miles from Iola, IL

    David Fife built the opera house around 1900 and is rumored to be haunted. The building was also used for two other business of his: a hardware store downstairs and, as Fife was also a licensed embalmer, a funeral home on the second floor behind the auditorium. In 1935, Fife's ...


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    Original Springs Mineral Spa and Hotel

    Okawville, Illinois

    56.9 miles from Iola, IL

    This historic hotel is said to have a great many haunts in residence. Included are a man named Meier, who died in an explosion in the 1880s, and J.W. Schreiner, an owner during the 1890s. At least 7 other spirits of folks who have perished during this hotel's long history ...


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    Ashmore Estates

    Ashmore, Illinois

    57.1 miles from Iola, IL

    Reportedly a former almshouse, this building was purchased for use as a haunted attraction. It was reportedly haunted by many ghosts, including Elva SKinner, a woman who died in a fire in the former almshouse. The house has been featured in several books and TV shows including Ghost Hunters and ...


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    Anderson Cemetery - Cemetery X

    Taylorville, Illinois

    59 miles from Iola, IL

    According to tales told about this cemetery, there is a secret passage that opens up at night, when trees part and a path appears to an ancient graveyard. It's said to be protected by a phantom wolf who chases trespassers. (The cemetery is not to be confused with another Anderson ...


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  • Haunted Decatur
    Troy Taylor
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    Saint Omer Cemetery

    Ashmore, Illinois

    60 miles from Iola, IL

    At Saint Omer Cemetery, legend has it that there is a witch's grave. According to the story, Caroline Barnes was hanged by the townspeople for witchcraft. As she went, she cursed the town and vowed to come back for revenge on the anniversary of her death. To trick her, the ...


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    Tapestry Room Restaurant

    Lebanon, Illinois

    65.6 miles from Iola, IL

    Housed in a row of 1850's buildings, this restaurant may have ties to the underground railroad. Ever since the establishment opened, staff and diners have been reporting strange phenomena. A former cook would often hear furniture moving around when there was nothing out of place, and an electrician conducting ...


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    McKendree University

    Lebanon, Illinois

    65.9 miles from Iola, IL

    This college has seen its share of tragedy, and the spiritual activity reported here can attest to that. On the main campus, it is said that a distraught student once hung himself in the bell tower, and his ghost has been seen on the upper floors. In the Alumni House, ...


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    Lebanon Road - Seven Gates to Hell

    Collinsville, Illinois

    70.9 miles from Iola, IL

    Lebanon Road is the stuff of legends to locals, who have nicknamed the place the Seven Gates to Hell. According to locals, those who drive through all seven bridges, going through the last one at midnight on the dot, will pass through to Hell. The area is said to be ...


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    Greenwood Cemetery

    Decatur, Illinois

    71.3 miles from Iola, IL

    This large and very actively haunted cemetery is known for the ghostly weeping Greenwood Bride, and it's also home to many Confederate soldiers' spirits. The soldiers were prisoners in the Civil War, and died of yellow fever only to be cast into unmarked graves. The soldiers have been known to ...


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    Three Mile House

    Edwardsville, Illinois

    71.7 miles from Iola, IL

    At this site once stood an inn that was haunted by ghosts of various children and adults, including slaves. The old inn may once have been a stop on the Underground Railroad. It is said that during 1970s renovations, underground tunnels and a skeleton were found. Phenomena that then began ...


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    Lincoln Square Theatre

    Decatur, Illinois

    71.8 miles from Iola, IL

    This historic 1916 theater building was built atop the fire-ravaged Priest Hotel that once stood here. It is said that the ghosts of the fire victims still linger in the theater. Red, a former theater worker, is a friendly ghost here. Witnesses have heard his whispers, seen his shadowy form, ...


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    Avon Theater

    Decatur, Illinois

    72 miles from Iola, IL

    Staff members at this theater report disembodied laughter, footsteps, missing objects, and voices and applause that come from the auditorium when it is empty. The apparition of a man in his 50s or 60s also has been seen.


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    Millikin University

    Decatur, Illinois

    72 miles from Iola, IL

    Many ghosts are said to haunt the historic Millikin University, including Rail Girl, who haunts the Albert Taylor Theater. Her ghost appears, as her name suggests, along a rail in the upper part of the theater. Students have a tradition of leaving her three pieces of candy before a show ...


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    Robin Hill

    Mount Vernon, Indiana

    73.5 miles from Iola, IL

    This historic house, reported to have been part of the Underground Railroad, stands empty and for sale. Since it has stood empty for a period, it is not surprising that it has developed a reputation for being haunted. Witnesses have reported seeing shadowy figures and hearing toilets flushing and other ...


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    Krome Family Cemetery

    Collinsville, Illinois

    73.6 miles from Iola, IL

    A small family cemetery is now hidden amongst the trees just off Old Keebler Road. It is all that remains of the Krome family mansion, which burned down long ago and was for decades considered to be haunted by the locals. Some enterprising explorers found leg shackles in ...


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    Miner's Theatre

    Collinsville, Illinois

    74.1 miles from Iola, IL

    Experts on the Miner's Theatre say it has three ghosts: Two are brothers, one of whom one killed the other to become the sole owner of the theater. The third ghost, a young woman, is friendly but likes to play pranks like hiding the actors' makeup or costumes.


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    Bethel Cemetery - Nathan Hinkle Grave

    Shelburn, Indiana

    75 miles from Iola, IL

    Local legend has it that those who visit the monument and grave of Nathan Hinkle, local Revolutionary War soldier, walk around it and say his name three times, he'll speak to you.


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    Papa Vito's Restaurant

    Belleville, Illinois

    76.2 miles from Iola, IL

    The current restaurant is housed in a historic residence dating back to the mid nineteenth-century. The building is rumoured to be haunted by four entities, including a ghostly stagecoach driver known as 'Charlie', a mother and her young child, and a ghostly headmistress who used to teach at a ...


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    Antioch Cemetery

    Sullivan, Indiana

    76.3 miles from Iola, IL

    At Antioch Cemetery, the apparition of a man in a dark suit holding flowers has been seen peering down at a grave on foggy nights at around 1:30 a.m. Visitors in cars also report shadow people flying over their cars and scratching or tapping on it.


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    Lincoln Theatre

    Belleville, Illinois

    76.3 miles from Iola, IL

    Lincoln Theatre is believed to be haunted by a prankster ghost. An apparition of a ghostly child has run up and down the stairs, a woman has appeared in the balcony, and tricks are played in the projection booth. Reports say there are seven ghosts who call this theater home.


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    Oakland City College - Cockrum Hall

    Oakland City, Indiana

    76.9 miles from Iola, IL

    Cockrum Hall at Oakland City College was built 1876 and is haunted by namesake Colonel William Cockrum's wife. Legend has it that she hanged herself in the tower. Those who peek into the windows in the night may see doors opening and closing by themselves and a bright orange glow ...


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    Lindenwood Auditorium

    Belleville, Illinois

    77.6 miles from Iola, IL

    Lindenwood Auditorium at Lindenwood University, built in 1924, is said to be haunted by a teacher who passed away before the play she was producing made it to the stage. According to witnesses, the friendly ghost likes to move the props around.


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    Vigo County Historical Museum

    Terre Haute, Indiana

    78 miles from Iola, IL

    Formerly the Sage Mansion and once used as a halfway house, the Vigo County Historical Museum is home to some strange phenomena. The front staircase is a hot spot for orbs, and a small mist has been seen as well. Furthermore, a crib upstairs in an area that's closed to ...


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    The Old Slave House - Crenshaw Mansion

    Junction, Illinois

    78.4 miles from Iola, IL

    Note: This house is no longer a tourist attraction; tours are not operated here now as they have been in the past. Trespassers have been known to be arrested. This residence was once a place where slaves were bred illegally. The attic was made over with stalls to house the ...


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  • Ghost Stories of Illinois
    Jo-Anne Christensen

    Chicago Ghosts
    Rachel Brooks
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    Hartford Castle

    Hartford, Illinois

    78.4 miles from Iola, IL

    Hartford Castle was a speakeasy during the Prohibition, but was originally a home called Lakeview, built by French immigrant Benjamin Biszant in 1897. The castlelike home was the scene of a tragedy when Biszant's English wife passed away in the early 1900s. It is her ghost that was suspected to ...


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    Crenshaw House

    Junction, Illinois

    78.4 miles from Iola, IL

    This place is closed to the public. It is owned by the state of Illinois and there are numerous No Trespassing signs. You are cautioned not to attempt to visit this place. Crenshaw house was a major player in kidnapping freed and escaped slaves and returning them to ...


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    Cahokia Mounds

    East St. Louis, Illinois

    78.6 miles from Iola, IL

    The Cahokia Mounds, located in the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, were part of an ancient Native American city (circa 600 to 1400). These landmarks are said to be haunted by the spirits of the ancient Native Americans who used to live here. Visitors have reported seeing unexplained shadows and ...


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    Indiana State University

    Terre Haute, Indiana

    78.7 miles from Iola, IL

    At Indiana State University's Burford Hall, a ghost named Barb is the spirit of a student who died of alcohol poisoning. Witnesses have heard her vomiting or crying in the bathroom. And in Cromwell Hall is a white cross under a 12th-floor window where a man jumped to his death, ...


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    Allerton Mansion

    Monticello, Illinois

    80.8 miles from Iola, IL

    The Robert Allerton Park, with its 1900 Georgian Revival mansion and incredible gardens, are both open to the public. Here visitors may see some ghostly goings-on in the form of a Lady in White, believed to be a guest at the mansion long ago. It is said that she is ...


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    Highland Lawn Cemetery

    Terre Haute, Indiana

    81.5 miles from Iola, IL

    Highland Lawn Cemetery has a couple ghostly legends. One is about Stiffy Green, a phantom bulldog. Stiffy Green belonged to John Heinl, a likable elderly man. The friendly dog was named for his stiff gait and bright-green eyes. When Heinl passed away in 1920, Stiffy Green refused to leave the ...


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    Willard Library

    Evansville, Indiana

    82.2 miles from Iola, IL

    The Grey Lady is said to haunt this historic late-1800s library building, and she brings apparitions, the scent of perfume, cold spots, strange noises, and more. The water and electricity are also known to turn on and off, and furniture and objects move by themselves. Ghost tours are held in ...


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    Blackfoot Cemetery

    Oakland City, Indiana

    82.3 miles from Iola, IL

    Blackfoot Cemetery has graves that date as far back as the 1800s and is a hot spot for the ghostly folk, some say. Witnesses have described eerie lights, unexplained sounds, and one grave that appears to be separate from all the others. According to local legend, the grave belongs to ...


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    Hundley House Bed and Breakfast

    Carbondale, Illinois

    83.1 miles from Iola, IL

    Although Hundley House has not operated as a B & B since 2011, former guests claim that double homicide that took place there in the 1928's has left its mark, both literally and spiritually. A bullet hole from the murders can still be seen in the back staircase and people ...


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    Southern Illinois University

    Carbondale, Illinois

    83.7 miles from Iola, IL

    Southern Illinois University is reputed to have many haunted buildings; among them are Wheeler Hall, Faner Hall, Anthony Hall, Shryock Auditorium, and Mae Smith Residence Hall. One of the most famous ghosts here is Henry, who haunts the 1918 Shryock Auditorium. Henry, aka former university President Henry William Shryock, died ...


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  • Haunted Aurora
    Diane A. Ladley
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    Markle Mill - Old Mill Dam

    North Terre Haute, Indiana

    83.7 miles from Iola, IL

    Markle Mill was the longest operating gristmill east of the Mississippi, and is rumored to have been part of the Underground Railroad, but all that remains of the original 1816 structure are the dam and parts of the foundation. The ghost girl who has been seen here is believed to ...


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    Dana-Thomas House

    Springfield, Illinois

    85.9 miles from Iola, IL

    Witnesses who visit or work at the historic house have reported humming voices, chairs being thrown down the stairs, curtains that move by themselves, and an apparition of a woman in black. The woman is believed to be the home’s original owner, Susan Lawrence Dana, who is rumored to have ...


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    Inn At 835

    Springfield, Illinois

    86 miles from Iola, IL

    This inn was originally built in 1909 as a private home. As to the identity of the haunt who resides here, very little is known. Guests have witnessed apparitions and heard voices coming from rooms that are vacant, and the elevator runs by itself. Also, some people here have seen ...


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    Devil's Backbone and Bake Oven

    Grand Tower, Illinois

    95.4 miles from Iola, IL

    The Devil's Backbone, a rocky ridge about a half mile long, sits adjacent to the Devil's Bake Oven, a larger rock about 100 feet tall near the river's edge. The formations have been used as landmarks, lookout points and hiding places throughout history. River pirates used it as a hideout ...


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    Main Street Inn Bed and Breakfast

    Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

    96.6 miles from Iola, IL

    Open since 1882, this inn is said to be haunted by a man who died here back in the 1890s. Although he makes a lot of noise up on the top floor in the early morning hours, he is said to be completely harmless. The locals say all he wants ...


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    Jacques Guibourd Historic House - Guibourd Valle House

    Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

    96.9 miles from Iola, IL

    Jacques Guibourd Historic House, aka Guibourd Valle House, is a 1784 Creole house museum and is rumored to be haunted. Witnesses have seen apparitions, heard footsteps in the servant's quarters, and have been awakened by banging, breaking glass, furniture being thrown and other sounds. The harpsichord has played by itself, ...


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    The Grand Rose Hotel

    Elizabethtown, Illinois

    97.6 miles from Iola, IL

    At this 1812 establishment with a view of the Ohio River, former owner Sarah Rose is said to linger beyond the grave. Her apparition has been seen walking in the second-floor hallways as well as climbing the stairs. Folks also have reported hearing a disembodied female voice and finding that ...


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    Cave-in-Rock State Park

    Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

    97.8 miles from Iola, IL

    The ghost story here starts with Samuel Mason, a robber who established a gambling tavern here around 1800. He attracted customers with alchohol, prostitutes and gambling, then robbed and sometimes killed them. Although now the site is known for its natural features, some witnesses have reported hearing moans and cries ...


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    Old Jail Inn

    Rockville, Indiana

    98.5 miles from Iola, IL

    This 1879 former courthouse is now a bed and breakfast inn with a twist; it still retains many of its original features dating back to when it served as the town jailhouse. Guests sleeping in 'cells' have reported disembodied footsteps, a foreboding male voice and sightings of a male ...


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    Lincoln College

    Lincoln, Illinois

    99.4 miles from Iola, IL

    Lincoln College is rumored to have ghosts in the 1866 University Hall, where a face appears in the bell tower and white misty forms appear in the windows. The ghosts, whose footsteps also are heard from time to time, are believed to be a boy and girl who passed away ...


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  • Ghosthunting Illinois
    John B. Kachuba


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