-
Illinois College
Jacksonville, Illinois
28.9 miles from Ripley, IL
Illinois College, founded in 1829, is rumored to have several haunted buildings. Among them are Sturtevant Hall and Beecher Hall, where folks have reported apparitions, footsteps, and other noises. Beecher Hall, according to campus talk, was formerly a medical building and the top floor was a space for storing cadavers. ...
Read more » -
East Otto Cemetery
Lewistown, Illinois
29.8 miles from Ripley, IL
Local legend has it that the specters of two headless women can be seen at this cemetery late at night, screaming as they're being chased by an axe-wielding maniac. No word on exactly how a headless woman is supposed to be able to scream, but you know, details, details...
Read more » -
Western Illinois University
Macomb, Illinois
30.5 miles from Ripley, IL
Lingering spirits are many at this university! Bayliss Hall, room 1117, is haunted by a former occupant who delivered a baby in secret, threw it down the trash chute, then hung herself in the closet. Cries and moans can be heard in her room. In room 501, a severely depressed ...
Read more » -
Super 8 Macomb
Macomb, Illinois
31.1 miles from Ripley, IL
This Super 8 has been the site of numerous strange happenings. Witnesses say the lights and air conditioning will turn on and off by themselves, doors will open on their own, and mysterious whistling can be heard. Clerks have experienced electrical malfunctions with the phone, such as all the lines ...
Read more » -
Vishnu Springs
Colchester, Illinois
31.3 miles from Ripley, IL
Back in the 1880s, the strange-tasting water at Vishnu Springs, named after a Hindu god, was thought to have healing properties. Holiness Camp Meetings of folks who wanted to partake of the magical waters drew 3,000 people to the area, and a town was formed. Witnesses say the area is ...
Read more » -
Lawford Theatre
Havana, Illinois
35.9 miles from Ripley, IL
Folks who have visited or worked at the Lawford Theatre have seen faces appear in photographs and have felt cold chills behind the curtains on opening nights.
Read more » -
Lula Belle's
Hannibal, Missouri
43.7 miles from Ripley, IL
This one-time bordello opened in 1917, and is now a bed-and-breakfast and restaurant. The haunts here are known to move or throw things in the kitchen, or twist utensils into pretzels. They show themselves as orbs, shadows or mirror reflections, and can be heard as footsteps or disembodied voices. A ...
Read more » -
Garden House Bed & Breakfast
Hannibal, Missouri
44 miles from Ripley, IL
Garden House Bed & Breakfast is a stop on the Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tour, and folks who have stayed here have reported some very odd things. According to reports from the hotel staff, most incidents occur between 2 and 3 a.m.
Read more » -
220 North 4th - Keokuk
Keokuk, Iowa
46.9 miles from Ripley, IL
Built by businessman Enos H. Harrison in 1857, this house is reported to be the home of a friendly ghost, according to many witnesses who have seen and heard the spirit.
Read more » -
Hotel Iowa
Keokuk, Iowa
46.9 miles from Ripley, IL
This historic hotel was built in the early twentieth century for workers constructing a nearby lock for the town dam. And according to some reports by guests, they may have never left. Ghostly music, disembodied footsteps, screams and a male apparition in workman clothes have all been reported by staff. ...
Read more » -
Garth Woodside Mansion
Hannibal, Missouri
47.6 miles from Ripley, IL
This inn, built originally in 1871, is known for its connection with renowned author Mark Twain. Personal friends of the owners, the author would send them his books and stay there when he was in town. Folks believe his ghost still visits the place, especially the room that was named ...
Read more » -
Eldred House
Ripley, Illinois
49.6 miles from Ripley, IL
The 23-room James J. Eldred House was completed in 1861, and was the setting for some sad events. All three Eldred daughters died of tuberculosis here: Alma, 4, in 1861; Alice, 17, in 1870; and Eva, 17, in 1876. A traveling salesman is said to have passed away here as ...
Read more » -
Lee-Baker-Hodges House
Carrollton, Illinois
51.3 miles from Ripley, IL
Built in the early 1830s, the historic mansion fell into disrepair in the 1970s and was saved by preservationists. It is sometimes open to the public for pre-scheduled nighttime paranormal investigation and history tours. A ghost child is said to reside in one of the bedrooms, and another child's ghost ...
Read more » -
Inn At 835
Springfield, Illinois
54.6 miles from Ripley, 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 ...
Read more » -
Dana-Thomas House
Springfield, Illinois
54.7 miles from Ripley, 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 ...
Read more » -
Friendly Cafe
Abingdon, Illinois
55.3 miles from Ripley, IL
The café is rumoured to be haunted. Employees have been touched by unseen hands, and a woman in a long dress appeared to a former owner in the main kitchen. (Submitted by Callum Swift)
Read more » -
Burlington National Guard Armory
Burlington, Iowa
58.1 miles from Ripley, IL
Horses' hooves and footsteps can be heard late at night, doors open and close by themselves, and one witness reported seeing a reflection of a man with a handlebar mustache in a computer screen, but when he turned around, no one was there.
Read more » -
The Drake Bar and Restaurant
Burlington, Iowa
59.6 miles from Ripley, IL
This upscale restaurant is housed in a historic building, and staff and diners report that the women's restroom is haunted by a lady in an old-fashioned dress, who has been known to walk through the walls. (Submitted by Callum Swift)
Read more » -
Highway 34 Ghost
Burlington, Iowa
60 miles from Ripley, IL
The ghost who walks along the highway at night is said to be an escaped slave who died in the 1860s of diptheria and was buried in the basement of a nearby home. He carries a leather bag and walks westward on the north side of the road between 1 ...
Read more » -
Cheney Mansion
Jerseyville, Illinois
64.3 miles from Ripley, IL
Numerous reports of ghosts include the apparition of Miss Dorothy, a former nursemaid who roams the hallways and the bedroom bearing her name. Reports of people hearing talking upstairs, like women holding a conversation. Sounds of dining room chairs moving, like somebody's pulling out the chairs getting ready to sit ...
Read more » -
Ghosts of Springfield and Southern Illinois & Other Haunted Tales from the Prairie State
Rachel Brooks Posadas
-
Stony Hollow Road
Burlington, Iowa
65 miles from Ripley, IL
Spooky tales told here revolve around a ghost named Lucinda. She is said to have committed suicide by jumping off a cliff when her beloved failed to meet her to run away together. There are many reports of people seeing the ghost. Local urban legend also says that if you ...
Read more » -
Peoria State Hospital
Bartonville, Illinois
66.9 miles from Ripley, IL
This abandoned mental hospital, now in the planning stages for restoration, is said to be haunted by Manuel A. Bookbinder, or Old Book. Old Book was a patient who worked with the burial crew at the hospital until his own death.
Read more » -
Lincoln College
Lincoln, Illinois
68.2 miles from Ripley, 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 ...
Read more » -
Emack and Bolio's
Peoria, Illinois
72 miles from Ripley, IL
This ice cream parlour is haunted by former owner Jim Schwab, who died after falling headfirst down a flight of stairs. Staff have reported disembodied footsteps descending the staircase, while others have encountered a male apparition on the upper floor. (Submitted by Callum Swift)
Read more » -
Peoria Public Library
Peoria, Illinois
72.1 miles from Ripley, IL
Peoria Public Library, according to local lore, was built upon cursed ground. So the story goes, Mrs. Andrew Gray lived in a house here around 1830. Family and financial hardships led to a foreclosure on her home, and Mrs. Gray cursed the property and all of its future owners. Her ...
Read more » -
Peoria Players Theatre
Peoria, Illinois
73.3 miles from Ripley, IL
Peoria Players Theatre is said to be haunted by a playful ghost named Norman, a former theater director who died in 1960 at age 34, and a more sinister entity whose identity is unknown.
Read more » -
Ruebel Hotel
Grafton, Illinois
73.6 miles from Ripley, IL
When this 1884 hotel opened, rooms cost $1 a day. Although they cost a bit more now, they may come with a friendly haunt: A little girl named Abigail is said to reside here. Her apparition has been seen in the upstairs hallway, and reports say she has talked with ...
Read more » -
Safari Bowl
Morton, Illinois
74 miles from Ripley, IL
You will hear footsteps on the lanes when it is jaut you in there. You can hear pins be thrown across the back of bowling ally when no one is back there. There are dog barking. There is also a little girl that is 8 yrs old that haunts ...
Read more » -
Lewis and Clark Community College
Godfrey, Illinois
77.7 miles from Ripley, IL
This school's library is reportedly haunted by the ghost of a person who committed suicide by hanging. It's also reported that teachers who have passed away linger here in spirit form, especially walking the hallways in the main building.
Read more » -
Rocky Fork Church
Godfrey, Illinois
77.7 miles from Ripley, IL
The church was moved due to vandalism that kept recurring. Google Maps shows the church at the bend of Rocky Fork Road, but the last time I was there, it was at the end of Boy Scout Lane. When I was a young girl, my sister and cousin took me to ...
Read more » -
Birthday Bridge - Giblin Bridge
Mount Pleasant, Iowa
78.1 miles from Ripley, IL
This spot, near where Kentucky Avenue and US 218 meet, is said to be haunted by a local girl who hanged herself from the bridge after having an affair with a married doctor. The day she died was also her birthday. Legend has it that her ghost can be seen ...
Read more » -
Anderson Cemetery - Cemetery X
Taylorville, Illinois
78.4 miles from Ripley, 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 ...
Read more » -
Stanford Pour House
Stanford, Illinois
80 miles from Ripley, IL
Originally built at the turn of the century as a mercantile grocery store, it was shortly after used by a local church for their temporary place of worship until their regular church building was completed. It was then used for many years as a funeral home. It ...
Read more » -
Stanford Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Stanford, Illinois
80.1 miles from Ripley, IL
Built in 1901, the Stanford Cumberland Presbyterian Church had been loved and enjoyed by it's congregation until it was sold in 2004. Between 2004 to 2012 it has changed hands four times since. The first owner lived it for a very short time. It was then ...
Read more » -
Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage
Keosauqua, Iowa
80.3 miles from Ripley, IL
This historic 1846 hotel was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, and several spirits are living here. In Room 5, the ghost of a young boy pulls on people's clothing at night. His apparition has been seen on the landing. In Room 7, a man named Knapp was murdered, ...
Read more » -
Mason House Inn and Caboose Cottage
Keosauqua, Iowa
80.3 miles from Ripley, IL
This historic 1846 hotel was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, and several spirits are living here. In Room 5, the ghost of a young boy pulls on people's clothing at night. His apparition has been seen on the landing. In Room 7, a man named Knapp was murdered, ...
Read more » -
McPike Mansion
Alton, Illinois
80.9 miles from Ripley, IL
This 1869 mansion is the site of many strange happenings. It has been seen on the TV show Scariest Places on Earth. Apparitions have been seen in the hallways, and children's laughter has been heard.
Read more » -
Mercer County Courthouse
Aledo, Illinois
81.5 miles from Ripley, IL
The courthouse building dates back to the 1890's, and in the 1930's a skeleton was removed from the basement when the interior was remodelled. Ever since, staff have reported hearing footsteps after the courthouse has been locked up for the night, and a woman leaving the building in the ...
Read more » -
208 State Street - The Lincoln Lofts
Alton, Illinois
81.8 miles from Ripley, IL
Abraham Lincoln once stayed at a hotel located in this 1836 apartment building, which is rumoured to be haunted. The ghost a young girl in a white dress has been seen playing with a ball on the main staircase, and visitors claim to have heard faint laughter and the ...
Read more » -
First Unitarian Church
Alton, Illinois
81.9 miles from Ripley, IL
Founded in 1836, the First Unitarian Church's original structure here was built on the site of the St. Matthew's Catholic Church, which had burned down. Both churches were stations on the Underground Railroad. But that church also burned down in 1905, a the church that now stands here is said ...
Read more » -
My Just Desserts - Ryder Building
Alton, Illinois
81.9 miles from Ripley, IL
Employees at this old-fashioned restaurant have reported a series of spooky occurrences over the past few years. A cook working on the ground level has reported hearing furniture moving around the hardwood floors upstairs on several occasions, but upon investigation, nothing is out of place. (Submitted by Callum Swift)
Read more » -
Mineral Springs Hotel
Alton, Illinois
82 miles from Ripley, IL
Several spirits are said to live at this historic hotel, now open for haunted tours. Among the ghosts are The Jasmine Lady, identified by the whiff of her floral perfume; George, who may have been drowned in the hotel swimming pool around the 1920s; The Drunken Ghost, the artist responsible ...
Read more » -
Jacoby Arts Center
Alton, Illinois
82.1 miles from Ripley, IL
Formerly a funeral home and a furniture store, the basement of this 1883 building is particularly haunted. Visitors to the cellar have felt cold spots and an eerie presence, while the sound of the intercom that was disconnected many years ago has been heard on occasions. (Submitted by Callum Swift)
Read more » -
Alton Cemetery
Alton, Illinois
82.2 miles from Ripley, IL
Alton Cemetery is said to be haunted by several ghosts. One is a 9-year-old named Lucy Haskell, seen in the vicinity of the Hayner/Haskell monument. Another is a spectral woman in black near the Grandview mausoleum, and a third is minister and publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy. An abolitionist, Lovejoy was ...
Read more » -
Milton Schoolhouse
Alton, Illinois
82.3 miles from Ripley, IL
The historic Milton School, built in 1904, operated until 1986 and then stood abandoned until the early 1990s when it re-opened as a decorative glass factory. It's believed to be haunted by a schoolgirl nicknamed Mary who was raped and murdered at the school when she stayed late to work ...
Read more » -
Reeb House - Vintage Essentials Antiques
Saint Charles, Missouri
83.8 miles from Ripley, IL
This historic antiques store may have returned to it's original status as a private residence, but visitors and past owners reported that the building was haunted. Doors slamming shut, ghostly voices, cold spots and disembodied footsteps were just some of the phenomena reported when the business was in operation. (Submitted ...
Read more » -
Hotel Wapello
Wapello, Iowa
85 miles from Ripley, IL
The old-fashioned hotel, furnished with original antiques, used to be a schoolhouse and a law office. In 1906 the place became the Commercial Hotel, which became the premier place to stay in town after their main rival burnt to the ground. Now a bed and breakfast inn, the place ...
Read more » -
Fort Belle Fontaine
St. Louis, Missouri
85.6 miles from Ripley, IL
The historic Fort Belle Fontaine, famously visited by explorers Lewis and Clark, is said to be home to a presence that appears as dark-red smoke or a red light on the stairs.
Read more » -
Lindenwood University
St. Charles, Missouri
85.8 miles from Ripley, IL
The Lindenwood Auditorium ghost, a former teacher who never got to see her play, is not the only one on campus. Also haunted, according to reports, are the Sibley Chapel, where an organ has played by itself, and Cobbs Hall, where an apparition of a woman in a white dress ...
Read more » -
Lost Graveyard
Saint Charles, Missouri
86.4 miles from Ripley, IL
From approximately 1750 through 1854, there was a graveyard at this location - about 9 square blocks. In 1853 they moved MOST of the bodies to the current Borromeo cemetery, about 1-1/2 miles west. Conservatively, there are still between 50 - 200 bodies still there. Graves were opened there as ...
Read more »
» Cemeteries near Ripley, IL
» Find museums in Ripley, IL