Home » Naperville Ghost Tour
Naperville Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Spirit of the American Navy statue in Burlington Square Park, 317 N Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly @ 8pm
Tour Operator
Overview
Step into the shadows of Naperville's Historic District on this chilling ghost tour presented by US Ghost Adventures. Just 28 miles west of Chicago, this award-winning Naperville ghost walk unveils the darker side of one of America's most beautiful suburban communities. Your one-hour haunted walking tour explores the paranormal history lurking behind the Victorian mansions, historic landmarks, and tree-lined streets of downtown Naperville, Illinois.
From the restless spirits of the Old Nichols Library to the ghostly WWI hero still patrolling Jefferson Hill, this ghost tour near you reveals authenticated haunted history researched by local historians. Meet at the Spirit of the American Navy statue in Burlington Square Park and discover why Naperville's charming façade conceals tragic tales of train disasters, hidden graves, and unrested souls.
Whether you're a paranormal enthusiast or history buff seeking haunted tours in the Chicago area, this Naperville haunted history tour delivers bone-chilling accounts of real hauntings that continue to this day.
What to Expect
Your Naperville ghost tour begins at Burlington Square Park (317 N Ellsworth St) in the heart of downtown's Historic District, where Victorian charm meets supernatural mystery. This outdoor walking tour covers approximately 1 mile over 60 minutes, taking you through brick-paved sidewalks past some of Naperville's most haunted locations. No costumes or staged scares—US Ghost Adventures focuses on historically authentic paranormal accounts derived from extensive research and firsthand witness testimonies.
Historic Haunted Locations: Visit the Old Nichols Library, now an eatery, where a young girl's spirit sought justice for over 20 years and forgotten graves beneath the building still struggle to be uncovered. Stand before Jefferson Hill, the former home of WWI hero Oliver Julian "Judd" Kendall, whose protective spirit returned from his grave in France to watch over the historic shops that replaced his residence. Explore the grounds of North Central College's Seybert Residence Hall, where a shadowed brute and bitter priest continue to disturb students and residents.
Dark History Revealed: Learn about Naperville's 1946 train disaster that claimed 45 lives, leaving restless spirits along the downtown tracks. Discover the controversial history including the negative energy from KKK activities and the 1980s murder mystery that afflicted the Old Nichols Library. Hear the haunting tale of the old bowling alley connected to 16-year-old Pamela Maurer's tragic 1976 murder in nearby Downer's Grove.
Free parking at downtown garages (Van Buren, Central, Water Street) and street parking. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No tour stops; use restrooms at Water Street garage or downtown shops before tour starts. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Mostly flat sidewalks (1 mile); partial wheelchair access on paved surfaces—contact operator for accessibility needs.
Service animals welcome. (for more info contact tour operator)
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly with spooky history; suitable for older children comfortable with ghost stories. (for more info, contact tour operator)
Get directions
Things to take on a ghost walk
Essential Items
Comfortable walking shoes
Great for long walks and uneven ground.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bring a jacket, hoodie, or raincoat.
Fully charged phone
For photos, notes, light, or emergencies.
Small torch/flashlight
Helps with dark paths and visibility.
Helpful Extras
Portable power bank
Keeps your phone alive for photos or apps.
Bottle of water
Stay hydrated on longer tours.
Bug spray
Useful in older outdoor areas.
Small backpack/crossbody bag
Carry essentials hands-free.
Safety & Comfort Snacks
Small snacks
Good for long or late-night tours.
Personal medication
Bring anything you may need.
Hand sanitizer or wipes
Useful in older buildings or high-touch areas.
Paranormal-Focused Items
EMF detector
For interactive ghost hunting.
Thermometer
Check for cold spots.
Notebook & pen
Note sightings or strange sounds.
Red-filtered flashlight
Helps maintain night vision.
Been on this ghost tour? Tell others what you think.
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Spirit of the American Navy statue in Burlington Square Park, 317 N Ellsworth St, Naperville, IL 60540
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to wear on a ghost tour?
When choosing what to wear on a ghost tour, comfort and practicality are key. Most ghost tours involve walking through historic streets, uneven paths, or dimly lit areas, so opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. A light jacket or hoodie works well year-round.
Avoid loud or reflective clothing that can distract from the experience, and choose dark, neutral colours to blend into the spooky atmosphere. If you’re joining an outdoor tour, consider bringing waterproof layers, a hat, or gloves in colder seasons. A small crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials without weighing you down.
For added comfort and safety, bring a fully charged phone, but keep it on silent to avoid interrupting the tour. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the ghostly experience.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas
