Naperville Hauntings Ghost Walk
Meeting point
43 E Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540
Duration
2 hours
Start time
Multple times (see booking page)
Tour Operator
Overview
Beneath the soft glow of old‑fashioned streetlamps, Naperville’s Historic District reveals a darker side on the Naperville Hauntings Ghost Walk, an award‑winning 2‑hour ghost tour guided by “America’s Ghost Storyteller,” Diane Ladley.
Starting outside Quigley’s Irish Pub on Jefferson Avenue, this haunted history tour leads you past elegant Victorian mansions, historic churches, and college landmarks where centuries of tragedy, unexplained cold spots, and ghostly apparitions still stir.
Armed with genuine EMF ghost meters—the first suburban Chicago ghost walk in the nation to offer them free of charge—you become the ghost hunter as you explore one of the most acclaimed Naperville ghost tours just 28 miles west of Chicago.
Every chilling tale is meticulously researched and authenticated by the Naper Settlement Living History Museum’s historian, transforming this haunted walk into a paranormal tour near downtown Naperville that blends verified history with eerie encounters.
Perfect for visitors and locals searching for a Naperville ghost walk that goes far beyond campfire tales, this haunted tour showcases the city’s brick‑paved sidewalks, haunted churches, and legendary college theater in a way you will never forget.
What to Expect
Haunted locations & route
- Begin in front of Quigley’s Irish Pub at 43 E Jefferson Ave, then follow a lantern‑lit route through Naperville’s Historic District, including exteriors of St. Peter & Paul Church, the ill‑fated downtown train station area, North Central College’s pond, and famously haunted Pfeiffer Hall and Seibert Hall.
- All stories are told outside; this is a true walking ghost tour focused on exteriors and outdoor spaces while respecting private property and active businesses.
Ghost stories & paranormal activity
- Hear how one unknown Naperville man’s heroism in World War I saved France and England—and why his restless spirit is said to linger in his ancestral home.
- Learn about one of the worst train collisions in American history, which claimed 47 lives, and the reports of spirits wandering the roadway where their bodies once lay, often accompanied by startling EMF spikes from guests’ meters.
- Discover Naperville’s tragic love stories, including the Seminarian Specter of Seibert Hall, the Weeping Bride, and up to seven ghosts said to haunt Pfeiffer Hall, from a lady in white to a spectral professor and “Charlie Yellow Boots
Plenty of free, safe parking in downtown Naperville—recommended garage at 5 W Benton St, plus nearby evening lots by the Municipal Center and Naper Settlement. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No official restroom stops on tour—plan to use facilities at nearby pubs or restaurants by the meeting point before your Naperville ghost walk. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair-accessible route through downtown sidewalks; let the operator know in advance. Strollers not recommended in larger groups. (for more info contact tour operator)
Service animals welcome; please leave other pets at home for liability reasons.
Outdoor-only ghost walk—see Naperville’s haunted churches, train site, and college buildings from the outside; no indoor access during the tour. (for more info contact tour operator)
Recommended for ages 13+; spooky but not gory, best for teens and adults who enjoy haunted history. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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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 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