Naperville Ghost Tour, Illinois

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

US Ghost Adventures

contact@usghostadventures.com

8167227363

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)

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FaQ's

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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