The Haunted Southwest Chicagoland Tour is where all the haunted sites are that are located in Kendall, Grundy and LaSalle counties in Illinois.
Illinois has no shortage of ghost stories, and the counties of Kendall, Grundy, and LaSalle each have their own collection of haunted legends tied to historic buildings, cemeteries, hotels, and natural landmarks. While none of these hauntings have been scientifically verified, they remain popular pieces of local folklore and paranormal tradition.
In Kendall County, many of the best-known ghost stories center on the historic downtowns of Yorkville and Oswego. Several nineteenth-century homes, former inns, and businesses are rumored to experience unexplained footsteps, shadow figures, and mysterious sounds after dark. Local paranormal enthusiasts have also shared stories about old cemeteries throughout the county, where visitors have reported unusual lights, cold spots, and unexplained voices, although these accounts remain anecdotal. Compared to neighboring counties, Kendall County has relatively few famous haunted sites, but its historic districts continue to inspire local ghost stories.
In Grundy County, the county’s most famous haunted location is Aux Sable Cemetery near Morris. According to local legend, the cemetery is haunted by the spirit of a playful young girl who is said to manipulate car windows, appear among the gravestones, and surprise nighttime visitors. Paranormal investigators have long visited the cemetery because of repeated reports of strange lights, unexplained voices, and eerie sensations. The nearby historic downtown of Morris, with buildings dating back to the nineteenth century, has also generated stories of apparitions and unexplained activity inside several older commercial buildings.
LaSalle County is home to some of northern Illinois’ most well-known haunted locations. Starved Rock State Park and the historic Starved Rock Lodge are associated with legends involving Native American history, mysterious apparitions, shadow figures, glowing orbs, and unexplained noises reported by some guests over the years. In the city of LaSalle, the historic Kaskaskia Hotel, which opened in 1916, is perhaps the county’s best-known haunted building. Legend tells of a young woman who either jumped or was pushed from the upper floors during the 1920s, and employees have reported hearing phantom footsteps, elevator activity, and unexplained sounds. Nearby, the Ninth Street Pub is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former neighbor known as Mrs. Sonnenburg, whose apparition has allegedly been seen after closing time.
The Spring Valley area is also known for the Massock Mausoleum in the Lithuanian Liberty Cemetery. Local folklore tells of a mysterious “Hatchet Man” ghost guarding the mausoleum, and visitors have long claimed to experience strange sounds, unusual warmth from the sealed mausoleum door, and unexplained feelings of being watched. Near DePue, stories surrounding an abandoned railroad bridge include reports of shadow figures, phantom train whistles, and screams heard when no trains are present.
Together, Kendall, Grundy, and LaSalle counties offer a blend of haunted cemeteries, historic hotels, century-old downtown buildings, and scenic natural landmarks whose ghost stories have become an enduring part of local folklore. Whether viewed as supernatural phenomena or simply fascinating legends, these sites continue to attract history enthusiasts, paranormal investigators, and curious visitors interested in the mysterious side of northern Illinois.
Haunted Southwest Chicagoland Tour Information -> PDF files
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STARVED or STARVATION ROCK
Starved Rock State Park
2678 E. 873rd Road
Oglesby, IL 61348
[41°19’11.4″N 88°59’15.3″W]
815-667-4726
Often described as one of Illinois’ most haunted locations, Starved Rock in Oglesby has inspired ghost stories and paranormal legends for generations. Much of the park’s eerie reputation stems from the tragic Native American legend that gave the landmark its name. According to tradition, a band of Illini people sought refuge atop the sandstone butte after being attacked by rival tribes. Surrounded and unable to reach food or water, they were said to have died of starvation, leaving behind a place many believe is forever marked by sorrow and restless spirits. While historians debate the accuracy of this legend and note that there is no definitive archaeological evidence proving the event occurred as traditionally told, it remains one of Illinois’ best-known frontier stories.
Visitors and park employees have long reported unexplained experiences throughout the park, including mysterious footsteps on empty trails, disembodied voices, shadowy figures standing atop the bluff, and strange lights seen near the overlooks after dark. Some hikers claim to hear Native American drums or chanting echoing through the canyons when no one else is nearby, while others describe an overwhelming feeling of being watched in isolated areas. Although none of these reports have been scientifically verified, they have become a lasting part of the park’s folklore and attract paranormal enthusiasts from across the Midwest. Combined with its dramatic cliffs, dense forests, deep canyons, and centuries of history, Starved Rock remains one of Illinois’ most intriguing destinations, where natural beauty and enduring ghost stories continue to captivate visitors alike.