Below is a compilation of reportedly haunted locations in Southern Illinois: 1

A list of haunted places in Southern Illinois

1. McPike Mansion

Welcome to journey through the world of peculiar and unsettling. Our first location, the McPike Mansion in Alton, greets us with its ominous facade. Made famous for its paranormal activities, this 19th-century mansion has plenty of stories to offer.

The mansion, named after the original owner, Henry McPike, is famous for unexplained photograph anomalies, disappearing orbs, and a feeling of heavy unease. Visitors have reported encounters with previous owners and servants as ghostly apparitions.

Interestingly, the mansion’s wine cellar is considered to be the hotbed of activity. It’s here where mediums claim to connect with spirits more readily. Unarguably, McPike Mansion is one of the most haunted places in Southern Illinois.

A ghost hunting group once visited McPike Mansion. While exploring, they began seeing strange occurrences such as orbs of light moving without any logical reason and even captured a silhouette of a person on their digital cameras. There wasn't anybody present there at that moment except the group members.

• Constructed in 1869, a masterpiece of Italianate-Victorian architecture.
• Included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
• Believed to be haunted by several entities, including previous owners and servants.
• Paranormal experts feel a strong presence especially in the wine cellar.
• Many visitors have claimed to see apparitions and experienced cold spots.
• Famous for photo anomalies like inexplicable orbs and unusual silhouettes.

2. The Crenshaw House (Old Slave House)

Our second stop brings us to Gallatin County, to the infamous Crenshaw House, also known as the Old Slave House. This grand plantation-house has a dark history associated with slavery and hence is steeped in tales of sorrow and terror.

The house’s master, John Crenshaw was notorious for his cruelty towards slaves. His residence is shrouded with horrifying stories about the brutal treatment he inflicted upon his captives. It is said that these restless spirits still roam within the house causing chills among its visitors.

Being one of the most haunted sites in Southern Illinois, many paranormal investigators have reported hearing cries and whispers believed to be from the spirits of former slaves living their eternity here.

A tourist recounted her unnerving experience of touring The Crenshaw House. She felt an intense feeling of despair that led to physical discomfort. Furthermore, she could hear distant whispers and soft crying sounds which weren't from any living person near her.

• Renowned for stories of mistreatment of slaves in the 19th century.
• Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.
• Closed to the public in 1996 due to restoration and preservation efforts.
• The mansion was used as an illegal slave trading post by its owner John Crenshaw.
• Tourists often report feeling unease, hearing cries and whispers during visits.
• Considered one of the most supernaturally active locations in Southern Illinois.

3. Peoria State Hospital (Bartonville Asylum)

Next, we venture into Peoria State Hospital, better known as Bartonville Asylum. The mention of a mental asylum casts an eerie shadow in our minds, thanks to their tormented history. The same goes for this facility which had been operational for roughly a century before it closed down.

The hospital grounds have been associated with numerous ghost stories. The most famous one is about the old bookkeeper, famously known as “Old Book”. As per eyewitnesses, Old Book has often been seen mourning near the cemetery of the hospital.

Multiple instances of hearing footsteps, knocks on doors, and clanging metallic sounds have been reported in the eerie silence of the asylum despite it being deserted for years. This makes the Bartonville Asylum a spooktacular visit for all paranormal enthusiasts.

An urban explorer who trespassed the abandoned asylum one night recounted his experience. He reported hearing mysterious footsteps echoing around, door handles rattling without wind, and sudden drops in temperature when he walked through certain corridors.

• Began operation in 1907 and closed down in 1973.
• Was home to over 2,600 patients at its peak.
• Famous for sightings of “Old Book”, supposedly the spirit of a former patient.
• Reported incidents include unexplained sounds, footsteps, and odd orbs of light.
• Many explorers claim to feel an eerie presence during their visit.
• The asylum graveyard believed to be haunted due to multiple reported sightings there.

4. Hickory Hill Plantation (The Old Slave House)

Hickory Hill Plantation, commonly called the Crenshaw House or The Old Slave House, holds chilling accounts within its age-old walls. Situated in Gallatin County, this place was a hotspot of human trafficking during dark times of slavery.

Constructed by John Crenshaw, infamous for his brutal treatment of slaves, the plantation is said to be haunted by those who suffered under him. Visitors often report feelings of deep sadness, unease, and terror within the premises.

The mansion’s attic, where slaves were reportedly kept in horrifying conditions, has a particularly eerie vibe. It is said that their traumatized souls still linger there, making it one of the most haunted places in Southern Illinois.

One of the daring visitors to Hickory Hill Plantation shared their chilling experience. As they toured, they could hear clanking sounds from nowhere and sensed an oppressive atmosphere, especially as they approached the dreaded attic area.

• The house was built by the notoriously cruel slave-owner John Crenshaw.
• Many visitors have reported experiencing feelings of unease and sadness.
• The mansion’s attic, believed to be a haunting ground of many mistreated slaves.
• Numerous reports of unexplained noises and apparitions in the house.
• Gory tales of human trafficking linked to this mansion add to its dark allure.
• A widely known spot for paranormal activity investigations.

5. Ashmore Estates

Lastly, we delve into Ashmore Estates, a facility originally built as almshouses in 1916 before evolving into a private psychiatric hospital. With such a history, it’s no surprise that it’s brimming with unseen guests.

Looming on the outskirts of Ashmore, Illinois, the Estates have witnessed numerous tragic events. This translates to a wide variety of reported ghostly sightings. From faint whispers to flashing lights and ghostly figures, countless stories abound.

Known for its ghost tours, Ashmore Estates affords anyone brave enough the opportunity to explore the chill inducing nooks and crannies of one of Southern Illinois’ most haunted locations.

A paranormal investigator on a regular tour of Ashmore Estates had some exceptionally spooky encounters. He reported seeing phantasmal figures appearing out of nowhere, feelings of being watched continuously and hearing uncanny whispers in his ear.

• Was opened as almshouses for the poor in 1916 before becoming a psychiatric hospital.
• Famous for numerous reported ghostly sightings, including various legendary spirits.
• Said to be haunted by residents who passed away during its tumultuous history.
• Offers regular ghost tour event for individuals interested in paranormal activities.
• Visitors often experience unexplained noises, movement of objects, and ghostly figures.
• Prominently featured on multiple television shows about paranormal hauntings.

We traversed through some spine-chilling locations, each carrying its spine-tingling legends and haunted lore. Who knew Southern Illinois had such an array of “unseen residents” lurking in its age-old mansions and historic buildings? Next time you’re in the neighborhood, might you dare to visit?