6 Illinois Spots So Scary People Stay Away

There are many places in Illinois that are interesting and attract visitors, but there are nearly as many that are so scary that most people avoid them entirely. That is where my focus is right now.

Illinois is full of history, but not all of that history is good. There are many places in the state that have twisted backstories which many believe are not just scary, but in some cases not safe to visit at all. Here are 6 that come to mind.

Bachelor's Grove Cemetery - Bremen Township, Illinois

Bachelor's Grove Cemetery is not just a scary place, but it has been described as "oppressively eerie". Many paranormal investigators report that they have had electronic equipment fail or just simply refuse to work inside those grounds. Others report a feeling of intense dread and apparitions have been sighted there. It's also sadly a heavily vandalized area which has led to an uptick in patrols from law enforcement. This is near the top of the avoid at all costs list in Illinois.

Ashmore Estates - Ashmore, Illinois

Ashmore Estates was built in 1916 as a publicly operated almshouse for the poor and infirm until 1959. There's a reason why some of the most famous ghost hunters in America have visited here and many describe the feeling inside Ashmore Estates as just...wrong. Shadow figures, disembodied voices and sudden feeling of coldness. More than one investigator has left because they feel physically sick.

Devil’s Gate Bridge - Alton, Illinois

Many believe this bridge in Alton, Illinois is a portal to somewhere else. The locals will tell you that this is the one place in town you want to avoid at night as there are rumors of odd rituals being held near there.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge - Madison, Illinois

This historic bridge that connected Madison, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri in 1929 has a reputation for tragedy. In 1991, it was the site of a vicious murder of two cousins. Now, you can't drive across the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge as it's pedestrian only. Some say you can hear voices and footsteps when no one else is around there.

Manteno State Hospital - Manteno Township, Illinois

What good can come from visiting a former psychiatric hospital in Illinois that first opened in 1930, but was the site of alleged abuse and forgotten patients? Nothing is the answer as only paranormal investigators with strong stomachs brave the heavy atmosphere within those walls.

Peoria State Hospital Cemetery - Bartonville, Illinois

Some locals call it Potter's Field since there are so many unmarked graves. What makes it a place to avoid? Reports of "whispers, shadow figures, and an overwhelming sense of sadness". It operated from 1902 through 1973 and there are more than 4,000 graves there, many without names.

Why avoid all of these Illinois places?

In addition to the paranormal experiences many report at these Illinois locations, some bring a legal risk of trespassing. Abandoned structures can also be unstable and result in physical danger. Some are also known to be high crime locations. No matter the reason you choose, the best choice is not to go to these Illinois destinations...or face the consequences.