
“And this also has been one of the dark places of the earth...”
Haunted by Our Dark Side: Chicago Ghosts, Gangsters, and True Crime Tour
If you love ghost stories, gangster legends, and true crime TV, or even if you simply savor that eerie feeling of crisp autumn evenings, this is the Chicago tour for you. For two chilling hours, we’ll peel back the glamorous façade of the Windy City to uncover its darker side—where mobsters ruled, tragedies struck, and restless spirits still make their presence known.
On this 2-hour walking tour (just under 2 miles at an easy pace), you’ll hear real stories of rival gangsters gunning each other down right after church, psychopaths hiding in plain sight, and the unforgettable disasters that scarred Chicago’s past—from the Haymarket Affair to the Iroquois Fire to the Eastland Disaster. Along the way, you’ll step inside a few historic interiors where gangsters once gathered and where ghosts are still said to roam.
We’ll also dive into the origins of ghost lore: are people really seeing specters, or does the strange design of some buildings simply play tricks on the mind? You’ll learn why certain spots get labeled “haunted,” and decide for yourself if Chicago’s spookiest stories are fact, fiction, or something in between.
Perfect for fall evenings and curious minds alike, this tour combines a little taste of Chicago’s gangster history with spine-tingling true crime and ghost tales. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the city’s past—and maybe a few goosebumps, too.
Ready to explore Chicago’s dark side? Join us for a tour that’s equal parts eerie, fascinating, and unforgettable.
TOUR LOGISTICS & FAQ

How much do tickets cost (USD)?
30 (General Admission); 25 (children 5 and up, and seniors 65 and up); free for kids 4 and under.
HOW LONG IS IT?
This tour lasts about 2 hours, covering just under 2 miles on foot.
Do we go inside buildings?
Yes, we do go inside a few buildings on this tour! But always dress for the weather, as the tour is mainly outdoors.
How many people in the group?
We cap these groups at 20 guests.
When is this tour offered?
This tour is offered on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm.
Where does this tour start?
We start on the north side of the river, near Erie & Dearborn. We end in the Loop near Roosevelt University.
What about rain?
Tours run rain or shine, though may be cancelled/refunded due to extreme weather. Always dress for the weather!