This Illinois River Town Is One of the Most Haunted Places in America—Known For a Creepy Haunted House, Ghostly Churches, and More

Arguably, October is the perfect time to delve into your horror-quests —visit haunted houses, watch scary movies, wander through a creepy corn maze. However, if you’re looking for a scarier experience , one that might raise goosebumps, then you’ll have to travel a bit further. About a five-hour drive from Chicago lies Alton, Illinois —also known as one of the scariest towns in the country. The city has been included on *The Travel’s* *list* of ghostly towns to tour, and for good reason. With approximately 26,000 residents located along the Mississippi River in southern Illinois, Alton is home to McPike Mansion, one of the most notoriously haunted houses in the Midwest, according to the website. McPike Mansion ------------------ Built in 1869 by Henry Guest McPike , the mansion was a “regal addition” to Alton and served as the family’s home for decades before being vacated in the 1950s . People have reported seeing orbs, balls of light, and figures appearing in windows when looking at photos taken inside the home, according to the mansion’s website. > Many Psychics and Mediums have felt the presence of what they believe to be the McPike family , servants, as well as some of those who resided in and owned the house since 1936. The home is far from the only place in Alton rumored to be haunted. First Unitarian Church ---------------------- According to the Tourism Bureau, there have been reports of voices and shadowy figures coming from the basement of the city’s First Unitarian Church ever since the reverend’s death. Milton Schoolhouse ------------------ Odd sights and sounds have emerged at another building in town, the former Milton Schoolhouse, which was in operation from 1904 to 1986. One day after school, a little girl named Mary was finishing up a seasonal bulletin in her classroom while everyone else in the building had left for the day, according to the tourism bureau. > As the sun started to go down she realized that she ought to get home before her mother worried about her . As she was skipping down the stairs towards the gymnasium doors, she heard a noise behind her. > The next morning, Mary was found in the girl’s locker room battered with blood all over her and her torn up clothes. People have continued to report hearing footsteps at the school and seeing the figure of a young girl, according to the tourism bureau. If you wish to explore this mysterious town, numerous haunted tours are offered. You can find more information on the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau’s website. Source: https://secretchicago.com/this-illinois-river-town-haunted-places-in-america-alton-illinois/