Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour

Overview

Often imitated but never matched, this 3 hour ghost bus tour with stops remains the "Best of Chicago" since its founding 23 years ago by the city's ghostlorist, Ursula Bielski. Ursula and her team of veteran paranormal researchers and historians have thrilled thousands of guests with firsthand experiences of this, one of the world's most legendarily notorious cities. We take you where the other walking tours simply can't--to the many shadowed corners where the fateful tales began. From the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. From the Great Chicago Fire to the Eastland Disaster. From ghost ships that sail Lake Michigan to the Chicago origins of "Ghostbusters" And to the lair of the Devil Baby of Hull House.

City: Chicago

Sun 21 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

Sun 21 Dec

Starting at $59.00

Make a reservation

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (175) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (252) Entry Tickets (96) Sporting Events (4) Good for Small Groups (27) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (113) Walking Tours (705) Outdoor Activities (48) Limitied Availability Tours (29) LGBT Friendly Tours (9) Family-friendly Activities (8) Wildlife Activities (6) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (96) Travelers recommend (174) Good for Groups (32) Top Activities (75) Guided Audio Tours (10) Art, Culture & History (406) Attractions to explore (43) Sustainable Tours (1) Limousine Transfers (5) Donut Walking Tour (2) Virtual Experiences (1) Additional fees (7) DSA non-compliant (17)

What's Included

Tour escort/host

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Some walking and numerous stops of the bus
Bus can accommodate up to 50 passengers

What To Expect

Lincoln Park

Who knows what happened to the abandoned graves of 10,000 at the old City Cemetery?

Couch Mausoleum

Who's really buried in this Chicago landmark and what eerie things have happened around it?

Chicago History Museum

Do people really see a ghost around Abe Lincoln's bed here?

Lincoln Park Zoo

With the old City Cemetery underneath, what kind of ghosts do they see at the zoo?

Biograph Theatre

The site of John Dillinger's demise. Has the famous gangster moved on since?

James M. Nederlander Theatre

The site of the worst theater fire in American history. Learn why they call the Chicago Tribune called it Death Alley...

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (139)

Robsigns62

Jul 2011

I had first heard of Ursula Bielski years ago when I worked at Navy Pier, and I would see her books in the bookstore there. I was beginning my own little education into both Chicago and Illinois histories, and the paranormal. How exciting it was to finally meet her about a year ago! For me, these tours are flexible enough to be what you want of them. If you don't believe and just want a spooky afternoon or evening out, this will be a delight! If you like the history of Chicago, this will also be up your alley. For me, I get the double-whammy of the historical aspects, and the definite paranormal aspects! I have taken the 7 hour tours around town, and have loved the historical background to the neighborhoods. I have also experiences the actual energies present at many of the locations, as have my friends who have joined me. I have been gaining experience in paranormal investigations, and have had, for many years, my own experiences in channeling and energy work. The locations I have been taken to during Chicago Hauntings tours have provided experience in the energies present therein. So this part of the reason I go is satisfied as well. Let's not forget the beauty of the places we go as well, whether they be outdoors or fantastic historical buildings, they are gorgeous. So far, all the tour guides are good and well informed....but I have to admit my favorite is Ursula. She provides loads of information about the city, and the lore....and adds just enough of her own experiences to make it a little more intriguing! And then, in between, she allows time for the guests to chat amongst themselves about the stories they are hearing, their own experiences, and the lore they have been told. I love the variety of tours that Chicago has to offer visitors, providing architecture and history information. But this particular focus, I like sticking with groups like this...and it's great for both visitors to Chicago and residents like me. Treat yourself to some time with these folks....and take away from it what you will. But you will have a good time! Very affordable as well.

dogdazed

Jul 2010

I took this same tour a few years ago and liked it quite a bit, so it was a shame to see how far downhill they'd gone. And I was emarrassed that I had recommended it to my family and they all signed up for it at $28.00 per person. The bus was horrible - it was a very hot night and the air conditioner barely worked. It rattled so loudly when it was idling that we could barely hear the tour guide. Not that we missed much, mind you. The guy was not a good speaker at all, and not very knowledgeable, either. The sights and stories should have been very interesting, but he made them dull and boring, and we all couldn't wait for it to be over. Just a very poor experience all around, and made us end our otherwise wonderful family weekend in Chicago on a very sour note.

spertzsch

Feb 2010

I thought the history of the place there had been instances of mass death were interesting historical facts. A recurrent theme throughout the tour seemed to be excuse after excuse to questions regarding the "pictures" that had been taken on previous tours and why they didn't have anything substantial as far as photographic proof of what they were claiming or why nobody really wants to "attest" to these ghost stories because everyone is trying to keep it under wraps making it a big conspiracy to withhold legitimate paranormal activities from the public because it wouldn't be good "PR" Give me a break. I was under the impression that the tour guide was citing a lot of non-credible information as a justification of "paranoral activity" For example, a "psychic" that had taken their tour had claimed they instantly felt an evil presence as soon as they arrived at the Hull House....without the tour guide even having said anything about it yet...I mean, come on, this information is readily available on the internet and other places and just because the tourguide "said" isn't a good enough arguement for me. It was also things like "people would claim they hear forks and knives scraping on plates when there's no one there.....and that would make sense because it was a place where people used to eat breakfast." What a joke...maybe for grade schoolers, but anyone with any level of post grade school education realizes that none of this is credible, whatsoever. I think it would be fun on one of their pub crawls on Halloween for entertainment purposes only...but as a serious "ghost tour" no way.