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Ghost Tour / Walking Tour

Inside Chicago Walking Tours

"Haunted by Our Dark Side" — A River North-to-Loop Walking Tour of Chicago Gangster History, True Crime, and Reported Ghosts

34 W Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Research-Backed · 2 sources

Research updated September 2026

Age

All Ages (children 4 and under free; 5+ pay the child rate)

Cost

$$

$35 general admission; $30 for children 5+ and seniors 65+; free for children 4 and under. Pricing per the operator's own site.

Access

Limited Access

An easy-paced walking tour of just under 2 miles through Chicago's River North and Loop neighborhoods, including stops inside a few historic interiors along the route. Walking tours naturally include some staircases; if you use a wheelchair or stroller, consider whether this route is right for you. There is no set bathroom stop; please use a restroom before the tour begins, though the guide will try to accommodate anyone who needs one along the way.

Equipment

Photos OK

ApparitionsUnexplained SoundsFeelings of Being Watched

The operator's tour description frames the route as exploring "whether people are really seeing spirits, or if odd architectural designs simply create an eerie feeling," pairing gangster-era and true-crime stories — including rival mob killings and the Iroquois Theater Fire and Eastland Disaster — with reported ghost encounters at historic interiors along the way.

All of this is the tour operator's own marketing material, not documented history independently verified for this listing; it is included here as a description of what the tour covers, not as an endorsement of any specific claim.

Media Appearances

  • Choose Chicago (official city tourism listing)

Plan Your Visit

1 way to experience
Walking Tour Booking Required

Haunted by Our Dark Side: Chicago Ghosts, Gangsters, and True Crime Tour

A roughly 2-hour, under-2-mile walking tour through River North and the Loop pairing Chicago gangster history and true crime with reported hauntings, including stops inside a few historic building interiors along the way. Covers events including the Iroquois Theater Fire and the Eastland Disaster. Capped at 20 guests; $35 general admission ($30 for children 5+ and seniors). Meets in front of 34 West Erie Street, near Erie and Dearborn, and ends in the Loop near Roosevelt University. Advance ticket purchase is required; no walk-ups are accepted. Tickets can be bought online or by phone through the FareHarbor call center at (872) 529-2523; call (312) 799-0164 if you have trouble reaching the call center.

Duration:
2 hr
Days:
Generally Thursdays at 4pm, and Fridays & Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm; check the Tour Schedule for extra offerings and updates.
Age:
All Ages
Booking now· through Nov 15· verified September 2026Seasonal: Sept 1 to Nov 15 Book this experience

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Stops on this tour

  1. 1
    Congress Plaza Hotel

    The tour's ending point in the Loop, described by the operator as among Chicago's most reputedly haunted hotels.

  2. 2
    Palmer House Hotel

    Named by the operator among the tour's route stops covering Chicago gangster-era and true-crime history.

Sources & Further Reading

Every HauntBound history is researched from documented sources. We clearly separate verified historical fact from paranormal folklore.

  1. 1.insidechicagowalkingtours.com
  2. 2.choosechicago.com/event/haunted-by-our-dark-side-chicago-ghosts-gangsters-and-true-crime-tour/2026-10-09

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Inside Chicago Walking Tours family-friendly?
All-ages walking tour with a reduced child rate (free under 5); content covers historic disasters and organized-crime violence in a storytelling format rather than horror-genre staging. Overall family fit: Moderate.
How much does it cost to visit Inside Chicago Walking Tours?
$35 general admission; $30 for children 5+ and seniors 65+; free for children 4 and under. Pricing per the operator's own site.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are required.
Is Inside Chicago Walking Tours wheelchair accessible?
Inside Chicago Walking Tours has limited wheelchair accessibility. Terrain: An easy-paced walking tour of just under 2 miles through Chicago's River North and Loop neighborhoods, including stops inside a few historic interiors along the route. Walking tours naturally include some staircases; if you use a wheelchair or stroller, consider whether this route is right for you. There is no set bathroom stop; please use a restroom before the tour begins, though the guide will try to accommodate anyone who needs one along the way..