If you’re looking for spooky things to do in Chicago, there are plenty of places around the city that are perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. From creepy museums and unusual cemeteries to taxidermy shops and spooky cocktail bars, Chicago has no shortage of weird and unusual experiences.
Whether you love true crime, haunted history, oddities, or just want something different to do in October, add these spooky things to do in Chicago to your list.
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1. Visit the GraveFace Museum
If you’re interested in true crime and the darker side of history, the GraveFace Museum is one of the most unusual places to visit in Chicago.
The museum offers a partially guided tour through exhibits covering serial killers, cults, asylums, sideshows, and other disturbing topics. The exhibits feature artifacts and stories that you won’t find in a typical museum.
One of the most talked-about exhibits is the John Wayne Gacy room, which includes artwork created by the infamous serial killer.
This is definitely not your typical Chicago museum experience, and it is one of the very spooky things to do in Chicago if you’re interested in true crime.
2. Explore Graceland Cemetery
For a spooky Chicago experience that’s also filled with history, head to Graceland Cemetery.
Graceland Cemetery is the final resting place of many famous Chicagoans, and the grounds are filled with unique monuments, elaborate mausoleums, and unusual gravesites.
One of the best ways to explore the cemetery is by taking a self-guided audio tour. You can grab a map from the visitor center and use your phone to follow along with the tour.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in cemeteries, Graceland is worth visiting for the architecture, history, and peaceful atmosphere.
3. Take a Ghost Bus Tour
If you want to explore several haunted locations around Chicago in one night, check out the Ghost Bus Tour.
The tour takes you to multiple sites around the city while sharing stories about Chicago’s haunted history, paranormal activity, and some of the city’s more mysterious locations.
The Ghost Bus Tour was established by paranormal researcher Ursula Bielski, who has spent years researching Chicago’s supernatural history.
It’s a great option if you’re interested in Chicago’s ghost stories but don’t want to plan your own haunted itinerary. For anyone looking for spooky things to do in Chicago, this is a fun way to explore a different side of the city while learning about its paranormal history.
4. Woolly Mammoth: Spooky Things to Do in Chicago
Woolly Mammoth in Andersonville is technically a store, but it feels more like a museum.
Inside, you’ll find an incredible collection of taxidermy, bones, oddities, and other unusual items. There is so much to look at that you could easily spend quite a bit of time browsing the store.
The best part? It’s free to visit.
Woolly Mammoth is a great option if you’re looking for weird and unusual things to do in Chicago without spending a lot of money.
5. Have a Cocktail at Black Lagoon at Albion Manor
Looking for something a little less scary? Head to the Black Lagoon pop-up at Albion Manor.
This spooky cocktail experience returns to Chicago for the month of October and transforms the bar into a creepy, Halloween-inspired space.
You’ll find themed cocktails and a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for a fall night out.
6. Visit the Medieval Torture Museum
The Medieval Torture Museum is another unusual Chicago attraction that’s perfect for anyone who enjoys the darker side of history.
The museum explores the history of torture devices and punishments that were used for different crimes throughout history.
What makes this museum stand out is the number of interactive exhibits. Instead of simply walking through and looking at displays, you’ll find exhibits designed to give you a more immersive experience.
It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you’re fascinated by medieval history and the more disturbing parts of the past, this is one of the spooky things to do in Chicago worth checking out.
Final Thoughts on Spooky Things to Do in Chicago
If you’re searching for spooky things to do in Chicago, you don’t have to wait until Halloween night to get into the spirit. Chicago has creepy museums, historic cemeteries, oddity shops, and spooky pop-ups that you can enjoy throughout the year.
Make sure to check out my list of Unique Things to Do in Chicago