Chicago’s Dark Side Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s haunting past at your own pace. With engaging narration accessible via a mobile app, you’ll uncover chilling stories of ghost sightings and notorious crimes as you stroll along the Riverwalk. From the picturesque starting point to the infamous Congress Plaza Hotel, this tour promises a glimpse into Chicago’s dark history that history buffs and thrill-seekers alike won’t want to miss. What secrets might you uncover?
Tour Overview
The Chicago’s Dark Side Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour invites visitors to explore the city’s historic and haunted spots, including the Congress Plaza Hotel, known for its ghost stories and ties to serial killers.
The tour runs from December 28, 2022, to March 4, 2026, and is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
The tour runs from December 28, 2022, to March 4, 2026, and is available daily from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
It’s a self-guided tour accessed through a walking tour app, with guided stories of the haunted locations along the Riverwalk.
The tour starts at the Riverwalk and ends at the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center.
While it’s not wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed.
Meeting and End Points
The meeting point for the Chicago’s Dark Side Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour is the Riverwalk, located at Chicago, IL 60601, USA.
Participants will begin their eerie exploration of Chicago’s haunted history from this picturesque location along the river.
The tour culminates at the Congress Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, situated at 520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605, USA.
This historic hotel, known for its ghostly tales and serial killer connections, serves as the end point for the self-guided walking adventure.
The entire tour can be experienced at any time of day, from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM.
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Tour Features
This self-guided tour includes guided stories of haunted locations along the Riverwalk, allowing participants to explore Chicago’s dark and eerie past at their own pace.
The tour features engaging narration on the app, transporting you to the sites of infamous crimes and ghost sightings.
The app’s engaging narration transports you to the sites of Chicago’s infamous crimes and ghost sightings.
While food, drinks, and entrance tickets aren’t included, the tour is entirely outdoors, making it a flexible and accessible experience.
Though not wheelchair-accessible, the tour welcomes service animals.
Located near public transportation, this spine-tingling journey through Chicago’s macabre history is perfect for adventurous travelers.
Participant Information
For this self-guided tour, participants can expect a private experience, as only their group will be participating.
The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it’s not wheelchair accessible. However, service animals are allowed.
The tour is located near public transportation, making it convenient to access.
Groups of any size can take the tour, as it’s a private experience tailored to your group’s needs.
Whether you’re a solo traveler or a group of friends, this tour offers a unique and personalized way to explore the dark side of Chicago.
Haunted Spots Along the River Walk
As you embark on the Chicago’s Dark Side Walking Tour, you’ll uncover a host of haunted spots along the Riverwalk.
Venture past the Congress Plaza Hotel, rumored to house the ghost of a jilted bride who plunged to her death.
The ghost of a jilted bride who plunged to her death is said to haunt the Congress Plaza Hotel.
Stop at the Centennial Fountain, where the restless spirit of a young woman is said to lurk.
Amble through the shadows of Lower Wacker Drive, an eerie underworld where serial killers stalked their prey.
Throughout your journey, the tour’s engaging narration will transport you back in time, revealing the city’s darkest secrets and most chilling tales.
Exploring the Congress Plaza Hotel
The Congress Plaza Hotel stands as a testament to Chicago’s haunted history, beckoning tour participants to uncover its dark secrets. Built in 1893, the hotel has witnessed countless tales of ghostly encounters and serial killer lore.
Visitors can explore the iconic lobby, where rumors of lingering spirits persist. The hotel’s storied past includes reports of unexplained noises, moving objects, and apparitions in guest rooms.
As the tour winds through the Congress Plaza, you will learn about the hotel’s haunted reputation and the unsettling events that have contributed to its macabre legacy. An eerie stop on the walk, the hotel offers a chilling glimpse into Chicago’s darker side.
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Uncovering Chicago’s Dark History
Chicago’s rich history extends beyond its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, revealing a darker underbelly that captivates the curious. From unsolved murders to paranormal encounters, the city’s past is steeped in mystery and intrigue. Uncover the chilling stories behind the city’s most notorious sites, like the Congress Plaza Hotel, where reports of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena abound. Explore the city’s ties to infamous serial killers, uncovering the dark legacies that still haunt the streets. Prepare to be captivated by Chicago’s macabre history as you explore the city’s sinister side.
| Notorious Locations | Infamous Figures | Paranormal Phenomena |
| — | — | — |
| Congress Plaza Hotel | H.H. Holmes | Ghostly Sightings |
| Eastland Disaster Site | John Wayne Gacy | Unexplained Sounds |
| Hull House | Richard Speck | Electromagnetic Disturbances |
| Resurrection Mary Sightings | Daniel Burnham | Unexplained Disappearances |
What to Expect on the Tour
What can visitors expect on Chicago’s Dark Side Walking Tour? The self-guided smartphone tour takes participants on a spooky journey through Chicago’s haunted history.
Along the scenic Riverwalk, the app provides chilling narratives about:
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The Congress Plaza Hotel, infamous for reports of ghostly encounters and disturbing tales of serial killers.
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Eerie alleyways and shadowy corners where unsavory characters once lurked.
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Riverfront landmarks with dark pasts, from unsolved murders to unexplained phenomena.
Explorers can enjoy Chicago’s macabre past at their own pace, with engaging audio descriptions bringing the city’s grim legends to life.
The Sum Up
The Chicago’s Dark Side Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour offers a chilling exploration of the city’s haunting past. With captivating narration and a self-paced journey along the Riverwalk, participants can uncover the grim stories and notorious crimes that have shaped Chicago’s history. Whether you’re a history buff or thrill-seeker, this tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience.
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