Seven of Chicago’s Most Popular Haunted Locations

By Teodora Marinescu and Elizabeth Stalter

Chicago is famously known for its sports teams, deep dish pizza, great hot dogs and fascinating architecture. However, the city is also home to an array of paranormal myths and legends that envelop it in a veil of mystery and darkness.

In 2012 USA Today ranked Chicago among the most haunted cities in the United States. While every city has its own paranormal folklore, the Windy City’s dark past, filled with catastrophic events such as the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Eastland Disaster, murderous mob wars and the horrendous crimes of serial killer H.H. Holmes, sets it apart.

“Chicago is one of those cities that has experienced an extraordinary amount of tragedy, which leads people to believe that the city itself is cursed,” said Rick Hale, a paranormal author and psychical researcher based in Chicago.
“You have the World Fair which saw a lot of death, and of course you have the fire which basically destroyed the entire city. So I think that you have a mixture of things that has created the perfect storm, paranormally speaking.”, he said.

Top Ten Study Spots in Chicago

With midterms right around the corner, I thought it would be a good idea to compile a map with what I believe to be the best, most inviting places where you can get some work done, because sometimes, being at home just proves to be so distracting. In my opinion, the ideal place to study has a warm and quiet atmosphere, has comfortable seating, is aesthetically pleasing and provides motivational incentives, such as delicious treats, interesting books, or beautifully decorated rooms.

Chicago is full of hidden gems when it comes to interesting and relaxing places to post up and get some work done. In my extensive search for the perfect study spot I came across many interesting cafes, community centers and libraries. The map below shows ten of my favorite cafes and libraries around Chicago where I know I can always go and focus on my work.

I hope this map will help other students escape the boredom and unproductive atmosphere of the four walls of their bedroom and that maybe they will find even more exciting places to add to the list.