Ghost Walk · Woodstock, Illinois

Woodstock Ghost Walk

This town has a lot more than just Groundhog Day. Secrets, ghost stories, exorcisms, and a whole lot more spooky fun await you.

Duration

90 Minutes

Min Age

13+

Departs

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM

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The most famous resident of the jail in Woodstock's historic courthouse was convicted murderer James Dacey. He was imprisoned in a basement cell, tried in the courtroom above, and then hung outside on a gallows platform made specially for this singular event. According to newspaper accounts, for the two years Dacey awaited his execution, he often howled throughout the night, waking town residents. Although Dacey was finally executed on July, 22nd 1886, some say he never really left.

Expect to learn more about the paranormal happenings and ghost sightings at the Old Courthouse, the Classic Cinemas Woodstock Theatre, the Main Street PourHouse and many other popular spots.

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What To Expect

Guide

Expert Paranormal Guide

Departs

Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 PM

Difficulty

Easy/Moderate

Price

$35.08 / adult

The Woodstock Ghost Walk was developed by paranormal researcher Allison Jornlin with help from original Woodstock ghost tour host and magician Joe Diamond. Painstaking research was conducted on location with trips to local archives and interviews with business owners and experiencers to provide the most accurate and fascinating haunted history in addition to stories you can't find anywhere else! Your Woodstock guide is not only a fantastic storyteller but also a paranormal enthusiast with a history of ghost hunting, so you'll be in good hands when you hit the town.

Tour Highlights

▸Learn the truth about Woodstock's most famous ghost.
▸Stay informed about local high strangeness from UFOs reports to the Bull Valley Monster legend to the strange tale of a sidewalk exorcism.
▸Hear strange, but true tales from the lives of famous entertainers who got their start in Woodstock like Orson Welles and Ed Asner.
▸See where notorious murderer James Dacey was executed and his ghostly presence lingers.

Itinerary

Meet your guide at Starbucks — 129 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098.

1
Woodstock Opera House
Start at Woodstock's supposed most haunted spot. Get the real story and meet Elvira.
2
Liquid Blues
Who is the paranormal practical joker here that still seems to be loving life from the great beyond?
3
Town Square Park
Made famous as the center of festivities in the classic film comedy Groundhog Day, the grounds were once the known for the medicinal waters of the underground spring that lies beneath. This popular meeting spot since ancient times serves as a charming backdrop for weird local tales.
4
Down2Earth
The resident spirit at this New Age shop may be helping to carry on an age-old family tradition
5
And much, much more...

Important Info

▸Ample parking is available near the town square.
▸This tour runs rain or shine, so please dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
▸Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. But we will reschedule you if you have an emergency.
▸Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don't need their assistance.

Meeting Point

Meets in front of Starbucks (129 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Woodstock Ghost Walk?+

The Woodstock Ghost Walk is a 90-minute guided tour exploring the haunted history of Woodstock, Illinois. Led by expert paranormal guides, it features stories of local hauntings, true crime, and supernatural encounters at historic sites like the Old Courthouse, Woodstock Theatre, and Town Square.

How long is the tour and when does it run?+

The Woodstock Ghost Walk lasts approximately 90 minutes and runs on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. The experience combines storytelling, local history, and real paranormal research for an engaging night walk through downtown Woodstock.

Where does the tour meet?+

The tour meets in front of Starbucks at 129 W Van Buren St, Woodstock, IL 60098, near the historic Town Square. Parking is readily available in the nearby lots, and it's recommended to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in.

Is the tour scary?+

The experience is more spooky and atmospheric than terrifying. It blends fascinating local history with real ghost stories, eerie legends, and mysterious happenings. While it's designed to give you chills, it's suitable for most guests ages 13 and up.

Who leads the tour?+

We do our best to answer calls and emails as promptly as they are received. Please make sure to leave a voicemail with the city and tour time. We try to accommodate travel and weather issues, but our public tours cannot wait for more than 10 minutes. Reschedules are available if the date you are interested in is not sold out.

What should I bring or wear?+

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour operates rain or shine. Bring a light jacket for cool evenings, and feel free to bring a camera—you never know what you might capture!

Can I bring children on the tour?+

Due to mature themes and nighttime settings, the minimum recommended age is 13 years old. Parents may use their discretion, but the stories and atmosphere are best suited for teens and adults.

Are pets allowed on the tour?+

Service animals are always welcome. However, for liability reasons, non-service pets should remain at home. This ensures the safety and comfort of all guests during the walk.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?+

The route is considered easy to moderate, with some uneven sidewalks and short walking distances between stops. Guests with limited mobility may wish to contact the organizers in advance to confirm accessibility details.

What makes this ghost walk unique?+

This tour is based on in-depth local research, using historical records, eyewitness accounts, and archives. Many of the stories and haunted locations featured—like the Dacey hanging site and the PourHouse tavern—are exclusive to this experience and can't be found elsewhere.

What happens if it rains or I need to cancel?+

The Woodstock Ghost Walk runs rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately. Because of limited tour capacity, all sales are final, but rescheduling is available in case of emergencies.