6 Disturbing Cemeteries In Illinois That Will Give You Goosebumps

This small abandoned cemetery that has under one hundred plots is known as being the most haunted cemetery in all of Illinois. The cemetery was founded during the early 1800s, eventually falling into disrepair and becoming the victim of vandalism. Specifically during the 1970s, stories began coming out of visitors witnessing bizarre sights while exploring the cemetery.

Those who have visited and investigated Bachelor's Grove have seen an assortment of things, from floating orbs to a woman strolling through the property while holding a baby and even a man steering a horse-drawn plow!

Recognized as being one of the most haunted cemeteries you can visit in America, Greenwood Cemetery was established back in 1857. Before this time, the area was said to be burial grounds that were used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. Many chilling tales surround Greenwood, some say there's even a chair within the cemetery that allows you to make deals with the devil.

One of the stories you'll hear most frequently told when it comes to this terrifying cemetery is that of a weeping bride. Years ago, a young couple made plans to elope after their parents disapproved of their planned marriage. The couple was set to leave at night after the young man delivered his last case of alcohol as a bootlegger. Waiting for her fiancé, the young man would never arrive to meet his bride-to-be after being killed by a rival bootlegger. Full of sadness, the young girl threw herself into the river where her finance's body was tossed, taking her own life. Those who visit Greenwood today say that the young girl haunts the cemetery, full of tears and in her wedding dress which she was buried in.

Right in Cook County you can find a section of Woodlawn Cemetery that has both a fascinating yet chilling story behind its unusual headstones. Known as Showmen's Rest, this area of the cemetery is home to the mass grave of all those who were involved in the 1918 circus train crash, one of the worst train wrecks in history.

In June of 1918 after a conductor had fallen asleep on the job, the train he was operating ran into a circus train containing hundreds of people and immediately went up into flames. Nearly 90 people died in the crash and over a hundred others were severely injured. From clowns to trapeze artists, all types of performers from the circus were buried in a mass grave at Woodlawn Cemetery. Today, you can see elephant headstones and unusual markers that read "Unknown Male" or even "Baldy" due to the fact that many of the performers' names were unknown. Those who visit the cemetery speak of hearing the sounds of phantom elephants - creepy!

A spooky cemetery that has many local legends surrounding it, supposedly at this Effingham County burial spot you can find a horrifying werewolf that is said to live in the caves on the grounds. Some residents who have dared to visit this off-limits cemetery have even claimed there's a tombstone that if you put a penny on it facing heads up, when you return later it will be facing heads down. Yikes! The cemetery was established back in the mid 1800s and in recent years has remained heavily guarded by police to prevent vandalism, especially during our fall months.

Named after the first white settler in the area, Blood's Point Cemetery is an area filled with paranormal activity. Many of our residents are aware of the terrifying drive you can take down Bloods Point Road - are you brave enough to take that trip?

One of our most popular cemeteries to visit in Illinois, Graceland is home to some chilling spirits. The most well-known statue within the cemetery is commonly referred to as the Statue of Death or Eternal Silence, seen pictured above. Legend says that if you look into the eyes of the statue, which was created in 1909, you'll see how your life ends. Some who have visited the cemetery will also tell you that the statue's arm has been seen moving up and down. Yikes!

The other spirit that you'll often hear people talk about inside Graceland Cemetery is that of a six-year old girl named Inez Clarke. Struck by a lightning bolt, the parents of the young girl hired an artist to make a sculpture of their deceased daughter. To keep the statue safe from natural elements, it was placed in a plexiglass box, a sight that will easily catch your eye when you're visiting the cemetery. Today stories of the little girl's statue disappearing during thunderstorms are told, an all around creepy tale.