The Best Abandoned Places in Illinois
A crumbling observatory, haunted psychiatric hospitals, and an estate with a storied past are just a few of the most interesting abandoned spots in Illinois.
Table of Contents
- Abandoned towns in Illinois
- Abandoned hospitals in Illinois
- Interesting abandoned places in Illinois
- Tips for exploring Illinois’ abandoned places
- FAQ
Load full table of contents
From a haunted bridge to ghost towns, here are some of the most interesting—and creepy—abandoned spots
Illinois
has to offer.- Illinois is home to a number of interesting ghost towns and abandoned buildings.
- Many Illinois abandoned places are open to visitors.
- Always check ownership and regulations before visiting an abandoned place.
- Illinois is home to a number of interesting ghost towns and abandoned buildings.
- Many Illinois abandoned places are open to visitors.
- Always check ownership and regulations before visiting an abandoned place.
Abandoned towns in Illinois
Cahokia Mounds
Location: Collinsville
Abandoned since: 1350
Is it legal to go in? Yes, it’s a historic site
Cost: Donations suggested
The
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
is actually a preserved prehistoric Native American civilization. Cahokia was the largest pre-Columbian settlement in the United States, and it was a major hub of culture and religion until it was abandoned for unknown reasons in the early fourteenth century. Audio tours are available as you visit the grounds, which include:
- Museum
- Interpretive center
- Gift shop
Vishnu Springs
Location: Colchester, McDonough County
Abandoned since: 1982
Is it legal to go in? With permission
Cost: Free
Named after the Hindu god Vishnu, Vishnu Springs was the site of a natural spring said to have miraculous water. Groups flocked to the area throughout the 1880s to drink from the spring, reporting that the water healed an array of physical and psychological maladies.
Nothing currently remains of the town except a hotel, which is now the heart of the
Ira and Reatha T. Post Wildlife Sanctuary
owned by Western Illinois University. Kaskaskia
Location: Kaskaskia Island, Randolph County
Abandoned since: Technically, it’s not—18 residents still live there
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Cost: Free
The former state capital of Illinois, Kaskaskia was a trading town that grew to prominence in the 1800s. The island is inaccessible unless you travel by boat or own a truck that can handle several feet of water.
Flooding has been a constant threat for this town, and much of it was destroyed in 1881. Many original inhabitants have left the island in search of an easier way of life—but those residents who remain (all 18 of them) are resilient.
MORE: How to check for Illinois road closures
Abandoned hospitals in Illinois
Manteno State Hospital
Location: Manteno Township, Kankakee County
Abandoned since: 1985
Is it legal to go in? No
Cost: N/A
Said to be one of the most haunted places in all of Illinois, Manteno State Hospital was a psychiatric hospital that opened in 1930. Unlike the other psychiatric hospitals of that era, Manteno was a large, nourishing community for patients—until typhoid, inhumane experiments, and vicious treatments took over.
Once one of the largest hospitals of its kind in the world, very few of the original structures remain today.
Peoria State Hospital
Location: Bartonville
Abandoned since: 1973
Is it legal to go in? With a tour
Cost: Varies
Originally called the Illinois Asylum for the Incurable Insane (and commonly referred to as the Peoria/Bartonville Asylum), the Peoria State Hospital operated from 1902 to 1973.
Peoria State Hospital
is said to have been haunted—especially in the old cemetery where patients were buried. While the cemetery and 12 of the original buildings remain, much of the campus’s 63 buildings—including the iconic castle-like building—have since been demolished or turned to ruin. Ink Well Production Studios has a museum on the grounds and will soon offer history and paranormal
tours
in an effort to restore the historic site. MORE: The best road trips in Illinois
Interesting abandoned places in Illinois
Hello Peoria Building
Location: Peoria
Abandoned since: 1968
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Cost: Free
The Hello Peoria building is known for its massive art murals that welcome folks entering the city. The “building” is actually a cluster of several buildings, all crumbling and abandoned—until artists reclaimed the area to give the edifices an aesthetic upgrade.
The murals throughout these buildings have been transformed many times by local artists and university students over the years, but the art doesn’t stop at the walls. Even the parking lot and alleys contain sculptures, benches, and unique pieces of artistry.
Prairie Observatory
Location: Oakland, Illinois
Abandoned since: 1980s
Is it legal to go in? No
Cost: N/A
The Prairie Observatory used to be the spot for local astronomy students to stargaze without city light pollution. The observatory was opened by the University of Illinois in the 1960s and had state-of-the-art equipment for its time.
When the observatory’s 40-inch telescope was moved to an observatory in San Diego in 1981, the Prairie Observatory closed and has been abandoned ever since. While you cannot enter or walk up to the building, you might be able to
hike around it
. Ashmore Estates
Location: Ashmore
Abandoned since: 1989
Is it legal to go in? Yes
Cost: Varies
From 1857 to 1869,
Ashmore Estates
was the Coles County Poor Farm, which was home to around 250 residents. The almshouse was turned into a psychiatric hospital in 1959 and remained open until 1989.In 2006, Ashmore Estates was purchased and turned into a haunted house, which continues to this day. The house is also the site of
- Paranormal investigations
- Bunkhouse overnight stays
- Ghost tours
Tips for exploring Illinois’ abandoned places
- Double- check ownership and regulations before visiting: Always ask permission to visit if necessary.
- Dress appropriately: Wear safe and comfortable clothing
- Leave no trace: Do not leave anything at or take anything from a site.
- Don’t go alone: If that’s not an option, share your location with a friend or family member.
- Bring protective gear: A face mask and/or gloves may be appropriate for some locations.
When exploring abandoned places, be courteous, safe, and respectful. Don’t take any unnecessary risks—physical or legal.
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Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?
It’s illegal to enter a privately-owned abandoned place without direct permission, but a few abandoned places are open to the public for exploration. Always check the ownership and regulations of an abandoned place before trying to visit.
Is it illegal to visit abandoned places?
That depends. It’s illegal to enter a privately-owned abandoned spot without direct permission, but a few abandoned spots—like the Hello Peoria building—are open to the public for exploration. Play it safe and always check the ownership and regulations of an abandoned place before trying to visit.
