These Haunted Alton Illinois Landmarks Are Perfect for a Fall Road Trip

It's known as the birthplace and final resting place of Robert Wadlow, the world's tallest man. It's also where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held their final debate. But every fall, another reputation takes center stage.

Tour Alton, Illinois...One of the Most Haunted Towns in America

A town of about 25,000, Alton has earned its title for many reasons, and it's why visitors include Alton Hauntings Ghost Tours on their pre-Halloween itineraries.

We'll start with The First Unitarian Church, one of the stops on the tour and what riversandroutes.com labels as "extremely haunted." But why?

First Unitarian Church of Alton

Reportedly haunted by a young preacher who was discovered hanging in the minister's study doorway by his good friend after friends hadn't heard from him for several days, the First Unitarian Church of Alton has been the subject of reports of shadowy figures, voices from the basement, and a piano that plays by itself. It's considered one of the most actively haunted churches in the region.

Mineral Springs Hotel

Multiple tragic deaths, a subterranean swimming pool, and a series of industrial accidents have contributed to the folklore surrounding the hauntings at Alton's Mineral Springs Hotel.

Enos Apartments

This apartment building was once a station on the Underground Railroad. Over the years, tenants reportedly moved out abruptly after claiming to see apparitions. The building also features an underground limestone room where runaway slaves were hidden. This clip about Alton begins with Enos Apartments.

The Old Alton Confederate Prison

Considered one of the Midwest's most haunted locations, this old prison, which opened in 1833, has been the subject of multiple reports of other-worldly activity. Folks are said to have seen ghostly Civil War-era figures. Some have heard weeping, blood-curdling screams, and the sounds of marching. Author Troy Taylor profiled the prison for PBS 14 years ago.

American Oddities Museum

By the way, Troy Taylor is also the owner of Alton's American Oddities Museum, a wonderful tourist destination all by itself. Mysterious antiques, true crime, spirit boards, haunted objects, sideshow oddities, and more. This museum rewards an extended visit, but understand that it's only open on the weekends, meaning that's when you should schedule your tour.

Alton Hauntings is still booking summer tours, but maybe you'd rather wait until there's a gothic chill in the air come October.