Illinois, a state rich in industrial history and rural charm, is also home to numerous abandoned places that reflect its diverse past. From decaying industrial sites to forgotten schools and hospitals, these locations offer a haunting glimpse into the state’s history. Here are 10 of the most captivating abandoned places in Illinois, perfect for urban explorers and history enthusiasts alike.
1. Cairo (Cairo, Illinois)
Cairo is often referred to as a ghost town in southern Illinois. Once a bustling river city at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, Cairo experienced a sharp decline due to economic struggles and racial tensions in the mid-20th century. Today, many buildings in the downtown area are abandoned, with crumbling facades and empty streets offering a haunting glimpse of a town lost in time.
2. Old Joliet Prison (Joliet, Illinois)
Old Joliet Prison, built in 1858, is one of the most iconic abandoned structures in Illinois. Once a maximum-security prison, it housed notorious criminals for over a century before closing in 2002. The decaying stone walls, rusting cell bars, and overgrown grounds make it a favorite for history buffs and urban explorers. The prison’s eerie atmosphere and dark history have also made it a popular filming location, featured in The Blues Brothers.
3. Peoria State Hospital (Bartonville, Illinois)
The Peoria State Hospital opened in 1902 as a facility for the mentally ill and operated for nearly 70 years before closing in the 1970s. The hospital's abandoned buildings, including the iconic Bowen Building, are said to be haunted, with many reports of paranormal activity. The peeling paint, empty patient wards, and overgrown courtyards make it one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in Illinois.
4. Manteno State Hospital (Manteno, Illinois)
Opened in 1929, Manteno State Hospital was once a large psychiatric facility. The hospital was eventually closed in the 1980s, and many of its buildings have been left to decay. Abandoned patient wards, crumbling buildings, and eerie hallways create a haunting atmosphere. Parts of the hospital have been repurposed, but much of the site remains untouched and overgrown.
5. Lincoln Way North High School (Frankfort, Illinois)
Lincoln Way North High School was opened in 2008 but closed just eight years later due to budget cuts. The school, which is still in near-perfect condition, sits abandoned with desks, books, and lockers left untouched. Walking through the hallways of this modern yet empty school provides a surreal experience, especially as it remains in such pristine condition compared to older abandoned sites.
6. Ashmore Estates (Ashmore, Illinois)
Originally built as an almshouse in 1916, Ashmore Estates later became a psychiatric hospital in the 1950s. The facility closed in the 1980s and has since become one of the most infamous abandoned places in Illinois, known for its alleged paranormal activity. The decaying building, with its empty halls and eerie atmosphere, has attracted ghost hunters and urban explorers alike.
7. Chicago’s Damen Silos (Chicago, Illinois)
Located along the Chicago River, the Damen Silos were once part of the city’s grain storage network. Abandoned in the 1970s, the massive concrete structures are now covered in graffiti, and the surrounding grounds are overgrown. The silos’ industrial decay and panoramic views of the Chicago skyline make it a popular spot for urban explorers, though the site is technically off-limits.
8. The Mineola Hotel (Fox Lake, Illinois)
Built in 1884, the Mineola Hotel was once a grand resort that attracted visitors from across the Midwest. The hotel has been abandoned for decades, with its decaying wooden structure and broken windows creating an eerie atmosphere. The building, located on the shores of Fox Lake, is slowly falling apart, but its rich history and ghostly appearance still draw attention from those fascinated by abandoned hotels.
9. Rock Island County Courthouse (Rock Island, Illinois)
The Rock Island County Courthouse, built in 1897, was closed in 2018 and has since been abandoned. The historic building, with its grand architecture, now sits empty, awaiting either restoration or demolition. The courthouse’s empty courtrooms and decaying interior offer a haunting look at a once-bustling center of law and justice in Illinois.
10. Camp Grant (Rockford, Illinois)
Camp Grant was a military training facility during World War I and World War II. While much of the camp has been redeveloped, remnants of the original buildings, including barracks and warehouses, still stand abandoned. The crumbling remains of the camp, along with its military history, make it a fascinating site for history enthusiasts and urban explorers alike.
Conclusion
Illinois is home to a rich array of abandoned places, each with its own unique history and haunting beauty. From forgotten hospitals and schools to decaying industrial sites and ghost towns, these locations offer a captivating journey into the past. As always, it’s important to prioritize safety and respect property laws when visiting these abandoned sites, as many are dangerous or off-limits. For those who explore responsibly, Illinois’ abandoned places provide an unforgettable adventure into the forgotten corners of the state’s history.
