What are the most well - known northern illinois ghost stories?

The story of the haunted theater in Quincy is quite well - known. Actors and stagehands have reported seeing a man in old - fashioned clothes backstage. It's rumored to be a former actor who met an untimely death there. He's often seen just before a performance, as if he's still trying to take part in the shows.

The haunted bridge in Galena is another well - known story. Legend has it that if you cross the bridge at midnight, you might see a ghostly figure. Some locals believe it's the spirit of a person who met an untimely death near the bridge. There are also reports of strange noises coming from the bridge, like the creaking of old wood even when there is no wind.

The most well - known is probably the tale of the haunted cemetery in Rockford. There are reports of strange lights and shadowy figures moving among the tombstones at night. Some think these could be the spirits of those buried there who are not at rest.

The Mothman sightings in Illinois are quite well - known. It has become a part of the state's spooky folklore. People often talk about seeing this strange, winged being.

Another well - known story involves a local theater. Actors and stagehands have claimed to see the figure of a man in old - fashioned clothing backstage. It's said that this man was a playwright who died suddenly during a production many decades ago. His presence is often felt during rehearsals, and sometimes his voice can be faintly heard giving direction.

The haunted cabin story is quite well - known. There's a cabin in the woods of Northern Michigan where a family was brutally murdered years ago. Ever since, people who pass by at night say they can see the faint glow of a lantern inside the cabin, as if the killer is still there. And there are strange noises, like the sound of a struggle.

A very well - known one is the story of the Witch of the Lake. Supposedly, there's a lake in Northern Idaho where a witch was drowned centuries ago. Now, on moonlit nights, people claim to see a figure rising from the water, looking like a woman with long, wet hair and a tattered dress.

In some parts of northern Illinois, there are tales of phantom trains. These trains are said to appear out of nowhere, especially in areas where there were old railway lines. The trains are often described as being old - fashioned, with a dim light and a strange whistling sound. Some believe these are the ghosts of trains that had accidents in the past, still running their routes even in the afterlife.

There's a tale of a old theater in Western Illinois. Actors and stagehands have reported seeing a ghostly figure of a woman in a Victorian - era dress. She is often seen in the balcony, watching the performances as if she were still an audience member from long ago. Some think she was a famous actress who had a strong connection to the theater in her lifetime.

The story of the haunted First Unitarian Church is also well - known. The unexplained noises, like creaking sounds when no one is around, and the cold spots that seem to come out of nowhere are some of the things that make this place stand out in Alton's ghost lore. It's a place that has intrigued many who are interested in the paranormal.