Ghost Towns in Illinois
10 documented ghost towns
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History
Explore the ghost towns of Illinois.
All Ghost Towns
Bishop Hill
Bishop Hill was founded by Swedish religious dissenters led by Erik Jansson. The communal colony thrived until Jansson was murdered in 1850. Today, ab...
Cairo
Cairo was a prosperous river port at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi. Civil War and steamboat traffic made it boom. Racial strife and econo...
Cairo
Cairo (pronounced KAY-ro) was 'America's future'—Mark Twain called it 'a grave.' At the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi, it boomed to 15,000 pe...
Elsah
Elsah was a prosperous river town until the railroad bypassed it in favor of Alton. The town's economy collapsed, and most residents left. Because it ...
Gays
Gays is a near-ghost-town famous for one thing: the only two-story outhouse in America still standing. Built because the general store and the apartme...
Kaskaskia
Kaskaskia was the most important town in the Illinois Country and the first state capital. In 1881, the Mississippi River shifted its course, cutting ...
Kincaid
Kincaid was a model company town built by Peabody Coal. The company provided housing, stores, and services. Labor battles made Kincaid famous in union...
Nauvoo
Nauvoo was the early headquarters of the LDS Church under Joseph Smith. At 12,000 people, it rivaled Chicago in size. After Smith's murder in 1844, mo...
New Salem
New Salem was the village where Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years (1831-1837). The town died when the county seat moved to Petersburg. Today, ...
Old Shawneetown
Old Shawneetown was a major financial center and gateway to the Illinois Territory. Legend says it once refused a loan to the village of Chicago. The ...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ghost towns are in Illinois?
We have documented 10 ghost towns in Illinois. These range from completely abandoned mining camps to semi-inhabited historic settlements.
Are ghost towns in Illinois safe to visit?
Most ghost towns are safe to explore, but exercise caution. Watch for unstable structures, mine shafts, and wildlife. Some are on private property - always check access rules before visiting.
What should I bring when visiting ghost towns?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, sturdy shoes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Many ghost towns are in remote areas without cell service, so download offline maps.
Can I take artifacts from ghost towns?
No. Removing artifacts, bottles, or debris is illegal and destroys historical sites. Take only photos and leave only footprints.
What's the best time to visit ghost towns in Illinois?
Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring. Summer can be extremely hot in desert locations, while winter may make roads impassable.