Chicagoland has one of the largest haunt scenes in the Midwest, with major attractions ringing the city from Lockport to Schiller Park and Aurora. This guide covers the haunted houses worth knowing about around Chicago for 2026, what kind of experience each one is, and how to plan your night. Opening weekends, hours, and ticket prices shift year to year, so always confirm the details on each attraction’s official site before you buy. Want the wider picture? Find haunted houses near you through our directory.

The best haunted houses around Chicago

HellsGate Haunted House — Lockport

On Canal Street in Lockport, southwest of the city, HellsGate is one of Chicagoland’s most talked-about haunts, built around an elaborate multi-level set. For 2026, HellsGate reports that it is joining forces with the cast and crew of Statesville Haunted Prison at a single location, so the two award-winning attractions share one site this season. It typically runs select nights from late September into early November, and past seasons have capped nightly tickets, so buying online early is wise. Confirm dates and tickets at hellsgate.com.

13th Floor Haunted House — Schiller Park

Off Des Plaines River Road in Schiller Park, near O’Hare, 13th Floor is a large indoor production haunt from a national operator, typically bundling multiple themed walk-throughs under one roof. Its close-in location makes it one of the easier major haunts to reach from the city. Confirm this season’s dates and tickets at 13thfloorchicago.com.

Basement of the Dead — Aurora

On New York Street in Aurora, west of Chicago, Basement of the Dead is a long-running attraction that typically runs two connected haunts, including a walk through the twisted corridors of an abandoned underground laboratory. It opens September 19 for 2026 and runs into early November. Confirm dates and tickets at basementofthedead.com.

More haunts around greater Chicago

• Midnight Terror in Oak Lawn is a well-regarded south-suburban haunt; confirm its current season directly on its official channels.
• The Old Joliet Haunted Prison staged popular haunts inside the historic Joliet prison in recent years, but news reports indicate its operator’s lease was not renewed for 2026 — check for an official announcement before planning a visit.
• Drive time matters. Chicagoland’s haunts are spread from the far southwest suburbs to the north and west — confirm the address and travel time before you buy.

What to expect at Chicago haunts

An indoor production haunt like 13th Floor is a very different night from a sprawling set-piece attraction like HellsGate or an outdoor-leaning haunt: the first is a tighter, climate-controlled walk-through, while the others lean on scale and atmosphere. If you are torn between an inside maze and an open-air haunt, our guide to indoor vs. outdoor haunted attractions breaks down the trade-offs. Most seasonal haunts around Chicago run from late September through early November, with the busiest nights on the weekends closest to Halloween.

Know before you go

• Buy tickets online in advance. The weekends before Halloween can sell out, and several Chicago haunts cap nightly attendance, so front-of-line upgrades often save the longest waits.
• Check the calendar. Many attractions open only on select nights, not daily — confirm the date you want is running.
• Dress for a Midwest fall. Evenings get cold by late October, and outdoor sections involve walking on uneven ground; wear closed-toe shoes and layers.
• Confirm prices and age guidance on each official site — these change season to season and vary by attraction.

Ready to plan your night? Find haunted houses near you or see whether haunted houses are worth it.