The Devil in the White City Bus Tour

Chicago, Illinois

The Devil in the White City Bus Tour

Chicago, Illinois

Duration: 3 hours

Overview

Explore the dark underbelly of Victorian-era Chicago on the Devil in the White City Bus Tour, the original and unparalleled journey into the chilling world of H.H. Holmes and the infamous Murder Castle. Inspired by Erik Larson's captivating book, this tour unearths the secrets of the Great Fire's origin, ventures through the Prairie Avenue historic district, and delves into the eerie history of the World's Fairgrounds.

🔍 Step into the sinister world of H.H. Holmes and the chilling events of Victorian-era Chicago

🏛️ Visit locations of historical intrigue, including the Great Fire's origin site, Prairie Avenue historic district, and the World's Fairgrounds

🏨 Uncover the shocking secrets of H.H. Holmes, America's first serial killer

📚 Led by the tour creator, who literally wrote the book on hauntings connected to H.H. Holmes and The Devil in the White City

Availability

When do I choose a date?

After purchase, you can request your preferred dates and times by following the instructions in the email you receive. If it's a gift, the recipient will also get an email with booking instructions.

Seasonal,
May and October:
One Saturday a month at 2:00pm

Full description

Led by the tour's creator, who penned the definitive book on H.H. Holmes and The Devil in the White City, this spine-tingling experience promises an unforgettable excursion into the city's sinister past.

Sample Itinerary

Congress Plaza Hotel: One of the city’s most haunted locations, it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink before or after the tour.
Glessner House: A National Historic Landmark, the famous architect is said to still roam the halls of his masterpiece.
Museum of Science and Industry: The last building standing from the 1893 Columbian Exposition at the World's Fair features strange ghosts from a sailor that never came ashore from the captured German U-Boat to a little girl in one of the staircases, to perhaps the Devil In The White City himself.
Jackson Park Lagoon: Walk the World's Fairgrounds. Also, Clarence Darrow's ashes, famous lawyer from the Scopes Monkey Trial (the basis behind the play and film Inherit The Wind), are scattered in this lagoon, so you'll never guess the spirit that people see wandering near this beautiful site...
Fountain Of Time: One of Chicago's most significant artistic masterpieces, this haunting and stunning 126-foot long sculpture was the brainchild of Lorado Taft and it was completed in 1922.
The former site of the Murder Castle: The former killing grounds of H.H. Holmes, the Murder Castle was the building that he designed to his malignant specifications, a place of traps, sorrow, and no return.
Union Stockyards Gate: This massive limestone gate heralds a time when Chicago was the meatpacking capital of the world, notably memorialized in Upton Sinclair's famous account
The Jungle: This perfect photo spot also features the city's memorial to its brave firefighters.

Practical information

Any restrictions to participate?

Age: Recommended for 12+. If under 18 years old, participants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Who can you accommodate for?

Children: While tours do not contain anything too graphic or inappropriate, we find that kids that enjoy history have the best time. You know your children best and that's left up to you. We do not recommend bringing children in strollers because sometimes that can be difficult with larger walking groups. All participants must pay to join, children included.
Individuals with disabilities: Service animals are welcome, however, the bus is not wheelchair accessible.
Pets: Sorry, no pets allowed.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

Duration: 3 Hours
What’s included:
- Expert paranormal guide
- Fully-narrated, haunted history bus tour
- Several stops off the bus at some of Chicago’s most haunted locations
Who will be present: Your expert guide and up to 50 participants.
Spectators: No spectators are allowed, everyone must have a ticket.
Photo/ video: You may take your own photos.

How to prepare?

Weather dependency: Rain or shine, the experience will be running.
Arrival: Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Parking: It is recommended to use the SpotHero parking app to help find parking near the Congress Plaza Hotel.
What to wear: Comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for weather conditions.
What to bring: Camera and bottle of water.
Gratuity: Gratuity for your guide is greatly appreciated if you enjoy the tour. $6-$8 per person is suggested.
Restrooms: There is a restroom available on the bus.

Returns, exchanges and cancellation

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 30 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule in the case of an emergency, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows mean losing the value of your experience.