Rockford’s spookiest spots: 10 haunted places to explore

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — With its deep industrial roots and historic architecture, Rockford, Illinois, has long been the subject of numerous spooky legends ghost stories.

From shadowy figures in century-old mansions to eerie sounds in forgotten basements, the city offers no shortage of places that raise the hair on the back of your neck.

Whether you’re an investigator or just looking for a thrill, here are the 10 spookiest places in the Forest City.

1. Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum & Gardens
411 Kent St., Rockford
This Victorian mansion perched on a limestone bluff is a favorite among paranormal investigators. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, footsteps in empty rooms and seeing figures in period clothing. Staff say that on occasion, pennies will mysteriously drop from the ceiling. The site has been featured on national ghost-hunting shows and hosts regular events.

2. Veterans Memorial Hall
211 N. Main St., Rockford
Built in 1903, this historic hall has a reputation for unexplained activity. Visitors have reported seeing a woman in a long gown descend the stairs and vanish into the basement—only to learn later that no one else was in the building.

3. Coronado Theatre
314 N. Main St., Rockford
The ornate theater is known for what have been described as strange sounds and flickering lights during rehearsals and late-night tours. Some say a figure that appears to be wearing a long white dress or robe is sometimes seen in the theater and near the parking deck across the street.

4. Maddox Theatre at Rockford University
5050 E. State St., Rockford
According to legend, the Maddox Theatre has been the site of unexplained happenings for many years. People have reported seeing unexplained shadows and lights flickering in backstage dressing rooms. A bell in the prop room reportedly chimes on its own, and a visitors have reported seeing a mysterious face in various areas of the building.

5. Barnes Mansion (Burpee Museum)
737 N. Main St., Rockford
Part of the Burpee Museum, this 1893 mansion has a history of eerie sightings. Some claim to have seen a woman in early 20th-century attire in the windows, and music has been heard playing with no source.

6. Briggs Mansion
East State and Ninth Streets, Rockford
One of Rockford’s oldest homes, the Briggs Mansion is reportedly home to the sound of a child bouncing a ball down the stairs—despite no toys being present.

7. Haskell Park
Court Street, Rockford
The site of a 19th-century murder, some Rockford residents believe Haskell Park is home to faceless figures and unexplained shadows. Locals say the Court Street side is especially active after dark.

8. Macktown Forest Preserve
2221 Freeport Road, Rockton
Nestled at the confluence of the Rock and Pecatonica Rivers, Macktown Forest Preserve is more than just a scenic retreat—it’s a site steeped in history and mystery. Founded in the 1830s by fur trader Stephen Mack Jr., the area includes restored buildings like the Mack home and Whitman Trading Post, now part of a National Historic District. Visitors and volunteers have reported unexplained sounds, fleeting shadows, and a sense of being watched near the original homestead. Some attribute the activity to the lingering presence of the Mack family, whose remains were moved multiple times before being reinterred just feet from their former home.

9. Bloods Point Road
Boone County
Just outside Rockford, this rural stretch is infamous for urban legends involving phantom vehicles and eerie roadside sightings. It’s a favorite among late-night thrill-seekers.

10. Rockford’s Ethnic Heritage Museum
1129 S. Main St.
This South Rockford museum celebrates the city’s rich cultural roots, but it’s also home to some unexplained activity. Visitors have claimed they’ve heard voices, seen shadows move through empty rooms, and experienced sudden temperature drops. The museum, along with the adjacent Graham-Ginestra House, has hosted multiple paranormal investigations, including events by Haunted Rockford.

What did we miss? Let us know.