Illinois boasts a plethora of attractions, from the vibrant metropolis of Chicago to the picturesque landscapes of the Shawnee National Forest. However, hidden among these gems are off-limits locations for security, safety, or preservation reasons, revealing a side of Illinois shrouded in mystery.
1. Joliet Correctional Center: A Prison’s Eerie Legacy
The Joliet Correctional Center, or Joliet Prison, once housed infamous criminals like John Wayne Gacy and Sam Giancana. Abandoned since 2002, trespassing is strictly prohibited. Despite its closure, urban explorers and paranormal investigators have documented its eerie ambiance and graffiti-covered cells.
2. Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie: Beauty and Danger Unveiled
Once a munitions plant, the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie invites the public for activities like hiking and wildlife viewing. However, marked areas with signs and fences are off-limits due to unexploded ordnance, emphasizing the hazards of entering these restricted zones.
3. The Gold Pyramid House: A Mystical Retreat Turned Private Fortress
Constructed in 1977, the Gold Pyramid House in Wadsworth, Illinois, once welcomed visitors but closed in 2016 after a fire. Now surrounded by fences and gates, the owners strictly prohibit entry, leaving only memories of its pyramid-shaped glory and golden exterior.
4. The Baha’i House of Worship: A Sanctuary with a Hidden Vault
The Baha’i House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, welcomes the public to marvel at its stunning architecture. Yet, the basement, containing a sacred relic of the Baha’i faith, remains off-limits to all but a few authorized individuals.
5. The Illinois State Capitol: Behind Closed Doors and Underground Tunnels
While the Illinois State Capitol offers public tours, certain areas, including the governor’s office, legislative chambers, and supreme court, are restricted. A secret underground tunnel connecting the capitol to the Stratton Office Building adds an air of mystery, rarely used and forgotten by many.
6. The Chicago Pedway: A Network of Secrets Beneath the Streets
The Chicago Pedway, connecting over 40 blocks in downtown Chicago, provides a public pathway. Yet, private passages leading to significant institutions like City Hall, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the Chicago Board of Trade remain secured, reserved for authorized personnel only.
7. The Abandoned Town of Cairo: A Ghostly Reminder of the Past
Cairo, at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, was once a thriving port city but has since become a ghost town. Though not officially closed to the public, the town, with its crumbling buildings and desolate streets, offers a somber reflection of a forgotten era best approached with caution.