murder hotel chicago tour

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Serial Killer H.H. Holmes' Infamous Hotel Met A Mysterious End

History's new documentary series American Ripper dives into the bloody history of H.H. Holmes. The Chicago serial killer is infamous not just for the multiple murders he confessed to committing (the actual total is probably higher), but the resources he dedicated to conning and then killing his victims. The tricked-out hotel he had built for the purpose of more easily satiating his urges probably saw more mayhem and murder than any other travel accommodations, but could the morbidly curious still spend a night at the "murder castle"? If you dared, could you visit H.H. Holmes' hotel and see the site of an undetermined number of deaths?

Those interested in taking a haunted tour of the base of Chicago's most infamous serial killer will be disappointed to learn that Holmes' hotel is no longer standing. According to The Chicagoist, an aspiring entrepreneur purchased the building after Holmes was hanged for murder, intending to make it into a tourist attraction. "On Aug. 19 [1896] at 12:13 a.m., a railroad night watchman spotted flames coming through the Castle's roof," the piece reads. "Seconds later, explosions blew out the first-floor windows, and the fire was out of control by the time help arrived. 90 minutes after the fire was reported, the roof had collapsed and most of the building demolished ." The source of the fire was not determined, though it's possible that some neighbors may have rather seen the building destroyed than turned into a circus.

While the building where Holmes committed his most atrocious crimes has fallen, a new building has been erected in its spot. If you choose to walk onto these possibly haunted grounds, you'll be able to do so during regular business hours. You can even buy stamps while you're there.

That's right – The only building that still exists on the land where H.H. Holmes built his modern dungeon is the Englewood Post Office . While most of the area formerly occupied by the Murder Castle is now overtaken by grass and foliage, the post office erected on its land serves as the closest thing to a H. H. Holmes landmark. What was once a place of isolation and death is now the home of helpful USPS staff members, P.O. boxes, and medium-sized wait lines.

Despite the unassuming nature of the post office, its loose affiliation with the Holmes "murder castle" has turned it into a makeshift tourist attraction. While the ground it sits on is probably considered by some to be a prime location for multiple hauntings, it seems that this establishment provides more services than scares. The post office's Yelp page provides far more insight into the quality of the post office itself (free street parking!) than reports of hauntings or relics from Holmes' time on the site.

While the post office has absolutely no affiliation with Holmes and features no official acknowledgement of the site's bloody history, the address itself is still a popular destination for everything from Chicago walking tours to investigators of the morbid and paranormal . While Holmes likely never intended for his "murder castle" to become a government building, there is one detail about the site that reveals something about the building that used to stand there.

While the Englewood post office only takes up part of it, the castle itself took up the entire block and was also three stories high. So if you visit, you can compare the building that currently stands there to the comparatively massive scope of Holmes' hotel. It just so happens that you can also send a package while you're there.

Discover Chicago's Secrets with Magnifico Tours

At Magnifico Tours, we’ve reimagined Chicago exploration, intertwining the city’s mysteries and tales into our adventures. While our specialty lies in crafting detective intrigue within our Chicago Walking Tours, we embrace the rich tapestry that is Chicago’s history, from its notorious gangsters to its spectral legends, and from its architectural marvels to its vibrant cultural districts like Old Town.

The Chicago Murder Mystery Tour invites you to step into a detective’s shoes, solving mysteries as you navigate the city’s landmarks. And alongside the sleuthing adventure, our Private Chicago Magnifico Tour offers a unique Spanish-language journey through Chicago’s cultural wonders.

With Magnifico, every tour is a story, every moment a clue in the grand narrative of Chicago.

Our Chicago Walking Tours

The Chicago Murder Mystery Tour

Embark on a thrilling journey through Chicago’s Gold Coast with our Chicago Walking Tours. Not only will you delve into the city’s mysteries and legends from Al Capone to the Playboy Mansion. A must-experience for every true-crime aficionado.

Schedule: Daily

Start Time: 2 PM, 4:30 PM, 7 PM

Language: English

Duration: 2 Hours

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The Private Chicago Magnifico Tour

Embark on a 2-hour journey through Chicago’s vibrant history with our expert guides. Dive into tales of Al Capone, architectural wonders, and our city’s rich Latin culture. Spoiler Alert: You’ll also get to know where NOT get Deep Dish Pizza!

Start Time: Customizable

Language: Spanish

Duration: Customizable

Testimonials

Our guests often find themselves immersed in the rich and varied tales of Chicago, exploring narratives that span from the spectral to the criminal, from the architectural to the historical. Whether it’s the allure of Chicago Gangster Tours, the spine-chilling tales reminiscent of Chicago Ghost Tours, or the architectural marvels that might be explored in a Chicago Architecture Tour, our adventures touch upon diverse threads of stories that make up the fabric of the city.

Mi parte favorita fueron las historias.

Muchas Gracias!

It’s the highlight of our trip to Chicago.

This tour was amazing.

Excellent fun!

Why You Should Go For Magnifico Tours

Our tours, while specializing in mystery and detective-themed experiences, also provide glimpses into other fascinating aspects of Chicago. Whether it’s the notorious past explored in Chicago Gangster Tours, the spectral stories you might find in Chicago Haunted Tours, or the architectural wonders celebrated in Chicago Architecture Tours, Magnifico ensures a rich and varied exploration of the city

Expert Guides

Our guides are Chicago enthusiasts and history buffs, blending historical knowledge with local insight.

Immersive Tours

Immerse yourself in an intriguing experience blending historical facts with captivating storytelling.

Exclusive Access

Our tours enter places not accessible to the general public so you can experience gems of Chicago.

Customizable

Personalize your journey! Tailor the tour to fit your unique interests and comfort level.

Inclusive Fun

Everyone – families, couples, friends, and solo travelers – is welcome for a memorable experience.

All-Weather

Regardless of rain or shine, our tours proceed. Plus, we offer easy rescheduling options.

Whether you’re exploring the city on foot with our Chicago Walking Tours, delving into the city’s notorious criminal past akin to Chicago Gangster Tours, or exploring the spectral stories similar to those in Chicago Ghost Tours, we ensure your adventures with Magnifico Tours are seamless and memorable. Find answers to common queries below, and prepare to step into the multifaceted stories of Chicago with us.

The closest parking garage to the Murder Mystery tour is located at 110 E Pearson St. And for the Magnifico Chicago Private Tour, the closest parking can be found at 505 N Michigan Ave.

Yes, it is a walking experience! The Chicago Murder Mystery is an interactive game that takes you through the city, revealing thrilling stories and showing you sites as you also solve a crime. The crime-solving bit is an interactive experience; if you don’t feel like taking part, you can opt out!

No worries, you are not obligated to perform. We often have families come where some wish to participate and others play as encouraging audience members. In the event where everyone is shy and less interested in playing, your tour can take on a more typical walking tour experience.

Our team is 100% responsive within a 24 hour period, and can be best reached by email [email protected] and Phone/Text/Whatsapp at 872-310-7645. Tickets are 100% refundable until 24 hours before a tour. If you need to cancel within 24 hours of the tour, you may reschedule onto any future tour. Again, please reach out by email or phone/text/Whatsapp.

• The St. Valentine's Day Massacre Site
• The famous alleyway from a legendary crime
• The haunted Chicago theatre

And a whole lot more!

The Devil In The White City Bus Tour

What to expect.

Imitated by many, this is the original tour created by Chicago Hauntings in 2004, inspired by the phenomenonal best seller, The Devil and the White City, Erik Larson’s brilliant look at the minds behind the best and worst achievements of Victorian Era Chicago.

H.H. Holmes, The Murder Castle, The World's Fair & Victorian Chicago tour

Join us for an excursion through the spaces and places made famous by Erik Larson’s blockbuster, The Devil in the White City . You’ll visit sites of Victorian era intrigue, including the site where the Great Fire began, Prairie Avenue historic district, the World’s Fairgrounds and, yes, the site of the former Murder Castle of the only and only H.H. Holmes, “America’s First Serial Killer.” Many believe that H.H. Holmes “murder castle” is an inspiration for the Hotel Cortez in the hit television show American Horror Story hotel due to the sinister intent behind the Chicago hotel construction.

See our tour guide Tony Szabelski tell a story of H.H. Holmes to CBS 2 in Chicago

Why Choose American Ghost Walks?

The Devil In The White City Bus Tour was founded by Ursula Bielski, famed Chicago ghostlore historian who literally wrote the book on hauntings related to H.H. Holmes and The Devil In The White City !

Expert paranormal guide

Select Saturdays and Sundays at 1pm

Easy/Moderate

$69 Per Person

Slide title

The Devil In The White City himself, H.H. Holmes...

H. H. Holmes Murder Castle

The Fountain of Time Being Built in 1920

A replica of the statue of Columbia as seen in the World's Fair

Tourgoers at the site of H.H. Holmes Murder Castle today

On The Devil In The White City Bus

The Union Stockyards Gate in Chicago also features a powerful Firefighters Memorial 

Captivated guests learn more about H.H. Holmes at the site of the Murder Castle

The Columbian Exposition as seen in 1893

Important Info

• Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing, and bring a poncho or umbrella (in case of rain) for our walk through the former fairgrounds of Jackson Park. Walking is minimal.
• We recommend using  SpotHero  to save you time near the Congress Plaza Hotel. 
• The tour group meets in the Congress Lounge bar inside the hotel.
• Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. But we will reschedule you if you have an emergency.

Service animals are welcome. However, for liability issues, please leave your furry friends at home if you don’t require their assistance.

• The bus is not wheelchair-friendly, please check our walking routes for several tours that answer 

List of Services

One of the city’s most haunted locations, it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink before or after the tour.

The last buliding standing from the 1893 Columbian Exposition at the World's Fair features strange ghosts from a sailor to a little girl to perhaps the Devil In The White City himself.

Walk the World's Fairgrounds and discover the spirit that people see wandering near this beautiful site...

The former killing grounds of H.H. Holmes, the Murder Castle was the buliding that he designed to his malignant specifications, a place of traps, sorrow, and no return.

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.

And much much more... Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.

Availability

Meeting point.

Inside the bar at the Congress Plaza Hotel (520 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605)

• Start your adventure at the Congress Plaza Hotel is notoriously one of the most haunted spots in Chicago, originally built as the Auditorium Annex to house the masses who would attend the 1893 Columbian Exposition at the World's Fair.
• Presidents Grover Cleveland, Teddy Roosevelt, and Franklin Roosevelt have all stayed in this magnificent piece of Windy City history. It's also the spot where The Devil In The White City himself, H.H. Holmes would collect potential victims that he could bring back to his Murder Castle.
• Venture to Chicago's original Millionaire's Row, Praire Avenue. On the National Register of Historic Places, this street was the home of Gilded Age mansions belonging to the likes of Marshall Field (department stores), George Pullman (the railroad sleeping car), and Philip Armour (of the hot dogs fame!)
• Secrets and scandals abound in this area from the late Nineteenth Century, discover them with us.
• Visit the only building remains standing on the old 1893 Fairgrounds in Chicago’s Jackson Park today: the former Palace of Fine Arts which now houses the spectacular Museum of Science and Industry.
• Could the bowler-hatted, mustachioed man seen walking the Yesterday’s Main Street exhibit be the ghost of Herman Webster Mudgett (the real name of H.H. Holmes?) And that's just one of the ghosts that people have seen...

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you go inside any of the haunted buildings.

On this tour, we focus on building exteriors and outdoor spaces. Businesses and public places are open for you to visit during regular business hours. Otherwise we respect the privacy of individuals and organizations and expect that our guests do the same.

Do guests really see ghosts on this tour?

We can never guarantee a supernatural encounter, but we will explain paranormal phenomena such as cold spots and residual hauntings. What we do guarantee: Our local connections and dedication to research means you'll get authentic accounts — in all their shocking detail.

Can I bring my pet?

Is this ghost tour kid-appropriate.

While our tours do not contain anything too graphic or inappropriate, we find that kids that enjoy history have the best time. You know your children 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.

What if I'm late or cannot find my guide?

We do our best to answer calls and emails as promptly as they are received. Please make sure to leave a voicemail with the city and tourtime.  We try to accommodate travel and weather issues, but our public tours cannot wait for more than 10 minutes. Reschedules are available if the date you are interested in is not sold out.

What is your cancellation policy?

Because this is a limited capacity tour, all sales are final. But we will reschedule you if you have an emergency, we love ghosts, not monsters!

Copyright 2024 Huberty LLC DBA American Ghost Walks

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The 9 best crime tours of Chicago

Explore the seedy underbelly of Chicago on these fascinating crime tours

Chicago is well known for its towering architecture, amazing restaurants  and beautiful beaches , but the city also has a notorious history of Prohibition-era organized crime and violence. Some of Chicago’s most beautiful streets have dark pasts, and you can explore the oftentimes grisly history on a Chicago crime tour. Guides unearth the city’s darkest stories, and some of them even make stops at local restaurants and bars to help set the scene. While the tours may be a bit eerie, some can be experienced on your own schedule, whether in-person or virtually. Experience Chicago's history hidden in plain sight on the best Chicago crime tours.

RECOMMENDED: Check out the full guide to the best Chicago tours

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

An email you’ll actually love

Best Chicago crime tours

1.  Chicago crime and mob tour

Follow in the footsteps of infamous gangsters like charming bank robber John Dillinger and Polish mobster Hymie Weiss on this bus tour. You’ll hear stories about the who’s who of Chicago organized crime, drive by a few murder locations and spot the historic courthouse where many criminals were thrown in the clink. 

Time Out tip:  Brush up on your crime knowledge for the post-tour quiz. 

2.  Untouchable Tours' original gangster tour

For more than 30 years, Untouchable Tours has been driving tourists back and forth across the city to see Chicago's more unconventional sights, including the staircase in front of a church that’s covering up bullet holes, and the empty lot where the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre took place. The two-hour tour features guides that take on the persona (and snappy garb) of ’20s gangsters. Guides tell the tales of prohibition-era Chicago and what it was like when gangsters like Al Capone, Bugs Moran and Hymie Weiss walked the streets.

Time Out tip:  One to book in advance for. 

3.  Gangsters and ghosts tour in Chicago

The towering skyscrapers and shining facade of Cloud Gate might make the Loop seem glitzy and glamorous, but it was once a hotspot for vice. In the ’20s and ’30s, this nabe was the epicenter of bootlegging and gangbanging in Chicago. Take a walking tour through the area to spy speakeasies, secret underground tunnels and maybe even a ghost or two.

Time Out tip: The meeting point is just outside the Wyndham Hotel – take that as our accommodation suggestion. 

4.  Vice, crime and gangsters in Chicago: A self-guided audio tour

There are endless upsides to taking tours of a city, but there are downsides as well—most notably, not being able to explore at your own pace. That’s not the case with the self-guided Vice, Crime and Gangsters in Chicago tour. The 31-stop audio tour starts at the Dusable Bridge and winds its way through notorious locations in the Loop and River North, including Chicago’s first vice district and the site of the Lager Beer Riot. It’s narrated by professor, urban historian and former journalist Richard Junger.

Time Out tip:  If you want to get familiar with your guide before the tour, have a skim-read of the books he's written on Chicago history. 

5.  Chicago night crimes tour

See the sites of grisly killings under the dark of night on this evening bus tour. You’ll visit the Biograph Theater where Dillinger met his end, the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and other infamous locations. The bus even stops at a few historic watering holes like Harry Caray's so you can raise a glass to the city's dearly departed criminals.

Time Out tip: Don't worry about trying to snap pics from the window of the bus – photo stops will be granted. 

6.  Lincoln Park hauntings ghost investigation tour

On the surface, ghost tours and crime tours are two separate entities. But how does one become a ghost? Death. And how does someone’s death become notable enough to end up on a tour? It’s got to have some sort of criminal element, right? This ghost investigation tour is led by a paranormal investigator who takes guests through some of the eeriest locales in Lincoln Park, including the site of the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. It also offers an opportunity to use paranormal activity-detecting equipment to help you determine if you just saw a ghost or a very exhausted DePaul student.

Time Out tip:  Keep your eyes peeled for the Victorian woman in white at Lincoln Park Zoo. 

7.  Private Al Capone gangster tour

Al Capone’s trademark look – thick eyebrows, jaunty hat, heavy overcoat and a cigar hanging from his lips – became the basis of the stereotype of the mafia man. Capone got his start in New York as a member of the Five Points Gang before founding the Chicago Outfit and wreaking havoc on the Midwestern city. Follow in his nefarious footsteps on this tour around the city in a private town car – in true mafioso style.

Time Out tip: Get a team of five together to get the best value group ticket. 

8.  Private Chicago Mafia and Blues Evening Tour

After a long night of making dirty deals and plotting the downfall of their enemies, Chicago mobsters used to unwind with some booze and live music at a mafia-friendly bar. You’ll do the same on this private guided tour that hits several historic landmarks before stopping for a drink at a bar formerly owned by Capone himself.

Time Out tip:  Plan this tour around a big night out, as it's a great way to get the party started before hitting the town when everyone's parted ways. 

9.  The Devil in the White City Tour

In addition to a thriving mob community, Chicago was also home to one of the country’s first known serial killers: H. H. Holmes. The insurance scammer and con man lured hundreds of people to the three-story hotel that would later be known as the Murder Castle: a labyrinth of trap doors, peepholes, dead-end stairways, gas chambers and crematorium that he used to murder his victims and dispose of their remains. To this day, authorities still don’t know how many people he might have killed. Learn the disturbing facts of the case on a Weird Chicago walking and bus tour.

Time Out tip: There's a restroom on board – always a win. 

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Murder Castle

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Amidst Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, Dr. H.H. Holmes constructs a hotel as a facade for his Murder Castle - a labyrinth of horrors with deadly rooms and traps to lure unsuspecting guests to a... Read all Amidst Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, Dr. H.H. Holmes constructs a hotel as a facade for his Murder Castle - a labyrinth of horrors with deadly rooms and traps to lure unsuspecting guests to a grisly fate. Amidst Chicago's 1893 World's Fair, Dr. H.H. Holmes constructs a hotel as a facade for his Murder Castle - a labyrinth of horrors with deadly rooms and traps to lure unsuspecting guests to a grisly fate.

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• Trivia HH Holmes is being investigated by his own great grandson who thinks he may have been Infamous Jack the Ripper.
• Goofs The badge worn by the Chicago police officer is not correct for the period.

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Watch CBS News

Chicago Hauntings: The Story Of H.H. Holmes' Murder Castle, And Sightings In The Basement Of The Englewood Post Office Standing In Its Place

By Adam Harrington , Blake Tyson

October 30, 2021 / 8:00 PM CDT / CBS Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) -- If you go to the corner of 63rd and Wallace streets in the Englewood community today, you will find a U.S. Post Office.

The Post Office is a modest, somewhat institutional yellow brick building – one of many built during the New Deal era under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The Chicago Transit Authority Green Line runs on an elevated trestle just behind the Post Office, while a weathered concrete freight train embankment runs just to the east. An eagle carved in stone hangs over the front doors of the Post Office, while a sign with three yellow triangles in a once-black, now faded blue circle next to the doors evokes a past time of menacing uncertainty – denoting a fallout shelter in the building.

We'll get back to the Englewood Post Office. This story is mainly about the building that stood there before the Post Office was built.

The Post Office does not stand perfectly on the footprint of that earlier building. Tony Szabelski of Chicago Hauntings Ghost Tours says it would have encompassed the eastern part of the present-day Post Office footprint, and the grassy knoll that separates the Post Office from the freight train embankment.

That earlier building is most infamously known as the Murder Castle. We don't know exactly how many people H.H. Holmes – one of America's first serial killers – murdered in the building around the time of the World's Columbian Exposition a few miles to the east in Jackson Park in 1893. But its horrors are the stuff of legend, albeit subject to a challenging task of separating fact from myth.

The Crime Museum tells us H.H. Holmes was born Herman Webster Mudgett in New Hampshire. He graduated from high school early and attended medical school at the University of Michigan – where the Crime Museum says the story is he stole cadavers from the school's laboratory, disfigured or burned them, and then planted the bodies to suggest they'd been killed in accidents – while taking out insurance policies on the deceased people in question and collecting the money.

Holmes moved to Chicago around 1885 after finishing medical school, and began working at a pharmacy under the name Dr. Henry Howard Holmes, the Crime Museum tells us. The pharmacy appears to have been located on the northwest corner of 63rd and Wallace streets, where an Aldi store with a vast parking lot can now be found.

The commonly-heard story goes that the drugstore was owned by an elderly man with terminal cancer named Dr. E.S. Holton, whose wife took over the store when he died. Holmes went on to buy the store from Dr. Holton's wife, the legend claims. Mrs. Holton disappeared, and Holmes claimed to everyone that she'd moved to California – and she was never heard from again, the story goes. The implication is that most believed Holmes probably killed her.

But in a 2013 article, Adam Selzer of Mysterious Chicago reports some aspects of this tale are not accurate. He reported it turns out that Dr. E.S. Holton was not Mr. Holton, but Mrs. Holton – the initials stood for Elizabeth Sarah. Dr. Holton and her husband, William, also actually outlived Holmes by several years and were still living in Chicago after Holmes was executed – the old pharmacist dying of cancer was a myth that was apparently spread by Holmes himself, Selzer reports.

What is known is that Holmes did take over the pharmacy, and had the building that became known as the Murder Castle constructed across the street between 1889 and 1891. The Crime Museum reports Holmes hired and fired numerous crews during the construction period so they wouldn't be able to figure out what he was really up to with the building.

The building was originally two stories high – with storefronts including a drugstore on the ground floor, and apartments above. Holmes went on to add a third story.

Once the building was completed, the story goes that Holmes began placing classified ads for jobs for young women, as well as advertising the hotel as a place to stay. The story goes that hotel employees and guests were also required to have life insurance policies, and Holmes himself paid the premiums provided that they list him as the beneficiary, according to the Crime Museum account.

Soon afterward, many women started disappearing, the story goes.

When the World's Fair came to Chicago – drawing tourists from around the world – the story goes that Holmes' Castle was billed as the World's Fair Hotel.

Inside Holmes' castle, the story goes that the rooms could not be locked from the inside of the room – only outside. Meanwhile, everything back in those days was lit with gas lamps, and the story goes the connections to the gas lamps were outside the room – set up such that Holmes could turn on the gas and asphyxiate people at will.

Szabelski notes that there were reports that the building also had a lot of strange oddities to it when it was built. There were doors and stairwells that led to nowhere, and hidden and closed rooms throughout the building. Stories claim that parts of the walls moved, and there were chutes that led down to the basement. In a December 1943 article for Harper's Magazine , writer John Bartlow Martin used most gruesome terms to describe that basement:

"The cellar was perhaps the most remarkable section of the building. It was fitted with operating tables, a crematory, pits containing quicklime and acids, surgical instruments, and various pieces of apparatus which, resembling mediaeval torture racks, never were satisfactorily explained. (Some thought Holmes used these appliances to wring from his victims the whereabouts of their wealth; others said he used them in experiments which he hoped would prove his pet theory that the human body could be stretched indefinitely, a treatment that, ultimately, would produce a race of giants.) Holmes sometimes destroyed the bodies of his victims completely; sometimes, aided by a needy skeleton articulator who answered his advertisement in the paper, he stripped the flesh from their bones and sold the skeletons to medical institutions."

However, Selzer reports in his book, "H.H. Holmes, The True Story of the White City Devil" , that some of these stories amount to so much mythology. While reports say Holmes told investors he planned to use the building as a hotel for World's Fair guests, Selzer writes the castle never actually went into operation as a fully-functioning hotel at all. Selzer also writes the secret chambers in the building really served the purpose of hiding stolen furniture rather than disposing of bodies.

Selzer also reports that only one of Holmes' victims was known to be a tourist visiting the World's Fair. And as to those elaborate torture chambers and other architectural horrors, Harold Schecter, author of the book "Depraved: The Definitive True Story of H.H. Holmes, Whose Grotesque Crimes Shattered Turn-of-the-Century Chicago," chalks them up in a History.com article to the sensational yellow journalism of the era in which details were sometimes concocted.

There are claims that Holmes killed as many as 200 people - though Selzer told History.com that this claim is a "throwaway line" that does not have a basis in fact. Holmes confessed to 27 murders, but even that figure is dubious, inasmuch as some of the people he claimed to have murdered were actually still alive, Selzer told History.com.

Szabelski notes the story goes were at least nine or 10 people who we know would have been last seen with Holmes in the so-called Murder Castle, and who were never seen again.

Holmes later left Chicago and found his way to Texas and then to St. Louis, where he was arrested and jailed for a swindling operation involving the sale of stolen horses, the story goes. While in jail, the story goes that Holmes engaged his cellmate – Wild West outlaw Marion Hedgepath – to set up an insurance scam where Holmes would take out a $10,000 policy on his own life and then fake his own death.

Holmes tried to take out the policy after being released on bail, but the insurance company became suspicious – so Holmes instead went to Philadelphia and concocted a similar scheme in which his longtime business partner, Benjamin Pitezel, would be the one to fake his own death, the story goes. But Holmes actually killed Pitezel, and went on to kill Pitezel's three children. The bodies of daughters Alice and Nellie were found buried in Toronto, and the body of son Howard in Indianapolis, multiple accounts say.

Holmes was tried and convicted of Ben Pitezel's murder, and was hanged in a public execution at Moyamensing Prison in Philadelphia on May 7, 1896.

So of course, you wanted to know about ghost stories. Many people say the basement of the Post Office that now occupies the Murder Castle site can be very creepy, Szabelski tells us. They report hearing sounds or seeing shadow figures.

There is a portion of the basement of the current building that crosses over to a section that would be underneath the grassy area to the east. That section of the basement reportedly looks much older, and many people believe it would have been part of the original basement for Holmes' murder castle.

Finally, there's the question of what became of the murder castle after Holmes left it behind. Most reports say after a police investigation was completed at the building, someone named A.M. Clark took it over with plans to turn it into a macabre museum. Many reports say soon after that – in 1895, sometime before Holmes was executed – the building burned to the ground.

The second part is not true. Selzer points out in his book that while there was a fire that damaged the building at that time, the upper two floors were rebuilt afterward – and the building remained until it was finally torn down in the 1930s to make way for the Post Office.

The story of Holmes and the Murder Castle reentered the popular conscience in 2003, when Erik Larson's book, "The Devil in the White City," became a bestseller.

Video produced by Blake Tyson. Written story by Adam Harrington.

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Adam Harrington is a web producer at CBS News Chicago.

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Murder Castle

By: History.com Editors

Updated: January 23, 2020 | Original: July 13, 2017

The 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago —known at the time as the Columbian Exposition—celebrated the 400th anniversary Christopher Columbus ’ arrival in the Americas. The enormous exhibition featured many wondrous exhibits, including the United States’ first gas-powered motorcar, the Daimler quadricycle, and a 1,500-pound statue of the Venus de Milo made of chocolate. However, the World’s Fair became better known for a structure that was more gruesome than organizers could have imagined—the so-called “Murder Castle” of H.H. Holmes, America’s first documented serial killer.

Who Was H. H. Holmes?

H. H. Holmes was born Herman Webster Mudgett in New Hampshire in 1861. As an adult, he abandoned his young wife and child in 1885 to move to Illinois . Once there, he changed his name to Holmes, reportedly as an homage to the fictional English detective Sherlock Holmes, the literary creation of author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle .

Soon after his arrival in the Chicago area, Holmes took up work at a pharmacy located near Jackson Park. Eight years later, Jackson Park would become the site of the 1893 World’s Fair.

The Columbian Exposition, as it was called, was designed by some of America’s leading architects, including Frederick Law Olmstead, and included exhibits from more than 40 countries.

The event attracted more than 27 million visitors to Chicago, an incredible number considering the limited transportation options of the time. Holmes took advantage of some of the many visitors to the city, including young women who came to Chicago for jobs at the fairgrounds.

The ‘Murder Castle’

Historians believe Holmes, a masterful and charismatic con artist, had swindled money from his drugstore employers. He purchased an empty lot in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago, and built a labyrinthine structure with shops on the first floor and small apartments above.

This edifice became known as Holmes’ booby-trapped Murder Castle. According to sensationalist reports, the space featured soundproof rooms, secret passages and a disorienting maze of hallways and staircases. The rooms were also allegedly outfitted with trapdoors over chutes that dropped Holmes’ unsuspecting victims to the building’s basement.

The basement, claims said, was a macabre facility of acid vats, pits of quicklime (often used on decaying corpses) and a crematorium, which the killer used to finish off his victims. All of these descriptions, however, were described by what were likely overly embellished or even fabricated news reports in the 1890s.

READ MORE:  Did Serial Killer H.H. Holmes Really Build a ‘Murder Castle’?

Holmes’ Victims

While reports suggest Holmes killed as many as 200 people in his sinister lair, his actual number of victims may have been much lower. The number of his victims is still debated by historians.

Holmes was apprehended soon after he fled Chicago, in October 1893, following the conclusion of the World’s Fair. He was arrested in Boston and eventually suspected of murdering his assistant, Benjamin Pitezel, and two of Pitezel’s children.

Interestingly, while on the run, Holmes had misled Pitezel’s wife as well, collecting the insurance money for his former assistant and living with his widow and three of their children. Police eventually discovered the body of one of the murdered children, and this discovery led to Holmes’ arrest.

Following his arrest, Holmes claimed to have killed more than 200 people in his Murder Castle. He ultimately confessed to murdering Pitezel and two of his daughters. And experts now believe he may have, in fact, killed as few as nine—still a significant number, but not the scores the killer claimed.

While in captivity, awaiting his trial and sentencing, Holmes authored an autobiography, Holmes’ Own Story , in which he wrote, “I could not help the fact that I was a murderer, no more than the poet can help the inspiration to sing.”

The most famous literary work on Holmes, however, is the best-selling non-fiction novel The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, which was published in 2003.

After a brief incarceration, Holmes was hanged for his crimes in Philadelphia in 1896. His body is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery outside the Pennsylvania city.

What Happened to the Murder Castle?

Despite Holmes’ arrest and execution, rumors have persisted for more than a century that the serial killer bribed authorities to avoid punishment. The theories suggest that Holmes was allowed to escape and that officials hanged another man.

In response to these rumors, in March 2017, Holmes’ descendants, who live in Delaware , petitioned to have his remains exhumed so that they can undergo DNA testing. The results concluded the remains did in fact belong to Holmes.

Meanwhile, the fate of the site of the killer’s exploits is also shrouded in intrigue. With Holmes, allegedly, safely ensconced in prison, in 1895, the Murder Castle was gutted by fire, after witnesses reportedly saw two men entering the building late one night.

The building itself remained standing until 1938, when it was torn down. The site is now occupied by the Englewood branch of the U.S. Post Office.

The Site of the Infamous Murder Castle: Exploring Illinois . World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893: Paul V. Galvin Library Digital History Collection, Illinois Institute of Technology . Blood Loss: The decline of the serial killer: Slate . Serial Killer H.H. Holmes’ Body Exhumed: What We Know: Rolling Stone .

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Get Your Tickets To This Immersive Murder Mystery In Chicago

There’s a city of detectives eager to get their hands on this case, get your tickets today to join the investigation !

A murder has been committed. The case needs your expertise to investigate the rooms and suspects still lurking about the scene of the crime. Clue has left the board and arrived at the Glessner House.

Fever Originals is teaming up with High Stakes Productions — the creative group behind long-running shows at The Second City and The Annoyance Theatre — to bring you a terribly fun murder mystery game set in Prohibition Era Chicago.

Here’s the case: The Glessner House was abandoned a long time ago. Infamous crime boss, Stoten Shaw, took liberty to move in and spruce the place up with all his loot from years of crime. When Stoten is found dead, the audience must infiltrate the mansion, detect clues, and solve the murder before the times runs out!

The Glessner House is a National Historic Landmark built in 1887, located near the lakeshore, a couple blocks over from Soldier Field. This traditional Victorian style mansion was the former home of Francis Glessner Lee, a pioneer of forensic science whose work inspired CSI’s Miniature Killer episodes. The home is full of artifacts that are not just era specific, but were actually owned by the family. Normally, the Glessner House operates as a museum and guests can visit during the day for guided tours. With this Murder Mystery experience you’ll get to explore this amazing home and solve a murder while you’re at it!

The experience will run evenings Thursday through Sunday in September and October with limited sessions. Please note that capacity is currently limited to 50 people per session, and will be adjusted in adherence to the most up-to-date safety standards.

The secret is out and everyone wants in. Today you can get your tickets to this exclusive event so that you can be sure the mysterious case will have your expertise!

The investigations start September 17, and will begin at 6 pm on Thursday and Friday, and 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Each ticket costs $35 and gains entry to one person.

Remember, the whole town wants in on this case, so order your tickets today !

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Site of the Murder Castle

Chicago, Illinois

The most infamous site associated with any World's Fair was the "Murder Castle" of H.H. Holmes. It stood three miles west of the 1893 Columbian Exposition fairgrounds in Chicago. Holmes promoted it as a hotel for fairgoers, and apparently some of them went in and never came out. Investigators found it riddled with secret passages and hidden rooms. Estimates of Holmes' final murder toll range from 9 to 200; he confessed to 27. He was hanged in 1896 and the building was torn down in 1938. No monument stands on the empty lot, but people still like to visit it.

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2 dead in apparent murder-suicide at Lemont hotel

By nbc chicago staff • published april 18, 2024 • updated on april 18, 2024 at 8:59 pm.

Two people were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide at a hotel in Lemont Thursday morning, according to police.

Officials said officers responded to a disturbance just after 9:30 a.m. at the D-Lux Budget Inn, located at 12241 Archer Avenue.

Watch NBC Chicago local news and weather for free 24/7

Upon arrival, police said they encountered a woman with multiple gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following a canvass of other nearby rooms, police discovered a man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound who was also pronounced dead at the scene and later identified as 62-year-old Richard Crane, police said.

According to authorities, the investigation determined that the weapon used in the murder was the same weapon used in the suicide.

Police said a motive is currently unknown and there is no threat to the community. An investigation remains ongoing.

Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.

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'Jeopardy! Masters' contestants talk strategy ahead of competition

Season 2 of the popular tournament begins tonight on ABC

LOS ANGELES -- It. Is. On.

"Jeopardy! Masters" is back for season 2 and this one promises to be just as competitive as last year's tournament. The winner will receive the grand prize of $500,000.

James Holzhauer is the reigning "Masters" champion and he told On The Red Carpet he is ready to defend the title.

"It's a real tough field this year. I'm not taking anything for granted. I'm just gonna play my best and hope that's enough," Holzhauer said. "I feel pretty comfortable out there and maybe that could be an advantage over the other competitors."

Matt Amodio and Mattea Roach played against Holzhauer last year and they are ready to take him on.

"I was the only one to beat him last year. It was just one game, he had more against me. But I'm gonna try to get out of my normal spirit and maybe gloat in front of him a little bit. He deserves it," Amodio said.

"One thing that James has really done is he demonstrated, I think, as close to optimal game play as you can really get to in terms of maximizing all the wagering clues, being aggressive in the way that you play the board," Roach explained. "When you have a player that plays that aggressively, it forces everybody else in the field to play that way. Or to play close to it."

Amy Schneider also competed in the first season, but failed to make it to the semifinals. She is back this year as the wildcard pick and is ready to redeem herself.

"It puts a different kind of pressure on me. Like, did I earn my way in? I feel like I want to go out there and justify being the wildcard," Schneider said.

The two new contestants are Yogesh Raut and Victoria Groce. And while this may be their first "Jeopardy! Masters" tournament, this isn't their first rodeo when it comes to trivia competitions and the "Jeopardy!" world.

"I've been doing competitions of some sort, you know, my entire life really. I did geography bee, spelling bee at a young age so I'm pretty used to that, blocking out distractions and focusing when I need to," Raut explained.

"The feeling of getting back up on that stage, it's, I mean, I think exhilarating is really the best word to describe it, Groce said. " Mostly you're very zoned in on playing the game, doing your best, focusing on listening to Ken and reading the clues."

"Jeopardy! Masters" begins tonight on ABC. It'll continue for three weeks, with the semifinals beginning May 17 and the finals airing May 22.

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DePaul pro-Palestinian encampment draws counter-protesters

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Encampments, protests pop up at chicago universities.

Students at several Chicago colleges have set up encampments on their campuses to show support for Palestine as war rages on in the Middle East.

CHICAGO - DePaul University students announced their plans for the second day of encampment in solidarity with Gaza on Tuesday.

The tents set up throughout the quad at the school's Lincoln Park campus were allowed to stay despite violating university policy. 

DePaul students and faculty are demanding the university cut ties with Israel and end study abroad programs with Israel. Organizers said the gatherings have been peaceful.

Pro-Palastinian students said they’ve made their demands known over the past few months but don’t believe the message was received. That’s why they joined universities across the country in staging an encampment.

There were intense moments with counter-protests and students reporting a hostile environment.

DePaul student Henna Ayesh spent the night in the encampment. She said the university informed them that they were still expected to attend classes.

"I knew the risks that I was taking. I know I’m facing suspension, expulsion, but I’m Palestinian. I have family in Palestine right now, currently in the West Bank. We have people within our community who have family in Gaza, and currently cannot talk to their family in Gaza. And so obviously we’re going to take those risks. I’m a student. I do not want to be investing in suffering and so I’m willing to do what it takes," Ayesh said.

Students have been warned about disciplinary action and were told that if any of the neighbors call Chicago police, the university cannot intervene.

DePaul's encampment began on Tuesday, following the lead of students at Northwestern and the University of Chicago.  

TV and Streaming | ‘The Daily Show’ is coming to Chicago during…

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TV and Streaming

Things to do, tv and streaming | ‘the daily show’ is coming to chicago during democratic national convention.

The show will have full weeks of broadcasts from the RNC in Milwaukee (July 15-18) and the DNC in Chicago (Aug. 19-22), respectively, airing 10 p.m. weeknights on Comedy Central .

Beyond that, details of the on-the-road coverage plans, titled “Indecision 2024,” were few in Monday’s announcement. Jon Stewart recently re-joined “The Daily Show” as Monday host but his appearances during the conventions were not confirmed. Venue and audience ticket information will be supplied at a later date.

The announcement followed recent news that Stephen Colbert will bring his “Late Show” on CBS to Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre during the DNC (and will also broadcast live from New York during the RNC). Audience tickets for those shows are also still to come; more at auditoriumtheatre.org .

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Stephen Colbert will bring ‘Late Show’ to Chicago during Democratic National Convention

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Things to Do in Chicago May 2-8: The Mix

“bluey’s big play” featuring bluey, bingo, bandit and chilli at the auditorium theatre, the chicago critics film festival, the rooftop cinema club, and mexico fest at navy pier are among the highlights in the week ahead..

“Bluey’s Big Play,” the stage show, arrives in Chicago this weekend.

Darren Thomas

Michael Shannon (from left), Travis A. Knight and Lawrence Grimm attend a rehearsal of A Red Orchid Theatre’s production of “Turret.”

Jesus Santos

• Dolores Diaz’s drama “Black Sunday” is set in April 1935 in the dust storm-riddled plains of Texas, where a family is struggling to keep the farm afloat amidst a mounting series of environmental disasters. The cast features Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Christopher Alvarenga, Vic Kuligoski and Angela Morris; Helen Young directs. From May 8-June 29 at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington. Tickets: $35-$67. Visit timelinetheatre.com .
• “An Educated Guess” is Juan Jose Alfonso’s drama about a rising star (Claudia Quesada) at the federal immigration office in Manhattan who realizes a person she admitted into the country has committed a mass murder. Tyrone Phillips directs. From May 2-26 at Definition Theatre, 1160 E. 55 th . Tickets: $30+. Visit definitiontheatre.org.

“Poor People! The Parody Musical.”

Rick Aguilar Studios

• Hell in a Handbag Productions presents “Poor People! The Parody Musical,” Tyler Anthony Smith’s homage to many of the characters, songs and tropes of those very expensive Broadway and West End musicals about the less fortunate. Stephanie Shaw directs. From May 2-June 16 at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. Tickets: $25-$60. Visit handbagproductions.org .
• Buffalo Theatre Ensemble presents Brian Watkins’ “Into the Earth With You,” a dramedy full of unexpected twists and turns, dynamic family relationships and assurances that the spirit world is all around us. Kurt Naebig directs. From May 2-June 2 at McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell. Glen Ellyn. Tickets: $44. Visit atthemac.org .
• Based on the hit film, “9 to 5: The Musical” is the story of three female coworkers pushed to the boiling point who get even with their sexist, egotistical boss. The music is by Dolly Parton with a book by Patricia Resnick. From May 2-26 at Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell, Arlington Heights. Tickets: $30, $45. Visit metropolisarts.com .
• Sweetback Productions and Labyrinth Arts Collective present “Hamburgers and Disappointment: Plays about Enoughness,” a festival of works by Barrie Cole: “Fruit Tree Backpack,” I Love You Permanently,” “Capacity,” “Meaning in Tricky” and the audio play “Elevator Tours.” From May 2-19 at Labyrinth Club, 3658 N. Pulaski. Tickets: $20, audio play $10. Visit sweetbackproductions.com .
• Chicago Writers’ Bloc presents its New Play Festival featuring 10 new works by Chicago writers ranging from comedies and dramas to documentary theater. Playwrights include John S. Green, Chloe Bolan and Joanne Koch. From May 5-19 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont. Tickets: $20, $25. Visit writersblocfest.org .
• Ballet Chicago performs George Balanchine’s “Divertimento No. 15,” Daniel Duell’s “Ellington Suite,” Ted Seymour’s ‘Secrets de Printemps,” Patricia Blair’s “A Little Mozart” and a new work by Seymour. At 2 and 7:30 p.m. May 4 at Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph. Tickets: $20-$60. Visit harristheaterchicago.org .
• “Solus: Break Free” is a program of solos created for Visceral Dance Chicago dancers by Chicago choreographers. From May 2-5 at Visceral Dance Center, 3121 N. Rockwell. Tickets: $25-$60. Visit visceraldance.com .

Belle & Sebastian.

Anna Isola Crolla Photo

John Oates.

Will Byington Photo

• John Oates, co-creator of the pop group Hall & Oates, tours behind his new solo album, “Reunion.” Oates’ musical roots run deep and parallel the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll in the 1950s and the folk, soul and blues of artists in the 1960s. Pete Muller opens at 7:30 p.m. May 8 at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph. Tickets: $52-$68. Visit citywinery.com .

Third Coast Percussion with Jessie Montgomery (center).

Colin D. Campbell

• Third Coast Percussion presents a new collaborative concert with composer-violinist Jessie Montgomery featuring “Study No. 1,” her first-ever work for percussion ensemble. Also performed will be Lou Harrison’s “Concerto for Violin with Percussion Orchestra” and works by Tigran Hamasyan, Philip Glass and Flutronix. At 7:30 p.m. May 3 at Holtschneider Performance Center, DePaul University, 2330 N. Halsted. Tickers: $10, $25. Visit thirdcoastpercussion.com .
• When musical theater actress Katharine McPhee tours with her Grammy-winning songwriter husband David Foster, the song lineup includes selections from his four decades of hits and tunes from her career on stage and television. The artists also tell the story of how they met, what the songs mean to them and the stories behind the songs. At 7 p.m. May 4 at Hard Rock Casino, 5400 W. 29 th , Gary, Ind. Tickets: $49+. Visit ticketmaster.com .
• A concert tribute to the 88-year-old pianist Erwin Helfer features bandmates from the Chicago Boogie Ensemble. Helfer will attend and speak but not perform. Opening the show is a celebration of Reverend Scottie Williams’ new album, “Beams of Heaven.” At 7 p.m. May 4 Old Town School of Folk Music, 4545 N. Lincoln. Tickets: $24. Visit oldtownschool.org .

Virginia Jaramillo, “Genesis,” 1969. Acrylic on canvas. Courtesy of the artist and Hales, London and New York.

© Virginia Jaramillo. Photo: Paul Hester

• “Virginia Jaramillo: Principle of Equivalence” is the first major retrospective that traces the artist’s practice from the mid-1960s through the present. The exhibit features over 40 abstract paintings and handmade paper works that reveal Jaramillo’s longstanding preoccupation with the relationship between the earthly and metaphysical realms. From May 4-Jan. 5 at Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago. Admission: $10-$22. Visit mcachicago.org .
• “Chryssa & New York” is an exhibit focusing on the Greek-born artist Chryssa (1933-2013), who was a leading figure in New York avant-garde circles in the 1950s and ‘60s. Her work bridges pop, conceptual and minimalist ideas. The Chicago stop on the exhibit’s tour also includes works and archival materials relating to Chryssa’s relationship to Chicago. From May 3-July 27 at Wrightwood 659, 659 W. Wrightwood. Admission: $15, admission is by advance ticket only. Visit wrightwood659.org .

“Ghostlight” screens at the Chicago Critics Film Festival.

Courtesy of Luke Dyra/IFC Films

• Chicago Critics Film Festival features a selection of the most sought-after and anticipated films of the year chosen by members of the Chicago Film Critics Association. The opening-night film is Greg Kwedar’s “Sing Sing,” about a prisoner (Colman Domingo) who finds purpose by acting in a theater group. Chicago directors Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan’s “Ghostlight,” which features members of a Chicago acting family — Keith Kupferer, Tara Mallen and Katherine Mallen Kupferer — closes the festival. From May 3-9 at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport. Ticket prices vary; festival pass $200. Visit chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com .
• For a film experience under the stars, check out Rooftop Cinema Club, which features a massive roster of films including “Love Jones,” “10 Things I Hate About You,” “Love and Basketball,” “Mean Girls,’ “Anyone But You,” “Barbie,” “Moana,” “Casablanca,” “The Princess Bride” and much more. From May 8-Oct. 31 on the rooftop of The Emily Hotel, 311 N. Morgan. Tickets: $12-$40. Visit rooftopcinemaclub.com .
• “Lee Chang-dong: Redemption & Revelations” is a retrospective of the films of one of South Korea’s most celebrated contemporary filmmakers. Featured are six films: “Greenfish,” “Peppermint Candy, “Oasis,” “Secret Sunshine,” “Poetry” and “Burning.” From May 3-16 at Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Tickets: $13. Visit siskelfilmcenter.org .
• Doc10, Chicago’s only all-documentary film festival, features four days dedicated to the most acclaimed nonfiction titles of the year. The festival opens with Chris Smith’s “Devo,” the story of the legendary New Wave band, whose members will take part in virtual Q&A. From May 2-5 at Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln, and Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Tickets: $16. Visit doc10.org .
• A screening of the John Hughes classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” along with a Q&A with actor Alan Ruck takes place at 7:30 p.m. May 2 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $29.50+. Visit auditoriumtheatre.org .
• Get ready to scream at The 25 th edition of the Chicago Horror Film Festival, which features selections from the world of independent horror cinema. From May 3-5 at Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton. Ticket prices vary. Visit chicagohorrorfilmfest.com .
• “Bluey,” the popular cartoon series about a family of dogs, is taking the show on the road. “Bluey’s Big Play” features Bluey, Bingo, Bandit and Chilli in a show featuring puppetry, live actors, new music and iconic sets. From May 3-5 at Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells. Tickets: $36.50-$81.50. Visit broadwayinchicago.com or auditoriumtheatre.org .
• Mexico Fest features music and dance performances, workshops and more than 30 vendors creating a one-of-a-kind mercadito (artisan market) shopping experience. Performers include Mariachi Estrellas de Chicago, Ballet Folklorico Sones Mexicano, Pachanga DJs and Caballo Dorado. From May 3-5 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand. Admission is free. Visit navypier.org .
• Celebrate National Mural Day (May 7) with a free self-guided tour of public art displays and murals in the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods. A virtual map is accessible online and includes 20 stops showcasing creations by artist JC Rivera, Wreckzilla, Eduardo Kobra and more. Access the map at wickerparkbucktown.com/muralspublicwork /.