Alton, Illinois: The Most Haunted City in Illinois – Explore Ghost Tours at the Mineral Springs Hotel

Alton, Illinois, is widely recognized as one of the most haunted small towns in America, a reputation reinforced by its deep historical ties to tragedy, conflict, and unexplained phenomena. Central to this legacy is the historic Mineral Springs Hotel, a site that has become synonymous with paranormal activity and ghost tourism in the region.

The Mineral Springs Hotel, originally constructed in 1914 by German immigrant brothers August and Herman Lure, was built atop natural mineral springs believed to possess healing properties. Over the decades, the building has served various purposes, but today it stands as a focal point for those interested in the supernatural history of Alton.

According to historical accounts and paranormal investigators, the hotel is inhabited by numerous spirits, many of whom are tied to the building’s past and the broader history of the region, which includes episodes of violence, disease, and industrial accidents along the Mississippi River.

Today, the hotel operates not only as a lodging destination but also as a hub for paranormal exploration. It houses the American Oddities Museum, which features exhibits on Alton’s history, haunted artifacts, medical oddities, and relics from infamous criminal cases. The museum is located within the hotel’s premises and is open to visitors on weekends.

Paranormal activity at the Mineral Springs Hotel is frequently reported by guests and staff, including unexplained sounds, apparitions, and sudden temperature changes. The current operators, Dave and Donna Nunnally, who took over management in 2015, describe the building as having a strong spiritual presence. Donna Nunnally is a Reiki Master Teacher and medium, while Dave Nunnally holds degrees in anthropology, religion, and history and is a tarot practitioner. Together, they conduct guided tours and spiritual sessions aimed at fostering coexistence with the entities said to reside within the hotel’s walls.

The hotel serves as the starting point for many of the ghost tours offered in Alton, particularly those led by local historian and author Troy Taylor. Taylor, who has written extensively on haunted locations in Illinois, operates a shop inside the Mineral Springs Hotel and uses it as a base for his year-round tours, which include walking tours, bus tours, dinner events, and specialty excursions such as the “Ghosts of the River Road” tour.

Alton’s reputation for hauntings is further supported by its long and often turbulent past. Situated on the Mississippi River, the town witnessed significant events during the Civil War, including the presence of Confederate prisoners and outbreaks of disease in prison camps. Floods, industrial accidents, and epidemics have also marked its history, contributing to the layered narratives that fuel its supernatural lore.

Visitors to Alton can explore its haunted heritage through a variety of offerings, including the Haunted History Walking Tour and the Haunted History Bus Tour, both of which are available from April through November. Special events such as dinner and spirits tours with Troy Taylor are offered year-round, providing opportunities to engage with the town’s spectral history in immersive ways.

The combination of documented history, firsthand accounts, and organized paranormal tourism has solidified Alton’s status as a destination for those interested in the intersection of past and the unexplained. The Mineral Springs Hotel remains at the heart of this phenomenon, serving as both a historical landmark and a living site of ongoing spiritual interest.