Hidden on the edge of the Rubio Woods Forest Preserve near Midlothian lies a creepy, short hike to an abandoned cemetery. Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery has been called one of the most haunted places in the Midwest, so it’s no wonder that getting there might be a little bit scary.
The land was set aside to be a cemetery, and the first burial occurred in 1844.
Mark Bergner/Wikimedia It was donated for this purpose by its former owner, Samuel Everden.
The last burial was in 1989, but issues with the cemetery arose as early as 1960.
MattHucke/Wikimedia For many years prior, the cemetery was used like a peaceful park, where people came to fish and picnic.
A nearby road closed, isolating the cemetery and creating a perfect place for vandals to wreak havoc.
Christine Zenino/Wikimedia Gravestones were vandalized and stolen, and bones were often found lying around the area.
There are two main theories as to why the cemetery has become so haunted: black magic and disturbances by vandals.
Mark Bergner/Wikimedia It makes sense to many that those buried here haunt the area because they are angry that their graves have been disturbed by vandalism. But, many also have reported over the years that the grounds were a site for animal sacrifice and black magic, leading some to believe that this is the reason the cemetery is haunted.
The cemetery is closed off to visitors, but curious explorers have found a way in.
Redwoodperch/Wikimedia They leave the roadway to find a gravel path marked with a “No Trespassing” sign.
The cemetery is located about a half-mile from the road, hidden among the trees.
Redwoodperch/Wikimedia Those who dare to enter must climb through holes in the chain link fence surrounding the area.
Visitors to the cemetery today describe a destroyed setting, along with many strange happenings.
Redwoodperch/Wikimedia From phantom houses that disappear to a woman described as “The Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove”, countless ghost sightings have been reported over the years.
Do you know of other haunted hikes in Illinois? Let us know in the comments.
Mark Bergner/Wikimedia
It was donated for this purpose by its former owner, Samuel Everden.
MattHucke/Wikimedia
For many years prior, the cemetery was used like a peaceful park, where people came to fish and picnic.
Christine Zenino/Wikimedia
Gravestones were vandalized and stolen, and bones were often found lying around the area.
It makes sense to many that those buried here haunt the area because they are angry that their graves have been disturbed by vandalism. But, many also have reported over the years that the grounds were a site for animal sacrifice and black magic, leading some to believe that this is the reason the cemetery is haunted.
Redwoodperch/Wikimedia
They leave the roadway to find a gravel path marked with a “No Trespassing” sign.
Those who dare to enter must climb through holes in the chain link fence surrounding the area.
From phantom houses that disappear to a woman described as “The Madonna of Bachelor’s Grove”, countless ghost sightings have been reported over the years.
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