Lake Bluff Will Transform to the "Happiest Ghostal Community" for Annual Ghost Walk

Courtesy of the Lake Bluff History Museum

Lake Bluff, recently named the fourth happiest coastal town by Coastal Living Magazine, will morph into the “Happiest Ghostal Community” on Saturday and Sunday October 27 and 28 when the Lake Bluff History Museum’s popular Ghost Walk returns to downtown Lake Bluff.

The Ghost Walk, first held in 1997, features a cast of local residents, civic leaders, merchants, school and Village personnel bringing the darker side of Lake Bluff’s past to life. Close to 1000 brave souls typically venture forth for an evening of fun led by ghoulish guides. The “spirit-guided” tour resurrects true stories from Lake Bluff’s past and retells them “with a twist” guaranteed to raise both the hair on participant’s necks and their interest in local history.  Scenes are performed in various locations in downtown Lake Bluff, thanks to local businesses and the Village of Lake Bluff. 

Museum researchers have been busy digging up new facts to incorporate into this year’s scenes, providing fresh material for those who have ventured forth for previous Ghost Walks. Highlights include:

• Investigation into sea monster sightings along the north shore --- Lake Bluff, Ft. Sheridan and Wilmette --- during the late 1800s. Is this fantasy, or something more sinister?
• Recent information received by the museum add fuel to the Village Hall “murder or suicide” debate. Has the mystery of Elfrieda Knaak’s death been solved?
• Capone and his gangster pals return to Lake Bluff’s shores to collect shipments of bootleg liquor. Have they come to fraternize with Lake Bluff’s beautiful, bored housewives, or do they have other plans?

This event, hosted by the Lake Bluff History Museum, is the museum’s primary fundraising effort.  Tours depart every 15 minutes—from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday—from the Lake Bluff History Museum, 127 Scranton Avenue, Lake Bluff.  Tickets must be purchased for a specific time slot and advance purchase is recommended.  Tickets may be purchased online at ghostwalklakebluff.com or at the museum during regular museum hours through October 19, then daily from 9 am to 4 pm October 20-28. Cost is $25 for adults, $10 for children (eighth grade and under).

The Lake Bluff History Museum maintains and displays a collection of photographs, documents and memorabilia relating to Lake Bluff.  Museum hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1-4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Additional information about the event can be obtained from the museum web site: www.lakebluffhistory.org or by calling 847 295-2337.