By: Matt Emma

Chicago is a city famous for its unique architecture, deep-dish pizza, and rich history. But beneath the bustle lies something darker. Cool evenings in the last days of summer provide a perfect opportunity to explore a side of Chicago many people don’t know exists. Empire Tours invites locals and visitors alike to see the city in a new light: through its shadows. Their Gangsters and Ghosts Tour blends a robust walk with spine-tingling storytelling to create a night out that’s equal parts fun and legend.

During a recent interview, Empire Tours CEO Steven Garcia discussed his company’s business model and emphasized the importance of bringing Chicago’s history to life for visitors. He credits much of the company’s success to its guides. “I have a diverse group of tour guides, including young, enthusiastic historians pursuing their PhDs and aspiring comics,” said Garcia.

The two-hour tour takes place along “The Loop,” and locations visited include the Congress Hotel, Death Alley, and the Palmer House. 

Guides share meticulously researched tales of murderous mobsters, mysterious disappearances, and infamous haunts that still draw and dismay the curious decades later. While meccas of the macabre like Salem, Massachusetts, receive notoriety, Chicago consistently ranks among America’s haunted cities.

Chicago has long been a hotbed for ghostly lore. The city’s haunted history encompasses everything from Prohibition-era crime bosses to unsettled spirits believed to still linger in the hallways of local hotels. 

The Empire Tours team prides itself on blending accuracy with entertainment to create an immersive experience that appeals to families, history buffs, and thrill-seekers alike. Garcia reiterated the value of comedians as tour guides and their knack for storytelling. “In fact, many of my Chicago-based tour guides work at Second City, with about half of them being comedians,” he said.

Unlike a typical haunted house, Empire Tours offers more than just jump scares. Its Gangsters and Ghosts Tour explores infamous sites on foot, guiding guests through the real history behind the legends, including infamous figures like Al Capone. 

During the 1920s and into the 1930s, Capone’s stomping ground in Chicago was known as the “vice district,” a place rife with hidden underground tunnels for bootlegging and thriving speakeasies, where secret deals, threats, and parties were all too common. 

In his interview, Garcia was asked about the sustainability aspect of the Gangsters and Ghosts Tour. “Firstly, it’s a healthier option for our customers and also better for the environment,” he said. “The majority of our tours are walking tours, which is a deliberate choice for various reasons. It’s a healthier option for our customers and also better for the environment. Just imagine if we were running 10 big buses all day long. That would mean an additional 10 city buses running throughout the day, causing more congestion and pollution.”

There are no guarantees that guests will encounter any ghosts or other supernatural entities during their stroll around Chicago. However, the buzz around town is that many guests walk away with tales to tell. 

As Garcia shares, “We primarily cater to individuals who seek unique and immersive experiences. Our target audience consists of people who desire more than just a generic bus tour. We understand the importance of providing an enriching and authentic experience, and that has always been our focus.”

Empire Tours has built its reputation on offering experiences that combine authenticity and entertainment, with ghost tours running in Charleston, Washington, D.C., and New York City. But for the late-summer visitor, Chicago is where the thrill begins.

With limited seasonal dates, Empire Tours’ Gangsters and Ghosts Tour is a chance to mark the end of summer with a story that’s worth telling for years afterward. Just be warned: You might see more of the Windy City than you bargained for!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Empire Tours does not guarantee supernatural experiences during their tours. The details shared about the historical sites and figures are based on research and storytelling, and individual experiences may vary. Please check Empire Tours’ official website for more details, availability, and safety guidelines.