Bone chilling movies filmed in Illinois

October is the perfect time to celebrate Illinois’ chilling connection to the silver screen. From haunted Chicago streets to quiet suburban settings that turned sinister, Illinois has long been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers.

Chicago has played a starring role in some of the genre’s most memorable moments. “Candyman” (1992), filmed primarily in and around the Cabrini-Green housing complex, transformed real Chicago locations into symbols of urban legend and fear. The movie has become a classic of psychological horror while preserving a snapshot of Chicago’s architectural history. The 2021 sequel, also filmed in Chicago, revisited those same streets to explore how mystery can linger in a city that continues to change.

Illinois’ horror movie legacy doesn’t stop there. “Child’s Play” (1988) turned Chicago’s department stores and apartments into scenes of terror, introducing the world to Chucky, one of horror’s most infamous and iconic villains. “The Exorcist” (1973) filmed eerie hospital scenes at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, and “The Unborn” (2009) used real Chicago landmarks like the University of Chicago for its supernatural story. More recently, scenes in “Sinister 2” (2015) were filmed in and around Illinois towns, showing that the state remains an eerie destination for filmmakers.

Illinois’ mix of urban, city and small-town charm attract filmmakers looking for authentic, atmospheric settings. With its historic architecture, the state has become a natural stage for spine-tingling storytelling.

This Halloween season, as you re-watch your favorite scary movies, keep an eye out for familiar streets and landmarks. You might recognize a piece of Illinois hiding behind the next scream.

Famous Haunted Houses in Illinois

• Illinois History
• halloween
• Holidays

With the weather getting cooler and leaves changing color that can only mean one thing… spooky season is right around the corner. Whether you and your friends looking for a terrifying tour or are you interested in Illinois horror lore, this list is for you.

Old Joliet Prison

Famous for its cameo in Blues Brothers and a staple in Joliet, the Old Joliet State Prison becomes haunted on select nights throughout the fall. Featuring storied prisoners such as John Wayne Gacy and Baby Face Nelson, the prison still holds a lot of dark energy. This haunted experience claims to be the only haunted house within a real abandoned prison in the Chicagoland area and is not one you will forget anytime soon.

13^th Floor Haunted House

This Chicago experience includes a haunted house, shattered skyline, immersive experiences and more. Founded in 2002, this is a classic Halloween experience with high quality production that remains a staple of Illinois’ spooky season. With over 30,000 feet this haunted house is run by the country’s largest professional haunted house production company. Learn more about this haunted house here.

Dungeon of Doom

Located in Zion, Dungeon of Doom Haunted House, is an Illinois staple. Folks from around the state and even outside the state come to take a trip through this massive Haunted House experience. The Dungeon of Doom is 2,950 feet long (over a half mile), filled to the brim with live actors and interactive experiences. The Dungeon even includes a buried alive experience!

For a comprehensive list of haunted houses in Illinois, click here.

Illinois Innovation – Lemonheads, Juicy Fruit and more sweet treats!

Have you ever enjoyed a sour Lemonhead or a hot Atomic Fireball as a sweet treat? Both of those candies and more are a result of Illinois innovation!

Illinois has been the source of several sweet inventions throughout the state, while also being home to production centers for some of the largest, most iconic candy producers in the world.

Read more …

NANO Nuclear chooses Illinois for clean energy research, manufacturing hub

Illinois is continuing to position itself as a clean energy leader with the announcement that NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. will establish a manufacturing and research development facility in the state. The company is committing more than $12 million to this project, which is expected to generate 50 full-time jobs and advance next-generation nuclear energy technologies.

The new facility is located in the Chicagoland area and features a 23,537-square-foot site, including a 7,400-square-foot non-nuclear demonstration zone. It will support engineers, component manufacturers and researchers who will collaborate closely with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on NANO Nuclear’s flagship project, the KRONOS MMR™ Microreactor Energy System.

Illinois’ economic development program, Reimagining Energy and Vehicles, is backing the investment through tax credits tied to job creation and capital investment. This will reflect the state’s broader strategy to attract advanced manufacturing and clean energy companies.

Several factors made Illinois an appealing location for NANO Nuclear. The state is already a significant hub for nuclear electricity production and has deep academic and industrial infrastructure. The presence of well-established utilities and research institutions provides a strong ecosystem for innovation in nuclear power.

NANO Nuclear’s arrival places it among a growing list of clean tech companies choosing Illinois, including companies in advanced manufacturing and alternative energy sectors. As it takes shape, this facility is poised to contribute not only to job growth but also to new research breakthroughs that could help shape the future of energy in Illinois and beyond.