This Is… Ashmore Estates

Old rusted blue pickup truck parked in front of a brick building with a sign that reads 'ASHMORE ESTATES', and a tree in the background during sunset.

Ashmore Estates

Ghost Hunt Sleepover

$129 Per Person

Book your spaces below

Overnight Ghost Hunt at Ashmore Estates!

Dare to spend a terrifying night at the infamous Ashmore Estates? 

Join us for an intense, exclusive overnight ghost hunt within the crumbling, dread-filled walls of this notorious Illinois landmark.Once a desolate poor farm, then a psychiatric hospital, Ashmore Estates is soaked in tales of suffering and loss. Its decaying corridors are alive with chilling reports of paranormal activity: disembodied whispers, fleeting shadow figures, and inexplicable cold spots. Every creak and groan whispers of a past that refuses to die.

Are you brave enough to face the lingering spirits that roam these halls?

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A Glimpse into Ashmore's Past:

The story of Ashmore Estates begins long before the current building. In 1857, the Coles County Poor Farm was established to house the poor, handicapped, and mentally ill. The first facility, a humble timber and brick building, saw hundreds of "inmates" pass through its doors, with many dying on the property and buried in nearby pauper cemeteries. Conditions often deteriorated, leading to reports of "vermin infected walls" and "flies swarming everywhere."

In 1916, the grand Neo-Georgian structure that stands today was built, intended to offer better care. This new almshouse continued to serve as a refuge for those with nowhere else to go. However, the inherent struggles of such institutions often meant that the residents faced difficult lives within its walls.

In 1959, the property transitioned from a county poor farm to a private psychiatric hospital, becoming known as Ashmore Estates. It housed patients, including those from state mental institutions, but faced financial difficulties and closed temporarily in 1964. It reopened in 1965, but by the 1980s, due to changes in mental healthcare and financial struggles, it finally closed its doors in April 1986.

For years, the abandoned building became a target for vandalism and whispers of its haunted past. It was later purchased and opened to the public for paranormal investigations, allowing visitors to explore its chilling history firsthand. The echoes of its former occupants, from the destitute to the mentally afflicted, are believed by many to linger within its walls, making it a prime location for paranormal encounters.

What Awaits You:

  • Exclusive Access: Spend the entire night exploring the most active areas of Ashmore Estates, locations often off-limits to the general public.

  • Experienced Team Leaders: Our knowledgeable and seasoned paranormal investigators will guide you through the night, offering insights and techniques for capturing evidence.

  • Hands-on Investigation: Utilize state-of-the-art ghost hunting equipment, including EMF meters, spirit boxes, laser grids, and thermal imaging cameras. Learn how to use them effectively to document any paranormal occurrences.

  • Small Group Sizes: We believe in quality over quantity. Our smaller group sizes ensure a more personal and immersive experience, allowing for better interaction and a higher chance of capturing evidence.

  • History and Hauntings: Learn about Ashmore Estates' fascinating and often tragic history, uncovering the stories of those who once resided within its walls and the lingering energies that may remain.

  • Provided Refreshments: We'll have a selection of drinks and snacks available throughout the night to keep you fueled for your investigation.

  • Comfort Breaks: Designated areas will be available for breaks.

Are you brave enough to face the spirits said to roam these halls?

The Reported Paranormal

Ashmore Estates has a long and documented history of paranormal phenomena. Visitors and investigators alike have reported:

  • Disembodied Voices and Whispers: Eerie sounds that seem to come from nowhere.

  • Shadow Figures: Fleeting glimpses of dark shapes moving in the periphery.

  • Cold Spots: Sudden and unexplained drops in temperature.

  • Moving Objects: Items shifting or being thrown without explanation.

  • Feelings of Being Watched: An unsettling sensation of unseen eyes upon you.

  • Intense Emotional Energies: Overwhelming feelings of sadness, fear, or anxiety in specific areas.

Important Information:

  • Date: Saturday, November 29th 2025

  • This is a sleepover event.

  • Time: 9:00 PM - 9:00 AM (Please arrive by 8:45 PM for registration)

  • Location: Ashmore Estates, 22645 County Road 1500 E, Ashmore, IL 61912, United States

  • Tickets: $129 per person (Limited spaces available - book early to avoid disappointment!)

  • Age Restriction: 18+ only.

  • What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, warm layers of clothing, a flashlight, any personal ghost hunting equipment you own. Sleeping bags or camping mats are recommended for designated rest areas.

  • Disclaimer: This is a physically and mentally demanding event. Ashmore Estates is an old and potentially hazardous building. Participants enter at their own risk. We are not responsible for any personal injury or loss of belongings.