Ghost Hunt: A Paranormal Investigation of the Manteno Insane Asylum
by This is the story of an actual paranormal investigation conducted at the Manteno Insane Asylum in Manteno, Illinois. This location is regarded as one of the most haunted in the state. This was also my very first real ghost hunt.
The following is the story of a real paranormal investigation conducted at the Manteno Insane Asylum in Manteno, IL on March 14th, 2009. This location is supposedly one of the most haunted in the state. This was also my very first ghost hunt and one of the last ever conducted at this location. .
All photos have been approved by and are courtesy of the Illinois Ghost Society and the Confidential Paranormal Investigators. All audio / EVP clips are posted on and linked to my personal web site.
The Invitation
For the past seven years I have become among the millions of people who are completely enamored by the paranormal. I am not an investigator nor do I belong to any paranormal group. I simply consider myself a very intrigued student who cannot get enough of this amazing field.
Besides watching all of the popular paranormal shows religiously, I do quite a bit of networking with people involved with the paranormal field including investigative teams, psychic mediums, ghost hunters, authors etc. I do this through My Space, a community called Super Natural Connections and a writing community called Triond.
A few months ago I was fortunate enough to befriend Laura of Illinois Ghost Society (IGS) and Mary from Confidential Paranormal Investigators (CPI) . Over the course of a few weeks we exchanged emails, comments, thoughts, articles and ideas. I had no expectations other than to learn from them and become friends. They were both very sweet, friendly and open with sharing whatever information they could, including their ideas, views and beliefs on various topics in the field.
After a few weeks, Laura extended a very gracious invitation to accompany her team (Illinois Ghost Society) on their follow-up investigation of the Manteno Insane Asylum in Manteno, IL. Needless to say, I was honored and excited. I had been dying to go on an investigation for years! She told me to do my own research on the site because it has quite a history of paranormal activity. This would give me a feel for what I could be facing and would help get me prepared, which I did.
During my communications with Mary, she told me that CPI would actually be leading the investigation and Laura was a member of that team as well. She seconded the invite and thought it would be a great first experience for me. She also advised me it would be good because she was bringing her daughter Jackie on her first investigation. So, I would not be the only first-timer, which made me feel much better.
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Post CommentMr Ghaz
On May 20, 2009 at 5:46 am
Excellent! very interesting read and well written piece..Thnx for sharing this great stuff.
s hayes
On May 20, 2009 at 6:49 am
wow x great article – I have been on a couple of ghost walks but never a full investigation – don’t know if I would have the bottle – good reporting job x
Sheila M
On May 20, 2009 at 7:48 am
This long awaited article was amazing Peter! I felt like I was watching an episode of Ghost Hunters. It must have been incredible to have had this opportunity. I really do hope another team can get in there at a later date. It seems there are more things to be seen and heard. I was surprised to see pictures. They greatly enhanced your article along with the EVPs. I was just as excited reading it as you were to be there! lol Wonderful article Peter and an even more wonderful opportunity!!
Kairos
On May 20, 2009 at 8:50 am
Peter, it really scares me!!!!
R J Evans
On May 20, 2009 at 10:34 am
Very cool article – and spooky too! Have dugg this at:
http://digg.com/odd_stuff/A_Paranormal_Investigation_of_the_Manteno_Insane_Asylum#
and blogged it at:
http://www.webphemera.com
Great stuff!
cardy
On May 20, 2009 at 10:36 am
This is your best work so far you have out done yourself loved it what a fab article for you brill
Mark Gordon Brown
On May 20, 2009 at 11:16 am
Fascinating tale! On the edge of my seat!
Dawn Langford
On May 20, 2009 at 5:31 pm
This article was awesome. I am a member of a paranormal group in Mississippi. I know how the first time can be, especially when you get touched and weird things happens.But I wouldn’t trade what I have been through and seen for anything. Our group has slowed down, but we are raging and raring to get back at it. Don’t quit going take every oppurtunity you can, cause each time is totally different.
clay hurtubise
On May 20, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Interesting piece. While I have seen ghost for years now, I am not certain they are real! Our minds are powerful, we may be seeing what we desire to see….
Thanks,
Clay
Laura
On May 20, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Awesome article……you have done such a wonderful job writing this piece. I am glad you came along and had a great experience to share with others. hugs…….
Ruby Hawk
On May 20, 2009 at 8:16 pm
I am also interested in the paranormal but I have many doubts about it. I know we have charletons and misguided people and it’s a big question mark as to any of them being the real thing.
Lex92
On May 20, 2009 at 8:32 pm
This is a little freaky… the paranormal gives me nightmares…sorry
Teri
On May 21, 2009 at 12:11 am
Peter,
Thank you for Posting your First Experience with an offical Investigation Teams. Sounded like an awesome time for you and your Friend.
Cindy
On May 21, 2009 at 5:01 am
Great Article Peter. It was nice meeting you and sharring our investigation with you. It was my first time going to manteno also. I got a very good evp in the tub room that says “Can I get a drink of water please”. I will pass it on to you through Laura.
Kathy CPI
On May 21, 2009 at 10:34 am
Peter, great job on the article. Those of us that are Investigators know that there are many hours of boredom waiting for something to happen but you definitely captured the excitement when something does. This is what makes us keep doing what we do!
If you do not mind I would like to point out, as you did in the article, that there were many groups there and each team did their own investigation so it was not just one teams investigation. Also, thank for giving me credit for the two pictures of the shadow man in the corner, unfortunately I didn’t take them, I wish I did but Mike was the lucky one that captured those! I have hundreds of pictures and video taken from the many years of going to Manteno and many personal stories so please do not hesitate to contact me if you need anything.
The best of luck to you Peter and I look forward to reading many more of your stories.
Sincerely,
Kathy
richard reed
On May 21, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Hey buddy..this story is incedible man.. you always do an amazing job..this is awesome I showed my wife and she as well was like WOW..my wife enjoys all your work as well,she said shes addicted…Peter..BLESS YOU and yours always cant wait for your next piece..keep in touch.your friend / fan Rich
Wanageeska.
On May 21, 2009 at 8:03 pm
Hey Peter Loved the story I thought you captured Manteno perfect and I know how great it is to have activity on your first time out. I think what you did for the goup was great and it hopefully will advance the paranormal feild to people who still wish not to belivein such area’s.Your story was perfect and you felt like you were back on the first time for yourself..Congrats to you and to all teams involved.I will always have a special place in my heart for Manteno. Thanks again for everything peter ..Sincerly JOE..
goodselfme
On May 21, 2009 at 8:52 pm
You have executed this ghost hunt so well for me. So glad you told me about this to read. Unfortunately, I have no sound on the computer, but with your words, I did not need that. I am also happy that you were able to experience this to share with me.TX
swatilohani
On May 22, 2009 at 12:51 am
well crafted
Alistair Briggs
On May 22, 2009 at 5:12 am
What a great write; sounds like you had an amazingly eerie time
Athlyn Green
On May 22, 2009 at 5:48 am
Wow! What a great article. I encourage everyone to take the time to bookmark this to the popular sites as I’m sure readers would appreciate this fascinating information. I’ll be submitting it, as well. Good work Peter.
Peter Cimino
On May 22, 2009 at 9:51 am
I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the incredible feedback I have received on this piece. I am not only appreciative I am humbled! So, thank you so, so much! I cannot begin to tell you how much I not only enjoyed writing this but experiencing it. If you have a passion for the paranormal like I do, there is nothing like a real investigation with true professionals! Special thanks to any and all who have forwarded this and networked it on other forums, blogs and sites! And of course to those who made this all possible! You know who you are! LOL! I may have found a nice niche for myself! Let’s hope so! Thank you all again so very much!!!
Darla Cooke
On May 22, 2009 at 10:34 am
This is a wonderful article. I’ve always been fascinated with paranormal activity and your story kept my interest from the very beginning. Great job!!!!
Judy Sheldon
On May 22, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Peter, fantastic and fascinating. Louie Jerome would like to read this. I am going to let her know.
Take care & God bless!
Inna Tysoe
On May 23, 2009 at 2:23 am
Great article.
Thanks.
Inna
Louie Jerome
On May 23, 2009 at 7:46 am
Very interesting article, I enjoyed it.
suzan mehmet
On May 23, 2009 at 8:35 am
Very interesting. I like your story on this. But have you ever wondered if we maybe the paranormal side to those spirits trying to reach us. People have always been interested in the paranormal. Who knows it maybe them instead of us living in the real world and they have come to warn us so that we may not end up like them. If we sin in this world.I believe in the after life and we all pay for our sins in one way or another.
PR Mace
On May 23, 2009 at 10:11 am
Excellent article. I love tales of ghosts and ghost hunting. We have been on two real ghost hunts at the Pensacola Lighthouse. We saw a shadow of a man cross an upstairs window. The entire group saw it and we found the outside window walkway had been closed for years. No one was out there walking. Well written.
Alina Beck
On May 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Hmmm – I’m not sure how I feel about going ’stirring things up’. Nonetheless, this is a well-written and compelling article. Thanks for sharing.
Mary Contrary
On May 23, 2009 at 5:56 pm
GREAT story Peter! You did a wonderful job telling it! Last night while watching some paranormal show, Jack moved the bed again. He’s been very quiet lately, & I thought he had left so I tried speaking to him early in the day, and lo & behold when they were conjouring up the spirits on the show he made an appearance! Freaky huh? You now have me wanting to go on a hunt, but having Jack around sometimes is enough for me…lol Keep up the great work!
Crystal Tankersley
On May 23, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Peter, must say I loved this. Beautifully written!
jhonathan17
On May 24, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Nice Dude!!!! check this http://autorneto.com/deporte/el-dolor-de-cabeza-de-maria-sharapova/
aristate
On May 25, 2009 at 9:40 am
Pete I must saY IT IS A STRANGE FIELD.bUT WHAT AFUN TIME BEING SCARED.cAN YOU JUST IMAGINE THE GHOSTS OF THE PAST WALKING THE HALLS OF THAT PLACE .hOW MANY WERE ELECTRICUTED FORR FUN?mAKES YOU WONDER DOESNT IT SOME SADISTIC DR.
MMV Abad
On May 25, 2009 at 10:17 am
Interesting Peter. So Scary
Maggie Hoffie
On May 25, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Wow…..very interesting….and mildy disturbing…haha. Great read Peter.
Anne McNew
On May 27, 2009 at 1:36 am
great work. beautifully written. Keep up.
ShelliLynn
On May 28, 2009 at 12:08 am
That was awesome! I really enjoyed reading it. I love paranormal stuff-ghosts-orbs and all that, cept I’m sure I would be too scared to go on a ghost hunt or anywhere haunted. You must be very brave.
Kate Smedley
On May 29, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Wow, the paranormal fascinates me, intriguing article Peter, thanks for sharing it with us and sorry it’s taken me so long to get to you … very good stuff!
Josey
On May 31, 2009 at 8:57 am
Great article. Wow, that is so exciting that you got to be a part of that. I would love to be a part of something like that. Great writing too. Best of luck!, Josey
Denise Kawaii
On May 31, 2009 at 9:43 pm
This was a great article, thank you so much for including the links and photos! Paranormal activity is incredibly interesting to me and my husband. I can’t wait to forward it on to him!
California Dreamer
On June 4, 2009 at 3:00 am
Great Article, I enjoyed reading it very much, I as one for myself am very interested in the Paranormal, I actually watch Ghost Hunters faithfully every Wed… Thanks for sharing
Joie Schmidt
On June 6, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I believe in ghosts because three people in my life who are very practical souls let me know they either saw or had a supernatural experience. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings.
Sincerely,
-Liane Schmidt.
Katien
On June 8, 2009 at 7:30 am
Very interesting and well described account.
Sohia Clark
On June 8, 2009 at 11:11 am
Hello Peter I really enjoyed this story, you were so descriptive I felt like I was right there with you, very well written.
Stacey T Pollock
On June 9, 2009 at 6:01 am
Wow that must have been a very interesting and spooky tour, one that would have given you goosebumps!
Wonderful writing as always, especially how you tell the story of your experience. I really enjoyed reading it!
CutestPrincess
On June 10, 2009 at 4:39 am
awww… what a scary day out i cant stand doing paranormal thing or ghost hunt… very scary…. also the images makes me nervous.
friendshipter
On July 21, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Great article. Very informative.
kaveri
On August 6, 2009 at 12:53 pm
omg….that was creepy.Well,your writing style is incredible.
Keep up the good work.
Francy
On August 12, 2009 at 2:00 pm
great article
Keep sharing
Dena McCusker
On August 24, 2009 at 8:40 pm
I have to admit i’m a little spooked now..but this topic really interests me, so i thought it was great..nicely done my friend
Leonardo da Vinci E.
On August 26, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I can’t believe that you actually believe in ghost man.
sweetcheeks
On September 10, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Very interesting. How long ago was that filmed because I think i have seen this one.
lindalulu
On September 17, 2009 at 4:41 pm
Scary but a really good article.
Beth Suess
On September 18, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Great piece, wow, it is very scary, I like it!!!
Shari86
On October 8, 2009 at 11:40 am
Great article: the pictures add to the atmosphere & the first person perspective sets it apart from similar ‘haunted house’ articles.
Jackie118
On October 10, 2009 at 6:11 am
This is brilliant Peter! I’ve only just got round to reading it but it’s a subject that really interests me, although I’m not sure I’d have the bottle to actually go on a ghost hunt! Having seen a couple of things myself which I couldn’t explain and having heard several tales from family, close friends or colleagues I’m certainly open-minded about the paranormal. (I wrote some of my earlier and less ‘artistic’ Triond articles on some of the weird experiences!) Over here in the UK we have a programme called Ghosthunting and a few years back I thought it was all a sham, but having recently watched the repeats, I’m much more believing!! I hope you decide to do some more hunting as you’ve really piqued my interest now
Vikram Chhabra
On October 12, 2009 at 4:30 pm
I guess being of Indian origin, I have been exposed to much of this from a different angle. I suggest you study Vedic texts about ‘ghosts”. I do not know what is true and I am no expert, but the ancients have spoken of many types of spirits. We in the modern world, inspite of our technology know very little…
lillyrose
On October 14, 2009 at 11:47 am
WOW…That is one fantastic experience! and the information is very well recored and presented. I just went to listen to the recordings of the voices and now I have goose bumps! Congratulations on your spooky night!
John
On October 28, 2009 at 8:28 pm
Please email me. The room of the shadowy figure. Was that on the left or right wing, because when we went to the right wing(not the same wing with the stairs outside going to the basement) something bad happened to one of my friends that I am not going to speak of right now. Also we were outside having a smoke break by the stairs and we heard a loud bang on the plywood. but please contact me on the shadowy figure. thanks
Reagan
On October 30, 2009 at 2:36 pm
I live in manteno, and the asylum is definately haunted. nice investigation!
athena goodlight
On October 31, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Excellent article. What an experience you must have had. While reading this and listening to the audio, it’s kind of a creepy experience for me already.
al
On November 4, 2009 at 8:21 pm
its open u can get in now im going there tonight
Dark Antirex
On November 8, 2009 at 4:06 am
spooky :]
EddieYW
On November 17, 2009 at 4:52 pm
creepy. Very detailed and researched. Great
Authoress Terry E. Lyle
On November 18, 2009 at 12:08 am
Very creepy, and I’m glad you had the experience to go, but “I NEVER WOULD HAVE WENT” call me chicken and I will go cluck my behind underneath my sheets tonight, I don’t want to dream about this at all. It don’t help when I have a cemetary behind my house and the weather is foul outside, and now my imagination is jumping off the grid.
PhoenixRox
On November 21, 2009 at 2:54 am
This is super creepy. The thing is I am not a great believer in paranormal stuff. But I can’t explain things like this, so it certainly makes me wonder. I also respect people who believe in it. Thanks for making me question these things
xtine
On December 2, 2009 at 7:59 am
This is really a good article. Everytime I read scary articles, and see scary movies, I always get paranoid.
)
jaysonv
On December 16, 2009 at 1:43 am
ohhh scary.. i liked your post..
Olivia Van Logum
On December 20, 2009 at 1:14 pm
What a really interesting article! I am really interested in the paranormal, as we have a spirit living in our house. Whilst “he” (I feel that it is the spirit of a man) doesn’t really frighten me, I would be terrified to go on a ghost hunt in an unfamiliar location!
V rank
On December 27, 2009 at 7:04 am
veyr lenghty article yet it’s worth it to read this article… the photos also are very creepy…
Kevin Petersen
On February 3, 2010 at 12:30 am
good ya
brittney
On February 4, 2010 at 2:22 am
i have lived in manteno my whole life. so has my father and he has been in n out of the hospital many many times and have felt things ..well i was in whats called the “genie” room and i was leaving the room (keep in mine i was a 15yr old in there with 2 friends at 2am) and as soon as we stepped out of the room the big metal door that was open slammed shut and who ever it was touched my neck. needless to say i bolted out of there and i actually havnt been back since. ive been in there many times as well and have never been so scared in my life! good article
XXElleXX
On March 16, 2010 at 8:29 am
http://www.paranormalaustralia.com/ ~ You might wanna check this link out Peter. I have never been on a paranormal research or ghost hunt for that matter…but I do watch with interest…paranormal investigations on tele. This sort of thing captures anyone and everyone’s imagination. It was a ‘creepy walk’ with you through a condemned asylum for the insane…and a very intriguing write about your tour to a haunted place
lillyrose
On April 7, 2010 at 10:31 am
still as thrilling second time round… please go and do another one!
ShadowPsychos
On April 30, 2010 at 5:14 am
wow i really like this. great share
laura Gonzalez
On June 18, 2010 at 2:49 pm
does anyone know if they did tare it down
Peter Cimino
On June 23, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Laura…I have not heard that rumor. Last I heard from someone they actually let a new team in there to investigate. Let me check around to see what I can find out. Where are you located? Are you near there?
Diamond Channing
On July 29, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Enjoyed this very much – you have a great writing style. A wonderful way of delivering what you write. Truly a gifted writer! Look forward to reading more. Glad to have found you. A++!!
MySoldiersSweetheart
On July 29, 2010 at 2:50 pm
I only get into paranormal stuff during halloween other then that I do believe things exist(ghosts) but do not go all crazy over it. I liked readying this and it kind of gave me chills.
Jessica Rowe
On August 13, 2010 at 10:58 am
Very interesting, definitely holds a readers attention. lol My brother went to Ireland and was part of the show scariest castles in the world and he witnessed many of the same, unexplained phenomenons.
kelly beaudreau
On September 10, 2010 at 5:13 pm
Hello, Peter. I am a bit confused. What used to be ” Manteno Mental Health”, is now ” Illinois Veteran’s Home in Manteno”. I have viewed the pics and don’t ever remember seeing those buildings on the grounds????? I have worked there for the past seven years. The photos are similar “looking” to the buildings on campus, but the facility is open. I am a firm believer in the paranormal. There is NO QUESTION in my mind that the entire facility is haunted. I have seen and heard many things in the years I have worked there. Many people have passed over there. It’s impossible NOT to feel it when you walk through the doors. I hope this is not some modern day “Blair witch project” ,as the Veterans who reside there now deserve better.
respectfully,kelly
Peter Cimino
On September 14, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Kelly, Thanks for reading and for the comments. I do appreciate the support. I don’t think we are talking about the same place in Manteno. Believe me…I was there participated in the investigation. If you google Manteno Insane Asylum there is a ton of stuff right there including pictures and You Tube References. It also has its own web site. I do not know the connection between this place and what you are speaking about. But trust me when I tell you, this place is not open. This is no Blair Witch Project my friend. I assure you. This is real. That place is haunted as sure as I am sitting here typing this and it is completely shut down. Thanks again for reading.
kaejai
On November 2, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I love anything paranormal! Great read!
midzii
On April 1, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Do you ever watched “Ghost Investigation Serial”, i watched it on AXN before. i think its same review with your article, sometime anything happened is out from our logics. but its myopinion, because in mycountry, we believe too about ghost but we call them “Jin or Satan”..
CHIPMUNK
On April 5, 2011 at 8:01 am
Amazing work
kelceechapman
On January 11, 2012 at 6:01 am
you are a very talented writer, keep writing