Survey reveals Illinois’ scariest road: Archer Avenue in Chicago

CHICAGO ( WGN ) — One Chicago-area roadway is sure to send chills down your spine – and it’s not because of the traffic.

A new Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach survey named Archer Avenue in Chicago as Illinois’ scariest road and the 33rd most feared road nationally. Of the 3,000 drivers surveyed, many who travel the road revealed “strange sightings” and “an overall spooky atmosphere.”

“Perhaps one of the most famous haunted roads in America, the feared Archer Avenue is known for Resurrection Mary, a ghostly hitchhiker seen near Resurrection Cemetery,” the site wrote.

Recently, WGN Morning News detailed the legend behind the vanishing hitchhiker. According to the decades-old tale, Mary died sometime in the late 1920s or early 1930s, either in a car crash or as the victim of a hit-and-run accident. In the years since, Resurrection Mary has been known to walk up and down Archer wearing a white ball gown and matching accessories. Legend has it that Mary flags down a driver, usually a man, but she vanishes when they arrive at Resurrection Cemetery.

Archer Avenue runs northeast-to-southwest between Chinatown and Lockport.

Other spooky streets surveyed in Illinois include Cuba Road in Barrington and Bloods Point Road in Belvidere.

The survey revealed that Cuba Road, ranked 49th overall, has been a known site for paranormal reports for decades. Blood Points Road in Belvidere, which finishes 79th on the list , is also said to be steeped in supernatural lore. According to surveyed drivers, many believe the roadway is haunted by multiple spirits. Commuters have also reported eerie sightings and shadowiness.

Nationally, the top 10 spookiest streets include:

Fear not, drivers! Click here for the complete list of America’s 140 spookiest streets and haunted highways.

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