Two Brothers Roundhouse

One of the most notorious haunted locations in the Aurora area, this building dates back to the 1850s when it served as a railroad roundhouse. Now operating as a brewery and restaurant, visitors have reported numerous paranormal experiences within its historic walls.

The Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora occupies a historic 1856 limestone structure that is the oldest roundhouse in the United States. Originally built for the Chicago & Aurora Railroad (later Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad), the building was designed by Levi Hull Waterhouse using locally quarried Batavia limestone. It served railroad operations until 1974, then sat abandoned until 1995 when investors led by NFL legend Walter Payton purchased and converted it into an entertainment complex. Today it operates as Two Brothers Brewing.

The roundhouse is considered the most haunted building in Aurora. In the oldest section built around 1856, mysterious shadow figures roam the hallways. Two full-bodied apparitions have been documented: an older man and a young boy. Employees have seen shadowy silhouettes "dancing" in the Lager Room long after closing.

The apparition of a little girl carrying a lantern is one of many physical forms that have spooked unfortunate workers on closing shifts. Disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, and the sound of hammers ring through the night as restless spirits seem eternally devoted to forging the long-vanished steam locomotives.

Stories include a "depthless hole where the devil lurks," a romantic rendezvous interrupted by a frightening specter, countless sightings of shadow people, and a hallway where employees refuse to walk after dark. Perhaps most touching is the presence of Walter Payton himself—"The Spirit of Sweetness"—who led the charge to restore the Roundhouse and may have returned from beyond to visit his beloved project.

During investigations, WBBM Radio's lead reporter had her name called out by an unseen voice. EMF devices reacted throughout the evening, battery drainage was frequent even with fresh batteries, and numerous EVPs were recorded in the Banquet Room and Ballroom.

Ghost tours are hosted by Diane Ladley, "America's Ghost Storyteller," who wrote the book on Haunted Aurora. The 1.5-hour lantern-guided tours include opportunities for guests to participate in paranormal investigation.