Lincoln Theater – Haunted Theater in Decatur, Illinois

The Lincoln Theater in Decatur, Illinois, stands as a chilling testament to the city’s haunted history. Built in the early 20th century, this once-glorious movie palace has gained notoriety not just for its grand architecture but for its reputation as one of the most haunted theaters in the Midwest.

With decades of paranormal reports ranging from ghostly apparitions to mysterious whispers echoing through the darkened aisles, the Lincoln Theater continues to draw both thrill-seekers and paranormal investigators hoping to catch a glimpse of the unknown.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1916
• Original Purpose: Vaudeville and movie theater
• Significant Events:
  The Lincoln Theater opened in 1916 as a lavish vaudeville venue and later transitioned into a movie house. Throughout the decades, it hosted countless performances and events. However, its dark history includes the tragic death of a stagehand who reportedly fell to his death in the fly loft above the stage. Over time, rumors of unexplained deaths, possible suicides, and unexplained electrical fires added layers to the theater’s eerie reputation.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Visitors and staff have reported an array of supernatural events inside the Lincoln Theater.

• Common Occurrences: Flickering lights, disembodied voices, sudden cold drafts, and shadow figures darting across the stage.
• Patterns: Cold spots near the balcony and strange technical malfunctions during performances are frequent.
• Notable Entities: The most well-known ghost is a former stagehand, believed to haunt the backstage area. A shadowy female figure in a long dress is also seen wandering the aisles after hours.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• Who Are the Ghosts?
  The spirit of the stagehand, often called “Red,” is known for causing electrical disturbances and loud bangs in the fly loft. Another entity—possibly a former patron—is a spectral woman in white, said to appear in balcony seats during empty performances.
• Visitor Reports: People often hear phantom footsteps, whispering in empty rooms, and the unexplained sound of curtains rustling when no one is on stage.
• Folklore: Local lore speaks of a “ghost seat” in the balcony—anyone who tries to sit in it alone is said to experience overwhelming dread or see a figure seated beside them.
• Urban Legends: Some say if you stand alone on the stage and say “Red” three times, you’ll hear knocking from above—where no one should be.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The fly loft above the main stage is said to be the most haunted part of the theater. This is where the stagehand allegedly fell to his death, and many report cold winds, moving ropes, and a sense of being watched from above.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies depending on event or tour
• Tour Availability: Paranormal investigations and ghost tours offered seasonally, especially around Halloween
• Photography Allowed? Yes (on tours and with permission during events)
• Visiting Hours: Dependent on scheduled events and tour bookings

Best Time to Visit

Fall, particularly October, is when paranormal activity is said to spike—just in time for Halloween. Late-night tours are often the most eventful.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Lincoln Theater has been featured in several regional paranormal documentaries and has hosted ghost hunting teams from across the Midwest. Many have recorded unexplained EMF spikes, cold spots, and EVP (electronic voice phenomena) recordings, particularly near the stage and projection room.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

Paranormal investigators have reported hearing a woman humming near the backstage corridor, even when the theater was empty. One former staff member swore he saw a man in overalls vanish through a closed door backstage—only to later discover that man’s description matched an old newspaper photo of the stagehand who died there.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

While the theater is open for events and guided tours, unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited. Visitors are warned not to explore the upper levels or backstage without supervision due to safety hazards and steep staircases.

Cursed or Haunted Objects

One of the original velvet seats in the balcony—known by staff as “Seat 13”—is believed to be cursed. Those who sit in it often report chills, whispers in their ear, or overwhelming sadness that disappears the moment they move away.