The Haunted Rock Island Roadhouse is located in the heart of historic Rock Island, overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. It is a compelling destination for both new and seasoned paranormal investigators, offering an intensely active location shaped by a mischievous—and often dark—past.
Over the decades, the building has lived many lives. It served as a YMCA from 1913 to 1977, operated as a speakeasy during Prohibition, and functioned as a brothel under the control of the infamous Helen Van Dale. The Roadhouse also bears strong ties to organized crime, connected to figures such as John Patrick Looney and Alphonse Capone. Its history includes housed criminals, reported murders, multiple deaths, and countless stories that have never fully faded.
Adding to its lingering energy are reports of American soldiers who still make their presence known—men who once stayed at the YMCA free of charge if they arrived in uniform during wartime. Today, many who visit or investigate this extraordinarily active location leave with deeply personal, spine-tingling experiences that defy easy explanation.
At the Haunted Rock Island Roadhouse, where history comes to life, the past does not remain silent—and some secrets can’t be kept.
Rock Island Roadhouse Esoteric Expo 2026
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