Complete Guide to Illinois Bigfoot Sightings (1880

Illinois Bigfoot sightings have sparked curiosity and debate for over a century, with more than 350 documented reports positioning the state as a hotspot for alleged encounters with this elusive creature.

Described as a towering, hairy humanoid with a musky odor and glowing eyes, the Sasquatch has been spotted across Illinois’ diverse landscapes, from the dense Shawnee National Forest to suburban backyards near Chicago.

This article delves into the rich history, detailed accounts, and ongoing investigations of Bigfoot sightings in Illinois, exploring their cultural significance and connections to other cryptid lore in the Prairie State.

Illinois Bigfoot Sightings

Bigfoot sightings in Illinois span from the 1800s to 2025, with the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) documenting over 350 credible reports, ranking Illinois fifth in the nation for such encounters. Witnesses consistently describe a creature 7-9 feet tall, covered in dark or light fur, often emitting a pungent smell or eerie vocalizations.

These sightings occur in varied settings, including the forested southern counties, the Illinois River valley, and even urban fringes, suggesting the creature’s adaptability to diverse environments.

The following table compiles documented sightings from BFRO reports, focusing on Madison, Jackson, and Macoupin Counties, which have the highest number of sightings (24, 20, and 15, respectively), along with other notable reports across Illinois.

Table of Reported Bigfoot Sightings in Illinois:

Date	Witness	Location	Description
1880s	Local Hunter	Near Cairo, Alexander County	A “wild man” covered in dark hair was seen fleeing through swamps by a hunter, described as tall and elusive.
1929	Farmer	Near Decatur, Macon County	Farmer reported a 7 ft, hairy creature stealing chickens from a coop at night, leaving large footprints.
1941	Trapper	Near Quincy, Adams County	Trapper saw a 7-8 ft creature with dark fur near the Mississippi River, emitting a musky odor.
September 1972	Family	Near Granite City, Madison County	Family saw a tall, hairy figure near woods at dusk, moving silently.
June 25, 1973	Randy Creath, Cheryl Ray	Riverside Park, Murphysboro, Jackson County	Couple saw a 7-8 ft creature with muddy white fur, glowing red eyes, and a foul odor near the Big Muddy River, staring before retreating.
June 26, 1973	Christian Baril (age 4)	Westwood Hills, Murphysboro, Jackson County	Child saw a “big white ghost” in the backyard, corroborated by neighbors who saw a similar creature in a field.
July 7, 1973	Charles Kimbal (Carnival Worker)	Riverside Park, Murphysboro, Jackson County	Worker saw a 7 ft, mud-covered creature with red eyes watching ponies, tilting its head before vanishing into woods.
October 1973	Motorist	Near Edwardsville, Madison County	Motorist saw a tall, dark figure crossing a rural road at night, leaving large footprints.
October 1975	Mushroom Hunter	Happy Hollow Road, Gorham, Jackson County	Hunter saw an 8 ft humanoid figure moving through dense woods in daylight.
September 1977	Motorist	Near Granite City, Madison County	Motorist reported a hairy creature standing near railroad tracks at night.
Spring 1978	Couple	Near Carlinville, Macoupin County	Couple heard loud howls and saw a dark figure in a field while parked at night.
April 1978	Fisherman	Lake Kinkaid, Jackson County	Fisherman reported rocks thrown and vocalizations from a 7 ft creature hidden in trees.
April 1978	Hiker	Happy Hollow Road, Gorham, Jackson County	Hiker saw a tall, hairy figure in daylight, moving through dense forest.
October 1978	Resident	Near Edwardsville, Madison County	Resident recalled a daytime sighting of a dark, upright creature in a wooded area.
Summer 1980	Multiple Residents	Murphysboro, Jackson County	Reports of a “Big Muddy Monster” near the river, described as white-furred and foul-smelling.
December 24, 1980	Motorist	West of St. Jacob, Madison County	Motorist saw a 7 ft creature in headlights, standing upright before fleeing into woods.
Summer 1984	Motorists	New Douglas Road, Madison County	Motorists saw a tall, hairy figure crossing the road at night.
1988	Salvage Yard Owner	Murphysboro, Jackson County	Owner and employee reported a creature banging on metal walls for over 30 minutes after being shot at.
Spring 1989	Fisherman	Giant City State Park, Jackson County	Fisherman saw a 7 ft creature with dark fur near a creek, fleeing after being spotted.
September 1992	Two Girls	Near Carlinville, Macoupin County	Girls saw a shaggy creature cross a road at night, moving swiftly into woods.
November 1993	Deer Hunter	North of Hettick, Macoupin County	Hunter saw a 7 ft creature at dawn, standing in a clearing.
July 1994	Camper	Outside Bunker Hill, Macoupin County	Camper saw a tall, dark figure near their tent at night, leaving large tracks.
1965	Resident	Oregon, Ogle County	Resident heard a screaming creature hitting their trailer, described as tall and dark.
1970	Multiple Witnesses	Farmer City, DeWitt County	Dozens reported a “Farmer City Monster,” a large, black creature with glowing yellow eyes.
July 27, 1972	Two Swimmers	Cole Hollow Road, Peoria County	Swimmers saw a 12 ft, white, hairy creature in the Illinois River, described as ape-like with a powerful odor.
July 2003	Resident	Pearl City, Stephenson County	Resident saw a 7.5 ft creature with a pointed head and broad shoulders, leaving 16-17 inch footprints.
July 2004	Two Teens	Near Alton, Madison County	Teens reported a daylight sighting of a 7 ft creature in a wooded area.
June 2006	Homeowner	Near Edwardsville, Madison County	Homeowner saw a creature at night, with possible footprints found the next day.
August 2008	Resident	Near Edwardsville, Madison County	Resident saw a 7 ft creature in their backyard at dusk, moving silently.
April 2009	Farmer	Near Godfrey, Madison County	Farmer saw an 8 ft creature with dark fur while retrieving cattle.
December 2009	Motorist	Illinois Route 4, Hamel, Madison County	Motorist reported a daylight sighting of a tall, hairy figure near a field.
February 2011	Property Owner	Near Godfrey, Madison County	Owner reported a creature and unusual activity, including broken branches.
March 2011	Motorist	West of Murphysboro, Jackson County	Motorist saw a 7 ft creature near railroad tracks in daylight.
October 2011	Homeowner	Near Edwardsville, Madison County	Homeowner reported a nighttime sighting of a tall figure in their yard.
March 2012	Motorist	West of Murphysboro, Jackson County	Motorist reported a second sighting near railroad tracks, describing a similar creature.
April 2012	Farmer	East of Shipman, Macoupin County	Farmer reported a nighttime sighting and ongoing activity, including strange noises.
June 2012	Homeowner	Near Shipman, Macoupin County	Homeowner reported ongoing activity, including sightings of a tall figure.
November 2012	Homeowner	East of Carlinville, Macoupin County	Homeowner reported possible sightings and unusual noises in woods.
March 2013	Hiker	East of Makanda, Jackson County	Hiker heard vocalizations and rocks thrown, spotting a 7 ft creature in the distance.
December 2013	Motorist	Near Hettick, Macoupin County	Motorist saw a tall figure crossing a road at night.
November 2014	Motorist	Hagaman Bottoms, Macoupin County	Motorist reported a nighttime road crossing by a 7 ft creature.
December 2014	Motorist	Near Plainview, Macoupin County	Motorist saw a tall, hairy figure at night near a rural road.
November 2015	Bus Driver	U.S. 51, north of De Soto, Jackson County	Driver reported a 7 ft creature crossing the road in the afternoon.
November 2016	Resident	Sunset Lake, west of Girard, Macoupin County	Resident reported a nighttime sighting of a tall figure near the lake.
May 1998	Camper	Near Hardin, Calhoun County	Camper reported a 7 ft creature with glowing eyes near a campsite at night.
May 2008	Motorist	Near Otterville, Jersey County	Motorist saw a hairy creature running across a field, illuminated by headlights.
November 2007	Hunter	Near Detroit, Pike County	Hunter reported a 7 ft creature watching from a distance in a wooded area.
November 2010	Resident	West of Rushville, Schuyler County	Resident heard vocalizations and saw a tall figure near a rural property.
August 2017	Motorist	Near Troy, Madison County	Motorist saw a creature crossing a road at night, described as 7 ft tall.
October 2020	Trio of Campers	Red Cedar’s primitive campsite, Giant City State Park, Jackson County	Campers reported a hammock being slapped, bipedal footsteps, and two loud vocalizations at night.
November 29, 2021	Patrick Garver (Design Engineer)	Illinois Route 78, near Chandlerville, Cass County	Motorist saw a large creature jump across the road at 10:30 p.m., with long, swinging arms and glowing eyes, described as wider than his car.
June 2022	Resident	Rockford, Winnebago County	Resident reported a 7 ft creature near a wooded area, per local news reports.
February 2025	Hunter	Near Seneca, La Salle County	Hunter reported a 7 ft creature near the Illinois River, leaving large tracks.

Investigation Efforts in Illinois

Investigations into Illinois Bigfoot sightings have been extensive, driven by both organized groups and independent researchers. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has been the cornerstone of these efforts, maintaining a database of over 350 sightings since the 1990s.

BFRO investigators, such as Stan Courtney from Springfield, conduct field research, interview witnesses, and collect physical evidence like footprint casts and audio recordings. For example, Courtney investigated a 1983 La Salle County sighting where campers reported an 8 ft creature with a musky odor, documenting their account of hearing heavy breathing and seeing a silhouette by firelight.

Beyond the BFRO, other investigators have contributed significantly. Loren Coleman, a renowned cryptozoologist and Illinois native, investigated the 1973 Murphysboro Mud Monster case, spending weeks in Jackson County. Coleman collected witness testimonies, examined three-toed footprint casts, and recorded strange screeches at night, though he never saw the creature.

His work, detailed in books like Mysterious America, elevated the case’s credibility. In 1978, researchers from Western Illinois University studied the Enfield Horror and Murphysboro sightings, concluding that some reports might stem from mass hysteria but acknowledging credible witness accounts.

Local efforts also play a role. The Friends of Murphysboro, a community group, has supported investigations by preserving police records from the 1973 Mud Monster sightings and promoting the annual Big Muddy Monster Festival.

Independent researcher Chad Lewis, co-author of The Big Muddy Monster: Legends, Sightings, and Other Strange Encounters, conducted interviews and field research in Murphysboro, noting the profound impact of sightings on witnesses’ lives. Some reported ongoing fear, while others became dedicated Bigfoot researchers. Lewis’s work highlights the cultural significance of these encounters.

Other groups, like the Illinois Bigfoot Research Group, organize expeditions in the Shawnee National Forest, using trail cameras and night-vision equipment. In 2020, a team led by investigator Chris Callahan investigated the Giant City State Park sighting, confirming bipedal footsteps and vocalizations but finding no physical evidence.

These efforts, combined with community-driven initiatives like the Murphysboro Police Department’s open case file, reflect a multifaceted approach to unraveling the mystery of Bigfoot sightings in Illinois.

Detailed Case Studies

The Murphysboro Mud Monster (1973)

The Murphysboro Mud Monster case, beginning June 25, 1973, is a landmark in Illinois Bigfoot sightings. At around midnight, Randy Needham and Judy Johnson were parked near Riverside Park along the Big Muddy River in Murphysboro, Jackson County, seeking privacy. They noticed a foul, musky odor, likened to “river slime,” and heard rustling in nearby bushes.

As they looked out, a 7-8 ft creature emerged, covered in matted, white fur streaked with mud, with glowing red eyes and yellow teeth. “It was real tall, hairy,” Johnson later told police. “I think it was white, but it was dirty, matted. It had a real bad odor. It was really rank. I never smelled anything like it.” The couple stared at the creature, 15 feet away, for what felt like an eternity before it turned and walked back into the woods, trampling brush audibly.

The next day, June 26, four-year-old Christian Baril ran into his home in Westwood Hills, Murphysboro, shouting, “Daddy, Daddy, there’s a big white ghost out back.” Neighbors corroborated his account, reporting a similar creature in a nearby field, described as 7-8 ft tall, weighing 300-350 lbs, with pale, dirty fur.

On July 7, carnival worker Charles Kimbal reported seeing the creature near the same park, watching ponies with curiosity. “Its head was cocked, just watching the animals,” Kimbal told police. Officer Ron Manwaring investigated, noting, “I heard some unusual shrieks, smelled the foul smell, and saw the ground trampled down in the area where they said this thing was standing.”

The Murphysboro Police Department received hundreds of calls, prompting Chief Toby Berger to close the park temporarily due to armed hunters flooding the area. A posse with search dogs tracked the creature to an abandoned barn, but the dogs refused to enter, and no evidence was found.

The case gained national attention, with the New York Times reporting on the “benevolent hobgoblin” terrifying the town.

A 1988 sighting at a salvage yard, where the owner and employee reported the creature banging on metal walls after being shot at, reignited interest. The case remains open, with a bronze statue at Routes 13 and 127 and an annual festival celebrating the legend.

Christmas Eve Sighting in Madison County (1980)

On December 24, 1980, a motorist driving west of St. Jacob in Madison County encountered a creature illuminated by their headlights. The witness, whose name is not publicly disclosed, reported to the BFRO a 7 ft, upright figure covered in dark, shaggy fur, standing on a rural road. “It was just standing there, looking at the car,” the witness stated. “Its eyes caught the light, glowing slightly, and it had a strong, musky smell. It turned and walked into the woods, moving fast but not running.”

The sighting lasted only seconds but was classified as a Class A report by the BFRO due to its clarity and the absence of alternative explanations, such as a bear or costumed individual.

The rural setting, near dense woods and farmland, supported the credibility of the account. BFRO investigators visited the site, finding no physical evidence like footprints due to the frozen ground but noting broken branches consistent with a large creature’s passage. The witness’s description aligned with other Madison County reports, which frequently mention glowing eyes and a musky odor.

This sighting, though brief, underscores the persistence of Bigfoot sightings in Illinois in areas with ample cover and minimal human activity.

Bigfoot Sightings vs Other Cryptid Sightings in Illinois

Illinois is a hub for cryptid activity beyond Bigfoot sightings. The Enfield Horror, reported in Enfield, White County, in April 1973, is a notable case. On April 25, Greg Garrett, a young boy, was playing in his backyard when a 4.5 ft creature with gray, slimy skin, short claws, and glowing pink eyes attacked him, tearing his shirt. “It had three legs,” Garrett told police, “and it moved fast, like it was hopping.”

Later that night, neighbor Henry McDaniel heard scratching at his front door and saw the same creature on his porch. “It had two pink eyes as big as flashlights,” McDaniel reported. “It was gray, slimy, and stood on three legs.” McDaniel fired shots, but the creature fled. Additional sightings that month, including by a radio news director, fueled speculation of an alien or escaped experiment, with some linking it to concurrent UFO reports.

Mothman sightings, typically associated with West Virginia, have emerged in Illinois, particularly around Chicago since 2017. Over 150 reports describe a 7 ft, winged humanoid with red eyes, often near O’Hare Airport or the Calumet River. A June 2022 sighting in Rockford described a similar creature soaring over a wooded area.

These reports share the glowing-eye trait with Bigfoot accounts, prompting theories of misidentification or shared environmental triggers, like dense forests or river proximity.

Other cryptids include the Cole Hollow Road Monster (or “Cohomo”), seen near Peoria in 1972 by Randall Emert. Described as a 12 ft, white, hairy creature, it prompted over 200 witness reports. The Piasa Bird, a legendary creature from Native American lore, is depicted in ancient murals near Alton and described as a giant, winged beast.

Dogman sightings, reported in Elk Grove Village and McHenry County, describe a wolf-like creature with red eyes, often more aggressive than Bigfoot. South Bay Bessie, a Lake Michigan serpent, has been reported since 1817, with sightings of a 30-60 ft eel-like creature near Chicago’s north suburbs.

Illinois’ paranormal landscape includes hauntings, like Alton’s McPike Mansion, where apparitions are common, and UFO sightings, such as the 2004 Tinley Park triangular lights.

Potential links between these phenomena and Bigfoot sightings include shared settings (forests, rivers) and cultural storytelling traditions. Some researchers suggest that areas like the Shawnee National Forest, with its dense cover and deer populations, may attract multiple cryptids or inspire heightened perception of the unusual.

Conclusion

Illinois Bigfoot sightings weave a complex tapestry of folklore, mystery, and human curiosity. With over 350 documented reports, cases like the Murphysboro Mud Monster and the Christmas Eve sighting in Madison County highlight the creature’s enduring presence in the state’s imagination.

Investigations by the BFRO, Loren Coleman, and local groups have yet to yield definitive proof, but the volume of credible accounts keeps the legend alive. Connections to other cryptids, like the Enfield Horror and Mothman, suggest a broader pattern of unexplained phenomena in Illinois, possibly tied to its wild landscapes and cultural heritage.

Whether a real creature or a product of collective imagination, the Sasquatch continues to captivate, inviting exploration into the Prairie State’s shadowy corners.