Exploring Local Legends, Lore, and Cryptozoology in Illinois for National Paranormal Day

May 3, 2022

Take a deep breath, because things are about to get…weird. Did you know that today is National Paranormal Day? That’s right! Why wait until October to celebrate all things spooky? You can explore the paranormal and metaphysical all year round. Let’s take a look at the evidence for some truly spooky local legends and lore, and if nothing else they certainly make great campfire stories for your next road trip in your Classic Auto Group Car!

Have you come across any of these local cryptids and creatures in your paranormal research?

The Lake Michigan Sea Serpent is fondly known by locals as South Bay Bessie or The Lake Erie Monster. This eel-like cryptid was first seen in 1817, with sightings occurring intermittently for the last 200 years with increasing frequency. She is estimated to be between 30 to 60 feet long, with a slithery body and reptilian looking cranium. Scientists presume it may be related to Sea Lamprey, but others are fully convinced a giant sea creature is on the loose. A 52-second video of Lake Michigan’s shores from 2019 do show a suspicious snake-like creature swimming near the lighthouse and pier in South Haven, MI. Take a look and see for yourself, is this merely a nautical rope, a large eel or snake, or beast from below?

Picture Courtesy of Murphysboro.com

The Big Muddy Monster of Murphysboro has been under investigation as far back as 1973, when the first sightings of this local legend were reported to the police. Since then, the town has been documenting photographs, eye witness accounts, police reports, letters, and sketches from locals in a publicly accessible evidence file. A local couple was parked in a remote riverside location while out for a romantic interlude, when suddenly they encountered an incredibly large, looming figure of a mud-slathered albino swamp monster. Additional reports from the local area townsfolk confirmed the appearance of a sasquatch style creature covered in mud, gunk and grime. Others claim to have heard a piercing animalistic roar coming from the trees and underbrush, accompanied by a foul smelling odor. For two straight weeks police and local residents collected evidence such as footprints, eyewitness accounts of contact with a bipedal beast, and multiple sightings in passing. We’ve not been able to confirm for ourselves first hand, but reports suggest this monster may still be at large. Keep your eyes peeled for a 350lb, 7ft tall swampsquatch if you’re in the area. Some folks have speculated that this creature may have connections to the Enfield Horror as well.

The Enfield Horror originated from a bizarre chain of events starting on April 25th, 1973. A young boy named Greg Garrett was playing in his backyard when he claims he was attacked by a beast on three legs with grey, slimy skin, short claws, and intimidating red eyes. Little Greg retreated to the safety of his home after the monster attempted to step on him. Later that afternoon, Henry McDaniel, a neighbor of the Garrett Family, reported their own encounter with the creature who attempted to break into the home and scratched menacingly at the door. The incident blew up in the press and became a hotspot for thrillseekers and journalists, many of whom also claim to have heard banshee screams in the night and seen glimpses of the nearly 5 foot tall monster. Some say it’s hogswallop, but others claim it may be connected to a series of UFO sightings in the area. What about you?

Curious to continue your cryptid research? Check out this video by Youtuber “My Side of the Laundry Room” about the Enfield Horror and the Xorn!