The 30 Absolutely Best Historical Ghost Tours in America

‘Tis the season to be spooky and you may be Googling “The best historical ghost tours in America” for a good scare this fall. Well we’ve called in a few spooktacular blogging buddies and rounded up the absolutely best ghost tours scattered all over the country so no matter where you are, you can celebrate the season with a little local legend and lore!

After all, the best tours aren’t just fun and frightening; they’re also educational! As you explore haunted houses and the streets of yesteryear, you’ll also get to peek into the unique and vibrant history of some of America’s cities and towns and see a side you didn’t even know existed.

Eastern America Historical Ghost Tours

Being the oldest part of our nation, and the place that saw the most war over the years (400 and counting), it comes as no surprise there are a great number of tours that make the Best Historical Ghost Tours in America list in this section of the nation.

Williamsburg VA

Stroll through the dark streets of Historic Williamsburg by candlelight on the 2nd oldest Ghost Tour in the United States and Virginia’s first ghost tour! Recently voted 5th most popular Ghost Tour in America. Ghost Tours all year long. Hear eerie legends of the Ghost that still haunt our city. Visit the famous “House on Fire” Williamsburg most haunted house!! One of the 13 “Bucket List ” things to do while visiting the Colonial Williamsburg Area. 

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 Alexandria VA

Old Town Alexandria is so full of charm and history and it shouldn’t be missed on any trip to the Washington, DC area. But, hiding behind the beautiful waterfront buildings, cute little shops, and charming restaurants, down those cobblestone side streets, is a whole other side of Alexandria not many are aware of. If you’re looking for something off the beaten track while visiting DC, check out some of Old Town’s ghost tours. After spending the evening at a local restaurant, grab some ice cream and enjoy it at the waterfront. Then, when darkness sets in, join your tour while being led by lantern to learn about all the spooky tales and legends the area is known for. It was enough to send chills down my spine! Shannon Elizabeth of Grab My Passport

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Haunted Wine Tour Bull Run,VA 

Considering more than 22,000 casualties occurred on the Manassas Battlefield during the American Civil War, it should come as no surprise that tales of shadowy apparitions, orbs, and unexplained cannon fire abound. Who knows what you will see on a lantern-led walking tour and full wine tasting through the historic and hallowed grounds of The Winery at Bull Run.

I like the wines at The Winery at Bull Run, because every time I go there, I learn more about the history of wine in Virginia. The historical context gives me a deeper appreciation of the flavor of the wine I am sipping. The history of the Virginia native Norton grape goes back to the days of Thomas Jefferson! It’s fun to learn the history and sip the wine. It adds a 4th dimensional experience to the wine tasting.  Jodi of How I See Things

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READ THINGS TO DO IN VIRGINIA HERE

Grimm Philly Twilight Tour, PA 

The City Tavern one of the many haunted stops in Philadelphia is haunted by not one ghost but several. Which you can find out all about on the Grimm Philly Tour. There are plenty of tour options all year round depending on what you are interested in, but all are filled with plenty of historical facts, spooky and creepy stories, and adult humor. Tours are hardy ever canceled so, make sure to bring an umbrella as I found out on my tour.  Since its inception, Grim Philly has been voted Best Philadelphia Tours for the past four years. Heather of  RaulersonGirls Travel

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Gettysburg Ghost Tours, PA

Join Civil War Ghosts, a nightly walking ghost tour through the most haunted sites in Gettysburg’s history. Guests of Civil War Ghosts will explore the paranormal and historical accounts of each of our carefully selected tour stops. There are many ghost stories and urban legends surrounding the city of Gettysburg, but our guides share only the most researched, up-to-date, and authentic ghosts stories. 

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Boston Ghosts and Gravestones

If you’re into history and entertainment, I recommend the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Tour. In this historically accurate ghost tour, an actor acts as your guide throughout some of Boston’s most notoriously grisly locations.

On a tour I attended, we visited the city’s oldest graveyards (where we learned about the time some extreme weather flooded one graveyard, sending disinterred bodies floating down the street!), and we listened to tales of Boston’s notorious killers in between trolley stops. 

If you’re looking for a mix of true crime, haunted history and immersive entertainment, definitely check out the Boston Ghosts and Gravestones tour.
Catherine of  To & Fro Fam

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Salem MA

The Salem Witch Trials ended in 1693, but the memories of those frightening, hysterical times have never left this town. If you feel a chill on our tour, know that it could be more than just the coastal breeze! Journey down the cobblestone streets with us as we reveal the stories from Salem’s haunted past and present at sites like The Salem Inn, Ropes Mansion (a site featured in the Disney film Hocus Pocus), and Salem Old Town Hall. Multiple accounts of eerie and unexplained sensations have been recorded for centuries in this town; even the first president of the United States, George Washington, experienced a haunting during his visit to Salem in 1789 and fled the town immediately after! 

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READ ALL ABOUT THE AMERICAN HISTORY OF WITCHES HERE

Key West Ghosts and Gravestones

Key West is not only the southernmost point in the United States and a historical city, but it’s also a focal point for supernatural energy. The theory is that spirits can’t cross water, and Key West is a small island with a tragic past. It has survived plagues, hurricanes, slavery, and shipwrecks. Key West’s Ghost and Graveyard Tour is a fun, way to explore the dark side of paradise.

The Trolly of the Doomed weaves in and out the historical mansions as the guide tells ghost stories of death and betrayal with stops along the way for emphases such as the Wrecking Museum to learn about cursed treasure and the ghost of the wrecking tower. Along the way, people call out “You’re Doomed” to which we all answered, “I Know.” The stories continue until you reach Ghosts of East Marcello exhibit.

The museum was added to the old Civil War fort to remember the two most famous Key West ghost stories – Robert the Doll and Count von Cosel. The tour arranges after-hours entrance, which is spooky enough in itself, but you are soon face-to-face with Robert, the most haunted doll in the world. His glass case is adorned with letters asking for forgiveness from those who took his picture without permission. The Count’s story is even more disturbing. He embalmed one of his patients and lived with her for seven years as his wife in an act of undying love.

Taking the Ghost and Graveyard tour shows you there’s more to Key West and sunsets and romance. Of course, it might be a perfect complement to a Key West romantic trip, if you’re looking for an excuse to stay up all night.
Jen and Ed of Coleman Concierge

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Dunkirk Lighthouse Ghost Hunts, NY

At Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse, paranormal activity stems from a large collection of military artifacts from WWI, WW2, and the Korean War. Or does it? Some have reported the lighthouse keepers who used to care for Dunkirk liked it so much, they just never left. Decide for yourself when you visit. You may hear people walking around the house, climbing the tower stairs, talking, humming – even reaching out to touch you.

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Ashville NC 

Ashville is a haunted city. These mountains are the oldest in the country, and bear the residues of Native American spiritualism, the bloody Civil War, and some of history’s most dynamic personalities. Psychics are drawn here from around the globe, mysterious “vortex” energy is reported, and paranormal investigation thrives. Travel the streets as we send a chill down your spine.

Asheville’s LaZoom tours is known for their colorful, comical and spooky tours around downtown Asheville in a bright purple bus that’s hard to miss. LaZoom is most notorious for their Haunted Comedy Tours. Led by ghoulish guides, the tour stops along parts of the downtown area and the outskirts talking true crime and mysterious legends! Giving an overview of some of Asheville’s unique history and its quirky haunted spots, the tour guide will tell tales such as the death of Zelda Fitzgerald (wife of famous American author F. Scott Fitzgerald), the infamous Pink Lady that haunts the Grove Park Inn and legends of Civil War Spirits on a nearby battlefield. Along the way, your undead guide will play funky music, host outrageous games, interact with other scary and zany characters, and even do acrobatics from monkey bars inside the bus. There are other family- and kid-friendly tours such as city comedy tours and children’s tours, but the haunted comedy tour is for ages 17+; the BYOB policy and the tour’s humor is strictly adults only. The tour is jam packed with laughs and facts, and truly highlights why the city’s slogan is Keep Asheville Weird, and as LaZoom says “Grab a friend, a beer, and some holy water–you don’t want to miss this tour!” Kayla of A Regency Girl

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Haunted History Ghost Tour, SC

With a history teeming with maraudering pirates, bloody battles, salacious vice and sin, Charleston is a city with a very dark past. On our Charleston Ghost Tours, we’ll take you on a trip into the Holy City’s not-so-holy past, introducing you to the ghosts which still haunt Charleston today.

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Savannah GA

Your voyage will take you throughout Savannah’s historic district, focusing on some of Savannah’s most haunted sites, eerie legends and frightening residents. Your Ghost Host will entertain you with their expert storytelling and knowledge of all things “shadowy and sinister.” One never knows what one might encounter when you “cross-over” aboard Ghosts & Gravestones

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Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tour, FL

The American Spinner, has spent 20 years Spinning the tall tales and legends of St. Augustine. For these tales to exist for hundreds of years, someone had to witness these events to leave the legends behind. What better place to start but in “The Oldest City” in the Nation -St. Augustine, Florida. HISTORY AT ITS BEST! Discover 453 years of deep, rich, history, validating five centuries of trauma and tragedy.

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Middle America Historical Ghost Tours

Think those fly over states have nothing to show? Boring and flat? Think again. The land is old there and has seen many wars, many cultures, and holds many secrets. There are legends and lore going back as old as the hills and valleys themselves.

Twilight Tour at Grand Traverse Commons, MI

The Village story is unique and vital to the history of Traverse City.  Join us for an array of tours that give an accurate snapshot of Dr. Munson’s “Beauty is Therapy” theory on patient care, the former uses of the structures on the property, the purpose of the architecture and more. Be sure to check out the ‘magic’ of building 50…. (insert evil meniacal laughter here)

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Lincoln Ghost Tour, IL  

If you like your ghost tours to focus on stories, especially stories about our nation’s history, Lincoln’s Ghost Walk in Springfield, Illinois, is the perfect tour for you. Located in Lincoln’s home town, the tour takes you from Lincoln’s law office to his neighborhood and home.  Along the way, you’ll hear mysterious stories surrounding Lincoln’s death and funeral.  You’ll get the details on Lincoln’s tomb, and you’ll even hear the stories of Lincoln haunting the White House.  A costumed guide brings all these stories to life.  Make this family-friendly tour part of a visit to Springfield, Illinois. Stacey Billingsly of Love Laughter and Luggage

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Ohio State Reformatory Ghost Walks, OH

Walk the same halls as history’s most infamous prisoners. Immerse yourself into the foundation that formed The Shawshank Redemption. Whether you’re hunting for the paranormal or simply looking to tour the beautiful architecture, you can find it here at The Ohio State Reformatory.

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AmeriGhost Haunted Tour, TN

On the Haunted Downtown Nashville walking tour you will hear tales by lantern light of spirits that haunt notable Nashville landmarks such as the Tennessee State Capital, President Polk’s Tomb, the Ryman Auditorium and Printer’s Alley from a tour guide dressed in historic costume.

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Chattanooga Ghost Tours, TN

Our acclaimed storytellers will take you on a walking haunted history tour to the very sites where documented accounts of ghostly appearances have taken place. Spirits have been seen lurking in downtown Chattanooga, and you will revel in the details of our city’s darker past which have kept them here. Our guides will also share with you the most likely locations for ghost photos. Your tour will conclude with an INSIDE visit to the town’s most haunted hotel. 

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Crescent Hotel Ghost Tour, AR

The haunted hotel where some guests checked out…but never left. You may have heard about Michael and Theodora…and “The Ghost in the Morgue.” But do you know about the Nurse…or the “Girl in the Mist”…or the Lady in the Victorian lingerie in room 3500. Hear all these tales and more Tonight at 8pm when you tour America’s Most Haunted Hotel. 

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Alamo City Ghost Tours, TX

Alamo City Ghost Tours literally offers something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are a seasoned ghost hunter or someone who enjoys gruesome tales, twisted history, and some good ghost stories this is the ghost tour for you. Ghost hunting and ghost stories in Downtown San Antonio. It is said by many we are the best ghost tour in San Antonio. Walk along the streets and back alleys of downtown while you listen to a top notch story teller bring alive the chilling and gruesome history of San Antonio’s wicked past. Some of our guest seem to communicate with the ghost themselves and others use the ghost hunting equipment to detect the energy from those who remain behind today. 

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New Orleans Haunted History Tour

In the city where the deceased are buried above the ground and voodoo is considered a skilled practice, New Orleans is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the country. The ghost and legends tour is a guided walking tour that can be taken during the daytime or nighttime. The guide takes you through the world-famous French Quarter, stopping at documented haunting sites. The guide will tell gruesome stories of actual deaths that occurred in the buildings before you. While this is a fascinating tour, some of the stories are very ghastly, to the point that they are almost unbelievable, and may not be suitable for children or people who are easily traumatized. Theresa Hewston of The Globe Trekker Family

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Western America Historical Ghost Tours

The West part of the US has it’s own unique history from north to south, conquistadors, Native peoples, gold miners, and more. Life was hard, violent, and colorful and a lot of the spirits seem to want to stick around and keep it that way.

Underground Seattle Tour, WA

The fact that the tour is all underground should give the first warnings of the spookiness and legends that await. Seattle has a history unparalleled that included exploding toilets and opium dens as a part of everyday normal experience. It’s a great tour full of humor and human moments laced with a lot of ghost stories of Seattle legends past and even a set of a vampire’s lair. We didn’t run into any spirits but we certainly could see why they would choose this place to dwell. I mean this once was a thriving metropolis and more then just the streets and buildings are buried here… Jen Tousey of This Family Blog

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READ THINGS TO DO IN WASHINGTON HERE

Ghosts and Gravestones San Diego, CA 

Who knew San Diego was full of legends and home to what the travel channel deemed the Most Haunted House in America? We certainly didn’t until we found ourselves on the Doom Buggy learning all about the founding of San Diego. After walking through the Whaley house we decided it definitely was haunted and you can read all out our experience HERE. Jen Tousey of This Family Blog

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READ THINGS TO DO IN CALIFORNIA HERE

Santa Fe Ghost and History Tour,NM

This history and paranormal mayhem of Santa Fe, Allan knows where the events happened and where the lore and myth are hidden.

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Carson City Ghost Walk, NV

Carson City’s spooky and intriguing history is explored and theatrically re-lived. Each year is slightly different so be sure to check the listing for details.

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Nightly Spirits Tour, CO

Our Nightly Spirits Denver haunted pub tours are an experience that you won’t soon forget! A combination of ghost tour and pub crawl that will take you on a tour to explore the creepy history of Denver as well as hear some of the most famous haunted stories it has to offer. Explore haunted bars and haunted buildings, all while having time to enjoy some beverages along the way.

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Haunted Stanley Hotel, CO

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, just an hour and a half drive from Denver, CO, is a must-see for any fan of haunted destinations. Built over 110 years ago, this sprawling historic hotel is filled with Victorian era glamour, and serves as the setting for Stephen King’s book, The Shining. Guests have reported feeling cold forces, the sounds of mysterious piano music, and even unexplainable flashes of light while staying at the Stanley Hotel. Fortunately, families don’t need to stay at the hotel to get a feel for the haunted atmosphere. The Stanley Hotel offers a day tour and a night tour to the public, so that visitors can learn about the history of the hotel, as well as the spirits that roam its halls. Astrid of The Wandering Daughter

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Haunted San Francisco Ghost Tour, CA

Not “just a ghost tour,” this night tour includes tales of unexplained deaths, scandalous murders, ruthless cult leaders, the old red light district, famed spirits, serial killers, assassins, the Black Plague, and much more. This tour is family friendly.

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Gunfighter and Ghost Tour, AZ

On this history packed, paranormal walking tour you will visit 10 of the most haunted spots in Tombstone, Arizona’s Historic District. Hear the legend and lore behind the Courthouse hangings, John Heath and the Bisbee Massacre, China Mary’s opium den in Hop Town, the Tombstone General Hospital where patient’s died excruciating deaths, the cold blooded killing in front of the OK Corral and much, much more! We use infrared lasers and EMF meters so you never know what kind of paranormal activity you might encounter on this exciting tour.

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Northwest Ghost Tours Portland OR

Rocky Smith, a lifelong resident of Oregon City has become well known as a local historian and paranormal investigator. In college Rocky worked for three years in the historic Ermatinger House, the oldest house in Oregon City and the third oldest house in the state of Oregon. Rocky has had many paranormal experiences over the past 20 years in the Ermatinger House including his first experience, which was featured in Susan Smitten’s book, Ghost Stories of Oregon. Rocky started researching the paranormal activity in Oregon City in 1995 and has documented close to 100 haunted places within the city. In 2006, Rocky combined his love for history and knowledge of the paranormal, founded Northwest Ghost Tours and now leads the Walk with the Spirits tours in Oregon City. 

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Final Notes

We here at This Family Blog love to learn things when they are cleverly disguised in a whole lot of fun! And these- Best Historical Ghost Tours in America is a GREAT way to do it!!! Tell us where you’ve been and which ones you are now inspired to go do! Special thanks to my fellow frighteningly fab blogger contributors who chimed in with their faves! Be sure to click on their links to learn more about each one of them!

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In case you’re all inspired, I found this awesome ghost hunting 101 kit! Totally putting it on my Christmas list!