Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour

If you’re thinking about exploring Memphis’s darker, spookier side, the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour might just be your next adventure. We haven’t personally taken this tour, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it’s clear this experience offers a mix of chilling stories, historical insights, and a good dose of fun. Perfect for those who enjoy ghost stories and local lore, this tour is designed to give you an authentic taste of Memphis’s haunted past—without any cheesy theatrics.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines storytelling with real historic sites, making the experience both eerie and educational. Our favorite aspects include the knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life and the chance to visit iconic Memphis landmarks like Earnestine & Hazel’s and the Orpheum Theatre. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour is mostly outside, so dressing for the weather is a must. This tour works best for curious travelers, lovers of local history, and anyone looking for a spooky night out.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling makes history and hauntings come alive.
• Diverse stops include renowned sites like the Orpheum Theatre and Earnestine & Hazel’s.
• Value for money is good, with many reviews highlighting the quality of guides and tales.
• Mostly outdoor walking means you should dress accordingly.
• Limited duration (about 1.5 hours) makes it a manageable evening activity.
• Group size capped at 24 ensures an intimate experience.

What Is the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour?

This tour offers a 1 hour 30 minutes walk through downtown Memphis, spotlighting its haunted sites and stories. For just around $30, you get a guided, outdoor experience led by knowledgeable storytellers who weave spine-tingling tales into Memphis’s vibrant streets. The tour is primarily outside, so it’s suitable for those comfortable on their feet and prepared for the weather.

A key aspect of this experience is the storytelling—your guide is not just knowledgeable but also engaging and funny, adding humor to keep the atmosphere light even when discussing ghostly legends. Many reviews praise the guides, with comments like “TC was an awesome tour guide” and “Daniel, the storyteller, was entertaining and professional.” That kind of personal touch makes a difference, transforming what could be a simple walk into a memorable night.

The tour includes a guided walk of about two miles on sidewalks, with some gentle elevation, so it’s accessible for most people with moderate fitness levels. You’ll stop at six key locations, each with its own haunting story or historical significance.

The Itinerary: What Can You Expect?

1. The Orpheum Theatre

This is perhaps Memphis’s most famous haunted site. The guide will point out the theatre’s exterior, sharing the tale of Mary, a 12-year-old ghost said to haunt this historic venue. While admission isn’t included, the outside view alone is enough to spark your imagination. Many reviews mention the theatre’s reputation, and some have even captured spooky photos here, adding to the thrill.

2. John Alexander Austin House

This stunning home isn’t just beautiful; it’s also considered haunted, with stories of a loving but eerie spirit presence. The guide will share this romantic yet spooky tale, and you’ll appreciate the house’s charming architecture even from outside. It’s a quick 10-minute stop, but it packs a punch with its haunting lore.

3. Earnestine & Hazel’s

This is the highlight for many—an iconic, historic bar and restaurant with a reputation for being intensely haunted. The ticket price includes a 20-minute visit here, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere, maybe even snap a photo. Many guests have described this as “one of the creepiest and most haunted places,” and some have caught paranormal activity on camera. Plus, it’s a popular spot to grab a drink afterward, although food and drinks aren’t included.

4. The Green Beetle

Outside only, this gangster-era haunt is said to have plenty of stories related to Memphis’s criminal past. The 15-minute stop allows you to imagine the city’s darker days of bootlegging and gangsters hiding out in secret spots.

5. Puck Food Hall

More than just a food stop, this spot is linked to voodoo and hoodoo traditions in Memphis. While outside, you’ll hear stories connecting these spiritual practices to the city’s haunted reputation—a quick but intriguing teaser of Memphis’s mystical side.

6. National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel

While the focus is on history, the nearby Morris Cemetery adds an extra layer of haunted tales. The 15-minute stop here offers a chance to reflect on Memphis’s complex past and its spirits, both literal and symbolic.

What Do You Get?

For your ticket price, you’re getting a guided walking tour led by local experts, who share stories and history at each stop. The tour’s price is quite reasonable, especially considering the personalized storytelling, the stops, and the insider insights. The guides often add humor and adjust the pace, making it enjoyable even for those who might not usually consider ghost tours.

Keep in mind, food and drinks at Earnestine & Hazel’s aren’t included, so plan to buy a beverage or snack if you’re hungry after the tour. Also, gratuities aren’t included, but they’re customary for guides if you enjoyed the experience.

The Experience: How Is It?

Most guests report that the guides are a major highlight—friendly, knowledgeable, and able to balance spooky tales with captivating history. One reviewer mentioned that their guide, Daniel, “brought ghost stories to life” and was “entertaining and professional.” The small group size (max 24 people) keeps the experience intimate and engaging, allowing for questions and interaction.

The tour is mostly outside, which can be a plus or a minus depending on weather. On clear nights, the atmosphere is perfect—cool breezes, quiet streets, and a spooky ambiance. If it rains or is cold, you might find the experience less enjoyable, so dress accordingly.

Many reviewers have caught spooky images or orbs on their cameras during the walk, adding an extra element of fun. And the stop at Earnestine & Hazel’s is often highlighted as a fun way to extend the night with a drink or some food afterward.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price (~$30) for almost 1.5 hours of guided storytelling, the value for money is quite good. You’re getting a curated experience with storytellers who make the legends come alive, plus visits to some of Memphis’s most iconic haunted sites. If you’re into ghost stories or local history, this tour offers both in an accessible, entertaining package.

The reviews consistently praise guides for their storytelling ability and the engaging way they present the stories. The fact that many guests feel they learned more about Memphis’s haunted past and its history makes this more than just a creepy walk—it’s an educational experience with a spooky twist.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who enjoy storytelling and local legends. It’s well-suited for those comfortable outdoors, on their feet, and ready for a mildly spooky adventure. History buffs will appreciate the stories woven into Memphis’s landmarks, while fans of ghost stories will find plenty to scare and delight them.

It’s also a good choice for small groups or couples looking for an evening activity that mixes fun, fright, and some fascinating tales. If you’re traveling solo, this is a chance to meet others with similar interests in a friendly environment.

Final Thoughts

The Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour offers a fun, engaging way to explore the city’s haunted reputation without a hefty price tag. You’ll get to walk through historic streets, see iconic sites from the outside, and listen to stories that make Memphis’s past seem alive—and sometimes a little spooky. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge make the stories much more compelling, turning a simple walk into a memorable experience.

While it’s not a dark, indoor ghost hunt or a comprehensive history tour, it strikes a perfect balance for an evening out in Memphis. It’s especially great if you’re into ghost stories, historic architecture, or just want a unique way to experience downtown Memphis after dark.

If you’re looking for a lively, slightly spooky, and insightful tour that’s easy to fit into a busy schedule, this ghost walk is worth considering. Just remember to dress for the weather and bring your camera—you might even catch a ghostly surprise.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is mainly outside and involves walking, but the spooky stories and haunted themes might be better suited for older children or teens. No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but parental discretion is advised.

How long does the tour last? The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, covering about 2 miles on sidewalks with some gentle elevation changes.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins at Alfred’s On Beale at 197 Beale St and ends at Earnestine & Hazel’s at 531 S Main St, both in Memphis.

Are admission tickets included? No, tickets are for the guided walking tour only. Entry into buildings like the Orpheum Theatre or the John Alexander Austin House isn’t included.

What’s the best way to get there? The tour is near public transportation, and there are several parking garages and open-air lots nearby—including the one at 149 Peabody Place. On-street metered parking is also an option.

Can I join the tour if it’s raining? The tour is mostly outside, so heavy rain could impact the experience. If canceled due to bad weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is gratuity included? No, gratuities are not included—tip your guide if you enjoyed the experience.

What’s the group size? The tour is limited to 24 travelers, keeping the atmosphere intimate and allowing for interaction.

Is there any food or drink included? No, food and drinks at Earnestine & Hazel’s are not included, but you’re free to enjoy them afterward.

If you’re curious about Memphis’s haunted past and enjoy a good story, the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour offers a great mix of history, legends, and fun. Just remember to dress appropriately and bring your sense of adventure. Happy haunting!