Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

If you’re considering a unique way to explore Burlington, especially its darker tales, this Ghosts of Burlington tour might just fit the bill. While I haven’t personally taken it, reviews and the tour outline suggest it’s a charming, cost-effective way to get a taste of the city’s haunted past. The mix of history, storytelling, and the flexibility of going at your own pace makes it appealing for those who love a bit of spooky fun without the hassle of group tours or rigid schedules.

What I really like about this tour is how accessible it is—priced at just $7.75 per person, it’s light on the wallet but heavy on atmosphere. Plus, the fact that it’s self-guided via a mobile app means you don’t have to stick with a group or time constraints, giving you the freedom to explore when it suits you. The stories it shares, from haunted buildings to notorious characters like H.H. Holmes, add a layer of intrigue to the city’s streets. On the flip side, because it’s guided only through an app and outside, you might find the audio tricky to hear if there’s lots of traffic or noise.

This experience feels best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of history mixed with ghostly tales, especially those who like to explore on their own or with family or friends at their own pace. If you’re up for walking through downtown Burlington’s historic districts and hearing stories that give the city a spooky edge, this tour could be a fun addition to your itinerary.

Key Points

• Flexible and Self-Guided: Explore Burlington whenever you want, with the tour never expiring.
• Budget-Friendly: At just $7.75, it offers good value, especially considering its detailed storytelling.
• Story-Rich Stops: Includes highlights like the old Shanty, haunted houses, and historic churches.
• Convenient App-Based: No need for an in-person guide; just download and follow along as you walk.
• Historic and Haunted: Offers tales of ghostly sightings, tragic histories, and notorious figures like H.H. Holmes.
• Suitable for Casual Walks: Expect around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

The Tour Itself: What to Expect from Start to Finish

Starting Point: The Shanty on the Shore

Your spooky journey kicks off at the Shanty on the Shore. This location isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a spot filled with stories. The tour begins here with an introduction to its history and the eerie past of its first owner. It’s a fitting start, setting the tone for the ghostly tales ahead. From there, the app guides you through the streets of downtown Burlington, sharing stories tied to buildings, tunnels, and the city’s darker moments.

What we liked: We loved how the app provided a narrative that felt personal and immersive. The storytelling isn’t overly theatrical, but it’s enough to give you a little shiver here and there. And, as one reviewer noted, it’s pretty straightforward to follow, although bringing earbuds is suggested for better audio clarity amidst city noise.

Potential drawback: Traffic and street noise can make hearing the narration a bit tricky at times, so earbuds are a smart tip. Also, the tour is largely outdoors, so weather could be a consideration.

Historic Downtown Burlington: Streets of Stories

The tour takes you past some of Burlington’s most historic streets, where you’ll hear about haunted buildings, tragic accidents, and infamous characters. Highlights include stories of those hit by trains, the flying monkeys on top of the train station, and a house with a dark past. These tales are peppered with historical context, making them more than just ghost stories—they’re windows into the city’s often turbulent past.

What we appreciated: The storytelling at each stop is concise but loaded with detail. For instance, the story about the train accidents adds a visceral layer because it connects the past to tangible landmarks.

Some notable stops: The oldest church and one of the city’s oldest buildings, which apparently harbors its own ghostly secrets. The house rented by H.H. Holmes, the infamous serial killer, is right here, tying the city’s history to a darker narrative. The historic theater and iconic music venue also come with tales of tragedies and hauntings, giving you a broad spectrum of stories woven into Burlington’s fabric.

Transition to Church Street

After exploring the historic district, the tour moves to Church Street, one of Burlington’s most charming areas. But don’t let its quaint appearance fool you—the stories here are as dark as those downtown. You’ll hear about haunted restaurants, old firehouses, and stories that keep the street lively with ghostly rumors.

What sets this apart: The building that now houses a modern restaurant is actually quite old and has seen many deaths, leaving an impression that some spirits might still linger. It’s these kinds of stories that add personality to familiar city spots.

Duration-wise: This section is shorter, about 15 minutes, which makes it a perfect quick detour without feeling rushed.

Is It Worth the Price?

At just $7.75, this tour is a steal considering the amount of storytelling and the flexibility it offers. Since the app never expires, you can revisit anytime, even after your trip ends. That’s a nice bonus, especially if you want to relive the spooky tales or share them with friends later.

What’s included: Access to the app, the ability to go at your own pace, and the freedom to explore whenever you want. Just keep in mind that there’s no guide or food included—this is a fully outdoor, self-guided experience.

What’s not included: No food, drinks, or in-person guidance. If you’re expecting a guided tour with a live guide or inside visits, this might not meet those needs.

Real Travelers’ Thoughts

One reviewer, Colin_G, summed it up well with a 5-star rating, describing it as an “easy to follow along ghost tour” with interesting stories and accurate directions. His heads-up about bringing earbuds is worth noting—street noise can make listening tougher, but it’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise smooth experience.

Practical Tips for Your Ghostly Stroll

• Bring earbuds or headphones if you want to hear clearly.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes—most of the tour is outdoors.
• Check the weather forecast—rain or shine, the stories remain the same.
• Allocate about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes, but you can take longer if you’re a story lover.
• Use the tour anytime; it’s available 24/7, so you can plan it around your schedule.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This ghost tour is perfect for those who enjoy independent explorations without the pressure of a group. It’s suitable for adults, history buffs, and casual travelers alike. If you’re traveling as a couple or small group and love stories about haunted places and historical oddities, you’ll find this engaging. It also works well for families with kids who are old enough to enjoy ghost stories, provided you’re comfortable with outdoor walking and the spooky theme.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour offers an accessible, affordable way to add some haunted intrigue to your visit. It provides a good balance of history and ghostly lore, brought to life through an easy-to-use app. While it’s not a guided tour with a live narrator, the stories are interesting enough to keep your imagination going as you stroll through the historic streets.

For those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, appreciate a good ghost story, and want a cost-effective activity, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to bring earbuds and be prepared for some outdoor walking. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to discover Burlington’s darker side without the fuss of tour groups or expensive tickets.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, older children or teenagers interested in ghost stories and history might enjoy it. Keep in mind that it is outdoor and includes spooky tales.

Can I do this tour at any time?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7. You can start it whenever it fits your schedule, making it flexible for day or evening explorations.

How long does the tour take?
Expect around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, but you can take more or less time depending on your interest and pace.

Is the tour guided by a person?
No, it’s self-guided through a mobile app. You explore on your own, following the stories as you walk.

What about accessibility?
The tour is near public transportation and can be accessed easily, but outdoor walking is involved, so plan accordingly.

Will I get lost or confused?
The directions are reported as accurate, and the app guides you step-by-step through the route, so you should have no trouble following it.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Absolutely. The tour never expires, so you can replay the stories or walk the route again whenever you want.

If you’re curious about ghost stories, city streets with a dark past, or just want a relaxed way to see Burlington, this tour could be just right. It balances history, fun, and a little bit of spooky charm—perfect for a casual city stroll with a twist.