Minneapolis Ghost Bus Tour

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves a twist of the eerie with your city tours, the Minneapolis Ghost Bus Tour might just be your new favorite way to explore. While I haven’t done it myself, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest a well-curated experience that combines local history with ghostly tales, all wrapped up in a comfortable coach ride through the city.

What really draws us in is the mix of expert narration—a guide who knows the spooky stuff—and the chance to see some of Minneapolis’s most iconic landmarks at night. Plus, the fact that it’s a three-hour guided adventure for just $59 per person makes it accessible without feeling like a tourist trap. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour leans into ghost stories that might not be suitable for very young children, and you’ll want to keep an open mind. Overall, it’s perfect for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or anyone looking for something a little different during their Minneapolis visit.

Key Points

• Engaging guides with deep knowledge of Minneapolis history and ghost stories
• Comfortable coach transportation allows for easy moving between haunted sites
• Variety of stops including historic landmarks and modern venues like First Avenue
• A mix of spooky tales and historical context enriches the experience
• Great value for a 3-hour tour that covers a lot of ground
• Free cancellation offers peace of mind in planning

What to Expect from the Minneapolis Ghost Bus Tour

This tour is designed to take you beyond the usual sightseeing routes and explore the city’s darker, more mysterious side. Starting at the W Minneapolis – The Foshay, you’ll board a cozy coach that will take you to a series of well-selected stops, each with its own ghostly legend or chilling story. The entire experience lasts just about three hours, making it an ideal evening activity—especially if you’re someone who enjoys a good story about haunted history.

The tour is led by an expert in paranormal lore, who not only shares the spooky tales but also intertwines them with real historical facts. This approach creates a richer, more layered experience—you’re not just hearing ghost stories, but also learning about Minneapolis’s past. The guide’s knowledge is highly praised; one reviewer mentioned, “The tour guide was very knowledgeable of the history of Minneapolis,” which certainly helps the stories feel more authentic—and a little more spine-tingling.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour hits a variety of key sites, each with its own ghostly reputation or historical intrigue. Here’s a closer look at each stop:

Minneapolis City Hall

One of the first stops, City Hall, is famous for its haunted reputation. Its clock tower looms high above the city, and stories speak of a ghostly janitor who met a tragic end and now wanders the hallways, footsteps echoing in the quiet night. The stop lasts about 15 minutes, and free admission means you can soak up the atmosphere without additional costs.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Next, the tour takes you to the art museum, where staff members have reported strange encounters with ghostly figures wandering the darkened halls after hours. It’s a popular stop, especially if you enjoy art and a good ghost story blending together. Again, no extra charge here—just a chance to imagine who or what might be lurking in the shadows.

Van Dusen Mansion

The Van Dusen Mansion is one of the more atmospheric stops, with reports of ghostly apparitions roaming the darkened halls. These stories are so compelling that many staff members have shared eerie encounters during their shifts. The 20-minute visit offers a glimpse into one of Minneapolis’s most historic haunted houses.

Eli’s Food & Cocktails

Harry Hayward, dubbed the “Minneapolis Svengali,” is part of the dark lore surrounding this stop. The story involves a notorious figure from the city’s past and his infamous murder trial. It’s a shorter stop—about 10 minutes—but packed with intrigue. It’s a reminder that some hauntings are tied not just to places but to the darker stories of people.

Mill Ruins Park

As night falls, the remains of the old mills are said to whisper secrets of the past. The spirits of long-departed mill workers are thought to still linger here. This 20-minute stop offers a mix of haunting ambiance and history, especially fitting for those interested in Minneapolis’s industrial roots.

Foshay Tower

The legend of the Foshay Tower is one of the most captivating. Its creator’s ghost is believed to haunt the halls, whispering about dreams unfulfilled. The guide’s storytelling here is especially compelling, and the 30-minute stop allows you to soak in the views and the spooky tales.

Washington Avenue Bridge

Another notable stop, it’s linked to ghostly legends as well. Here, the stories revolve around the mysterious presence on the bridge, adding to the thrill of the night. It’s about a 15-minute visit, perfect for some quick spooky stories.

First Avenue & 7th St Entry

Famous as the venue where Prince filmed scenes for “Purple Rain,” First Avenue also has its ghost stories. A female apparition dressed in a green army jacket is often seen in the women’s restroom. This 15-minute stop blends Minneapolis’s musical history with its haunted tales.

Guthrie Theater

Minneapolis’s renowned theater is also rumored to be haunted. An apparition of an usher who keeps coming back to work even after death is part of the lore. The 10-minute stop adds a theatrical, spooky touch to the tour.

Saint Anthony Main

This charming district along the Mississippi River is more than just a pretty spot. At night, whispers of the past are said to echo along the riverbank, making for a peaceful yet eerie experience. It’s a 15-minute stop that rounds out the tour.

Northrop Auditorium

Finally, the Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota is famed for its ghostly reputation. Rumors about the haunted reputation of this historic building make it a fitting last stop, lasting about 15 minutes.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

The combination of guided narration, historic landmarks, and ghostly tales creates an engaging experience that’s both fun and informative. The fact that most stops are free of additional admission costs means you’re paying primarily for the storytelling and transportation. This makes it a good value for a night out, especially when considering the variety of sites covered.

Group size is limited to 30 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows the guide to interact more personally with guests. Travelers can expect a mix of spooky stories, history, and the chance to see some of Minneapolis’s most notable landmarks in a different light.

The 3-hour duration strikes a good balance—long enough to explore multiple sites without feeling rushed. The tour starts at 7 pm, which is ideal for catching the sunset and transitioning into a spooky evening.

From a practical perspective, the mobile ticket setup makes it easy to join the tour without worrying about paper tickets or complicated arrangements. Plus, the free cancellation policy offers flexibility if plans change.

The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It?

All in all, the Minneapolis Ghost Bus Tour looks like a well-rounded experience for anyone curious about spooky stories and local history. The standout feature is the knowledgeable guide, who brings the stories to life with enthusiasm and expertise. It’s clear from reviews that this makes a big difference in how immersive and entertaining the experience feels.

Given the price point, you’re paying for a well-organized tour that covers a lot of ground, blending legends with history. If you’re someone who enjoys a good ghost story, appreciates historical context, or just wants a different way to see Minneapolis at night, this tour should definitely be on your list.

However, keep in mind that the stories are spooky and sometimes visceral, so if you’re traveling with very young children or are sensitive to ghostly tales, it might be best to consider that before booking.

FAQs

Is the Minneapolis Ghost Bus Tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally geared toward adults and older children interested in ghost stories and history. Since it involves spooky tales and some dark-themed sites, younger kids might find the stories too intense.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 3 hours, including travel and stops at multiple sites around Minneapolis.

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour begins at the W Minneapolis – The Foshay, located at 821 S Marquette Ave, Minneapolis.

Can I cancel the tour if I change my mind?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, giving you flexibility if your plans shift.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers a guided haunted history tour and transportation on a coach. Food and drinks are not included.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Most stops are free of charge, but some sites like the Minneapolis Institute of Art and Van Dusen Mansion have no admission fees, so your main expense is the ticket itself.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, atmospheric way to experience Minneapolis after dark, the Ghost Bus Tour offers a mix of history, local legends, and a touch of the paranormal. The guides’ expertise and the variety of haunted sites make it a compelling choice for those who love stories with a spooky twist. It’s a great way to see the city in a different light—literally and figuratively—and to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Minneapolis’s most intriguing spots.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll likely appreciate the storytelling, the atmosphere, and the chance to learn about the city’s haunted past. Just remember to keep an open mind, and maybe bring along a friend or two for shared scares and laughs.