Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Explore Milwaukee’s haunted past on a private 1-hour ghost tour, starting at Shaker's Cigar Bar. Intimate, spooky, and packed with stories.
Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour: A Spooky Peek into the Past
If you’re interested in Milwaukee’s darker side, this private ghost tour scheduled around one of the city’s most haunted locations offers a compelling combination of history and the eerie. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the concept is intriguing: a one-hour, intimate experience that takes you into the shadows of a building with a sordid past.
What we love about it is the exclusivity—up to four people makes for a personalized experience—and the chance to hear stories that aren’t part of the usual guidebook. On the flip side, the short duration and fixed start time might not suit those craving a more in-depth, lengthy investigation. This tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy history, spooky stories, and a cozy, behind-the-scenes peek into Milwaukee’s haunted corners.
Key Points
– Intimate Experience: Private tours with up to 4 people ensure a personalized story session.
– Historic Venue: Starts at Shaker’s Cigar Bar, rated one of the nation’s most haunted bars.
– Authentic Stories: The tour explores the building’s complex past, including a cemetery, speakeasy, and brothel.
– Convenient Timing: 5:00 pm start makes it easy to fit into an evening plan.
– Cost-Effective for Private Tour: At $90 per person, it offers a focused, ticket-included experience.
– Limited Duration: The hour-long session is perfect for a quick, spooky outing rather than a full-night adventure.

This tour is designed for those who prefer their ghost stories in an intimate, less crowded setting. Starting at Shaker’s Cigar Bar & World Cafe on South 2nd Street, the tour kicks off at 5:00 pm, making it a great early evening activity. The tour’s focus on Milwaukee’s haunted history makes it not just spooky but also educational—an exploration of a building with layers of sordid pasts.
The tour’s starting point, Shaker’s Cigar Bar, is more than just a bar; it’s a historic site with a reputation for being haunted. It’s been voted one of the five most haunted bars nationwide. That’s quite a claim, and it hints that the stories you’ll hear here are rooted in genuine local lore. The bar has a layered history—once a cemetery, later a speakeasy, and even a brothel—each chapter adding to its haunted reputation.
The atmosphere inside reflects its storied past—dim lighting, vintage decor, and a sense that the walls have seen plenty. For those interested in the intersection of history and ghost stories, this is a perfect setting. The fact that admission is included in the price simplifies the experience—no need to worry about extra costs or tickets.
For a more personal experience, these private Milwaukee tours deliver individual attention
The tour itself lasts roughly an hour, which makes it ideal for those short on time but eager for a spooky thrill. The guide will take you through the bar, sharing tales that give life—or perhaps death—to the building’s past. This is a private tour, so your small group will get personalized attention, making it possible to ask questions and get a more detailed account of the eerie happenings.
While the tour focuses on the haunted reputation of Shaker’s Cigar Bar, you might find the stories are quite colorful and sordid. Past reviews note that the walls “do talk,” and the tales are not always pretty. Such stories include references to the bar’s history as a cemetery, a speakeasy, and a brothel—each adding layers to the ghostly legends.
The stories are likely to involve ghostly sightings, unexplained sounds, and perhaps some local legends passed down over the years. Given the bar’s reputation, these stories are embraced by enthusiasts of paranormal tales and local history alike.
The appeal lies in its personalized approach and the chance to hear locally sourced stories that aren’t always found in tourist guides. You’ll get a sense of Milwaukee’s darker past while enjoying an exclusive, cozy experience. The setting within Shaker’s Cigar Bar adds authenticity and atmosphere—an essential ingredient for any good ghost tour.
However, keep in mind that this is a short experience. If you’re hoping to explore more haunted sites or want a longer ghost-hunting adventure, this may feel somewhat limited. Still, for a quick, atmospheric peek with a small group, it hits the mark.
Although there are no formal reviews available, the focus on the bar’s reputation as a haunted spot and the stories of its sordid past suggest that enthusiasts of ghost lore and local history would find it worthwhile. The fact that it’s a private tour makes it attractive for those who prefer a more tailored, less rushed experience.
Considering the price point, the personal size of the group, and the inclusion of admission, this tour offers good value for those interested in ghost stories and Milwaukee’s historic nightlife. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy storytelling in authentic settings and want to avoid large, noisy group tours. Plus, the short duration suits travelers who like a quick, memorable encounter rather than a marathon session.

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a light-hearted, spooky evening that combines history with ghostly tales. It’s perfect for history buffs, paranormal enthusiasts, or couples looking for a fun, intimate activity. The timing and private nature make it suitable for those who want a personalized storytelling experience without the fuss of large groups.

The Milwaukee Private Ghost Tour offers a unique glimpse into the city’s haunted past, set within a bar with a storied and ghostly reputation. While brief, it provides an engaging, atmospheric experience perfect for those who enjoy history mixed with a touch of the supernatural. The private aspect and included admission make it a solid choice for small groups willing to pay a reasonable fee for a memorable night.
It’s especially suited for visitors with an interest in ghost stories, Milwaukee’s local lore, or those simply looking for a fun, spooky activity after dinner. If you’re after a quick, authentic, and personal ghost story experience, this tour might just be the highlight of your evening.
What is the starting point for the tour?
It begins at Shaker’s Cigar Bar & World Cafe located at 422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a quick yet informative outing.
Is this a group or private tour?
It’s a private tour, limited to your group of up to four people, ensuring a more personalized experience.
What is included in the price?
The $90 per person fee includes the admission ticket and the guided ghost storytelling.
Can I join the tour if I’m under 18?
No, the minimum drinking age is 18, so the tour is suitable for travelers 18 and older.
Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While specific accessibility details aren’t provided, the tour is based inside the bar, so it’s best to check directly with the provider if accessibility is a concern.