Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour

Austin Famous Ghost and Bat Segway Tour: An In-Depth Look

Picture this: cruising through downtown Austin on a sleek Segway after sunset, your ears filled with ghost stories and the sight of thousands of bats emerging from the Congress Avenue Bridge. That’s the kind of adventure this tour promises. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, reviews and details paint a compelling picture of a unique way to see Austin’s nocturnal side.

This tour’s big draws are the blend of spooky stories and the natural spectacle of the bat colony, alongside visits to iconic landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and Lady Bird Lake. We love how it offers a different perspective of the city—both from the thrill of riding a Segway and from the stories that bring Austin’s history to life. The price point of $69.95 feels reasonable considering all the sights and the guided experience.

One thing to consider: it’s a nighttime tour, so daylight sightseeing fans might want to choose a different time of day. Also, participants must be comfortable on a Segway, which is easy for most but can be a challenge for some. This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a dash of spooky storytelling with a scenic city ride—great for those curious about Austin’s haunted side and its famous bats.

Key Points

• The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, covering city sights, ghosts, and bats.
• It’s suitable for ages 14 and up, with a weight range of 100 to 275 pounds.
• Guides are praised for their energy, knowledge, and personal touch.
• The experience combines historical landmarks with fun and slightly eerie ghost stories.
• Riding a Segway offers a relaxed, fun way to see Austin at night.
• It’s a small-group adventure, with up to 13 travelers, making it intimate and engaging.

Exploring Austin from a Different Angle

Austin at night reveals a different personality—mysterious, lively, and full of stories. This tour captures that essence perfectly. You’ll glide through downtown streets, seeing familiar landmarks lit up differently after dark. The experience is designed to be both fun and informative, with guides who know how to balance storytelling and safety.

Starting Point and Orientation
The meeting spot at 1108 Lavaca St is central, close to public transportation, which makes it easy to reach. Once there, your guide will provide a quick training session—expect to spend about 15-20 minutes getting familiar with the Segway. This initial instruction is crucial because it sets the tone for a safe, enjoyable ride, especially for those new to Segways.

What You’ll See and Hear
The tour kicks off with a visit to Austin’s historic 6th Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife and live music scene. While the focus isn’t solely on entertainment, seeing this lively district from a Segway gives a fresh perspective that foot traffic can’t match. Moving on, you’ll stop at the Texas State Capitol, an impressive building with a commanding presence, especially when lit up at night. The guides are known for sharing interesting tidbits about the Capitol’s history and architecture, making this stop both visually and intellectually stimulating.

Next, the group heads to Lady Bird Lake, where you’ll appreciate the peaceful, scenic views of the water and city skyline—though only for about 5 minutes, so keep your cameras ready. The trail along the lake is a favorite for locals and visitors alike, and riding along it at night adds a tranquil yet lively ambiance.

Haunted Buildings and Ghost Stories
The tour’s ghostly tales are a highlight, especially if you enjoy spooky stories laced with local history. While some reviews mention the ghost stories as a bit lengthy, most agree they add a fun, atmospheric element to the ride. The guides are noted for their humor and kindness, making the storytelling engaging rather than overdone.

Bat Colony and Nighttime Spectacle
The pièce de résistance is the Congress Avenue Bridge, home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. From the bridge, you’ll look on as thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at dusk—an awe-inspiring sight. Many reviewers rave about this experience, calling it “a nice perk” and “a unique perspective of the city.” This natural show is not to be missed if you’re in Austin during the bat season, from March to October.

The Ride and Group Experience

Riding a Segway offers a relaxed way to cover more ground than a walking tour. The small group size ensures you get personalized attention, and guides like Kelsie, Alice, and Matt receive praise for their energy, knowledge, and friendliness. “Kelsie is the best,” one reviewer states, noting he kept everyone safe and made the experience memorable.

Comfort and Safety
All helmets are provided, and the training ensures newcomers generally feel confident before hitting the streets. As one review mentions, the guides give plenty of time to get comfortable on the Segway, which is important for a smooth ride. The maximum group size of 13 means it doesn’t feel crowded, allowing for a more personal experience.

Timing and Duration
Starting just before sunset, the tour takes advantage of Austin’s evening ambiance. It lasts about 2.5 hours, including training, which is a reasonable chunk of time for most travelers. Arriving 15-20 minutes early is recommended to get situated and briefed.

Cost and Value

At $69.95 per person, this tour is competitively priced considering the unique experience of riding a Segway through a lively cityscape at night. With all taxes and helmet use included, the price covers guided entertainment, storytelling, and access to iconic spots. For those who value a mix of fun, education, and a bit of local lore, it offers a compelling package.

What’s the value?
You’re paying for not just the sights but the stories and the atmosphere. The small group size and knowledgeable guides further enhance the experience, making it feel more intimate. Compared to other Austin tours, especially those focusing solely on landmarks or daytime activities, the Ghost and Bat Segway Tour provides a distinctive nighttime adventure.

Practical Tips Before You Go

• Wear comfortable clothing suitable for riding, and closed-toe shoes.
• Arrive early to allow time for training and gear fitting.
• This tour is not suitable for children under 14 or those outside the specified weight range.
• Be prepared for potentially cool evenings—bring a jacket if needed.
• Gratuities are not included but appreciated for guides who make the experience memorable.
• Rain or bad weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling—check the forecast and confirm.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of spooky storytelling combined with scenic city riding. It’s suitable for first-time Segway users, as the guides are experienced at teaching newcomers. History buffs and nature lovers will appreciate the mix of haunted tales, historic landmarks, and the incredible bat display. It’s especially appealing for those looking for a fun group activity that’s a little different from the usual Austin sightseeing options.

If you’re traveling with family and your kids are comfortable on a Segway, it can be a memorable outing for all ages. However, if you prefer daytime sightseeing or aren’t fond of spooky stories, other Austin tours might fit better.

Final Thoughts

This Ghost and Bat Segway Tour captures Austin’s nocturnal vibe with a blend of history, natural wonder, and entertainment. It’s a lively, engaging way to see the city’s famous landmarks while enjoying a fun ride at night. Guides like Kelsie and Alice bring enthusiasm and local knowledge, making the stories come alive in an authentic way.

The experience’s real strength lies in its ability to combine sightseeing with storytelling and natural spectacle, all from the comfort of a Segway glide. Although it caters to a specific interest in ghosts and bats, the tour’s scenic stops and friendly guides make it a worthwhile choice for most visitors seeking a memorable evening adventure.

Overall, if you’re after a lively, unique way to explore Austin after dark, this tour offers a practical balance of fun, learning, and stunning sights — with just enough spooky flair to keep it exciting.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. The guides provide a quick training session and all helmets are included, so most first-time Segway riders can comfortably join.

What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 14 years old, with a minimum weight of 100 pounds for safety and balance reasons.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the initial training and scenic stops.

What landmarks will we see?
You’ll visit the Texas State Capitol, Lady Bird Lake, 6th Street, and the Austin Convention Center, plus enjoy the view of the bat colony at Congress Avenue Bridge.

Are the ghost stories scary?
Not at all. The ghost tales are more atmospheric and entertaining, meant to add some spooky fun to your ride.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. It can be cooler at night, so bring a jacket if needed.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour offers free cancellation if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. Bad weather may lead to rescheduling or refunds.

Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a fun evening activity, this tour delivers an entertaining slice of Austin’s nightlife. Its combination of scenic city views, lively storytelling, and a touch of the supernatural makes it a memorable choice for many travelers.