Memphis Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour

If you’re visiting Memphis and craving a different perspective beyond the famous blues, barbecue, and Elvis, this Memphis Ghosts tour promises a one-hour stroll through the city’s haunted corners. While it’s not an all-night investigation, it packs enough eerie stories and historic sites to give you a taste of Memphis’s spectral side.

What we love about this tour is its knowledgeable guides who bring the stories to life and the variety of haunted locations, from the historic Lorraine Motel to lively bars like Earnestine & Hazel’s. A second highlight is the option to rent ghosthunting equipment, which adds a playful and interactive element for those intrigued by spirits.

A potential drawback is the short duration—just about an hour—which means you won’t get into every rumored haunt, and some locations are viewed from the outside only. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy history, ghost stories, and a quick spooky adventure without the commitment of a full-night tour.

If you’re after a fun, informative, and atmospheric experience in Memphis’s darker corners, this ghost walk is worth considering. It’s particularly attractive for those looking for a budget-friendly activity that blends local lore with a fun thrill.

Key Points

• The tour offers engaging ghost stories told by knowledgeable guides.
• Historic sites like the Lorraine Motel and the Orpheum Theatre feature prominently.
• Optional ghosthunting equipment can enhance the experience.
• The tour is about an hour long, ideal for a quick spooky fix.
• Most sites are viewed from the outside, with some stops allowing brief inside access.
• The price of $32 provides good value for a guided storytelling experience in a city known for its haunted reputation.

A Closer Look at the Memphis Ghosts Tour

The Itinerary and Its Atmosphere

This tour takes you through seven notable haunted spots around Memphis, each with its own story and ghostly reputation. While the walking pace is manageable, the stops are brief—about 7-8 minutes each—making it a brisk but engaging experience.

First stop: The Lorraine Motel. Famous as the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, this location often evokes feelings of somberness. Visitors report faint echoes of final words and an overwhelming sadness, adding emotional weight to the ghost stories. The stop is free and lasts around 8 minutes, offering a quick but poignant glimpse into a pivotal moment in American history.

Next, the tour moves to The Arcade Restaurant, Memphis’s oldest eatery since 1919. Here, guests sometimes see ghostly figures in the windows or feel cold drafts, making it a lively but faintly spooky stop. It’s free and only lasts about 7 minutes, but it’s a great way to connect haunted tales with a real piece of Memphis history.

Earnestine & Hazel’s is a former brothel turned bar, famous for its haunted reputation. Visitors have reported hearing a jukebox playing on its own and sensing an eeriness upstairs. The combination of atmosphere and stories makes this stop memorable, even if you don’t go inside, which is often the case.

The Green Beetle, Memphis’s oldest tavern, adds to the lineup with reports of strange noises and shadows. It’s a place where legends and barroom ghost stories blend, offering a casual but chilling experience.

Next, the Pontotoc Hotel invites curiosity with stories of ghostly apparitions peering from abandoned windows. As a former hub for gamblers and bootleggers, it embodies Memphis’s wild past, though you’ll mostly view it from the outside.

The John Alexander Austin House, built in 1876, brings history and hauntings together. Guests often feel a cold breeze or hear footsteps, suggesting spirits may linger in this historic home.

Finally, the Orpheum Theatre rounds out the tour with tales of Mary, a young girl’s ghost, seen in the balcony or heard laughing. This grand venue, still hosting performances today, offers a theatrical backdrop that heightens the haunting stories.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in your $32 ticket are EMF detector rentals, a knowledgeable guide, and entertaining ghost stories. The guide’s storytelling skills are frequently praised, and the ghosthunting gear adds a fun, interactive layer. You’ll also visit historic and haunted sites, with some stops allowing entry, which adds depth and authenticity.

Not included are gratuities, which are customary for guides if you feel they’ve done a good job. The tour operates with a mobile ticket system, making it easy to join without fuss.

Group Size and Practicalities

The tour is capped at 35 travelers, ensuring a manageable group that allows for good storytelling and interaction. Most travelers find the timing perfect—roughly an hour—making it suitable even for those with tight schedules. The start point at 450 Mulberry Street is centrally located, near public transportation options, simplifying your logistics.

The Experience and Its Reception

Based on reviews, the tour garners an average score of 4.6 out of 5, with many travelers praising the guide’s knowledge and the interesting sites. Several mention how the stories feel genuine and well told, adding to the overall enjoyment.

Some guests, however, note that the short duration means not all sites are explored or visited from the inside. There are mixed reviews about the group size and interaction—some felt the guide was very engaged, while others wished for more in-depth access.

The Value Proposition

At $32 per person, the tour offers good value considering the storytelling, ghosthunting gear, and access to historic sites. For those interested in local lore, history, and a bit of spooky fun, it’s an affordable way to add a memorable experience to your Memphis trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This haunted walk is best suited for history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, or travelers curious about Memphis’s darker tales. It’s perfect for those who enjoy short but engaging experiences and don’t mind being outdoors and on foot for about an hour. It’s also ideal for families or groups looking for a lighthearted, spooky adventure that doesn’t require a big time commitment.

If you’re after full access to haunted sites or an in-depth ghost investigation, you might want to look for longer tours or specialized ghost hunts. But for a fun, atmospheric taste of Memphis’s haunted reputation, this tour hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

This Memphis Ghosts walking tour offers a well-paced, engaging introduction to the city’s haunted lore. With a knowledgeable guide, interestingly spooky stories, and the option to explore haunted sites from the outside or inside, it provides great value for the price. It’s perfect for visitors who want a quick, atmospheric peek into Memphis’s ghostly past without a long commitment.

The mix of history and hauntings, combined with interactive ghosthunting gear, creates an experience that’s both fun and informative. Travelers who appreciate authentic stories and a touch of the supernatural will likely find this tour memorable.

While some may wish for longer or more immersive access, the overall balance of storytelling, sites, and atmosphere makes this a worthwhile addition to your Memphis itinerary—especially if you’re curious about the city’s darker legends.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the stories are spooky and some sites have a somber tone. It’s best for older children or those comfortable with ghost stories.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about one hour, making it easy to fit into a busy day of sightseeing.

Are the sites inside or outside?
Most sites are viewed from the outside, with some stops allowing brief inside visits. The focus is on storytelling and location history.

Can I rent ghosthunting equipment?
Yes, the tour includes EMF detector rentals as part of the package, adding an interactive layer to the experience.

What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at 450 Mulberry Street, in downtown Memphis, near public transportation.

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

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

In the end, this tour offers a fun, spooky, and educational way to spend an hour exploring Memphis’s haunted side. Whether you’re a skeptic or a true believer, the stories and historic sites will surely give you plenty to talk about long after your walk ends.