Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

Imagine sitting comfortably on an air-conditioned bus as it winds through Memphis, taking you past the city’s most notorious crime scenes, scandalous stories, and haunted hotspots. That’s exactly what this Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour offers—a 90-minute journey into the city’s darker tales. With a stellar 4.9-star rating from fellow travelers, it’s clear that enthusiasts of true crime and local history find this tour captivating and worth every dollar.

What we love most about this tour is the engaging storytelling from guides who truly bring Memphis’ shadowy past to life—especially the stories about infamous figures like Georgia Tann and the legendary Alma Theede. But, as with any experience, it’s worth noting that you’ll spend some time walking around during stops, and the tour does require a little forward planning for parking if you’re arriving by car. This tour is perfect for curious travelers who want a balanced dose of chills and local flavor, especially those who appreciate historical context mixed with authentic storytelling.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling makes this tour stand out, with guides sharing vivid stories and historical details.
• Affordable at $41, offering good value for a deep dive into Memphis’ darker chapters.
• Includes stop at Moxy Hotel for themed drinks, adding a fun twist.
• Accessible to most travelers, with a short walking component and easy parking options nearby.
• Ideal for true crime fans and history buffs seeking a different perspective on Memphis.
• Highly rated by previous guests for guides’ knowledge and engaging presentation.

An In-Depth Look at the Memphis True Crime Bus Tour

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

This 1.5-hour tour transports you through Memphis’s most notorious crime sites and scandalous stories. It’s designed as a twilight adventure, creating an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere that fits perfectly with the dark themes. Your journey begins at the Backbeat Tours ticket booth, located on the downstairs patio of Alfred’s, right on Beale Street. From there, a comfortable, air-conditioned bus takes the wheel, guiding you past key landmarks.

Throughout the ride, your local guide (who is often praised for their personality and knowledge—Daniel, for example, gets glowing reviews for keeping things lively and engaging) narrates captivating stories about Memphis’s most infamous characters. You’ll learn about Georgia Tann, the baby thief who exploited the Tennessee Children’s Home Society to steal babies for profit, and about Alma Theede, a woman whose long list of dead husbands adds a chilling layer to her story.

The tour doesn’t just focus on crime; it also explores haunted sites, unsolved cases, and notorious figures like the Black Widow of Vance Avenue. The experience culminates with a return to the starting point, leaving you with a fresh, somewhat unsettling, but fascinating perspective on Memphis.

The Stops and Stories That Stand Out

Georgia Tann and the Tennessee Children’s Home Society:
This story is both shocking and sobering. Georgia Tann operated for decades, stealing babies and selling them on the black market, all while using her influence to hide her activities. The guide’s recounting paints a vivid picture of the corruption and the innocent lives affected. Tour guests have expressed their fascination with this dark chapter, noting that the guide’s knowledge made the story especially compelling.

Alma Theede’s Dead Husbands:
One of the more chilling tales involves Alma Theede, a Memphis woman known as a “Black Widow.” With a long list of deceased spouses, her story leaves an eerie impression. Guests have commented how the guide’s storytelling keeps the atmosphere tense, especially when recounting her sinister motives.

The Summer Serial Killer:
The tour also takes you past the scene of a serial killer’s terror during a summer period. Hearing about the terror this individual caused adds a layer of real danger and suspense, immersing participants in Memphis’s darker history.

The Deadliest Saloon on Beale Street:
Passing by what was once Memphis’s most infamous saloon, you get a sense of the city’s wild, lawless past—a perfect backdrop for stories of mobsters and vengeful lovers.

Big Jail Break & Unsolved Cases:
Guests appreciate the stories about the largest jail break in Shelby County history and other cold cases, which leave a lingering sense of mystery.

Guides and Guest Experience

Guests frequently praise the guides’ knowledge and personalities. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was very good, with a great personality and cheerful demeanor—couldn’t have asked for a better guide.” Another remarked how the guide kept the tone light enough to avoid becoming too dark but still thrilling, which is a fine balance for this kind of storytelling.

The theme stop at the Moxy Hotel for themed cocktails, mocktails, soda, and water adds a fun and social element to the experience. It’s a small touch that makes the journey feel more like a casual night out rather than a formal tour.

Practical Details and Value

For $41 per person, this tour offers good value considering the storytelling quality and the immersive experience. Transportation is included, with a comfortable bus that’s suitable for most travelers. The tour is flexible, with check-in times that vary, so it’s best to look ahead and reserve your spot early.

If you’re arriving by car, the parking options nearby are plentiful—a garage at 149 Peabody Place is only two blocks away, and on-street metered parking is available on nearby streets. The tour does involve some walking—about half a mile during stops—but this is manageable for most.

The reviews highlight the guides’ expertise as a major highlight, with guests feeling they learned a lot and enjoyed the storytelling. The length of the tour (90 minutes) is perfect for those looking for an engaging, fast-paced experience without taking up an entire day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This true crime bus tour is ideal for anyone with an interest in Memphis’s less glamorous side, especially fans of mystery, crime stories, and haunted tales. The storytelling style makes complex or dark histories accessible and engaging, perfect for travelers who enjoy a narrative-driven experience. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate authentic local stories and a lively guide.

Plus, the affordable price point makes it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who want a meaningful and entertaining insight into Memphis without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

The Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour offers a well-balanced blend of entertainment, education, and spookiness. The guides’ storytelling skills shine through, making this an experience that feels both personal and immersive. The focus on real, often shocking stories gives you a different angle on Memphis that many visitors don’t get from just sightseeing landmarks.

While it’s not a full-day deep dive, it’s enough to satisfy most true crime enthusiasts and those intrigued by the city’s darker past. The inclusion of themed stops and the friendly, knowledgeable guides elevate this tour beyond just a simple bus ride, turning it into a memorable part of your Memphis visit.

If you enjoy stories that send chills down your spine and appreciate a good mix of history and mystery, this tour is an excellent addition to your itinerary. It’s a perfect choice for curious travelers eager to see Memphis through a different lens—and one that leaves them with plenty to ponder long after the bus has returned to its starting point.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour’s dark themes and stories about murder and crime might be intense for young children. It’s generally more appropriate for teenagers and adults.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1.5 hours, making it a manageable activity without taking up your whole afternoon.

Are there any stops where I need to walk?
Yes, the tour includes some off-bus stops where you’ll walk about half a mile in total. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Can I park near the meeting point?
Yes, there are multiple parking garages nearby, including one just two blocks away at 149 Peabody Place. Street parking options are also available.

Is this tour suitable for non-English speakers?
The tour is conducted in English, so it’s best for those who speak the language fluently to fully enjoy the stories.

What is included in the price?
The price covers round-trip transportation on an air-conditioned bus, a knowledgeable local guide, and a stop at the Moxy Hotel for themed drinks. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

In summary, if you are looking to add a darkly fascinating and highly engaging experience to your Memphis trip, this true crime bus tour should be at the top of your list. It combines enthralling stories, expert guides, and a dash of spooky charm—a great ticket for anyone ready to see Memphis from a different, more shadowy perspective.