Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder of Memphis Ghost Tour

If you’re intrigued by Memphis’s darker stories—stories of crime, tragedy, and restless spirits—this ghost tour offers an engaging peek into the city’s shadowy history. While not an exhaustive deep dive, it packs in enough chilling tales and spooky sights to make an evening memorable. The tour is perfect for curious travelers who want more than just a walk; they want stories that stick with them long after the tour ends.

What we particularly like about this experience is the knowledgeable guides who bring each story to life with detail and enthusiasm, and the chance to see iconic sites like the Lorraine Motel where history was made. On the flip side, a few reviews mention inconsistent audio quality and the challenge of walking through Memphis’s often uneven streets—something to keep in mind if mobility is a concern. Overall, it’s a solid pick for those who enjoy true crime, ghost stories, and historical intrigue.

This tour suits anyone with a curious spirit and an interest in Memphis’s more macabre side. Whether you’re a history buff, a ghost-hunting enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fun, spooky experience, this walk offers a compact dose of Memphis’s haunted lore.

Key Points

• Historical and ghostly stories connect Memphis’s past with its present.
• Expert guides make each story engaging and informative.
• The tour visits notable historic sites like the Lorraine Motel and the Orpheum Theater.
• It’s a one-hour walking experience, designed to be manageable and immersive.
• Some visitors found audio quality inconsistent, so come prepared.
• Suitable for travelers comfortable with walking a mile and open to spooky tales.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Thorough Look at the Memphis Ghost Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour begins at the infamous Lorraine Motel at 450 Mulberry St., right next to Memphis Fire Station #2. It’s an ideal central starting point, symbolically fitting since the Lorraine Motel is where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated. We appreciate that the guide wears a distinctive US Ghost Adventures T-shirt and carries a lantern, adding a touch of authenticity and old-fashioned ambiance to the experience. Arriving 15 minutes early is recommended, giving you time to settle in and soak up the somber significance of the location.

The tour lasts approximately one hour, making it a great option if you’re short on time but still want a taste of Memphis’s haunted side. Because it proceeds rain or shine, dress appropriately for the weather—comfy shoes are a must, given the walking involved.

The Route and Major Stops

The route covers seven haunted locations, each with its own eerie story and historical significance. The pace is manageable, with each stop designed to reveal a new facet of Memphis’s darker past.

Lorraine Motel and Room 306 Balcony: The tour’s highlight is standing outside this iconic site. Visitors are encouraged to snap photos of Room 306, where ghosts and feelings of dread are said to linger. You get a vivid sense of the tense, tragic history that unfolded here, which adds gravity to the ghost stories.

Hotel Pontotoc: Here, gruesome tales of a boiler incident unfold. The story of how tragedy struck this hotel adds a layer of real-life horror that echoes through the ghost stories told later.

Earnestine and Hazels: This legendary eatery doubles as a haunted hotspot, with stories of a persistent jukebox that “knows” which song to play at just the right (or wrong) moment. It’s a fun, quirky stop that blends Memphis’s musical heritage with ghostly rumors.

The Orpheum Theater: Home to Mary, the resident spirit, the theater is one of Memphis’s cultural gems. We loved the way the guide described encounters with Mary, making it feel like an ongoing story rather than just ghostly legend.

The Guide and the Experience

Guides make or break a ghost tour, and from reviews, it’s clear that knowledgeable guides elevate this experience. One review specifically praises Bayleigh, who hosted a captivating evening, answering questions and adding local insights that made Memphis feel more familiar. Be prepared for some variation—some visitors mentioned that the guide in their tour was less engaging or nervous, which can impact the overall experience.

The guide’s role is crucial in creating a sense of suspense and authenticity. Since the tour is a walking one, the guide’s storytelling skills help craft a sense of continuity and suspense as you move from site to site.

More Great Tours Nearby

Atmosphere and Ambiance

The tour’s nighttime setting enhances the spooky vibe, and the lantern carried by the guide contributes to a vintage, ghost-hunting atmosphere. The stories are a mixture of well-documented tragedies and local legends, blending fact and folklore seamlessly. The element of “investigating” haunted locations makes it feel more interactive, even if only in a storytelling sense.

Practical Aspects

The tour is priced reasonably, considering it’s an hour of guided entertainment and storytelling. It offers express security check, which is a small but appreciated convenience, especially during busy times. Since it’s a group experience, the size varies, but typically it’s a manageable crowd, allowing for questions and interaction.

One consistent theme in reviews is the importance of comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Memphis evenings can be unpredictable, so packing layers is wise.

What We Love and What to Consider

We loved the local expertise—the guides clearly know their stuff and bring life to each story. The tour’s focus on notable historic sites alongside supernatural tales offers a well-rounded experience, blending Memphis’s prominent history with its ghostly folklore.

A few reviewers pointed out audio issues or difficulty hearing, which suggests that if you’re hard of hearing or prefer a very loud, clear narration, this might be a minor drawback. Also, since the tour involves walking about a mile, it’s not suited to those with mobility impairments, and uneven sidewalks could pose a challenge.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This ghost walk is best for travelers who enjoy mysterious stories, history, and a touch of the supernatural. It’s especially appealing to those interested in Memphis’s civil rights history and cultural landmarks. If you’re looking for a quick, captivating evening that combines stories with iconic locations, this tour fits the bill.

It’s less suited for travelers looking for a highly theatrical or long-form ghost experience, or those who have difficulty walking or standing for an hour. Families with older children or teenagers will find it engaging if they enjoy ghost stories and local legends.

The Sum Up

The Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder of Memphis Ghost Tour offers a concise, engaging journey into Memphis’s darker history, punctuated by ghost stories and historic sites. Its strength lies in the knowledge and storytelling skills of guides who bring each tale vividly to life. While some may experience minor issues with audio clarity or walking, the overall value is high for those interested in Memphis’s haunted lore.

The experience strikes a good balance between spooky entertainment and educational storytelling, making it a memorable addition to any itinerary. It’s particularly well-suited for curious visitors eager to explore Memphis’s more mysterious side, especially if they appreciate local history and legends.

If you’re after a lively, atmospheric walk through Memphis’s haunted spots—all packed into an hour—this tour hits the mark. Just remember to come prepared for the weather, bring your curiosity, and listen closely—you might just encounter a ghost or two.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most reviews suggest it’s appropriate for older children and teenagers who enjoy ghost stories. However, because it involves walking and some dark themes, parental discretion is advised.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are essential, as you’ll be walking a mile and spending time outdoors at night.

Can I see the ghostly sites during the day?
No, this tour is scheduled at night to enhance the spooky atmosphere. Daytime visits to these sites are possible but won’t offer the ghostly ambiance.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour involves walking and uneven sidewalks, making it unsuitable for those with mobility impairments.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately one hour.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reservations are flexible, allowing you to book now and pay later.

What languages are available?
The tour is conducted in English only.

This ghostly ramble through Memphis offers an intriguing blend of history, legend, and just a dash of the supernatural. It’s a practical, fun way to add some eeriness to your Memphis trip—if you’re ready for a little ghostly storytelling, that is.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby