10 Ghost Tours Across America Worth Taking in October
Ghost tours have become a favorite way for people to experience local history mixed with a touch of the supernatural. Walking through old streets and listening to chilling stories creates an atmosphere unlike any other. These tours often share legends of haunted houses, mysterious figures, and strange happenings. Many travelers enjoy them as both entertainment and a learning experience.
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Savannah Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
Savannah, Georgia, has long been called one of the most haunted cities in America. The Ghosts and Gravestones Tour began in 1999 and quickly became a favorite for visitors. Guests ride on a trolley designed with a haunted theme while stopping at historic cemeteries and houses. October is especially busy because of the city’s spooky reputation. The tour mixes humor, storytelling, and chilling tales.
What makes this tour unique is its combination of riding and walking segments. Guides share stories about Yellow Fever epidemics, haunted mansions, and restless spirits. Stops often include the Andrew Low House and the Perkins and Sons Ship Chandlery. The setting sun and cooler autumn evenings add atmosphere to the experience. It is one of the most iconic ghost tours in the South.
Gettysburg Ghost Tour
The Gettysburg Ghost Tour began in 1994 and focuses on the haunted legacy of the Civil War battlefield. Visitors walk the same grounds where thousands of soldiers lost their lives. The stories highlight both historical facts and ghostly encounters reported over the years. October is an ideal time as misty evenings often cover the battlefields. Many guests feel a strong sense of history and sorrow during the walk.
Guides often share accounts of phantom soldiers and eerie sounds of marching boots. The tour passes by old inns, barns, and homes connected to the battle. Some visitors claim to see figures in uniforms fading into the night. Collectors of paranormal experiences often rank Gettysburg among the most active locations. This makes the tour both emotional and hauntingly memorable.
New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour
Founded in the late 1990s, the New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour brings guests into the city’s most haunted spots. The French Quarter is the main setting, with stories of voodoo, spirits, and centuries-old tragedies. Guides lead visitors through narrow streets filled with legends of restless souls. The atmosphere in October adds an extra layer of mystery with cooler nights and festive decorations. Tickets are popular, so reservations are often needed.
This tour is known for blending history with eerie storytelling. Guests hear about figures like Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen, and tales of haunted mansions. Walking through cobblestone streets at night makes the stories feel alive. Visitors often report chills and strange feelings near certain landmarks. It remains one of the most memorable experiences in New Orleans.
Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour
The Charleston Ghost and Dungeon Tour started in 2003 and quickly grew in popularity. It takes guests beneath the streets into the city’s historic dungeon. Stories include tales of prisoners, pirates, and those lost to plagues. The underground setting creates a chilling atmosphere that is perfect for October nights. Groups are kept small to keep the eerie feeling strong.
The dungeon itself is considered one of the most haunted spots in Charleston. Visitors hear accounts of chained prisoners and strange sounds echoing through the stone halls. The walking portion of the tour covers haunted homes and graveyards nearby. Many guests report cold spots and odd sensations while underground. It is a must for those who enjoy both history and ghostly tales.
San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones Tour
The San Diego Ghosts and Gravestones Tour started in 1999. It highlights the haunted side of Old Town and the Gaslamp District. Guests board a trolley and hear chilling stories from costumed guides. Stops include the Whaley House, considered one of the most haunted homes in America. October evenings bring cooler air that makes the experience even more atmospheric.
The Whaley House is a centerpiece of the tour and is tied to tragic deaths. Guests often report strange sounds, cold spots, and even apparitions inside. The tour also explores old cemeteries and sites tied to the city’s darker history. The combination of dramatic storytelling and authentic settings leaves a strong impression. Many visitors list it as one of their most memorable stops in San Diego.
Williamsburg The Original Ghost Tour
The Williamsburg Ghosts Tour began in 1999 and explores the colonial city after dark. Guides lead visitors through historic streets filled with stories of unrest and mystery. October makes the setting even more haunting with crisp air and autumn leaves. Guests often describe the atmosphere as both beautiful and unsettling. The focus is on blending folklore with real history.
Stops include historic homes, taverns, and burial sites tied to colonial residents. Tales of soldiers, slaves, and townsfolk bring the past to life in ghostly form. The combination of history and atmosphere keeps guests engaged. Many visitors claim to feel the presence of something unseen along the walk. Williamsburg remains one of the most visited haunted towns in America.
Salem Witch City Walking Tours
The Salem Witch City Walking Tours focuses on the infamous witch trials of 1692. Guides lead visitors through historic sites tied to accusations and executions. October brings thousands of visitors to Salem, making it a lively yet eerie time. The stories shared are both tragic and chilling. Guests often feel a connection to the lives lost centuries ago.
The tour includes visits to old cemeteries and buildings tied to the trials. Guides share accounts of spirits believed to linger near execution sites. Salem’s history makes the walk both educational and haunting. Visitors often return for the special October atmosphere. It is one of the most well-known ghost tours in America.
Chicago Hauntings Tour
The Chicago Hauntings Tour was founded in 2003 and quickly gained fame. Guests ride buses or take walking tours to explore haunted spots around the city. October is especially popular due to the crisp weather and eerie vibe. Stops often include Bachelor’s Grove Cemetery and sites tied to famous crimes. The mix of history and hauntings keeps guests intrigued.
Chicago’s violent past gives the city countless ghost stories. Guides share chilling tales of mobsters, tragic fires, and restless spirits. The tour highlights both historic landmarks and hidden corners of the city. Guests often remark on the unsettling feelings they experience at certain stops. It remains one of the most chilling urban tours in the country.
Portland Ghost Tour
The Portland Ghost Tour began in 2001 and focuses on the haunted history of Oregon’s largest city. Guides lead guests through the Old Town district, where stories of crime and tragedy abound. October nights bring fog and cool weather that add to the mood. Stops often include the infamous Shanghai Tunnels. Guests find the blend of history and ghost stories both eerie and fascinating.
The tunnels are said to be haunted by those who were kidnapped and forced onto ships. Many visitors report strange sounds and unexplained cold spots underground. The tour also covers haunted saloons and old boarding houses. Its mix of maritime history and chilling tales makes it stand out. Portland’s tour is a highlight for those exploring haunted cities of the West Coast.
San Francisco Haunted Tour
San Francisco’s Haunted Tour started in 1998 and continues to be a favorite among visitors. It highlights the darker history of the city, from Gold Rush tragedies to haunted theaters. October brings foggy evenings that make the setting perfect for ghostly tales. Stops include old hotels, theaters, and mysterious alleyways. The combination of history and haunting keeps people coming back.
Guides share chilling accounts of restless spirits tied to earthquakes, fires, and crime. Guests often feel the eerie atmosphere of Chinatown and Nob Hill. The mix of folklore and authentic settings creates a memorable experience. Many visitors list it as one of their favorite tours in California. San Francisco remains a city with no shortage of ghostly legends.
Across the country, ghost tours continue to draw travelers who enjoy both storytelling and history. October gives the perfect backdrop with cool nights and festive energy in each city. Haunted streets, historic buildings, and eerie legends make every stop memorable.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.