If you think even the most gruesome haunted houses are performance art child’s play, then these guided tours featuring real life hauntings and historic ghost tales might be more your speed.
Be sure to check availability or even buy your tickets in advance as these tours are extra popular this time of year. Want to up the creep factor a bit? Schedule a tour on Sunday, October 16 when the full moon appears this month.
Marie Boucher’s Dark History Tour
Dark History Walking Tour
This one-hour tour explores the “crazy, dangerous and spooky” things that have happened in just five blocks of Uptown. You’ll learn about the Gray Lady of Settlers Cemetery, Charlotte’s old bodysnatching scam and more. Reserve in advance. Tours are limited to 15 people.
Company: RaconTours of Charlotte
Dates: October 14 and 21 at 6 p.m., 29th at 5 p.m., 30th at 7 p.m.
Duration: 60 minutes
Cost: $5
Nightmare in Elmwood
This special 2-hour tour takes a closer look at Elmwood/Pinewood cemetery. Book tickets in advance as tours are limited to 20 people. Bring your own flashlight because there are no lights in the cemetery. Yikes.
Company: RaconTours of Charlotte
Dates: October 21, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $10
Haunted Walking Tour
You’ll start at 115 E. 7th Street and make stops at haunted sites along Tryon Street and in historic Fourth Ward. This tour goes on rain or shine so bring an umbrella if the weather looks dicey.
Company: Charlotte NC Tours
Dates: Monday – Sunday at 7 p.m.
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $15 adults, $10 kids
Haunted Segway Tour
There’s something kind of hilarious about chasing ghost on a segway, right? You’ll start at 101 S. Tryon Street and then roll off to sites like Settlers Cemetery, Fourth Ward and Spirit Square. Get your ticket for just $45 (30% off) on Groupon here.
Company: Charlotte NC Tours
Dates: Monday – Sunday at 7 p.m.
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $65
Beyond the Grave Uptown Walking Tour
Reservations are required in advance and you get a $2 discount when booking online. Tours start at Hearst Tower at 214 N. Tryon Street and will continue rain or shine.
Company: Carolina History & Haunts
Dates: Monday – Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday – Sunday at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $15 adults, $13 kids (8-12)
Queen City Ghost Tours (walking or driving)
If you’re not up for a long walk, this company offers a guided driving tour as well. This is the only tour that explicitly states that it is not suitable for children under 8.
Company: Queen City Tours
Dates: Nightly October 5 – 31 at 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Duration: 75 minutes
Cost: Walking $12 adults, $10 seniors, $5 kids (8-12); Driving $15 adults, $13 seniors, $8 kids (8-12)
Ghost Walk of Davidson
Ginny Grzech has been taking people on family-friendly ghost tours of Davidson since 2010. Tickets are cash only and available when you get there. Just text or call 704-928-5452 to make a reservation. The walk is handicap accessible.
Company: Ginny Grzech
Dates: Friday – Saturday at 7 p.m.
Duration: 90 minutes
Cost: $10 adults, $5 kids (8-12)
