Planning a ghost tour in Memphis? This one, offered by US Ghost Adventures, promises an hour of exploration through some of the city’s most haunted and historically significant sites, blending crime, tragedy, and the supernatural. It’s a quick jaunt — just 60 minutes — but one that’s packed with stories, history, and plenty of chills.
What we find most appealing about this tour is its focus on not only ghost stories but also real historical events and figures, giving it an authentic edge. The guide’s ability to weave together spooky tales with Memphis’s complex past adds depth to what might otherwise seem just a spooky walk. Plus, the chance to stand at the haunted Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot, makes it uniquely meaningful.
On the flip side, this is a tour that relies heavily on storytelling rather than visual effects or dramatic theatrics. If you’re expecting a haunted house experience, this might feel more subdued — it’s about atmosphere, history, and stories. Also, since it’s designed as a walking tour, be prepared for some light to moderate walking, and note that it’s not suited for those with mobility issues.
This ghost tour fits best for history buffs, true crime aficionados, and anyone intrigued by Memphis’s darker stories. It’s also a solid choice for travelers who appreciate storytelling that combines facts with a dash of the supernatural.
Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder of Memphis Ghost Tour
“Josh was super informative and we had a fabulous tour”
👉 Check out our guide to the 25 Best Tours In Memphis
Key Points
- Historic significance: The tour visits iconic sites like the Lorraine Motel, tying ghosts to real historical tragedies.
- Engaging guide: Many reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and ability to answer questions, making the experience educational.
- Variety of stories: From murders to ghostly jukebox hauntings, the tour covers a diverse range of spooky tales.
- Short but meaningful: An hour-long experience that offers a focused look at Memphis’s haunted history.
- Group size: Typically small groups, fostering a more intimate story-sharing environment.
- Weather considerations: Tours run rain or shine, so dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Memphis.
Contents
- Key Points
- Meeting Point and Practicalities
- What the Tour Looks Like
- Specific Stops and Their Stories
- The Guide and Atmosphere
- What the Tour Does Well—and What It Doesn’t
- Price and Value
- Additional Tips for Travelers
- Our Top Picks in Memphis
- More Tours in Memphis
- More Tour Reviews in Memphis
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Memphis we have recnetly reviewed
Meeting Point and Practicalities
The tour begins at the Lorraine Motel at 450 Mulberry Street, right next to the Memphis Fire Station #2. This location is steeped in Civil Rights history, making it a poignant starting point. Guides wear US Ghost Adventures T-shirts and carry lanterns, adding a touch of old-fashioned ghost-hunting ambiance. Arriving 15 minutes early is advised, giving enough time for a quick introduction and settling in.
The tour lasts roughly one hour, and you should come prepared with comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, especially if Memphis’s climate is warm or rainy. Since it’s a walking tour, be ready for some light movement — it’s not suitable for those with mobility impairments.
What the Tour Looks Like
From the start, the tour is a walking exploration through some of Memphis’s most haunted— and historically significant — locations. The first stop, the Lorraine Motel, is perhaps the most emotionally charged. Standing at Room 306 balcony, you’ll hear about the tragic day in 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, and many claim the site is haunted by lingering spirits. Visitors report feelings of dread and overwhelming sensations, adding to the emotional impact.
Next, the guide takes you to six other haunted spots. Each location reveals a different story: from tragedy and death to more unusual hauntings like the spooky jukebox at Earnestine and Hazels, which apparently plays songs on its own, and the Hotel Pontotoc, where a boiler incident led to a grisly death. These stories are not just ghostly tales but also reflect Memphis’s dark, often tragic history, making the experience more meaningful.
Specific Stops and Their Stories
Lorraine Motel and Room 306: This iconic site is the cornerstone of the tour. As you snap photos of the balcony, the atmosphere shifts from tourist site to a place of quiet reflection and ghostly stories. Guests have reported feeling a sense of dread, which adds a ghostly dimension to the historical significance.
Hotel Pontotoc: Here, the story of a tragic boiler accident unfolds. While not as visually dramatic as Hollywood horror, these stories give insight into the everyday dangers faced by past residents, and some believe the spirits of those who perished still linger.
Earnestine and Hazels: This legendary bar and restaurant is famous for its haunted jukebox. Visitors suggest that the machine sometimes plays songs on its own, and the stories evoke a sense of Memphis’s musical roots intertwined with ghost stories.
The Orpheum Theater: Known for its resident spirit, Mary, the theater’s ghostly presence is often felt by staff and visitors. Some report hearing unexplained noises or feeling cold spots—classic signs of a haunting.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Guide and Atmosphere
What elevates this tour is its knowledgeable guide, often praised for answering questions and sharing stories with enthusiasm. Many reviews highlight the guide’s ability to make each location come alive with vivid storytelling. The guide sports a lantern, adding to the authentic ghost-hunting feel, and maintains an engaging, approachable manner that keeps the group captivated.
The group size tends to be small, which fosters a sense of intimacy and encourages questions. The overall tone balances respect for Memphis’s tragic past with a fun, spooky atmosphere.
What the Tour Does Well—and What It Doesn’t
Many travelers appreciate the balance between storytelling and history, adding layers of meaning to the ghost stories. For example, one reviewer remarked that the stories about national and regional figures make the walk feel like a true crime tour with a supernatural twist.
However, some reviews noted the variability in guide performance. A few people found guides less engaging or nervous, which can diminish the experience. Background noise or large crowds might sometimes make it hard to hear, but a small group and a dedicated guide usually help mitigate this.
Price and Value
At just an hour long, the tour’s cost is quite reasonable given the rich stories and historical sites visited. It’s a quick, entertaining way to get a different perspective on Memphis’s complex past, especially if you’re short on time but want a memorable experience.
Additional Tips for Travelers
- Wear comfortable walking shoes; the tour covers a handful of locations on foot.
- Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly — Memphis can have hot, humid days or sudden rain showers.
- Arrive early to ensure a good spot and get a brief introduction from your guide.
- Bring a camera or phone with good low-light capabilities if you’re interested in capturing potential ghostly evidence.
- If you’re curious about Memphis’s history or true crime stories, this tour offers a treasure trove of details that enrich the ghostly tales.
This ghost tour is best suited for those interested in true crime, American history, and ghost stories. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling rooted in real events rather than theatrical scares. Because it’s only an hour, it works well for those with tight schedules or as a nighttime activity after other sightseeing.
It’s also ideal for adults and older children, given the mature themes and walking component. However, it’s not recommended for people with mobility issues or those who prefer more dramatic hauntings.
While some reviews indicate that the experiences can vary depending on the guide, most guests leave feeling they gained a respectful, informative, and spooky glimpse into Memphis’s haunted past.
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for older children, especially those interested in history or ghost stories, but because of walking and mature themes, it’s best for teenagers and up.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately one hour.
Where does the tour start?
All tours begin at the Lorraine Motel, 450 Mulberry St. next to Memphis Fire Station #2.
Is the tour available in different languages?
Currently, it is offered in English only.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour takes place rain or shine.
Are there any age restrictions?
It’s not explicitly stated, but the themes and walking distance suggest it’s best for teens and adults.
Can I take pictures during the tour?
Yes, taking photos is encouraged, especially around haunted sites like the Lorraine Motel.
The Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder of Memphis Ghost Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history and ghost stories, making it an engaging experience for those curious about Memphis’s darker side. The guide’s knowledge and storytelling skills are often highlighted as a major strength, transforming a simple walk into a vivid journey through the city’s haunted past.
While it’s a brief tour, its focus on authentic stories tied to real events makes it meaningful and a bit more substantial than typical ghost tours. It’s perfect for history buffs, crime enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a spooky but educational night out.
Remember, it’s not a theatrical haunted house — it’s a walk through Memphis’s past, with ghost stories woven into the fabric of the city’s history. If that sounds like your kind of ghostly adventure, you’ll likely find this tour both entertaining and enlightening.
In essence, this tour offers great value for the experience of standing at some of Memphis’s most haunted sites while learning stories that are as chilling as they are true.
You can check availability for your dates here:
