Old Towne Ghost Tour
Description
Step into the eerie world of Old Towne, where 5 undertakers once roamed a single block in the 1800s. Is one of them still performing his duties to this day? Explore the chilling tales of a haunted playhouse where the piano music is not comforting to its listeners. Embark with your tour guide as the captivating history and dark secrets of Old Towne are revealed.
Enhance your ghost tour experience when booking our Historical Ghost Lantern Tour by selecting to add-on the Old Towne Ghost Tour, setting the stage for this supernatural journey. Haunted Traverse Tours' guests will seamlessly transition from the lantern tour's conclusion to delve into the heart of Old Towne, where our chilling Old Towne Ghost Tour begins.
**Extend your ghost tour with an extra hour of Ghost Stories on the Old Towne Ghost Tour. This Tour is only available to guests that have booked the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour! Select the add-on option at check-out when booking your Historical Ghost Lantern Tour **
Guests be warned, this extension will take you into the late evening and totals a whopping 2.5 hours walking tour.
100% outdoor walking tour.
Please dress appropriately for the weather. This is a 100% outdoor walking tour. Public restrooms are difficult to find in the area, please plan ahead. There is a port-a-potty at the Boardman River Dam Park about 200 ft from where we meet.
Please plan for this tour to operate rain or shine. If severe weather is in the area, we will reach out via text and or email 1 hour before the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour's start time.
Your tour guide may be on a tour and unable to be reached via phone 2 hours before this tour starts (we will be doing the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour). Please plan ahead with inquiries. Thank you!
Duration
1 hour
Group Size
Up to 15 guests
Price starts at
15 USD/guest
Languages
English
Meeting Point
Perry Hannah Statue
Corner of 6th St and Union St
Google Maps Link
Drop-Off Point
Old Town Playhouse
148 E Eighth St, Traverse City
Google Maps Link
Why take this tour?
If you really want to get the most of your evening, book the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour first and then select the add-on option for the Old Towne Ghost Tour. The Old Towne Ghost Tour will begin shortly after the ghost lantern tour concludes.
The Old Towne Ghost Tour takes guests farther afield from the downtown area where it is quieter, darker, and more chilling. Where the Historical Ghost Lantern concludes is where this tour begins after a short rest and break.
Our Traverse City walking ghost tour sweeps its guests up into fun ghost storytelling with some humor, chills, and spirit! A visceral, interactive experience for tour guests to learn the enchanting, enthralling, and spooky history of T.C.'s Old Towne's past.
Add-on: After-Hours Spirits & Spirits Conversation
Join your tour guide after this tour concludes at a local bar where we dive into deeper and darker ghost stories. This is a more relaxed environment, seated with drinks and good 'ol fashion bar Irish bar food, where guests and the tour guide explore the terror-riddled side and stories of the area. Murder, hauntings, and of course your guide will let you choose which topics of interests you wish to explore! Because of the darker topics and location, this is for ages 21+
*Beverages and food are not included in the After-Hours Spirits and Spirits Conversation.
Included
Ghost Hunting Equipment is provided for the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour and The Ghost Hunting Experience.
Things to know
Prices Old Towne Ghost Tour
Adult- $15
No age limit
Group Size
up to 15 guests
Please call for larger parties
Expectation
Tours are presented with theatrical, storytelling by your experienced, local tour guide. 100% outdoor tour please dress for the weather. There are public restrooms located along the way when in the downtown area, but the tour does not have scheduled restroom stops. Please plan accordingly. Pictures are welcome but please no video of your tour guide. I get shy and self-conscious when on camera and much prefer to have conversations with my guests instead.
Duration
60 minutes
100% Outdoor tour
Sidewalks/Alleys possibly
Pets
Well-behaved puppies are welcome!
*Except the
After Hours Add-On.
Gratuities
A tip is never required but is very much appreciated.
Reservations
Evening tours almost nightly
Spring-Fall, by reservation only.
Private Tours in Winter w/minimum 10 guests, by reservation only.
Frequently asked questions
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Is this tour right for me?Whether you're a believer, a skeptic, or someone in still making up their mind, you'll be entertained by our ghost stories, lore, local shenanigans and so many fun paranormal experiences and historical stories! I have had many guests that tell me they didn't believe in ghosts and that their group members really wanted to do the tour more than they did. That is ok! I do not design my tour to prove whether ghosts exist or not. My focus is to tell you the ghost stories and lore experienced by the locals and myself, as well as get you excited about the fascinating history of Traverse City. So, in short, lots of fun history, fun tidbits of fun facts, and of course the spooky hauntings. All presented with a theatrical style by myself and my helper tour guides. We hope to see you on tour and do let me know if there is a particular aspect that you really would love to hear more about when we meet! ~Desirae
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Do I need to make reservations in advance?Yes, reservations are required for all activities. We cap our tour guest numbers to ensure small, quality tours. From time to time, we may exceed a number to accommodate a party add-on, but I do not like to have large tours because a smaller tour, I believe is more fun and gives my guests more time to speak with the tour guide. ~Desirae So yes, please, if at all possible, book a reservation. (We will cancel free of charge with a 24-hour advanced notice).
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Do the tours go INSIDE the buildings we visit?The walking tours in Traverse City are 100% outside. I would love to take you inside them, but these are busy operating businesses, hotels, and private residences that are all difficult to access the interior. However, once you know which businesses are haunted and the ghost stories and history attached to the sites, you can patron the businesses during your visit to Traverse City. That will get you an idea of what they look like inside. Please be considerate to the businesses you visit, as again, they are busy servicing visitors to the area.
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Is this tour suitable for children?Yes! The tour is geared towards adults, but many people bring their children and tell us that they enjoyed it thoroughly.
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Tried to call to book a tour but got a voicemail?Please leave a message and we will get back to you asap. We are out on a tour or away from the phones. The best way to see availability for tours is by clicking the book button to explore the dates we have available. Please feel free to leave a voicemail and we will call you back when we are available. This number is also text enabled.
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Bad Weather? Cancellation Policy by guest or Haunted Traverse Tours?Yes, the tour runs in all-weather unless it's deemed dangerous. If we cancel the tour, we will notify tour participants one hour prior to the start of the tour via email and/or text messaging. Please make sure you opt in to receive text messages when booking. ***Cancellations by Haunted Traverse Tours will be sent via email or text, 1 hour prior to the start time of the tour. If Haunted Traverses Tours cancels a tour, participants are given the option to reschedule for a future event or cancel their booking. *** Cancellations by guests, please email HauntedTraverse@hotmail.com and let us know in writing that you need to cancel your tour. Cancelation Policy Refundable Tickets: We ask for at least a 24-hours notice prior to the start of the tour for a full refund of your booking. Cancelation is easy, please email or text Haunted Traverse Tour Company. Free Rebooking when requested in writing at least 24-hours in advance of original tour start time. Cancelation Policy Non-Refundable Tickets: No Refunds for Adult/Child Non-Refundable Ticket(s). Free Rebooking when requested in writing at least 24-hours in advance of original tour start time. ***Reservations made within 24 hours of booking are not eligible for a refund.*** **Guests that do not attend their reserved tour are not eligible for a refund or rebooking.** *No refunds are provided for canceling rebooked Ticket Reservations.*
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Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?Yes, all participants ages 5 - 13 must be chaperoned by someone age 18 or older. Proof of age may be required. Children under the age 5 must be accompanied by an adult too!
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Can I buy tickets over the phone, in person, or with cash?If you need to pay with cash or card in person, please call 231.645.1447 to book your reservation. Online reservations must be made by no later than one hour prior to the start time for that tour. Please call if booking within one hour of the tour starting. 231.645.1447.
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Do we have minimums to operate a tour?Please leave a message and we are out on a tour or away from the phones. The best way to see availability for tours is by clicking the book button to explore the dates we have available. Please feel free to leave a voicemail and we will call you back when we are available. This number is also text enabled.
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Can we bring cameras or video equipment?But, of course! Some of the best ghost photos have been taken by unwitting photographers intending to shoot other subjects. Ghostly apparitions tend to show up in photos, even when you didn’t see anything while snapping the picture. The only thing we ask is that you share the picture with us if you do get paranormally lucky!
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If I am running late for the tour, will you wait for me?We always start the tour on time. If you are running late, please let us know by calling 231-645-1447. If we do leave without you, find us! On that note, please give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get to the tour meeting point 10 minutes prior to the start of the tour to check-in! If you're having dinner at one of our local restaurants, be sure to tell them what time you need to leave by so you, and they, can plan accordingly.
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Do we go inside buildings during the tour?No, the Walking Ghost Tours' stories, local lore, and legends are told outside each location.
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Is tipping acceptable?Tipping is always acceptable, but not required - it is totally at your discretion. Our guides do their absolutely best to entertain you and all of our guests. Many of our guests appreciate good service and choose to reward it. Ghost Guides are always grateful for your generosity! Now-a-days we know we are a cashless society so here is our helpful Venmo information: @SendDesiraeMoney :) Thank you! We will make sure your gratuity gets to your tour guide! Please leave a review for your guide too! They love to read them.
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Can I setup a private tour?Yes, private tours are available. Most groups, however, decide to attend the public tour for two reasons. First, it is less expensive. Second, part of the fun of the tours is interacting with all the other participants. If you are interested in more information on private tours, contact us.
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Refund and Rebooking PoliciesCancelation Policy Refundable Tickets: We ask for at least a 24-hours notice prior to the start of the tour for a full refund of your booking. Cancelation is easy, please email or text Haunted Traverse Tour Company. Free Rebooking when made at least 24-hours in advance of original tour start time. Cancelation Policy Non-Refundable Tickets: No Refunds for Adult/Child Non-Refundable Ticket(s). Free Rebooking when made at least 24-hours in advance of original tour start time as long as the ticket is upgraded to a Refundable Ticket. Payment is due at the time of the rebooking. Please call or email for assistance. No refunds are provided for rebooked Non-refundable Tickets. **Reservations made within 24 hours of booking are not eligible for a refund. No shows are not eleigible for a refund or rebooking. **
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Can I video the tour guide while she is presenting the tour?Well...do you want a good tour or a tour where your guide is self-conscious? I ask that pictures are taken only of the buildings or the guide, but please do not video your tour guide. You will have more fun with the camera tucked away anyway! I founded the tour because of my interest in the paranormal and history of Traverse City. I never aspired to be on TV! I am actually a quiet person and a little on the shy side. When you come on a tour with me, my enthusiasm for my tour topics takes over and I become pretty talkative! Go figure! Plus, I love meeting new people and hearing of their adventures too! If you do take a picture, will you please send the picture to me too? I love to scrapbook on social media my summer as a tour guide, but never get the chance to take pictures of me doing the tours. I can't wait to hear what kind of adventures you are living! I hope to see you soon. ~Desirae
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What is the difference between a Private and Public Tour?Great Question. A public tour has an assigned start time and is open to anyone who wishes to book. Perfect for small groups that want to enjoy the company of others. A Private Tour is for groups of 10 or more. A private tour start time can be determined by guests, allowing we have a guide available. We do private tours for groups of 10 or more. These private bookings are for tour start times that differ from our public tour start times. Please call 231-645-1447 or message Haunted Traverse Tours for more information on how to book. We can make it easy if you have multiple guests that will be paying. We can curate a link that will give your group members the ability to book individually. Need more information on which tour to book, visit www.hauntedtraverse.com. Thank you!