Explore Traverse City's haunted history on a 90-minute outdoor walk with optional ghost hunting
90 minutes
Guide, Ghost-hunting gear
Explore Traverse City's haunted past on a 90-minute outdoor walking tour. Hear local history and ghost stories, then try a brief, optional ghost-hunting demo with provided equipment.
This 100% outdoor tour operates rain or shine; cancels only for severe weather. Expect steady walking on sidewalks and park paths for about 90 minutes; those who struggle with walking a mile may find it challenging. No restrooms at start or end; wheelchairs and strollers may be accommodated with an alternate route; ghost hunting is optional.
What does the ghost hunting involve, and is it required?
A short, optional demo with baseline equipment during the last 5 minutes; you may simply walk with the guide instead
Can the tour run over time?
It can if there are many questions or if the group walks more slowly
Can I bring my puppy?
Well behaved puppies are welcome
Does the tour operate in the rain?
Yes, please plan accordingly
What happens in severe weather?
You will be notified about 1 hour before start if canceled due to severe weather, with rebooking or refund offered
Tours run rain or shine; cancellations only for severe weather with notice about 1 hour before start. Refundable tickets: free cancellation up to 24 hours before start. Non-refundable tickets: no refunds. Reservations made within 24 hours are non-refundable. No refunds for no-shows or canceling rebooked reservations.
313 E Front St Traverse City Outside the Higher Self Bookstore
Discover what we've curated for you
Des (or Dez, as she's affectionately called) emerges as the star of these walking tours, bringing genuine passion and theatrical flair to Traverse City's spooky history. Guests consistently praise her deep knowledge of local lore and her ability to weave together historical facts with paranormal tales in an entertaining way. She personalizes each experience by asking about interests and tailoring content accordingly, drawing from her own extensive research. The tours cover various locations around downtown TC, including cemetery visits and other haunted spots, with a relaxed walking pace that's accessible to most ages. A few guests felt misaligned expectations, wishing for more indoor access to locations or preferring historical content over ghost stories (or vice versa). One particularly harsh review found the asylum tour too talk-heavy with limited actual exploration. However, the overwhelming majority found Des engaging and the blend of history and hauntings just right. If you're interested in discovering Traverse City's darker past through an enthusiastic local guide who clearly loves what she does, this experience delivers. Just know you'll be outside most locations rather than exploring interiors, and the vibe leans educational with spooky elements rather than pure haunted house thrills.
I’ve lived in Traverse City for years, but this ghost tour showed me a whole new side of it! Our guide, Dez, was funny, knowledgeable, and told each story with so much passion. We walked through places I’ve passed a hundred times, but hearing the spooky history behind them made the city feel totally different. The atmosphere at night was perfect — just the right mix of eerie and fun and so close to Halloween. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor wanting a memorable way to see the city, I’d definitely recommend this tour. Chills, laughs, and history all in one!
Jennifer Maas
October 30, 2025
I’ve lived in Traverse City for years, but this ghost tour showed me a whole new side of it! Our guide, Dez, was funny, knowledgeable, and told each story with so much passion. We walked through places I’ve passed a hundred times, but hearing the spooky history behind them made the city feel totally different. The atmosphere at night was perfect — just the right mix of eerie and fun and so close to Halloween. Whether you’re a local looking for something new or a visitor wanting a memorable way to see the city, I’d definitely recommend this tour. Chills, laughs, and history all in one!
Jennifer Maas
October 30, 2025