Explore Arkansas’s top-rated ghost walks, haunted history tours, and spine-tingling paranormal experiences
Arkansas, often known for its natural beauty and the Ozark Mountains, holds a darker, more spectral reputation beneath its scenic surface. From the winding, tiered streets of the “Little Switzerland of the Ozarks” to the historic corridors of the capital city, the state is a premier destination for those seeking a ghost tour or a deep dive into the paranormal.
Whether you are a local resident looking for ghost tours near me or a traveler drawn to haunted history tours, Arkansas offers a variety of experiences that blend verified historical accounts with spine-tingling legends.
The following article explores the five best haunted tours across the state, providing everything you need to know to prepare for your next ghost walk.
1. Downtown Walking Ghost Tour – Eureka Springs, AR
Step into the shadows of America’s first settlement on a haunted walk that captures the eerie essence of one of the most haunted locations in the United States. The Downtown Walking Ghost Tour, operated by Haunted Eureka Springs Tours, is a 90-minute journey that traverses the limestone bluffs and hidden corners of this historic mountain town.
What to Expect on This Ghost Walk
The tour begins at the historic Courthouse steps on Main Street. Guests set off on a quarter-mile journey through the heart of the downtown historic district, navigating the famous Eureka Springs stairways and inclines. This is more than a simple stroll; it is a deep dive into the paranormal activity that has made this town a magnet for spirit seekers for over a century.
As you walk, your expert guide will recount stories of the “healing waters” and the tragic tales of the outlaws, healers, and gamblers who allegedly never left the village. About half of the tour takes place in climate-controlled indoor spaces, providing a comfortable experience for visitors of all ages.
Key Highlights
- The Underground Catacombs: The undisputed highlight of this ghost walk is exclusive access to the Catacombs, which is the best-preserved stretch of the town’s famous underground tunnels located beneath the Dr. Ellis Building.
- Spring Street Haunts: The route winds up Spring Street, passing iconic landmarks where guides share verified accounts of local lore and supernatural activity.
- Pet-Friendly Exploration: This is a pet-friendly ghost tour, meaning leashed, friendly dogs are welcome to join the hunt for restless spirits.
Logistics
- Meeting Point: Courthouse Steps, 44 S Main St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.
- Duration: 90 Minutes.
- Start Time: 7 pm and 8 pm nightly (check seasonal calendars).
- Parking: Free parking is available in metered spots and the Courthouse lot after 6:00 PM.
2. Eureka Springs Ghost Tour (Basin Park Hotel)
For those searching for ghost tours that focus on the architectural grandeur and tragic history of the Ozarks, the Eureka Springs Ghost Tour by US Ghost Adventures offers a spine-tingling alternative. This tour highlights how the promise of a “miracle cure” in the late 19th century often became a one-way ticket to the grave for many who flocked to the natural springs.
Why Take This Haunted History Tour?
This experience focuses on the “Swiss of America” and its Victorian charm, but it quickly shifts to the lingering shadows of the past. The tour navigates winding cobblestone streets and limestone sidewalks to visit the town’s most active hotspots.
Key Highlights
- Basin Park Hotel: Standing in the shadow of the “people’s hotel,” guests hear stories of a ghostly woman in white and a little girl in a yellow dress who are said to roam the halls.
- The Underground: The guide shares tales of hidden tunnels, bootleggers, and the gangsters who once used Eureka Springs as a safe haven.
- Crescent Hotel Stories: While the walk focuses on the downtown district, the narrative includes the chilling legacy of “America’s Most Haunted Hotel” and the fraudulent cancer doctor, Norman Baker.
- Basin Spring Park: Visitors explore the spiritual center of the town, where Native American legends and Victorian-era desperation converge.
Logistics
- Meeting Point: Basin Park Hotel, 12 Spring St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
- Start Time: Nightly at 8 pm.
- Accessibility: The tour stays on city sidewalks, but the hilly terrain and steep inclines of Eureka Springs may make accessibility challenging.
3. Haunted Arkansas Ghost Tour – North Little Rock, AR
In the Little Rock metro area, the Haunted Arkansas Ghost Tour takes you through the most haunted neighborhood in the region: the Argenta Arts District, also known by its historic nickname, “Dogtown”. Led by historian Amy Jones and award-winning mind reader Paul Prater, this ghost walk blends academic research with theatrical storytelling.
An Authentic Paranormal Experience
This 90-minute experience explores Central Arkansas’s dark heritage, moving past Victorian-era storefronts and legendary landmarks. It is designed to separate local myths from documented facts, providing a hauntingly authentic look at the area’s history.
Key Highlights
- Haunted Landmarks: The route includes the Spanish Revival Owen Funeral Home, the Barth-Hempfling House, and the historic Baker House.
- The Argenta Devil: Guests discover the legend of the “Argenta Devil” and hear stories of former inhabitants who refuse to leave their dwellings.
- Owen Funeral Home Bell Tower: Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras, as investigators often report finding “orbs” or unusual shadows in photos of the bell tower.
- Boos & Brews: For those seeking a more mature experience, a special “Boos & Brews” tour (strictly ages 21+) includes indoor stops at haunted bars and a Victorian-style seance.
Logistics
- Meeting Point: Starts in central Argenta; the exact address is provided upon ticket confirmation.
- Duration: 90 Minutes.
- Start Time: Seasonal (October–November).
- Accessibility: This is a handicap-accessible tour on flat, paved city sidewalks, covering approximately half a mile.
4. Little Rock Ghost Tour – Little Rock, AR
When twilight settles over downtown Little Rock, the Little Rock Ghost Tour invites you to walk the same ground as Civil War soldiers and tragic lovers. This haunted history tour is described as an “unfiltered exploration” of genuine paranormal accounts and documented history.
Little Rock’s Night of Whispers
This tour aims to peel back the polished facade of Arkansas’s capital city to reveal the secrets lurking in its most famous buildings. It focuses on the hidden history that textbooks often omit, exploring sites where legacies linger long after death.
Key Highlights
- Old State House: Hear mournful tales of figures tied to this venerable building who are said to still conduct their otherworldly affairs in the halls of power.
- Historic Hotels: Stand beneath the gables of grand hotels where it is said some guests “checked in but never truly checked out”.
- Landmark Homes and Military Structures: Discover the grim stories behind the city’s founding and the spirits that remain tied to its early structures.
Logistics
- Meeting Point: Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, 101 Spring St, Little Rock, AR.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
- Start Time: Nightly at 8 pm.
- Parking: Ample paid parking is available at the Robinson Center Parking Garage and the Convention District Parking Deck.
5. Hot Springs Haunted History Tours – Hot Springs, AR
Located in the historic district of Hot Springs, this tour provides a unique look at the spirits that linger in this famous resort town. While some areas of Arkansas are known for their mountain views, Hot Springs is famous for its thermal waters and a history that draws in many seekers of the paranormal.
Tour Overview
This experience is a walking tour conducted on historic downtown sidewalks. It captures the intersection of Victorian charm and the “eternal rest” of those who sought miracles in the area.
Logistics
- Meeting Point: 430 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901.
- Duration: 1 Hour.
- Start Time: Nightly at 8 pm.
- Special Note: This is a cash-only ghost tour. Tickets are available for purchase at the meeting point 30 minutes prior to the 8:00 p.m. start time.
What to Bring on a Ghost Walk in Arkansas
Proper preparation can make your haunted tours much more enjoyable and comfortable. According to the sources, these are the essential and optional items you should consider bringing.
Essential Items
- Comfortable Walking Shoes: Most Arkansas ghost tours involve walking on uneven historic streets, limestone sidewalks, or steep inclines.
- Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. Bring a jacket, hoodie, or raincoat.
- Fully Charged Phone: Necessary for photos, notes, and emergencies.
- Small Flashlight: Helps with visibility on dark paths.
Helpful Extras
- Portable Power Bank: Keeps your devices charged for photos or paranormal apps.
- Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during 60- to 90-minute walks.
- Bug Spray: Useful for outdoor tours in older or wooded areas.
- Small Bag: A crossbody bag or small backpack keeps your hands free.
Optional Paranormal Gear
For those who want an interactive experience, many tours allow the use of specialized tools:
- EMF Detector: Used to identify electromagnetic fields often associated with spirit activity.
- Thermometer: To check for “cold spots”.
- Notebook & Pen: For logging any strange encounters or sounds.
- Red-Filtered Flashlight: This helps you see in the dark while maintaining your night vision.
Understanding Ghost Tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as “spooky tourism,” is a growing trend where travelers visit locations specifically for their haunted history and supernatural legends. This can include visits to cemeteries, old historic districts, and even a haunted asylum.
People participate in these haunted history tours for several reasons:
- Exploring Local History: It is a unique way to learn about a city’s culture and past through the stories that refuse to fade.
- The Thrill of the Unknown: Many enjoy the spine-tingling experience and the mystery of the unexplained.
- Entertainment: These tours blend folklore, real historical events, and theatrical storytelling into a memorable nighttime adventure.
While a ghost tour can be spooky, it is generally not designed to be overwhelmingly scary. Most operators focus on atmospheric storytelling rather than jump scares or intense horror, making them suitable for beginners and families.
FAQ: People Also Asked
What exactly is a ghost tour?
A ghost tour is a guided experience where you explore locations known for paranormal activity. Guides share stories of local legends, historical tragedies, and mysterious events while leading guests through historic buildings, cemeteries, or old town districts.
Are Arkansas ghost tours family-friendly?
Most tours in Arkansas, such as the Downtown Walking Ghost Tour in Eureka Springs and the Haunted Arkansas Ghost Tour in North Little Rock, are advertised as child-friendly. However, specific events like the “Boos & Brews” tour are strictly for those 21 and older.
What should I wear on a ghost walk?
Comfort and practicality are the most important factors. You should opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip, as you may encounter uneven pavement. It is also recommended to wear dark or neutral colors to blend into the spooky atmosphere and avoid reflective clothing that could distract others.
Can I bring my dog on a haunted tour?
Several tours in Arkansas are pet-friendly. The Downtown Walking Ghost Tour, the US Ghost Adventures tour in Eureka Springs, and the Haunted Arkansas Ghost Tour all welcome leashed, friendly dogs. The Little Rock Ghost Tour is also advertised as pet-friendly.
Will I definitely see a ghost?
While these tours visit highly active paranormal locations, scares and sightings are not guaranteed. The primary goal is to immerse guests in the history and mystery of the location.
How long do these tours usually last?
Most ghost tours near me in Arkansas last between 60 and 90 minutes.
Is there a lot of walking involved?
Yes. Most are walking tours covering distances ranging from a quarter-mile to a full mile. Some routes, particularly in Eureka Springs, include steep inclines and stairs.
Do I need to book in advance?
For most tours, checking the online calendar or booking in advance is recommended to ensure a spot. However, the Hot Springs Haunted History Tour is a cash-only experience where tickets are purchased at the meeting point shortly before the tour starts.
Note: For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding tour times, pricing, and specific accessibility needs, it is always best to contact the tour operator directly.
