Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Duration
1 hr, 45 mins
Start time
4 pm & 8 pm most days
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of America's Most Famous Seafaring Village
Step into the shadows of New England’s maritime past on the Downtown Mystic Ghost Tour, the original haunted history tour of this iconic coastal community. As the sun sets over the Mystic River, your lantern-lit journey begins at Liberty Pole Square, where the air grows heavy with the weight of centuries-old secrets.
This is not your average ghost walk; it is a deep dive into the dark, sordid history of a village founded in darkness and shaped by maritime tragedy. From the 17th-century strife of the Pequot War to the spectral Union soldiers still seen in their 19th-century forms, this haunted tour bridges the gap between folklore and documented history.
Whether you are searching for paranormal tours near the Mystic Drawbridge or want to uncover the "City of Elms'" coastal cousin's secrets, Seaside Shadows offers an award-winning experience that blends local lore with true chilling encounters.
What to Expect
Your paranormal adventure covers approximately one mile of the historic downtown landscape, lasting roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes. Led by expert storytellers equipped with voice amplifiers, your group will traverse both sides of the river to witness the most notorious haunts in town.
- The Mystic River Bascule Bridge: Cross this iconic landmark while hearing tales of "cryptids," ghost ships, and the sailors who never returned to harbor.
- Captain Daniel Packer Inne: Stop outside this colonial gem to hear about the tragic scarlet fever victims and the well-known spirits that still linger within its walls.
- Liberty Square & Water Street: Uncover the industrial revolution "hot spots" and the red-light district scandals that left a lasting spectral imprint on the waterfront.
- Historic Haunts: Visit locations tied to local murders, Revolutionary heroes, and modern-day poltergeists at landmarks like Bank Square Books and Anthony J's Bistro.
- Logistics: The tour operates rain or shine, so dress for the coastal weather. While the walk is wheelchair and stroller friendly, please leave pets at home and note that the content is best suited for guests aged 11 and up. Bring your camera—photography is encouraged to capture "psychic photos" of the spirits that call Mystic home.
No on-site parking; public lots are available on Cottrell St and near Hampton Inn. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No public restrooms on-site; please use facilities downtown before the tour starts. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair/stroller accessible; flat 1-mile route through downtown. (for more info contact tour operator)
Service animals welcome; please leave pets/non-humans at home.
Interior access at meeting point only; all ghost stories told from outdoors. (for more info contact tour operator)
Best for ages 11+; true historical hauntings and eerie maritime legends. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas