Lost Lanterns of the Lake Ghost Tour
Meeting point
The Oliver Inn 132 E Superior St., Duluth, MN 55802
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly at 8:00 PM (check seasonal calendar).
Tour Operator
Overview
Lost Lanterns of the Lake: A Haunted Journey Through Duluth’s Dark Past
Step into the misty shadows of Lake Superior on the Lost Lanterns of the Lake Ghost Tour, Duluth’s premier haunted walking tour. As the sun sets over the icy waters of the North Shore, your guide will lead you through the historic HART District and Canal Park to uncover the secrets that the "Zenith City" tried to bury. From the tragic disappearances on the Great Lakes to the restless spirits lingering in the old city jail, this Duluth ghost tour offers a bone-chilling look at the mysteries of the North.
Operated by US Ghost Adventures, this tour blends meticulous historical research with local lore to create an atmospheric paranormal experience. You’ll hear tales of the "Flying Dutchman of Lake Superior" and the cursed foundations of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a local history buff or a visitor seeking the best haunted tours in Duluth, this lantern-lit walk provides a unique perspective on the grit and ghosts of this legendary port town.
What to Expect
Your journey begins at the historic Oliver Inn, once the site of Duluth’s original City Hall and jail. Over the course of 60 minutes and approximately one mile, your lantern-bearing guide will transport you back to the era of bootleggers, shipwrecked sailors, and Gilded Age scandals.
- The Depot: Explore the hauntings of the former Union Depot, where spectral passengers have been seen waiting for trains that stopped running decades ago.
- Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum: Learn the true, unsettling story behind "The Cribs," the strange concrete structure jutting out of Lake Superior, and the legends of what (or who) might be trapped beneath its ruins.
- SS Bannockburn: Hear the terrifying legend of the Great Lakes’ most famous ghost ship, sighted by sailors during the fiercest winter storms.
- Duluth Public Library: Discover why this modern-looking building sits atop a site with a "disturbingly dark" history that still echoes today.
This is an outdoor haunted walk that proceeds rain or shine. Please dress for the unpredictable Lake Superior breeze and wear comfortable shoes. The route is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible, ensuring that everyone can join in the hunt for Duluth’s "Lost Lanterns."
No private lot; use the HART Ramp across Superior St or nearby street meters. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
Facilities at the meeting point (Oliver Inn/Rathskeller); none on the route. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Wheelchair and stroller accessible via paved city sidewalks. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pet-friendly! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome to join the tour.
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly with spooky history; suitable for older children comfortable with ghost stories. (for more info, contact tour operator)
Get directions
Things to take on a ghost walk
Been on this ghost tour? Tell others what you think.
More Ghost Tours in Minnesota
Read our Haunted Blogs
5 Best Ghost Tours in Minnesota
Uncovering the Spirits of the North Star State: From Lake Superior’s Misty Shores to the Gilded Age Secrets of St.
8 Best Ghost Tours in Maine
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of the Pine Tree State’s Most Historic Seaports and Haunted Coastal Districts Maine is a
Best Ghost Tours in Connecticut
Uncover Chilling Legends and Haunted History Across the Constitution State’s Most Spectral Cities Connecticut is a land of legends, where
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