Dark Stories of Salem
Meeting point
1 Houdini Way. Salem, MA 01970
Duration
90 mins
Start time
7 pm, 8 pm on Sun, Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat; check seasonal calendar for exact times
Ticket Price
Adults from $24; Children (under 13) from $22
*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.
Tour Operator
info@salemuncovered.com
Overview
Step away from the kitschy clichés and dive into the authentic shadows of the "Witch City" with the Dark Stories of Salem tour. This is not your average ghost tour; it is a deep dive into the gritty, verified history of one of America’s oldest and most mysterious settlements.
Led by the experts at Salem Uncovered Tours, this ghost walk focuses on the "true" in true crime and the "history" in haunted history tour. While Salem is world-famous for the 1692 Witch Trials, this experience peels back the layers to reveal a city built on sea trade, millionaires, and a shocking underbelly of betrayal and murder.
Whether you are seeking Salem ghost tours to hear about restless spirits or you're a history buff looking for a haunted history walk through the historic McIntire District, this tour delivers. Your licensed guide will lead you through the flickering gaslight atmosphere of downtown Salem, weaving narratives of pirates, torture, and strange legal battles that prove truth is often scarier than fiction.
Perfectly situated for those searching for paranormal tours near Old Town Hall, this walk is a must-see for anyone wanting to see the real side of the "Witch City" after dark.
What to Expect
Your 90-minute journey into the macabre begins at 1 Houdini Way, centrally located in the heart of downtown Salem. From there, your guide will lead you on a casual 3/4-mile walk through the city's most storied locations.
- The Old Burying Point (Charter Street Cemetery): Visit the oldest cemetery in Salem, where you'll hear about the souls resting (or perhaps not) beneath the ancient stones, including figures from the 1692 trials.
- The Joshua Ward House: Stand outside this famous Federal-style mansion, built on the site where "Sheriff" George Corwin once lived—the man responsible for the "pressing" of Giles Corey.
- The Gardner-Pingree House: Discover the chilling details of high-society scandals and the brutal 1830 murder that happened within Salem's elite circles, an event that influenced the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allan Poe.
- Salem Old Town Hall: Explore the paranormal lore surrounding this iconic landmark, which served as a filming location for Hocus Pocus and stands as a beacon of Salem's civic and spiritual history.
- 10 Federal Street: Uncover the dark secrets of Salem's legal past and the strange tragedies that have occurred in the city's corridors of power.
No on-site parking; use South Harbor or Museum Place Garages nearby. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No tour stops; use public restrooms at the Visitor Center or Artists Row pre-tour. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
100% wheelchair/stroller accessible via sidewalks; expect some uneven historic pavement. (for more info contact tour operator)
Dog-friendly! Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome to join the walk
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Parental discretion; includes mature themes of murder and torture. (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