Creepy Columbus Downtown Walking Tour. Ohio

Creepy Columbus Downtown Walking Tour

Meeting point

Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Sq, Columbus, OH 43215

Duration

90 Mins.

Start time

8pm Various days 

Tour Operator

Overview

Uncover the Dark Secrets of the Arch City Step into the shadows of Ohio’s capital on the Creepy Columbus Downtown Walking Tour, a journey that peels back the modern facade of the city to reveal a past riddled with tragedy and unrest. 

Unlike typical jump-scare attractions, this haunted history tour weaves accurate historical accounts with spine-tingling folklore, guided by a local expert who knows where the bodies are buried—sometimes literally. 

You’ll explore the eerie silence of downtown after dark, standing in the shadow of the Ohio Statehouse and the city's oldest skyscrapers. Perfect for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts, this ghost walk offers a sophisticated yet chilling look at why Columbus is considered one of the Midwest's most mysterious cities.

What to Expect

Prepare for a 90-minute immersion into the unknown, where the city's history comes alive through stories of murder, mayhem, and the unexplained.

  • The Route: The tour winds through the heart of Downtown Columbus, often passing landmarks like the majestic Ohio Statehouse (home to the legendary "Lady in Gray") and the historic Great Southern Hotel.
  • The Stories: Hear the chilling tales of the "Pink Lady", the restless spirits of former industrialists, and the dark legacy of the old Ohio Penitentiary that still stains the city's atmosphere.

Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E. Rich St) recommended. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information

No restrooms on tour; please plan ahead. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information

Wheelchair and stroller accessible via paved city sidewalks. (for more info contact tour operator)

Policy not explicitly stated for walking tour; assume service animals only or call ahead

No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)

Ages 12+ recommended due to mature themes. (for more info, contact tour operator)

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Things to take on a ghost walk

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FaQ's

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.

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.

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.

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.

When choosing what to wear on a ghost tour, comfort and practicality are key. Most ghost tours involve walking through historic streets, uneven paths, or dimly lit areas, so opt for comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Dress in weather-appropriate layers, as tours often take place at night when temperatures drop. A light jacket or hoodie works well year-round.

Avoid loud or reflective clothing that can distract from the experience, and choose dark, neutral colours to blend into the spooky atmosphere. If you’re joining an outdoor tour, consider bringing waterproof layers, a hat, or gloves in colder seasons. A small crossbody bag is ideal for carrying essentials without weighing you down.

For added comfort and safety, bring a fully charged phone, but keep it on silent to avoid interrupting the tour. With the right clothing and gear, you’ll stay comfortable, safe, and fully immersed in the ghostly experience.

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.

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

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