Haunted History Tour. Reno, Nevada.

Haunted History Tour

Meeting point

Frisch House. 247 Court St, Reno, NV 89501

Duration

1 hour

Start time

Weekly evening tours @ 8.30 pm held Thursday through Saturday nights.

Ticket Price

Adults (13+) from $35

*Please check the official site for current prices, seasonal rates, and add-ons.

Tour Operator

Reno Haunted Tours

7754536635

Overview

Discover the darker side of the "Biggest Little City" with Reno Haunted Tours, the only locally owned and operated ghost tour in town. On the Haunted History Tour, you’ll step away from the neon glow of the casinos and into the chilling reality of Reno’s Wild West past. 

Led by expert storytellers—often dressed in authentic period attire—this immersive walking ghost tour explores the unsolved mysteries, tragic accidents, and scandalous secrets that have left an indelible mark on Reno's historic core.

This isn't just a collection of jump-scares; it is a meticulously researched journey through haunted Reno history. From the "Gilded Age" mansions of the city's founders to the sites of notorious mob-era disappearances, you will learn why certain spirits refuse to leave the Truckee Meadows. 

Whether you are a "paranormal investigator" at heart or a history enthusiast looking for a unique evening activity, this tour offers a spirited perspective on the legends that shaped Nevada.

What to Expect 

Your journey begins at the Frisch House, a location steeped in one of Reno's most enduring mysteries. From there, your guide will lead you on a captivating one-mile walk through the haunted heart of downtown.

  • The Frisch House: Hear the harrowing tale of Roy Frisch, the bank cashier who "knew too much" and disappeared without a trace in 1934.
  • Lake Mansion: Visit the former home of Reno's founding father and learn about the restless energy that still permeates this Victorian landmark.
  • Washoe County Courthouse: Stand before the steps of justice and hear about the spirits of those who met their end in Reno’s most famous legal battles and its only public execution.
  • Historical Storytelling: Your guides blend theatrical flair with historical accuracy, bringing to life the "grit and glamour" of Reno's pioneers, mobsters, and socialites.
  • Atmospheric Walk: The tour covers about a mile of flat city terrain, making it a comfortable evening stroll.

Prepare for an evening where the past and present collide. As the desert sun sets, the spirits of Reno come out to play—are you ready to meet them?

Convenient parking at the Washoe County Courthouse lot or nearby meters. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information

No restrooms on route; use local facilities before the tour begins. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information

Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; 1-mile walk on flat city terrain.  (for more info contact tour operator)

Pet-friendly! Leashed dogs can join you on this outdoor ghost walk. (for more info contact tour operator)

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

Family-friendly; a great blend of spooky lore and local history. (for more info, contact tour operator)

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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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