Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

Explore the shadowy corners of Memphis history with the Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour. Priced at a very accessible rate, this 1.5-hour guided experience departs from Alfred’s On Beale, taking you through the city’s most infamous crime scenes and scandalous stories. With a 4.8 out of 5 rating based on 26 reviews, this tour offers a captivating look at Memphis’s darker past, making it ideal for history enthusiasts, crime buffs, or anyone curious about the city’s hidden stories.

While the tour is generally praised for its knowledgeable guides and engaging storytelling, it does involve some walking—about half a mile during off-bus stops—and is best suited for those comfortable with a brisk pace. The scenic views and local legends ensure an entertaining, spine-tingling experience that reveals Memphis’s less glamorous side.

Key Points

• Duration: 1.5 hours of storytelling, bus riding, and walking
• Start point: Alfred’s On Beale in Downtown Memphis
• Content: Focuses on notorious crimes, scandals, and historical figures like Georgia Tann and Alma Theede
• Highlights: Scenes of murderous acts, mobster haunts, and cold cases in Memphis
• Guide quality: Recognized for being cheerful, knowledgeable, and engaging
• Parking: Multiple options nearby, including garage at 149 Peabody Place
• Booking flexibility: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, reserve now, pay later

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Starting Point at Alfred’s On Beale

The tour begins at Alfred’s On Beale, a well-known venue on Beale Street, where guests gather at the ticket podium located on the downstairs patio. This meeting spot is easy to find, and ample parking exists within a few blocks, including a garage at 149 Peabody Place. On-street metered parking is also available along Second Street, Beale Street, and Peabody Place, making access straightforward for those arriving by car.

The meeting point sets a lively tone, right at the heart of Memphis’s historic entertainment district, ready to lead guests into the city’s darker stories.

Scenic Bus Tour Through Downtown Memphis

The core of this experience is a guided bus tour that takes approximately 30 minutes through downtown Memphis. As the bus weaves past notable sites, the guide shares compelling stories about Memphis’s criminal past, including details of notorious serial killers, mobsters, and vengeful lovers.

Expect to see some of Memphis’s most iconic sights in a new light, illuminated by tales of scandal and violence. The scenic views enhance the storytelling, providing visual context to the dark histories being narrated.

Off-Bus Stops Include Short Walks to Historic Crime Scenes

During the tour, there are several off-bus stops that involve walking about half a mile in total. These stops are designed to bring the stories to life, allowing guests to stand where historic crimes unfolded. For instance, you’ll visit locations connected to Memphis’s most infamous cases, like the scene of a summer serial killer or the site of Vance Avenue’s “Black Widow,” Alma Theede’s chilling story.

Each stop offers a chance for the guide to expand on the history, making the experience more immersive. The walks are brief, but comfortable footwear is recommended, and the pace remains brisk to fit the tour into its 1.5-hour window.

The Memphis Crime Stories: Georgia Tann and Alma Theede

One of the most gripping stories involves Georgia Tann, the notorious baby thief who exploited the Tennessee Children’s Home Society to steal babies. This scandal highlights Memphis’s darker side of adoption fraud and abuse of power, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s history.

Another chilling tale centers around Alma Theede, a Memphis woman known as the “Black Widow” for her long list of dead husbands. Her story is one of the many cold cases and unsolved mysteries that add a layer of intrigue to this tour.

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The Largest Jail Break in Shelby County History

The tour also covers Memphis’s most notorious prison escape, the largest jail break in Shelby County history. This event underscores the city’s sometimes chaotic and violent past, with details that leave a lasting impression of Memphis’s tumultuous crime landscape.

The guide weaves these stories seamlessly, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and educational. The delivery style is praised for being cheerful and engaging, making even dark topics accessible and interesting.

Beale Street’s Deadliest Saloon and Notable Crime Scenes

As the tour passes through Beale Street, it touches on the city’s deadliest saloons and notorious crime scenes that once defined Memphis’s nightlife. These venues are steeped in history, with stories of mobsters and violence that echo through time.

Guests are encouraged to feel the chills as they listen to tales of Memphis’s most infamous crimes and unresolved mysteries. The guide maintains a light enough tone to keep the mood thrilling without becoming uncomfortable, balancing facts with storytelling flair.

Practical Details: Pacing, Booking, and Parking

The tour is designed for a brisk but comfortable pace, with scenic views on the way during the bus rides. The walks are short but involve some movement, so minimal physical effort is required. The guides are praised for their great personality, cheerful demeanor, and depth of knowledge.

Booking is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The meeting point at Alfred’s On Beale is accessible, with several parking options nearby.

Overall Assessment: A Thrilling Dive into Memphis’s Dark Past

This true crime tour offers an entertaining and educational look at Memphis’s most notorious stories, suited for those interested in history, crime, or local legends. The expert guides and well-paced itinerary make for an engaging experience, with high praise for storytelling quality.

While the 1.5-hour duration keeps it concise, the blend of bus rides, scenic views, and short walks makes it a compact but rich exploration of Memphis’s less glamorous side. It’s particularly good for visitors seeking a unique perspective on the city’s history that veers away from typical tourist spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour focuses on dark crime stories, so it may not be ideal for young children or sensitive guests.

Does the tour involve physical activity?
Yes, there are off-bus stops involving walking about half a mile in total, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at Alfred’s On Beale, on Beale Street, with a meeting point at the ticket podium on the downstairs patio.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs for about 1.5 hours, including bus rides, scenic views, and short walks.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, with a full refund.

What is included in the tour?
Guests will hear stories about Memphis’s most notorious crimes, figures like Georgia Tann and Alma Theede, and notable jail escapes.

Is parking easy to find?
Yes, several parking garages and open-air lots are nearby, including the closest garage at 149 Peabody Place.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely, reviews highlight the guides’ cheerful personalities and expert storytelling.

What makes this tour different from other Memphis experiences?
It focuses specifically on true crime and scandal stories, offering a unique narrative that isn’t covered in typical city tours.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Given the dark and sometimes graphic nature of the stories, it may be better suited for adults or older teens.

This Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour provides a fascinating glimpse into Memphis’s shadowy past, told through lively stories from expert guides. It’s a compact yet rich experience that will appeal to those curious about the city’s most notorious crimes and characters.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby