Buried & Blighted in Boise Ghost Tours

This 1-hour ghost tour in Boise, offered by US Ghost Adventures, promises an engaging journey through the city’s most paranormally active spots. Operating nightly year-round, this tour focuses on haunted landmarks such as the Idanha Building, Owyhee Hotel, and Belmont Barbershop. Priced at an accessible no upfront cost, you pay later, making it easy to schedule. The tour is suitable for those comfortable with walking and expects participants to wear comfortable shoes for a one-mile outdoor walk.

What makes this experience stand out is its focus on verifiable haunted locations with stories rooted in facts. The tour is led by Boise’s official haunted history experts, many of whom are women and minority-led, adding an authentic and inclusive touch. With a rating of 5 out of 5 from one review, the tour seems to deliver a compelling mix of chilling tales and historical insight. It’s a good pick for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Boise’s haunted past.

Key Points

• Operates nightly, year-round in Boise, Idaho
• One-hour walking tour covering about one mile of downtown
• Tours start outside The Owyhee at 1109 W Main St
• Led by expert guides from US Ghost Adventures
• Focuses on notable haunted sites like The Idanha Building, Owyhee Hotel basement, and Belmont Barbershop
• No building entry, outdoor storytelling, with stories told from outside the locations

You can check availability for your dates here:

Boise’s Haunted Hotspots: The Idanha Building’s Ghostly Guests

The tour highlights the Idanha Building, a grand hotel turned historic site, known for reports of ghostly guests still checking in. From its past as a luxurious hotel, there are stories of unexplained activity that keep visitors curious. The outside of this building becomes the perfect backdrop for storytelling about its haunted reputation.

While no inside entry is made, the stories connected to the Idanha make it a compelling stop. The guide shares facts-based tales that bring to life the building’s eerie history. Expect a sense of mystery and a few shivers as you stand outside, listening to the chilling legends.

The Owyhee Hotel’s Basement Hauntings

At the Owyhee Hotel, a historic former hotel now functioning as upscale apartments and office space, the basement is a key location for ghostly activity. Tales of hauntings swirl around this underground area, where spirits are believed to linger, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tour.

The tour does not enter the building but concentrates on outside storytelling of the haunted basement. This site’s long history makes it an ideal location for stories of paranormal energy, blending Boise’s historic charm with ghostly tales.

Belmont Barbershop’s Vintage Hauntings

The Belmont Barbershop is one of Boise’s oldest continuously operating barber shops, known for its vintage style and mysterious occurrences. The stories told during the tour include spiritual activity that has been observed by staff and patrons alike.

The outside of the barbershop becomes a stage for recounting paranormal experiences. Its long-standing history and original ambiance contribute to the authentic feeling of this ghostly tale, making it a favorite for those interested in everyday locations with a haunted twist.

Thematic Tales of Witch Trials and Lost Love

A notable part of this tour is the stories of Boise’s witch trials, tragic love stories, and unsolved mysteries. These narratives are carefully researched and rooted in factual history, yet they carry a spooky edge that enhances the overall experience.

The tales evoke a sense of Boise’s darker past, making the tour more than just ghost stories—it’s also a glimpse into local history and legend. These stories help paint a vivid picture of the city’s haunted reputation, linking past tragedies with present-day legends.

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Practical Details: Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

Participants gather outside The Owyhee at 1109 W Main St. The guide, easily recognizable in a US Ghost Adventures T-shirt, ensures a smooth start. It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes early.

The tour is designed as a walking experience, covering approximately one mile of Boise’s downtown. It is rain or shine, so dressing appropriately for the weather and wearing comfortable shoes is advised. The tour does not include building entry but makes up for it with engaging storytelling outside each location.

Tour Pacing and Atmosphere

This one-hour tour emphasizes storytelling over physical activity but requires participants to walk. The pace is steady, allowing enough time at each stop for the haunting tales to resonate. Lighting conditions may heighten the sense of mystery, especially during evening hours.

While the stories are fact-based, the atmosphere created outside each haunted site evokes a sense of paranormal energy. The guides excel at building suspense and engaging audiences with vivid descriptions.

Guide Expertise and Tour Quality

The tour is led by Boise’s official haunted history experts, who are knowledgeable and passionate about local legends. The guide’s storytelling style has been praised for being captivating and well-researched.

A recent review mentions Daisy, who provided a private experience for a couple, indicating that the guides are adaptable and personable. The guides’ expertise ensures the stories are both entertaining and rooted in fact, adding credibility to the experience.

Price, Booking, and Cancellation Policies

The tour operates on a “reserve now, pay later” basis, with no upfront payment required at booking. Cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for changing plans.

Pricing is not specified, but the tour’s focus on storytelling and outdoor stops means it offers good value for those interested in ghost stories without extra costs. It’s suitable for groups, couples, or individuals seeking a short, spooky activity.

Suitability and Physical Requirements

The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments due to the walking distance. The outdoor nature and one-mile walk may pose challenges for some visitors.

Participants should dress weather-appropriate and be prepared for nighttime outdoor exposure. The experience is ideal for those comfortable standing outside historic buildings and listening to stories in a dark, atmospheric setting.

Summary of the Experience Provider

US Ghost Adventures leads this tour with a focus on authentic haunted stories of Boise. The company is women and minority-led, emphasizing inclusive, factual storytelling. The tour’s testimonials indicate a high level of guide expertise and a strong reputation among participants.

Final Thoughts on Why This Tour Stands Out

This hour-long ghost tour in Boise combines history, local legend, and paranormal tales, all told outside notable haunted sites. Its accessible price model, expert guides, and interactive storytelling make it a compelling option for night-time explorers.

While it does not include inside visits, the stories told from outside are vivid and credible, creating a spooky ambiance. The walkability, combined with interesting locations like The Idanha, Owyhee, and Belmont Barbershop, ensures a memorable experience for anyone interested in Boise’s ghostly side.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour long.

Where does the tour meet?
Participants meet outside The Owyhee at 1109 W Main St, Boise.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not recommended for those with mobility impairments and involves walking about one mile outdoors, so consider these factors before booking.

What should I wear?
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

Are building interiors visited during the tour?
No, the tour does not enter any buildings but focuses on storytelling outside each location.

Can I record videos or take photos?
Video recording is not allowed; photos may be taken outside the designated stops.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, it runs every night, throughout the year.

What makes this tour unique?
It’s led by official haunted history experts who provide fact-based, engaging stories about Boise’s most haunted locations, emphasizing authenticity and local legends.

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