Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder of Memphis Ghost Tour

Explore Memphis’s Haunted Past with the Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder Ghost Tour

The Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder of Memphis Ghost Tour offers a compelling hour of storytelling in the heart of Tennessee’s Bluff City. For $27 per person, this 1-hour walking tour takes visitors to six haunted locations, each with its own dark story. Starting at the famous Lorraine Motel, the tour provides an authentic glimpse into Memphis’s most notorious and ghostly history, guided by an expert tour leader.

While some reviews mention the guide’s delivery, the overall experience remains a popular choice for those interested in true crime, local legends, and ghost stories. This tour is suitable for anyone comfortable with a mile of walking and eager to learn about Memphis’s lesser-known mysteries. The tour’s small group size and walkable route make it a practical and intriguing option for a quick but memorable night adventure.

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Key Points

• One-hour walking tour through six haunted Memphis sites
• Begins at Lorraine Motel, the site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination
• Includes stories of historic figures and everyday people caught in tragic circumstances
• Highlights Room 306 balcony with feelings of dread and ghostly activity
• Visits notable locations like Hotel Pontotoc and Earnestine and Hazels
• Guides wear US Ghost Adventures T-shirts and carry lanterns for a genuine atmosphere

Starting Point at the Lorraine Motel in Downtown Memphis

The tour begins at the Lorraine Motel, located at 450 Mulberry St, right next to Memphis Fire Station #2. Visitors are advised to arrive 15 minutes early to meet the guide, who will be dressed in a US Ghost Adventures T-shirt and carrying a lantern. This historic site is not just the starting point but also the first stop where the haunting aura of Memphis’s civil rights history sets the tone for the evening.

This meeting location is ideal because it’s easy to find, and the initial gathering creates a setting infused with historical significance and ghostly anticipation. The coordinates are 35.134185791015625, -90.05776977539062, making navigation straightforward for visitors.

Visiting the Haunted Lorraine Motel and Room 306

The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to stand before the haunted Lorraine Motel and specifically Room 306’s balcony. Visitors hear stories about how many feel an overwhelming sense of dread when near this room, which is famously linked to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968. The guide shares historical context alongside ghost stories, making this stop both educational and chilling.

Photographers will appreciate the chance to snap images of the haunted balcony, which is often described as an energetic site. The emotional weight of this location makes it a memorable centerpiece of the tour, blending civil rights history with supernatural tales.

Uncovering the Dark History of Hotel Pontotoc

One of the more gruesome stories involves the Hotel Pontotoc, where a tragic boiler incident took place. The guide recounts how the grisly event has left a lingering spiritual presence at the hotel. Visitors learn about the fatal accident that changed the course of the hotel’s history, and reports of unexplained noises and sightings continue to circulate, adding to Memphis’s haunted reputation.

This stop provides a different flavor of ghost story, focusing on accidents and tragic deaths. It also underscores Memphis’s reputation as a city with dark, untold stories lurking in its historic buildings.

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The Haunted Jukebox at Earnestine and Hazels

The tour features a visit to Earnestine and Hazels, an iconic Memphis bar with a notorious haunted jukebox. Legend has it that the jukebox always plays the right song, even when not plugged in or when no one is near it. The stories of spooky jukebox hauntings add a fun, musical element to the tour, blending local nightlife history with ghostly mysteries.

Visitors might find themselves trying to capture evidence of this phenomenon, as digital devices are often used to attempt recording unexplained music or sounds. This stop evokes a lighthearted yet eerie atmosphere, contrasting with the more serious stories.

Encountering Mary, the Spirit of the Orpheum Theater

Another highlight is the Orpheum Theater, where stories focus on Mary, the resident spirit. The theater’s dark history includes reports of ghostly apparitions and inexplicable sounds, with Mary being the most well-known spirit. Visitors learn about contact with the supernatural, including sightings and cold spots experienced during performances.

The theater’s history enriches the ghost story, making it clear that Memphis’s entertainment history is intertwined with its supernatural tales. The guide shares local legends and reportings, providing a vivid picture of Mary’s ghostly presence.

The Dark Side of Memphis’s Untold History

Throughout the tour, the guide reveals stories of everyday people caught in extraordinary and tragic circumstances, from violent deaths to mysterious disappearances. These tales connect the ghost stories with Memphis’s true history, illustrating how hauntings often stem from trauma and tragedy.

This aspect of the tour offers a more serious tone compared to purely entertainment-driven ghost stories, adding depth and context to Memphis’s haunted reputation.

Practical Details for Tour Participants

The tour is accessible via walking and lasts exactly one hour, making it a short yet engaging experience. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. As the tour takes place rain or shine, preparation is key. The guide’s lantern and professional attire enhance the authentic feeling of the walk.

Because mobility impairments are not suited for this tour, those with mobility challenges should consider this before booking. The group size is small, ensuring an intimate atmosphere perfect for storytelling and photo opportunities.

Practical Warnings and Tips for Participants

Participants should avoid smoking, video recording, and alcohol, as these are not permitted during the tour. Arriving early is recommended to fully enjoy the experience and receive a proper introduction. The tour does not require reservations but offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility in planning.

Travelers should prepare for a mile of walking and be comfortable with the dark and potentially spooky environment that the tour offers.

Comparing This Tour to Other Memphis Experiences

While other Memphis tours may focus on Elvis Presley, Sun Studios, or river cruises, the Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder Ghost Tour stands out for its dark history and supernatural tales rooted in local crime and notorious locations. It provides a more chilling and mysterious perspective on Memphis, perfect for fans of true crime and ghost stories.

The tour’s short duration makes it suitable for those looking for a quick but impactful encounter with Memphis’s haunted legends, especially if combined with other activities or evening plans.

Final Thoughts on the Memphis Ghost Tour

This hour-long ghost walk offers an authentic glimpse into Memphis’s haunted history, blending civil rights tragedies, local legends, and supernatural encounters. The guide’s storytelling is key to the experience, making the stories come alive in historic locations like the Lorraine Motel and Earnestine and Hazels.

While some reviews indicate variability in guide performance and audibility issues, the overall 4.3-star rating and detailed stories make this tour a worthwhile option for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts. The small group setting and walkable route add to its appeal, especially for nighttime exploration of Memphis’s darker side.

This tour suits those seeking a short, engaging, and spooky adventure with rich local stories. For anyone interested in Memphis’s haunted landmarks and true crime tales, the Mobsters, Mayhem, & Murder Ghost Tour provides a memorable and chilling evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour involves walking and stories about tragic and violent events, so it’s best suited for older children and adults comfortable with spooky stories.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as the tour takes place outdoors in the evening.

Can I record the tour with video?
Video recording is not permitted during the tour to respect the experience and other participants.

What if it rains?
The tour proceeds rain or shine, so dress accordingly. Umbrellas or raincoats are advisable in bad weather.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts exactly one hour, covering six locations with stories and history.

Is there any parking nearby?
While not specified, the tour meets at the Lorraine Motel, a central Memphis location accessible by local parking options.

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