Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour

Uncover Milwaukee’s Haunted History at Shakers Cigar Bar

The Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour in Milwaukee offers a compelling journey into one of the nation’s most haunted bars. Priced at $30 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this tour is perfect for those interested in ghost stories, historic bars, and Milwaukee’s darker past. It is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate, engaging experience led by knowledgeable guides. The tour starts at Shaker’s Cigar Bar & World Cafe and includes access to all floors of the legendary hotel, such as the cellar basement and upper levels.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of haunted tales, historic insights, and the chance to explore a bar with a notorious past. From stories about Capone brothers and Jeffrey Dahmer to its past as a cemetery and brothel, the history is as intriguing as the ghostly encounters. The tour’s small-group format and indoor setting make it a manageable, comfortable adventure, ideal for those who want to learn and explore without feeling overwhelmed.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This $30 tour lasts about 4 hours and includes admission to the entire building.
• Limited Group Size: Only 15 travelers join each tour, ensuring a personalized experience.
• All Floors Explored: Tour visits main level, cellar, and upper floors of the historic bar.
• Rich History and Ghost Stories: Guides share tales of hauntings, prohibition-era speakeasies, cemeteries, and brothels.
• Additional Perks: Participants receive discounts on Shaker’s merchandise.
• Meet at Shaker’s Cigar Bar: The tour begins and ends at the same location, with public transit nearby.

Starting Point at Shaker’s Cigar Bar & World Cafe

The tour begins at 422 S 2nd St, Milwaukee, inside the well-known Shaker’s Cigar Bar & World Cafe. This historic venue is famous for its haunted reputation and spectacular interior decor. Arriving at least 20 minutes early is recommended to settle in and prepare for the experience. The location itself offers a chance to appreciate the bar’s vintage charm before the ghost stories begin, setting a fitting ambiance for the tour.

Exploring Every Floor of Milwaukee’s Haunted Bar

The itinerary involves visiting all floors of Shaker’s Cigar Bar, including the main level, cellar basement, and upper floors. Each level reveals different stories about its ghostly inhabitants and sordid past. The basement, in particular, has a reputation for being the creepiest part of the building, with reports of noises and spirit activity. The tour lasts around 60 minutes inside, with guides sharing artifacts, historical facts, and haunting stories tied to each space.

Expect to see interesting artifacts and learn about the building’s past as a cemetery, speakeasy, and brothel. The guides do a good job of explaining the history while adding a dash of ghostly lore, making each floor a new chapter in Milwaukee’s haunted story.

Inside the Haunted Shakers Building: Stories and Atmosphere

The building’s walls talk, and the guides make sure to highlight stories of hauntings and paranormal activity. While some reviews mention not witnessing supernatural phenomena directly, many note the atmosphere, spooky noises, and heavy feelings that add to the experience. The creepy basement is consistently praised for its eerie ambiance and history of spirits communicating through noises and signs.

The atmosphere is enriched by period decor and the building’s own history as a cemetery, brothel, and speakeasy. The dark, vintage setting combined with storytelling evokes a haunting vibe that captures the imagination without overly relying on jump scares.

The Guide’s Style and Expertise

The guides, including Kirsten, Lexi, Nikki, and others, are highly praised for their knowledgeable, engaging, and fun storytelling. They answer questions thoroughly, bring the history to life, and make the tour feel personalized, especially during private or small-group experiences. Guides like Kirsten are commended for balancing historical facts with ghostly tales, creating an enjoyable, credible narrative.

Many reviews highlight the energetic and friendly attitude of guides, with some going the extra mile to share ghost stories after the tour or interact with participants. This personal touch helps deepen the connection to the building’s haunted reputation.

The Atmosphere and Ambiance at Shaker’s Cigar Bar

The interior of Shaker’s Cigar Bar adds to the tour’s charm. Its vintage decor, smoky cigar atmosphere, and historic architecture make it a visually interesting venue. However, visitors sensitive to cigar and cigarette smoke should take note, as the smoky environment can be intense and may cause discomfort. The staff is friendly and accommodating, and some reviews mention the beautiful, old-fashioned ambiance as a highlight.

The bar also serves good food and drinks, making the experience not just spooky but also enjoyable as a night out. Participants are encouraged to bring their camera to capture mysterious images—some review mentions photos capturing strange or unexplained phenomena.

Additional Benefits: Discounts and Merchandise

Participants receive a discount on all Shaker’s merchandise, which includes memorabilia and souvenirs tied to the bar’s haunted reputation. This is a nice bonus for fans of the bar or those wanting to remember the experience.

Practical Considerations and Accessibility

The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with confirmation received at booking and near public transportation options for convenience. The tour is mostly indoors, making it suitable for all but those with mobility issues that prevent exploring multiple floors. Since the focus is on history and stories, no strenuous activity is involved, but visitors should be prepared for dim lighting and potentially creepy basement environments.

Comparing the Tour to Others in Milwaukee

This experience is praised for its rich historical content and engaging guides, setting it apart from more superficial ghost tours. Many reviews note the small group size enhances the personal feel, and the timing makes it feasible for weeknights. Some reviewers mention that the building itself is stunning, and exploring its layers reveals fascinating tales.

However, some criticism exists about the place’s condition—noted as dirty or unsafe by a few—and the smoke atmosphere. Yet, most agree that the storytelling and historic details outweigh these concerns.

Ideal Audience for the Shakers Ghost Tour

This tour suits history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and those interested in Milwaukee’s underground past. It appeals to adventurous visitors who are comfortable in dim, vintage settings and want an entertaining, spooky experience. It’s also a good option for small groups or date nights, especially if combined with drinks or dinner at the bar.

Final Thoughts on the Haunted Milwaukee Experience

The Shakers Original Historical Ghost Tour delivers a well-rounded, informative, and spooky exploration of Milwaukee’s haunted past. The knowledgeable guides, small-group setting, and historic building make it a memorable experience. While the smoky environment and building condition may be drawbacks for some, the storytelling and atmosphere compensate well.

This tour offers value for money, with a 4-hour experience that combines history, hauntings, and entertainment. It’s especially suited for adults and curious visitors looking for a night filled with tales and spirits, making it a standout activity in Milwaukee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for adults and might not be suitable for children due to the dim lighting, spooky stories, and smoky environment.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with about 60 minutes spent exploring the building itself.

Are there any restrictions on the group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a small, personal experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera for potential paranormal photos and arrive 20 minutes early at the meeting point.

Is the tour indoors?
Yes, the entire tour takes place inside the bar, including the cellar basement and upper floors.

Can I buy souvenirs during or after the tour?
Yes, participants receive discounts on merchandise, and souvenirs are available at the venue.