True Crime Tour of Boston

The True Crime Tour of Boston offers an intriguing journey through the city’s most notorious criminal stories. Priced at $24 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour is designed specifically for adults who want to explore Boston’s darker side. The tour departs at 3:00 pm from a centrally located meeting point and ends near the Mary Dyer statue outside the Massachusetts State House.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on well-researched stories that cover everything from serial killers to tragic events like the Boston Marathon Bombing. The tour is led by a professional, knowledgeable guide, ensuring accurate storytelling that captures Boston’s eerie and sometimes macabre history. With a mobile ticket system and a small group size capped at 20 participants, it offers an intimate and engaging experience, making it perfect for those interested in true crime and local history.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $24 offers excellent value for a 2-hour guided walk.
• Adult-only experience emphasizes mature themes, including serial killers and violent events.
• Ten carefully chosen stops covering Boston’s criminal past, from cemeteries to historic courthouses.
• Expert guides with thorough, accurate storytelling and a friendly, enthusiastic approach.
• Includes visits to notable sites such as Boston Public Garden, Copley Square, and Boston Common Frog Pond.
• Free to cancel up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for planning.

Exploring Boston’s Criminal Past at Boston Public Garden

The tour kicks off at Boston Public Garden, where the Ether monument highlights the story of Boston’s first female serial killer. This free-standing feature provides a powerful starting point to understand how crime and history intertwine in this city. The 12-minute stop allows an easy stroll through the scenic gardens while learning about Boston’s darker stories.

This visit sets the tone for the tour, blending the beauty of Boston’s public spaces with tales of murder and mystery. The guide explains the significance of this monument and how it connects to the city’s history of crime, giving a fascinating context right from the beginning.

The Boston Marathon Bombing Memorial and Its Aftermath

Next, the tour visits the Boston Marathon Survivor Memorial, a powerful site dedicated to those affected by the 2013 bombing. In 12 minutes, visitors learn about the terror of those days and the resilience that followed. This stop provides insight into one of Boston’s most recent tragedies and the bravery of the city’s residents.

The story shared here emphasizes the community’s strength and the heroism shown during and after the attack. It’s a poignant moment that balances the darker themes of the tour with messages of hope and resilience.

Copley Square and the Craiglist Killer’s Haunts

At Copley Square, the guide takes you to the haunted locales linked to the notorious Craiglist Killer. This stop reveals the horrifying tales behind the criminal’s presence in such a prominent part of Boston. The 12-minute exploration uncovers the chilling history of a killer who used online platforms to target victims.

The stop in Copley Square offers a stark contrast between the area’s usual elegance and its sinister past. The stories told here are especially gripping for those interested in modern crime and how it intersects with well-known city landmarks.

Macabre Tales from Central Burying Ground

The Central Burying Ground introduces visitors to Boston’s macabre history of grave robbing. During the 18th and 19th centuries, cemeteries were often raided for various reasons, some less sinister than others. The guide explains how this practice was surprisingly common and the impact it had on Boston’s community.

This site provides a glimpse into the darker side of 18th-century life, revealing how death and crime were woven into everyday experiences. The 12-minute stop is both educational and slightly unsettling, perfect for fans of historical mysteries.

The Hitchhiker Killer at Emerson College

A short walk brings visitors to Emerson College, where the Hitchhiker Killer terrorized Boston for eight months in the 1970s. The guide shares the chilling details of this serial killer’s reign of terror, emphasizing how a single individual spread fear across the city during that time.

This story demonstrates Boston’s vulnerability during a time of rising crime and how the community responded to the threat. The 12-minute discussion offers insight into the fears that gripped the city and the eventual capture of the killer.

The Deceased Debt of the Parkman Family

The Parkman Bandstand is a site with a story of debt and death within the Parkman family. The guide recounts the tragic history that led to this bandstand’s naming, revealing a darker chapter of Boston’s familial history.

This stop illustrates how local stories of tragedy often become memorialized in public spaces, adding depth to Boston’s historical landscape. The 12-minute segment offers a compelling story of financial ruin culminating in death.

Boston Common Frog Pond and Family Disputes

At Boston Common Frog Pond, the tour explores an incident involving a suicide attempt rooted in intrigue, forgeries, and family strife. This forum of Boston’s oldest park becomes a backdrop for a story of personal tragedy intertwined with criminal elements.

This stop highlights the sometimes tangled relationship between personal misfortune and criminal activity, all set within a familiar city landmark. The 12-minute narrative provides a human dimension to Boston’s dark history.

The Birthplace of Charles Ponzi’s Fraud at 27 School St

The tour then guides visitors to 27 School Street, where Charles Ponzi launched his infamous fraud scheme. This historic building marks the beginning of the Ponzi scheme that would define financial deception in America.

The stop offers a tangible connection to Boston’s role in one of history’s most famous con artists. The 12-minute visit emphasizes how the city played a part in this notorious financial story.

The Trial of Boston’s Youngest Serial Killer at John Adams Courthouse

Within the John Adams Courthouse, the story of America’s youngest serial killer is told. This case remains one of the most chilling aspects of Boston’s criminal past and is a stark reminder of the city’s dark history of juvenile crime.

The guide describes the courtroom scene and the trial’s significance, providing a compelling look at justice in Boston. The 12-minute segment underscores the historical importance of this case and its ongoing legacy.

The Tragic Tale of Women at the Massachusetts State House

Lastly, the tour ends at the Massachusetts State House, near the Mary Dyer statue, where the tragic story of women executed under anti-Quaker laws unfolds. This story emphasizes injustice and the sacrifices made by women in Boston’s history.

This emotional conclusion leaves visitors contemplating the darker, unjust moments within Boston’s past. The 12-minute stop offers a powerful reflection on social and legal history.

Practical Details and Overall Experience

This adults-only tour benefits from a professional guide who combines thorough research with engaging storytelling. The small group size ensures an intimate experience, and the mobile ticket makes check-in straightforward.

The tour’s timing at 3:00 pm makes it suitable for afternoon outings, and the 2-hour duration keeps the pace lively without fatigue. While food and drink are not included, the tour’s focus on historic sites and stories offers plenty of engaging content.

The tour is perfect for those with moderate physical fitness, as it involves walking through historic areas and cemeteries. Its affordable price coupled with highly positive reviews—rating a perfect 5 out of 5 based on 7 reviews—speaks to its quality and appeal.

Final Thoughts on Boston’s True Crime Tour

The True Crime Tour of Boston provides a compelling look at the city’s darker stories, blending historic sites with tales of serial killers, scams, and tragedies. For crime enthusiasts and history buffs alike, this tour offers an engaging way to learn about Boston’s less-celebrated past.

While it covers a wide array of stories, the expert guides and carefully curated stops are what truly make it stand out. It’s a well-priced, entertaining, and informative experience that appeals to those interested in exploring Boston beyond its famous landmarks—into the shadowy corners of its history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this is an adults-only tour due to the mature and dark themes discussed during the walk.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable walk through Boston’s dark history.

What is the meeting point?
The meeting point is at 9W3H+GJ, Boston, MA, with the tour ending near the Mary Dyer statue at the Massachusetts State House.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drink are not included in the tour price.

Can the tour accommodate service animals?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 20 travelers for a more personalized experience.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
The data does not specify accessibility details, but travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level for walking.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is typically booked about 18 days in advance, so early reservation is recommended to secure a spot.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Boston Ghosts By Us Ghost Adventures, who focus on local ghost stories and dark histories.