Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City in Traverse City
Traverse City, United States

Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City

Outty Ranking 74 4.8 · 142 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $38

Pick your date

Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.

September 2026

SMTWTFS

Loading live availability

Who is going?

Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

0

Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.

From, per person$38
View availability on Viator

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.

Instant mobile ticketSpots available today

Outty Ranking

74/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 142 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City worth booking?

Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City is a 1.5-hour experience in Traverse City, United States, from $38 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 142 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
74 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (142)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$38 per person

Wander through downtown Traverse City by lantern-light, tracing the city’s origins, history, architecture and the ghost stories. This 100% outdoor walking tour weaves authentic stories of hauntings and spirits with compe

What you get

    About this experience

    Wander through downtown Traverse City by lantern-light, tracing the city’s origins, history, architecture and the ghost stories. This 100% outdoor walking tour weaves authentic stories of hauntings and spirits with compelling historical narratives. This is a 100% outdoor walking tour, rich in storytelling — part history, part local hauntings & lore. At the end, we visit the grounds of what was once Traverse City’s first cemetery. Though the graves were relocated long ago, the land still holds its memory… & some say, more than memory. ️Please note no public restrooms at meet-up location. Humor is found on this tour. The intro to ghost hunting is the last 5 minutes of the tour. Best For: History lovers, ghost-story enthusiasts, families seeking a spooky-yet-informative evening. Heads-Up: Not ideal for those wanting a cemetery tour, a pure paranormal or “ghost-hunting” adventure or those allergic to history. Seeking a cemetery tour? Check out our Oakwood Cemetery Tour

    What's included

    Included

    • Haunted Traverse Tour Co.'s Tours are hosted by experienced local guides
    • 100% Outdoor Walking Tour
    • History of Traverse City
    • Ghost Hunting Equipment for OPTIONAL intro to ghost hunting
    • Ghost Stories at reported haunted locations in downtown Traverse City

    Not included

    • No restroom stops that are organized but you can pop into local biz' restrooms we walk past.
    • Bug Spray-The last 5 minutes of the tour walk through a wooded park with flying insects

    What you'll see and do

    1. E Front Street

      Experience a walking tour that brings the ghosts of Traverse City back to life. The Historical Ghost Lantern Tour starts in the heart of downtown Traverse City & explores the hauntings occurring on Front Street before heading south to 6th ST to share the ghostly tales of the Perry Hannah House and Carnegie Library. The tour will come to a climactic conclusion with a ghost-hunting experience at Traverse City's first official cemetery with actual ghost-hunting equipment where we conclude at the Perry Hannah Circle statue on the corner of Union and 6th street. Your adventure begins at 313 E Front Street, Traverse City. Please meet your tour guide, holding a lantern, OUTSIDE the Higher Self Bookstore. Parking can be a challenge. Please allow yourself an extra 30 minutes to park & use the restroom before your tour begins. The Hardy Parking Garage is located on Front Street very close to where your tour meets. This tour always starts on time. Please call if running late.

      90 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Traverse City

    Haunted Traverse Tour Company starts this tour OUTSIDE Higher Self Bookstore located at this address. Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the tour to meet your guide and check in. Please use a restroom prior to meeting at this location-it does not have a public restroom.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    This tour will end just a few blocks south of downtown Traverse City's Front Street at Perry Hannah Circle. This is a great spot for photos and to speak with your tour guide after the tour concludes.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Haunted Traverse

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    A short intro into ghost hunting just might lead you to your next spirited hobby! Come learn the basics and then unfold your own ghost hunt in Traverse City's haunted Hannah Park!Outside the Les Biederman Building! Beautiful Art Deco design with a fascinating haunting unfolding in the basement.A quick ghost hunt through Traverse City's first official cemetery and the park right next door is included with the Historical Ghost Lantern Tour.Lovely guests ready to learn how to ghost hunt!Ghost Hunters in Action!Ghost Hunters exploring Traverse City's first "official" cemetery from the lumber days.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 141 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    3 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    141 verified traveler reviews for Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    129
    4 star
    4
    3 star
    5
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    2
    Sort
    Derek_S · August 2026

    Great historical perspective

    Great historical tour with a touch of shared experiences with respectful ghost encounters. Love the hands on experiences along with the amazing grand finale.

    via Viator

    elizabethmJ116DO · August 2026

    Exciting and very informative.

    Our guide was awsome!! She was very knowledgeable alot of energy. Very friendly easy to talk to.

    via Tripadvisor

    Bonnie_S · August 2026

    Good history information

    Wasn’t a spooky ghost trail but it was very informative about Traverse City and some ghostly things that have happened and continue to happen. The host was great

    via Viator

    gwendolynh299 · July 2026

    Awesome experience

    The guide is knowledgeable about iCal History and has deeply researched the hauntings. She is funny and is a captivating story teller. One of the best ghost tours we have ever been on.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the kind review and it is always a high honor to host guests to the Traverse City area.....now....please tell my family I am funny. Wishing you and yours a spirited summer, Dez

    via Tripadvisor

    Kara_P · July 2026

    Such a fun experience

    Lots of walking so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It also doesn't end where you start so make sure you know how to navigate back to your car.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the information. If it is helpful, we walk .9 miles on the tour. I appreciate your time and kind review. Wishing you spirited summer, Dez

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    50
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 74

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)71
    Booking momentum (14% weight)66
    Value for money (12% weight)54
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Traverse City.

    How much does Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City cost?

    +

    Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Traverse City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Traverse City is not rushed.

    Is Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 142 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Traverse City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City?

    +

    Around 50 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Traverse City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Traverse City and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Traverse City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Traverse City?

    +

    Traverse City pairs Old Mission and Leelanau winery tours with Sleeping Bear Dunes trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Grand Traverse Bay and fall colour drives. On Outty we rank every Traverse City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine Tour on Old Mission - ICE COLD AC, 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Traverse City?

    +

    June to October, with peak colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Traverse City?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City.

    Pick your date