Cleveland Ghosts Tour

Cleveland Ghosts Tour Review

If you’re curious about Cleveland’s darker side, this Cleveland Ghosts Tour offers a compelling mix of history, ghost stories, and city sights. Though it’s not a haunted house or a spooky scare-fest, it’s a well-paced walk through the city’s most haunted landmarks, with guides who bring the stories to life.

What we really love about this tour is its local focus — you get insider knowledge about Cleveland’s historic sites, from Civil War memorials to theaters that have seen better days. Plus, the affordable price of $24 per person makes it accessible for many travelers looking for a fun evening activity.

The main drawback? Some reviewers noted issues with the audio, particularly with microphone problems, which caused parts of the narration to be hard to hear. While this didn’t spoil the experience for most, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re a stickler for clarity.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, horror enthusiasts, or those who love a bit of local lore. If you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy spooky tales, or just want a different way to see Cleveland after dark, this could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Affordable and Accessible: At just $24, it offers good value, especially given the number of landmarks covered.
• Engaging Guides: Many reviewers praised the guides for their local knowledge, enthusiasm, and storytelling skills.
• Authentic Historic Sights: The tour visits iconic landmarks like The Arcade, Connor Palace, and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.
• Mixed Audio Quality: Some participants experienced microphone issues, which might affect the clarity of the stories.
• Short but Rich: The approximately 1-hour walk packs in a surprising amount of history and spooky tales.
• Suitable for All Ages: Kids and adults alike found it fun, especially if they enjoy ghost stories or local history.

An In-Depth Look at the Cleveland Ghosts Tour

An Introduction to the Tour

This Cleveland Ghosts Tour promises an hour of exploring the darker, haunted corners of downtown Cleveland with a knowledgeable guide. Based on reviews, it’s a popular choice, often booked 13 days in advance, which speaks to its appeal. The tour operates in the evening, starting at 8:00 pm, making it an ideal way to wind down after a day of sightseeing or to add some intrigue to your night.

The price is modest—at $24 per person—making it accessible for most budgets. The tour uses a mobile ticket system, allowing for easy check-in and flexibility. You meet right in the heart of downtown at 50 Public Square and finish up at the Southern Tier Brewery, a nice spot to grab a drink and discuss the stories.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the biggest draws is the itinerary’s focus on Cleveland’s well-known landmarks with haunted reputations. With stops at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, The Arcade, and Connor Palace, it combines sightseeing with storytelling, giving a fuller picture of the city’s history. Plus, sites like the Erie Street Cemetery and the Cleveland Grays Armory add that extra dash of ghostly intrigue.

Beyond simply listing landmarks, the guides bring stories to life, often sharing tales of ghost sightings, eerie noises, or unexplained phenomena. Multiple reviews attest to the guides’ local expertise, with some reviewers specifically mentioning guides like “Valarie,” “Eileen,” and “Star” as making the experience memorable.

The Stops and Their Stories

Cleveland Public Square is more than just a pretty space — it’s home to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which is said to be haunted by the spirits of Civil War soldiers. Visitors often report feeling a strange presence or hearing unexplained noises when near the monument, adding a layer of chills to the historic site.

The Arcade, one of Cleveland’s architectural gems, has a reputation for ghostly sightings. Visitors and staff have reported shadowy figures and odd sounds echoing through this grand, glass-domed shopping space. Its beautiful design, combined with these ghostly tales, makes it a favorite stop for those intrigued by both architecture and the supernatural.

Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club is an entertainment venue with a past. Guests have experienced whispers and sudden cold spells, making it a magnet for ghost hunters. It’s a lively spot, but the ghostly echoes add an unexpected thrill.

Crowne Plaza Cleveland at Playhouse Square is known for sightings of apparitions wandering its hallways, especially near the theater district. Guests often report feeling a presence or seeing shadowy figures, tying into Cleveland’s theatrical history.

Connor Palace is a historic theater with a reputation for ghostly visitors, perhaps the spirits of past performers or audience members. Reports include unexplained noises or apparitions in the seats — perfect for theater lovers or ghost aficionados.

Hanna Theatre continues the arts-themed haunted stops, with actors and staff sharing stories of ghostly visions and strange phenomena. Its storied stage history makes it a fitting site for spectral sightings.

Erie Street Cemetery is an atmospheric site, where visitors often report ghostly sightings, cold spots, and strange sensations. It’s one of the oldest cemeteries in Cleveland, making it a natural haunt for those fascinated by history and spirits.

Cleveland Grays Armory Museum rounds out the tour with tales of spectral figures in period military uniforms and eerie noises. Its military past adds historical depth to the hauntings.

What to Expect During the Tour

Participants can expect a walk through downtown Cleveland, with brief stops at each landmark, typically lasting 7-8 minutes. The guides share stories that blend history with paranormal lore, often peppered with personal encounters and local legends. The reviews highlight that guides like Elizabeth, Valarie, and Star do a fantastic job of making the stories engaging, lively, and accessible.

Despite the overall positive feedback, some reviewers have encountered audio issues. Justin_T specifically mentioned mic problems that made parts of the narration hard to hear, especially when the guide wasn’t facing the group. If you’re sensitive to audio clarity, this might be a slight inconvenience, but most say it didn’t ruin the experience.

Group Size, Timing, and Atmosphere

The tour is limited to a maximum of 35 travelers, which helps keep the group intimate enough for storytelling but still lively. It starts at 8:00 pm, perfect for those wishing to combine it with dinner or drinks afterward. The duration is about an hour, making it a manageable and engaging evening activity, especially considering the number of stops packed into this short window.

The Value Proposition

At $24, the tour offers notable value, especially given the number of sites covered and the lively, knowledgeable guides. Even with minor drawbacks like audio issues, most travelers feel it’s a worthwhile investment in a fun and spooky night out. The inclusion of tales about Cleveland’s haunted sites adds a layer of authenticity and local flavor that you won’t get just walking around on your own.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts wanting to learn more about Cleveland’s past in a fun way, or ghost fans eager to hear spooky stories from local legends. It also suits those looking for a light, social activity after a day of sightseeing. If you enjoy lively guides and immersive storytelling, you’ll appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of the tour guides.

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with kids or teenagers—many reviews mention that kids found it fun, especially when the guides made an effort to keep everyone engaged. The tour’s short length makes it manageable for most travelers, and the central location in downtown Cleveland means easy access.

Final Thoughts

The Cleveland Ghosts Tour delivers a solid mix of history, local lore, and ghostly tales in a short, engaging format. It’s a great way to explore Cleveland’s darker corners, especially if you’re into haunted stories or historic landmarks. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge stand out, making the stories more believable and fun.

While audio quality could be improved, most participants find the experience worthwhile, especially considering the price. It’s well-suited for curious travelers, history lovers, or anyone looking for a spooky, atmospheric evening in Cleveland.

If you’re after an authentic, entertaining way to learn about Cleveland’s haunted past and see some of its most notable sites, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a reasonably priced evening activity that blends storytelling, history, and a touch of the supernatural.

FAQs

Is the Cleveland Ghosts Tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that kids enjoyed the stories and the lively guides, making it a family-friendly option, especially for those interested in ghosts and history.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour long, with multiple stops at key landmarks. It’s designed to be a quick, engaging experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 50 Public Square in downtown Cleveland and ends at the Southern Tier Brewery on Prospect Avenue East.

Is the tour accessible by public transportation?
Yes, the tour is located near public transit options, making it easy to reach in downtown Cleveland.

What’s the price of the tour?
The tour costs $24 per person, offering good value given the range of landmarks and stories included.

Are tickets flexible?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

What should I wear?
Since it’s an outdoor walking tour in the evening, dress comfortably and warmly, especially in cooler months or winter.

Are there any restrictions?
Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate. The group size is limited to 35, ensuring a comfortable experience.

To sum it up, the Cleveland Ghosts Tour provides a memorable mix of history, spooky tales, and local charm, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cleveland trip—especially if you enjoy stories with a night-time thrill.