Winston Salem stands out as a city with layers of stories waiting to be uncovered. Its well-preserved historic districts, vibrant neighborhoods, and tales of the past make it an ideal spot for history-focused tours. Unlike many small towns, Winston Salem offers a variety of experiences that go beyond generic sightseeing — from spooky ghost walks in the West End to deep dives into the African American community’s contributions. Whether you’re after a lively walk with ghostly legends or a meaningful exploration of cultural history, Winston Salem delivers.
What makes its historic tours particularly appealing is their focus on authentic stories told by knowledgeable guides, often incorporating local landmarks that most visitors miss. Plus, many tours combine history with fun elements, like candlelit walks or visits to historic neighborhoods, making learning about the past engaging and memorable.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we highlight two of the top historical tours in Winston Salem. First, the Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour combines history with ghostly stories, perfect for a laid-back evening. Second, the Winston Salem African American History Tour offers an insightful look into the achievements and struggles of Winston Salem’s Black community. Both tours give a different perspective on the city’s past, catering to varied interests and schedules.
1. Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour
At number one, this ghost tour is a fantastic way to experience Winston Salem’s oldest neighborhoods while learning about its haunted past. Spanning about 1.5 hours, it takes you through the West End Historic District, where candlelit streets set an atmospheric scene. The tour emphasizes more than 300 years of Winston-Salem history, blending factual stories with ghostly legends that are not too scary — making it suitable for families.
Led by the charismatic guide Topher, this tour covers significant sites like historic homes, old taverns, and landmarks with stories of Revolutionary War-era settlers, early industries, and spectral tales. Reviewers often mention Topher’s passion for the area’s history, with many noting he makes the stories come alive. The tour’s moderate price of $26 per person offers great value, considering the personalized stories and atmospheric walk. The candlelight element adds a slightly eerie charm, but it remains accessible for children and those wary of horror.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in a blend of history and supernatural tales in a relaxed setting, this tour is a winning choice that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for Winston Salem’s layered past.
2. Winston Salem African American History Tour
This African American history tour offers a focused look at Winston Salem’s Black community in about an hour. It explores key sites in the factory district and Depot Street neighborhood, including the RJR factory, Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, and historic African American businesses. Its main strength lies in highlighting the rise, accomplishments, and resilience of African Americans in Winston Salem.
Although the tour currently has no reviews, it provides a meaningful cultural perspective that’s often missing from traditional historic walks. It’s ideal for travelers interested in social history, civil rights, and local African American heritage. Its free admission makes it accessible for all, with guides providing insights into how segregation impacted and shaped the city. If you’re short on time but want to understand Winston Salem’s cultural fabric, this tour fits well into a half-day itinerary.
Bottom line: For a concise, meaningful exploration of African American history, this tour offers educational depth at no cost, suitable for those looking to connect with the city’s cultural roots.
How to Choose
When deciding between these Winston Salem tours, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re eager to experience a lively evening walk filled with spooky stories and historical highlights, the Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tour is perfect. It’s especially suited for families or anyone curious about ghostly legends woven into the city’s history. For a more focused cultural experience, the African American History Tour provides a quick but impactful look at the community’s contributions and struggles.
Budget-wise, the ghost tour’s $26 fee includes admission, making it a good value for the length and storytelling quality. The African American history tour is free, which is excellent if you’re on a tight budget but still want meaningful insights. Timing-wise, the ghost tour runs in the evening, ideal for a relaxed, atmospheric experience, while the African American tour can be done during the day.
Booking early is recommended, especially for the ghost tour, as it’s popular and highly rated.
Winston Salem’s historic tours offer distinct ways to connect with the city’s past. The ghostly stroll through the West End provides atmospheric storytelling, while the African American heritage tour dives into vital cultural narratives. Both tours are crafted to give you a genuine understanding of Winston Salem’s layered history, whether by candlelight or through historic landmarks. For a complete visit, consider doing both if time allows, or pick the one that matches your curiosity — either way, you’ll leave with a richer appreciation of this North Carolina city’s story.