Providence: Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour

Providence’s haunting past comes alive on the "Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour." Led by US Ghost Adventures, this captivating one-hour excursion explores the city’s ghostly legends, from tragic love stories to encounters with the paranormal. Against the eerie backdrop of the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Park, participants explore Providence’s dark history, using interactive EMF readers to uncover the truth behind these chilling tales. Whether a skeptic or a believer, the tour promises an unforgettable journey into the city’s supernatural realm.

Good To Know

• This 1-hour guided ghost tour by US Ghost Adventures explores the haunted history of Providence, Rhode Island, including stops at the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Park.
• The tour delves into the tragic love story between Edgar Allan Poe and Helen Whitman, and how their relationship influenced Poe’s literary works.
• Participants learn about the Shunned House, a property associated with horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, and its unsettling paranormal occurrences.
• The tour highlights the legend of Roger Williams and the apple tree, a pivotal moment in Rhode Island’s history of religious freedom and tolerance.
• Guests engage with the spirit world using an EMF reader, searching for fluctuations in electromagnetic fields that may indicate paranormal activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Providence: Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour is a 1-hour excursion provided by US Ghost Adventures, offering participants a chance to explore the haunted history of Providence, Rhode Island.

The tour takes place at the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial Park and is led by a guide wearing a black US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern.

Priced from $24 to $32 per person, the tour is wheelchair accessible and allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the weather, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Tragic Love Story of Helen Whitman and Edgar Allan Poe

Although Edgar Allan Poe was known for his macabre literary works, his real-life love story with Helen Whitman was equally tragic.

The two met in Providence, Rhode Island, where Poe had a brief but intense relationship with the young widow. However, their romance was cut short when Poe died just a year later.

In Providence, Rhode Island, Poe and the young widow shared a brief but impassioned romance, cut tragically short by his death a year later.

Whitman, distraught over his passing, never remarried.

The tour guide will share the captivating details of this ill-fated coupling, exploring how Poe’s life and untimely death influenced his poetic themes of loss and the supernatural.

H.P. Lovecraft’s Shunned House

Shifting from the tragic romance of Edgar Allan Poe and Helen Whitman, the tour ventures to another iconic haunt – H.P. Lovecraft‘s Shunned House.

This notorious dwelling on Benefit Street has long been associated with the esteemed horror writer and his chilling tales. Participants learn about the history of the home, which Lovecraft himself described as having a "distinctive foulness".

The guide shares details on the unsettling occurrences and paranormal sightings that have plagued the property, leaving many visitors with a sense of unease.

As the group explores the Shunned House, the palpable atmosphere adds an extra layer of intrigue to Lovecraft’s spooky legacy.

Roger Williams and the Apple Tree Tale

Next, the tour explores the intriguing tale of Roger Williams and the apple tree.

Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island, was known for his progressive beliefs on religious freedom. According to legend, after being banished from Massachusetts, Williams took refuge under an apple tree, where he received a vision that led him to establish Providence.

The guide elaborates on this pivotal moment in Rhode Island’s history, describing how Williams’ vision and the apple tree became symbols of the colony’s commitment to tolerance and individual liberty – principles that still resonate in Providence today.

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Fleur De Lys Studio and a Rhode Island Vampire

As the tour progresses, the guide takes participants to the Fleur de Lys Studio, a historic building with a curious connection to the supernatural.

The studio is said to have been the home of a Rhode Island vampire, who allegedly haunts the premises. Employees have reported strange occurrences, including unexplained noises, objects moving on their own, and an eerie presence felt throughout the building.

The guide shares chilling stories of the vampire’s alleged activities, captivating the group with the macabre history of this unique location. Participants are left to ponder the possibility of the undead lurking within the shadows of the Fleur de Lys.

Eccentric Houses, Brown University Campus, and City Vistas

The tour then moves on to explore the eccentric houses and landmarks on the Brown University campus, providing a glimpse into the city’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.

Explore the eccentric houses and landmarks on the Brown University campus, revealing Providence’s unique architectural and cultural heritage.

Participants will encounter:

1. The H.P. Lovecraft house, where the renowned horror writer lived and drew inspiration for his chilling tales.

2. The John Brown House, a grand Georgian mansion offering a window into Providence’s prosperous past.

3. The Rhode Island School of Design, renowned for its innovative art and design programs.

4. Sweeping views of the city skyline and the Providence River, showcasing the blend of historic and modern elements that define this captivating destination.

Engaging With the Spirit World Using an EMF Reader

Toward the end of the tour, participants have the opportunity to engage with the spirit world using an EMF (Electromagnetic Field) reader.

The guide explains how this device can detect fluctuations in the electromagnetic field, which may indicate the presence of paranormal activity. Participants are given a chance to hold the EMF reader and walk around, searching for any spikes or changes in the readings.

The guide encourages everyone to pay attention to their senses, noting any unexplained sounds, temperature drops, or feelings of unease.

This interactive segment adds an extra layer of excitement to the ghostly experience.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Participants on the Providence Ghost Tour have overwhelmingly praised the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides.

According to reviews, the guides receive high marks for their:

1. Depth of knowledge about local history and culture beyond just the ghost stories.

2. Ability to bring the tales to life with captivating storytelling.

3. Recommendations for nearby dining options, like the DenDen restaurant on Benefit Street.

4. Willingness to extend the tour time and provide in-depth details that enrich the experience.

Reviewers consistently report leaving the tour with a greater appreciation for Providence’s haunted history and unique character.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does the Tour Handle Accessibility for Guests With Disabilities?

The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with disabilities to fully participate. The provider ensures an inclusive experience by accommodating mobility needs and providing necessary assistance throughout the tour.

What Is the Policy on Bringing Pets or Service Animals?

The tour accommodates guests with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs. However, it doesn’t allow pets, except for service animals required to assist individuals with disabilities, which are welcome on the tour.

Are There Any Food or Drink Options Available During the Tour?

The tour does not provide any food or drink options. Participants are advised to bring their own refreshments if desired, as the tour operates rain or shine and may last up to an hour with no designated stops for food or beverages.

Can Participants Take Photos or Videos During the Tour?

No, video recording is not allowed during the tour. Participants can take photos, but the tour guide expressly prohibits smoking, alcohol, drugs, and video recording during the walking tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children or Families?

The tour may not be suitable for young children or families as it focuses on supernatural and ghost-related topics. However, the tour provider recommends that guests be 13 years or older to fully enjoy the experience.

The Sum Up

The "Providence: Ghosts, Phantoms and Poltergeists Walking Tour" offers an unforgettable experience for those captivated by the city’s ghostly history. Guided by an expert, participants explore tragic love stories, unsettling legends, and encounters with the paranormal, all while engaging with the spirit world using an EMF reader. With positive customer feedback, this tour provides an eerie and interactive journey into Providence’s haunting past.

You can check availability for your dates here: