Wilmington Ghosts: Phantoms of Pirates and Patriots Tour

Uncover the diabolical origins of Wilmington, a city with a demented history and a reputation for terrifying, unearthly activity. Join our top-rated haunted history tour and experience the haunted side of this charming southern city.

Duration: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts - Historic Thalian Hall, a grand theater with a rich history dating back to the 1850s, is said to be haunted by spirits from its past performances. Patrons and staff have reported seeing ghostly figures in the audience and hearing unexplained noises backstage. The theater’s dramatic past and historical significance contribute to its eerie reputation.
  • The Cotton Exchange - The Cotton Exchange, once a bustling hub for the cotton trade, is now known for its ghostly residents. Visitors and employees have reported encounters with shadowy figures and mysterious sounds echoing through the old trading rooms. The building’s long history as a commercial center adds to its haunting allure.
  • Water Street Retreats - Water Street Retreats, housed in a historic battleship, is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of sailors who served on the ship. Guests have reported eerie occurrences, such as ghostly apparitions and unexplained noises, particularly in the ship’s old quarters. The battleship’s storied past and maritime history contribute to its haunted reputation.
  • Wilmington Riverwalk - The Wilmington Riverwalk, a scenic path along the river, is also known for its ghostly encounters. Strollers have reported seeing apparitions and feeling an unsettling presence near the historic warehouses and bridges. The Riverwalk’s blend of historic and modern elements creates a backdrop for its spectral tales.
  • Michael’s on the Waterfront - Michael’s on the Waterfront, a popular dining spot with views of the river, is said to be haunted by spirits from its past. Guests and staff have reported seeing ghostly figures and experiencing strange occurrences, such as flickering lights and unexplained sounds. The restaurant’s location and history add to its ghostly reputation.
  • Museum of the Bizarre - The Museum of the Bizarre, with its collection of oddities and curiosities, is also known for its paranormal activity. Visitors have reported seeing strange apparitions and experiencing eerie sensations among the exhibits. The museum’s eclectic displays and eerie atmosphere make it a hotspot for ghostly encounters.
  • Lula’s - Lula’s A Pub, a charming local haunt, is rumored to be haunted by former patrons and staff. The pub’s history and cozy atmosphere have given rise to tales of ghostly figures and unexplained noises, especially in the quieter corners of the establishment. Lula’s adds a touch of the supernatural to its lively ambiance.
  • Latimer House - Latimer House, a historic residence with Victorian charm, is known for its ghostly residents. Visitors have reported seeing apparitions and feeling an eerie presence in the beautifully preserved rooms. The house’s rich history and its role as a former family home contribute to its reputation as a haunted landmark.
What's Included
  • Thrilling Ghost Stories
  • Local Knowledgeable Guide
  • Well Researched History
What's Not Included
  • Gratuity
Additional Information

Unveil the spine-chilling secrets of Wilmington on our top-rated ghost tour, where history’s dark past comes to life!

Stroll through streets rich with Southern charm and eerie tales of bloodshed and bizarre happenings. From deadly insurrections to supernatural legends, Wilmington Ghosts will lead you on a mile-long journey through haunted landmarks like the enigmatic Thalian Hall and the iconic Cotton Exchange.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we explore the most haunted spots in Wilmington, including the mysterious Water Street Retreats and the enchanting Wilmington Riverwalk. This in-person guided walking tour promises thrills and chills, immersing you in the ghostly tales that linger in the air.

Please note that while we delve into the supernatural, we respect the privacy of residents and businesses, ensuring our journey remains on public paths.

Experience the spine-tingling allure of Wilmington and discover why it’s a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts!

Location
Wilmington City Hall
North 3rd Street
By the Stairs of Wilmington City Hall at 102 N 3rd Street. Your guide will be wearing a US Ghost Adventures Shirt and Carrying a Lantern.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.4
(49 Ratings)
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Caroline
Feb 13, 2024
Very enjoyable tour! - Richard did a wonderful job of telling the stories. He made them very realistic. The tour was very informative and interesting. Truly enjoyed this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Curiosity30336241401
Jan 16, 2024
Excellent Tour Guide - Had an excellent tour with a very entertaining tour guide. Very informative and eye opening. Definitely recommend if you're in Wilmington
Review provided by Tripadvisor
204stormiet
Jan 14, 2024
What a great experience! - I took my twelve-year-old daughter, and we had a blast! Richard was our guide, and you could tell he loves his job, and he is very knowledgeable. I think he could tell my daughter was a bit shy, but he was so sweet and helped her get over that by having her be his little helper. She flourished after that. I am so glad we got Richard as our guide. We had a really great group as well, everyone was so nice and respectful, I was so into living in the moment I forgot to take pictures, but I feel like that just made it better! It was an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to come back with the rest of our family!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Phillip_l
Jan 14, 2024
Great experience! Richard... - Great experience! Richard was very knowledgeable about the local legends and ghost stories of Wilmington. Would definitely recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Gretchans2023
Dec 28, 2023
Great history lesson! - Our guide was very friendly and fun to be with. The tour was much longer than I thought it would be and the history lesson was amazing. If you’re looking for creepy or just some history on Wilmington it’s worth the money. I suggest the extended tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elizabeth_o
Dec 24, 2023
Enjoyable tour - We really enjoyed Freddy’s narrative and the walk through Wilmington. However, I agree with previous reviewers in that the tour name was a little misleading. There was a lot of focus on the history of Wilmington, and less on the paranormal.
Review provided by Viator
Collsg12
Dec 15, 2023
amazing! - amazing guide and lots of cool stories. as well as a general history and layout of the city. lydia was amazing and so informative
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anton_d
Nov 23, 2023
Satisfied - Not enough pirate stories more historical stories which are just as interesting but not what was expected
Review provided by Viator
Cindylu1964
Nov 14, 2023
Freddie was a great guide! - We had Freddie as a guide and he was fantastic. The group consisted only of my daughter and me but he was as enthusiastic as if he had a crowd. Very informative in the “ghost” aspect as well as just the local history. I would recommend especially if Freddie is the guide! Not an overly scary tour but very fun and tons of information about Wilmington!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hannahsz8109pj
Jan 16, 2024
They just read from a script - The tour guide read from cards. She mispronounced so many words it was cringy. This ghost tour, I learned too late, is not the one that people talk about or you see the costumed guides around. These tour guides don't wear costumes and are not spooky or entertaining. Our guide had on a t-shirt and leggings. They just read a script to you. People were bored and just checked out. We went on the other ghost tour that meets by the river a few months after and it was soooo much better. I would pass on this tour group.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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