Denver: Ghosts & Haunted Mansions Family Walking Tour

Summary

Denver’s haunted mansions with real stories, laughter and chills on every corner

You’ll walk through Denver’s historic neighborhoods hearing real ghost stories from local guides, peek at famous Victorian mansions like Molly Brown’s house, and learn about hauntings at places like the Patterson Inn — all at a pace perfect for families or anyone curious but not too brave. You might even catch yourself glancing back at those windows afterward.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect Civic Center Park to feel so… normal. Joggers, dogs, the usual city stuff. But then our guide (her name was Jamie, she wore this faded Ghost City Tours hoodie) stopped right in front of city hall and started telling us about Denver’s old silver kings — and how some never really left. The way she described the old council chambers, you could almost hear the echo of boots on marble floors. My daughter squeezed my hand when Jamie mentioned a certain “lady in gray” who likes to rearrange chairs after midnight. I think I grinned a bit too wide — it was just fun watching her get spooked in broad daylight.

We wandered down streets lined with those big Victorian homes (some looking like wedding cakes, honestly), and Jamie pointed out Molly Brown’s house — yes, that Molly Brown from the Titanic. I’d read about her before but didn’t know how much she meant to Denver after the silver crash. Apparently people literally chipped in to save her house. There was this faint smell of lilacs from someone’s garden nearby, mixing with the city air — weirdly comforting for a “ghost tour.” At one intersection, Jamie paused outside a manor that isn’t haunted at all (she made us guess why not; none of us got it). The next block had stories about the Patterson Inn that made my son ask if ghosts ever get bored. No idea how to answer that.

Some stops felt heavier than others — like the Whitehead family place, where hauntings started almost as soon as they moved in. Jamie told us about cold spots and doors slamming shut on their own (I swear I felt a chill then, but maybe it was just Denver’s unpredictable weather). There was a lot of laughter too; one kid tried pronouncing “Byers-Evans” and totally mangled it. Even Jamie cracked up.

I keep thinking about that walk home — how ordinary everything looked again once we left those stories behind. The sun was setting over Civic Center Park and my kids kept glancing back at those old houses like maybe something would peek out from behind a curtain. Nothing did… but you know what? Part of me kind of hoped it might.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Denver's haunted historic sites

• Begin tour at Civic Center Park
• Visit J.J. and Molly Brown's home
• See the unhaunted Victorian manor
• Discuss haunted history of Patterson Inn
• Learn about Whitehead family hauntings
• Explore haunted Marijuana Mansion Denver
• Visit Byer's-Evans House and history

Top questions

Is the Ghosts of Denver walking tour suitable for children?

Yes, it's designed to be family-friendly and suitable for all ages.

Where does the Ghosts of Denver tour start?

The tour begins at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Does the tour include local guides?

Yes, tours are led by knowledgeable local guides familiar with Denver's history.

How long is the walking distance for this tour?

The exact distance isn't specified but it's suitable for all fitness levels.

What historic sites are included on this tour?

You’ll visit Civic Center Park, Molly Brown House, Patterson Inn, Marijuana Mansion Denver, Byers-Evans House and more Victorian mansions.

What’s included

Your evening includes a historically accurate ghost walking tour through central Denver with stops at famous Victorian mansions like Molly Brown House and Byers-Evans House. Led by a local guide with plenty of stories along the way, it’s wheelchair accessible and easy for strollers or service animals too—so everyone can join in without worry.