Flagstaff: Downtown Haunted History Walking Tour Stories

Summary

Ghost stories echo through old hotels and theaters in Flagstaff

You’ll walk Flagstaff’s historic streets with a local guide sharing true crime tales, haunted hotel legends, and eerie theater stories. Hear researched accounts from an author who knows every shadow downtown. Expect laughter, chills, and moments that stay with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to jump at the sound of a passing train, but that’s what happened about five minutes into our haunted history tour of downtown Flagstaff. Our guide—her name was Susan, she writes books about this stuff—had just started telling us about the city’s railroad days when a whistle cut through the dusk. I remember glancing at Wheeler Park, thinking how normal everything looked for a place with so many ghost stories lurking under the surface.

We wandered past the old theater (the one with chickens, weirdly enough) and Susan kept slipping in these details—like how certain hallways in the Weatherford Hotel still feel cold even on warm nights. She pointed out a window where someone once saw…well, I’ll let her tell you that part. There was this moment outside the Monte Vista where someone in our group asked if we’d actually see anything. Susan just grinned and said, “You never know.” Her laugh echoed down the sidewalk and honestly, it made me shiver more than any story did.

The heaviest stop was about a mother who lost herself—and her children—in one of those stories you wish you could forget but probably won’t. The air felt heavy there; maybe it was just me or maybe everyone else went quiet too. Later, when we reached the library, Susan described flying books and pages flipping open to 666 (I had to check my own page number after that). Some of it sounded wild but she swore every story came from local records or people she’d interviewed herself. That felt important—like these weren’t just campfire tales.

By the end, we heard about some “happier” ghosts—if there is such a thing—and I caught myself looking over my shoulder as we walked back toward City Hall. It’s only a mile loop but it left me thinking about what lingers in old towns like Flagstaff long after everyone goes home for the night.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Flagstaff's haunted history

• Begin tour near City Hall and Wheeler Park
• Hear Flagstaff history and spooky stories
• Pass by historic theatre with ghost tales
• Visit Weatherford Hotel and learn hauntings
• See one of Arizona's most haunted hotels
• Hear tragic story of mother and children
• Discover theatre with paranormal tenant
• Learn about flying books and eerie library
• End with stories of happier ghosts

Top questions

How long is the Flagstaff haunted history tour?

The tour covers about 1 mile (1.6 km) through downtown Flagstaff.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this walking tour are wheelchair accessible.

Do we go inside any haunted buildings?

No, due to story length and number of stops, this tour does not enter historic haunts.

Who leads the haunted history tour?

The tour is led by experienced local guides—including co-founder and author Susan Johnson.

Is this suitable for kids or families?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants and small children can join in strollers or prams.

Where does the Flagstaff ghost tour start?

The walking tour begins between Flagstaff City Hall and Wheeler Park downtown.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided 1-mile walk through downtown Flagstaff’s haunted history with stops outside storied hotels, theaters, and landmarks—all led by an eccentric local expert who brings every tale to life with research-backed storytelling.