Indianapolis Ghost Tour: Haunted History Downtown

Ghost stories woven into the real history of Indianapolis landmarks

The Ghosts of Indianapolis Tour is a 90-minute guided walking tour through downtown that pairs the city's history with ghost stories and local legends at five landmarks: the Indiana State Capitol, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Union Station, Monument Circle, and the Slippery Noodle Inn. Designed for all ages, the tour keeps the atmosphere spooky without becoming too intense for younger guests. A live guide in English leads the walk. Children are welcome from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Haunted walking tour of Indianapolis

• Begin at Indiana State Capitol
• Visit Indiana Repertory Theatre exterior
• Stop at Indianapolis Union Station
• Conclude at Slippery Noodle Inn

The experience

You start at the Indiana State Capitol, one of downtown's most recognizable buildings. While taking in the architecture and learning about over a century of state government, you'll hear about unexplained events reported inside: mysterious footsteps echoing through empty hallways, doors moving without explanation, sightings of a woman in nineteenth-century dress, and reports of a phantom mail cart rolling through deserted corridors after hours. From there the tour moves to the Indiana Repertory Theatre, a beautifully preserved venue that has hosted performances since 1927. Staff and performers have reported strange activity: unexplained footsteps in the mezzanine, shadowy figures near the stage, and mysterious apparitions watching from the balcony long after shows end.

The walk continues to Union Station, a landmark that once served as one of the city's busiest transportation hubs. You'll take in the station's historic architecture and railroad heritage while learning about eerie stories tied to its past: unexplained footsteps, distant voices, and strange sounds many believe are lingering echoes from decades of travelers passing through. Monument Circle, the city's iconic centerpiece, is also part of the route. The tour concludes at the Slippery Noodle Inn, one of Indianapolis' oldest continuously operating establishments. You'll discover its colorful history (from its days as a saloon through Prohibition-era connections to local legends), and hear about reports of apparitions, unexplained voices, mysterious footsteps, moving doors, and other paranormal encounters that have made it one of the city's most famous haunted locations.

The 90-minute pace keeps the storytelling accessible for all ages while maintaining the spooky atmosphere. You walk the downtown route with a professional Ghost City Tours guide who delivers the paranormal tales and historical context. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces along the route are accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are welcome. Public transportation options are available near the starting point.

What’s included

• 90-minute guided ghost tour with a professional Ghost City Tours guide speaking English.
• stops at the Indiana State Capitol, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Union Station, Monument Circle, and the Slippery Noodle Inn.
• paranormal stories and local legends tied to each landmark.
• family-friendly storytelling suitable for all ages.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 21:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Ghost City Tours of Indianapolis

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free evening in Indianapolis and want to explore downtown history through a different lens. The after-dark timing and spooky storytelling make it a natural fit for families with kids age 5 and up, or for anyone curious about the city's lesser-known legends without needing a heavy paranormal focus.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the actual history behind the ghost stories on the Indianapolis ghost tour?

Each stop pairs a real landmark with documented reports from people who work or have worked there. The State Capitol has accounts of unexplained footsteps and sightings dating back generations; the Repertory Theatre's stories come from performers and staff who have reported strange activity since the 1920s; Union Station's eerie tales connect to its role as a major railroad hub; and the Slippery Noodle's paranormal reputation is tied to its long history as a saloon and gathering place. The tour blends these local legends with the actual history of each building.

How long is the walk and what's the route like?

The tour runs 90 minutes and covers downtown Indianapolis on foot, visiting the Indiana State Capitol, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Union Station, Monument Circle, and the Slippery Noodle Inn. The route is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces are accessible. If you have mobility concerns, the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour include going inside the buildings?

The tour visits the exteriors and immediate areas of each landmark while the guide tells the stories tied to them. Interior access to the attractions is not included. The focus is on the outdoor walking route and the paranormal history connected to each building.

What time does the ghost tour run?

The tour operates after dark, which is when the ghost stories and paranormal atmosphere are most fitting. Check the booking page for specific departure times available on your chosen date.