Louisville: Old Louisville Ghost Tour with Author Guide

Summary

Walk past bourbon mansions and tangled trees while stories linger in the air

You’ll walk through Old Louisville with a local author as your guide, hearing ghost stories tied to real places—Victorian mansions, twisted trees draped in charms, even an old funeral home. Expect laughter mixed with goosebumps as dusk settles in. This tour isn’t just about ghosts—it’s about feeling the neighborhood come alive around you.

What’s the experience like?

I barely had time to check my phone before our guide, David—yes, the actual author—waved us over at Fourth and Ormsby. Right away, you could feel Old Louisville’s weird energy. The houses here aren’t just big—they’re dramatic, all brick towers and stained glass, like they’re showing off. I caught a whiff of something sweet (maybe a neighbor’s bourbon?) as we started walking, and someone’s porch light flickered even though it wasn’t dark yet. David grinned and said that happens a lot around here. I didn’t expect to laugh so much on a ghost tour, but he makes every story personal—like when he described the “funeral home mansion” and how its old velvet curtains still smell faintly musty if you get close enough.

The group was a mix—some locals, some tourists, one woman who’d read all of David’s books and kept asking about his next one (“A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City,” which sounds wild). We wound through Central Park as dusk crept in; I swear the trees looked twisted on purpose. At one point, David stopped at this gnarly tree covered in beads and little trinkets—he told us people leave them for luck or maybe to keep the ghosts happy? Someone asked if he believed any of it. He just shrugged and said, “You live here long enough, you see things.” That stuck with me.

Honestly, I didn’t notice how far we’d walked until my feet started complaining (heads up: bring good shoes). You’ll pass folks sitting on stoops or walking dogs; it’s not all polished but it feels real—like the city breathing around you. There were moments when the street went quiet except for our footsteps and maybe some distant music from an open window. I still think about that last mansion we saw—the one with stone lions out front—and how David paused before telling its story like he was weighing what to say.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Louisville's haunted history

• Meet at Fourth and Ormsby
• Walk through historic Victorian mansions
• Learn ghost stories from David Dominé
• Visit Olmsted-designed Central Park
• Hear story of the gnarly charm tree
• See Conrad's Castle mansion
• Pass by Ferguson Mansion

Top questions

How long is the Old Louisville Ghost Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 100 minutes on foot.

Where does the tour start?

The tour departs from the corner of Fourth and Ormsby at the edge of Old Louisville.

Is this ghost tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Who leads the Old Louisville Ghost Tour?

The tours are often guided by local author David Dominé himself.

Are there bathroom breaks during the tour?

No bathroom breaks are available during the 100-minute walk.

Is this suitable for children or strollers?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What kind of stories are shared on this ghost tour?

You’ll hear personal experiences, neighborhood gossip, and haunted history tied to real locations in Old Louisville.

Will we see inside any of the mansions?

No interiors are included; however, guides share details about notable houses along the route.

What’s included

Your evening includes a narrated walking tour through Old Louisville with a certified guide (often local author David Dominé), exploring historic Victorian mansions and parks while hearing true tales of haunted happenings—no need for tickets or reservations beyond booking your spot online first.