Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour: South Main Historic District

The Orpheum Theater has been haunted by the same ghost since 1921.

This 90-minute walking ghost tour covers roughly 2 miles through Memphis's South Main Historic District, visiting haunted landmarks including the Orpheum Theater, the John Alexander Austin House, and Ernestine & Hazel's, a former brothel recognized as one of the city's most haunted buildings. A professional storyteller leads the tour, which is conducted mostly outdoors on public sidewalks; entry into buildings is outside only, except for Earnestine & Hazel's (Wednesday–Sunday). The tour requires moderate fitness and covers some elevation; children from age 7 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Haunted Memphis walking tour

• Visit Orpheum Theater and see Mary
• See haunted Victorian love story site
• Enter Ernestine & Hazel's haunted brothel
• View haunted gangster's hideout outside
• Learn about voodoo and hoodoo
• Visit site of Morris Cemetery

The Experience

South Main Historic District holds some of Memphis's oldest buildings, and this walking tour moves through them following the stories of the people who died there and never left. A professional storyteller leads the route, which takes roughly 90 minutes and covers about 2 miles on public sidewalks with some elevation. You'll start at the Orpheum Theater, where Mary—a 12-year-old ghost—has interrupted performances since 1921. From there the tour moves through the district's other haunted sites: the John Alexander Austin House, a Victorian mansion with a tragic love story; a gangster's hideout; and sites connected to voodoo and hoodoo in Memphis. The oldest stop is the former Morris Cemetery, now part of the National Civil Rights Museum grounds.

Earnestine & Hazel's, a former brothel, is the one place you'll actually step inside—but only on Wednesday through Sunday. It's widely considered one of Memphis's creepiest buildings, home to multiple ghosts and a haunted jukebox. Most other stops are viewed from outside, so dress for the weather and the season. The tour is conducted on public sidewalks in an area with nearby parking garages (the closest is two blocks away at 149 Peabody Place) and metered street parking on Second Street and Beale Street. After the tour ends, you're welcome to walk back to Beale Street with your guide or explore on your own—Earnestine & Hazel's is about a 10-minute walk north on Main Street if you want to stay longer.

What’s included

• Guided walking tour led by a professional storyteller in English.
• access to haunted sites throughout the South Main Historic District, including interior entry to Earnestine & Hazel's (Wednesday–Sunday only).
• local taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Backbeat Tours

Is this one for you?Most ghost tours in Memphis keep you on the street looking at buildings from outside; this one takes you inside Earnestine & Hazel's, the city's most notorious haunted site, so you're not just hearing the stories—you're standing in the rooms where they happened.

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Top questions

Can I bring my children on the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour?

Children from age 7 are welcome on the tour. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and service animals are allowed.

What is Mary, the ghost at the Orpheum Theater?

Mary is a 12-year-old ghost who has haunted the Orpheum Theater since 1921, interrupting performances throughout the decades. You'll see the theater from outside during the tour.

Will I go inside Earnestine & Hazel's on this tour?

Yes, but only on Wednesday through Sunday. The tour takes you inside this former brothel, one of Memphis's most haunted buildings, where you'll encounter multiple ghosts and a haunted jukebox. On other days, it's viewed from outside.

How far will I walk, and is the route difficult?

The tour covers approximately 2 miles on public sidewalks with some elevation, and requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The route stays in the South Main Historic District.

Where do I park for the Haunted Memphis Walking Ghost Tour?

Several parking options are within a few blocks: the closest garage is at 149 Peabody Place (between Second Street and BB King Boulevard, next to the Hampton Inn), about two blocks away. You can also try metered street parking on Second Street south of Beale, on Beale between Front and Second, or along Peabody Place from Front to Fourth Street.