Nashville: Dark Secrets True Crime & Haunted Walking Tour

Summary

Music city’s haunted alleys, murder tales & restless spirits

You’ll walk through Nashville’s shadowy streets with a local guide, hearing true crime tales and haunted legends as you go—from Printer’s Alley to the State Capitol. Feel the chill of history under your skin, try your hand with an EMF reader, and catch glimpses of Music City most folks miss after dark.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t believe everything you hear about ghosts—some of ‘em are just old drunks who never left,” our guide, Marcus, grinned as we squeezed into Printer’s Alley. The rain had stopped but the air still smelled like wet brick and cigarette smoke from the bars. I kept glancing over my shoulder, half-expecting that printer’s ghost Marcus mentioned to pop out in his old-timey vest. It’s funny—people were laughing and taking selfies but there was this weird hush too, like the alley itself was listening in.

We wandered toward the Tennessee State Capitol next (it’s under renovation so there were fences everywhere), and Marcus told us about William Strickland—the architect who asked to be buried in the building he designed. “He never really left,” Marcus said, tapping his EMF reader with a wink. Someone behind me shivered and I couldn’t tell if it was from the breeze or the story. The echo of our footsteps in those empty marble halls felt heavy. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel much but there was this moment where I swore I heard something—maybe just my own nerves.

The stories got darker as we went: Skull Schulman and his Rainbow Room (I’d never heard of him before), scandals that would’ve made headlines even today, and a hotel lobby that looked perfectly normal until you caught the way the night manager glanced at certain corners. Marcus knew everyone—he’d nod at bartenders or wave at folks passing by, slipping little bits of Nashville history between murder tales and ghost sightings. At one point he tried to teach us how to use an EMF reader; mine just beeped at random but some people swore theirs spiked near an old lamppost.

I guess what stuck with me wasn’t just the stories, but how alive everything felt—even the haunted parts. There was laughter mixed with nervous glances, and for a few hours Nashville wasn’t all neon signs—it was secrets and shadows and people who maybe never really left at all. I still think about that alley sometimes when it rains.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nashville's haunted historic sites

• Visit Printer's Alley haunted history
• Explore Tennessee State Capitol ghost stories
• Hear Skull Schulman and Rainbow Room story
• Discover haunted historic hotel tales

Top questions

Is this Nashville haunted walking tour suitable for kids?

All ages are welcome but guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; parents should decide if sensitive topics are appropriate for their child.

Does the tour include entry into buildings like the Tennessee State Capitol?

The tour visits sites like the Capitol but access may be limited due to renovations; most experiences are outside or in public areas.

How long is the walking distance on this true crime tour?

The tour covers several historic downtown locations; wear comfortable shoes as there are stairs and uneven surfaces along the route.

What happens if it rains during the haunted ghost tour?

The tour proceeds rain or shine; only severe weather warnings will result in rescheduling.

Are EMF readers included in this Nashville ghost tour?

EMF readers are available for purchase or rental during your tour experience.

Can I bring my service animal on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this guided walking tour through Nashville.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access to downtown Nashville.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walking tour through downtown Nashville with stops at Printer’s Alley, Tennessee State Capitol (with possible access restrictions), historic hotels, plus opportunities to use EMF readers along the way. Rain or shine—the stories keep coming—and you’ll finish right back among Music City’s lights after dark.