Nashville: Murder in Music City Night Ghost Tour 16+ Only

Summary

True crime, haunted legends and wild stories after dark in Nashville

You’ll walk Nashville’s streets after dark hearing true crime tales and haunted legends from a local guide who doesn’t hold back on details. Expect chills at historic spots like the Wilcox Building and Maxwell House Hotel site, plus laughs and uneasy silences along the way. If you want a grown-up look at Music City’s past—this is it.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the Tennessee State Capitol looked at night — kind of imposing, honestly, with the lamps throwing weird shadows across the steps. Our guide, Marcus, had this way of talking like he’d lived through half these stories himself. He started off with Andrew Jackson and something about Civil War ghosts — I swear there was a chill even though it was June. Maybe just my nerves.

I didn’t expect to get so caught up in the details. When we stopped by the Wilcox Building, Marcus told us about Dr. J. Herman Feist — apparently women kept dying under his care back in the day. Someone in our group gasped (not me this time). The air smelled faintly like fried chicken from a nearby diner, which felt weirdly comforting while hearing about old murders. We wandered down to where Ike Johnson and Skull used to run things — Marcus laughed when someone asked if Skull was his real name (it was). There’s something about hearing these stories right where they happened that makes you look over your shoulder a bit more.

The Climax Saloon came next — built in 1887, and yeah, it looked like it could tell a few secrets if walls could talk. I liked how Marcus didn’t sugarcoat anything; he just laid out Nashville’s past, brothels and all. At one point he paused to let a party wagon roll by blaring country music — “That’s modern Nashville for you,” he said, shaking his head but smiling anyway.

We ended near the old Maxwell House Hotel site. There was something heavy in the air there; maybe just my imagination or maybe not. I still think about some of those stories when I walk downtown at night now. So yeah, if you’re into true crime or want to see another side of Music City after dark, this Murder in Music City ghost tour is worth it — just don’t blame me if you sleep with the lights on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night-time ghost walking tour in Nashville

• Begin tour at Tennessee State Capitol
• Discuss Andrew Jackson and Civil War hauntings
• Learn history of Wilcox Building
• Hear about Dr. J. Herman Feist and deaths
• Hear about Ike Johnson and Skull
• Discuss The Climax Saloon history
• Discuss tragic history of Maxwell House Hotel

Top questions

Is this Murder in Music City ghost tour suitable for kids?

No, this tour is adults-only for ages 16 and up due to mature topics and language.

Where does the Murder in Music City tour start?

The tour begins at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.

How long does the night-time ghost walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Are there any accessibility options for this Nashville ghost tour?

Yes, the route is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What kinds of stories are shared on this true crime ghost tour?

You’ll hear about murders, mobsters, haunted record shops, brothels and more from Nashville’s history.

Is transportation provided for this walking tour?

No transportation is provided; it’s a walking tour starting at Tennessee State Capitol.

Are group bookings available for large parties?

If you have 10 or more guests, contact Ghost City Tours’ private & group sales coordinator for arrangements.

Does this ghost tour include entry fees or taxes?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking price.

What’s included

Your evening includes a 90-minute Murder in Music City night-time ghost walking tour led by a local guide who shares real-life tales of Nashville’s brutal past—murders, mobsters, haunted sites—all fees and taxes included before you head back into present-day nightlife or call it a night yourself.