Outer Banks: Manteo Ghost Walk & EMF Detector Tour

Summary

Ghost tales, lost legends & haunted history in downtown Manteo

You’ll walk through historic Manteo with a local guide sharing Outer Banks ghost stories—from Blackbeard to lost colonies—while trying out an EMF detector along the way. Feel the salty air on the docks, catch glimpses of old theaters and lighthouses at dusk, and maybe even sense something you can’t quite explain.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what to expect when our guide handed me that EMF detector—felt a bit like stepping onto a TV show. The air in downtown Manteo was thick with that salty tang you only get near the water, and there was this low hum from the old Pioneer Theatre’s neon sign. Our guide, Sarah (who grew up here), started off with a story about Andy Griffith hanging his own marquee for a movie once. She pointed out the spot and laughed about how people still claim to see shadows moving inside after hours. I’m not saying I believe in ghosts, but…well, the popcorn smell drifting out made it feel like someone was still working late.

We wandered down to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse dock next. The boards creaked under us—honestly, I half expected something to reach up from below. Sarah told us about Theodosia Burr and the “Graveyard of the Atlantic.” There was this moment where everyone went quiet except for the gulls overhead and some distant music from a bar. My kid tried waving the EMF thing around; it beeped once near the railing and he jumped back like he’d touched an eel. Not sure if it was ghosts or just static, but either way, he’s still talking about it.

The walk past Elizabethan II felt almost dreamlike—fog rolling in off the sound, ship’s rigging clinking somewhere out there. We stopped near Roanoke Island Inn and heard about Roscoe Jones, who apparently still lingers around as Manteo’s friendliest ghost postmaster (Sarah swears she’s seen him). It’s funny how these stories stick with you more than you’d think—I keep picturing those lantern-lit windows every time I close my eyes at night now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Manteo's haunted landmarks

• Hear ghost stories at Pioneer Theatre
• Discuss Theodosia Burr legend at Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse
• Walk past Elizabethan II replica ship
• View Roanoke Island Inn and hear haunting tales

Top questions

Is this OBX Ghost Tour suitable for kids?

Yes, it's family-friendly and suitable for all ages—even infants in strollers are welcome.

Are EMF detectors included on this Outer Banks ghost tour?

Yes, guests get to use EMF detectors during the walking tour at no extra cost.

Is downtown Manteo wheelchair accessible for this tour?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

How long is the OBX Ghost Tour walking route?

The tour covers several stops in downtown Manteo including theaters, docks, ships, and inns—all within easy walking distance.

Does the OBX Ghost Tour include any food or drinks?

You can purchase concessions at Pioneer Theatre during one of the stops; food is not included otherwise.

Will we visit inside any buildings on this Outer Banks ghost walk?

The tour is mostly outdoors but includes stops at locations like Pioneer Theatre where you may enter for concessions.

What kind of stories will we hear on this OBX Ghost Tour?

You’ll hear tales of Blackbeard, The Lost Colony of Roanoke, Theodosia Burr, Roscoe Jones and more local legends.

Is service animal access allowed on this ghost tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed throughout the tour route.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walking tour through historic downtown Manteo with stops at sites like Pioneer Theatre and Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse; you'll have use of an EMF detector along the way—and everything is fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers so everyone can join in without worry.