Reno Ghost Tour: Haunted Mansions & Courthouse Night Walk

Summary

Walk Reno’s haunted mile past Lake Mansion and courthouse spirits

You’ll walk Reno’s haunted mile after dark with a local guide—hearing real ghost stories outside Lake Mansion, Levy Mansion, and the Washoe County Courthouse. Feel chills as you stand where history turned tragic and imagine whispers from long-gone residents beneath neon lights. This tour lingers with you after it ends.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the weird hush outside Lake Mansion. Even with traffic humming somewhere nearby, it felt like the air pressed in close—like someone holding their breath. Our guide, Sara (she grew up here), started right in about Myron Lake and the whole family mess. I kept glancing at the windows, half-expecting to see Jane Lake peering out. The stories were heavy, honestly—there’s this sadness that hangs around old places, you know? And I swear I caught a whiff of old wood and something sweet, maybe flowers or just my imagination running wild.

We shuffled along to Levy Mansion next. Sara told us about two people dying there—she didn’t sugarcoat it. She pointed at a boarded-up window and said folks still hear footsteps at night. Someone in our group joked about ghosts needing sneakers. It broke the tension for a second but then we all just kind of stared at the house, quiet again. The Washoe County Courthouse looked grand in the streetlights, but when Sara explained how many desperate people passed through those doors, it suddenly felt colder. She said some nights you can hear whispering if you stand real still—I tried it, but all I got was goosebumps.

The Underground Theater under the Pioneer Center was next—never thought I’d feel spooked by a theater lobby, but there’s something about being below ground that makes every sound echo weirdly. Sara mentioned actors seeing shapes dart past backstage. I laughed nervously; nobody else did. Then she led us toward what used to be Chinatown and the old Red-Light District. There’s nothing flashy left there now, just empty lots and faded signs, but she painted a picture of what it must’ve been like—busy streets, lanterns swinging in the wind, lives tangled up together and now just…gone.

I didn’t expect to feel much on this Reno ghost tour—it sounded fun but maybe silly? But walking that mile with Sara made me think about who gets remembered and who doesn’t. Sometimes I still picture those dark windows or hear her voice telling us to listen for footsteps when everything else is quiet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore haunted sites in Reno

• Visit the Lake Mansion
• Hear ghost stories at the Lake Mansion
• Explore the Washoe County Courthouse
• Visit the Underground Theater at PCPA
• Walk through Chinatown and Red-Light District site
• See the former Mapes Hotel site

Top questions

How long is the Reno ghost tour?

The walking ghost tour lasts about 1.5 hours from start to finish.

Do we go inside any buildings on this tour?

No, all stories are told outside; entry into private homes or buildings isn’t included.

Is this Reno ghost tour suitable for kids?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the route allows strollers or prams.

What are some stops on the Reno ghost tour?

You’ll stop at Lake Mansion, Levy Mansion, Washoe County Courthouse, Underground Theater at PCPA, Chinatown site, and former Mapes Hotel grounds.

Is public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the walking tour starts.

Will there be a local guide during the ghost walk?

Yes—a knowledgeable local guide leads every group through each haunted location.

What’s included

Your evening includes well-researched history shared by your local guide as you walk between haunted sites like Lake Mansion and Washoe County Courthouse; all chilling stories are delivered outdoors along city sidewalks before returning to your starting point after 1.5 hours.