Roanoke True Crime Tour: Strange murders and dark history

Walk through Roanoke's darkest chapters, from Prohibition to unsolved murders

A one-hour walking tour of Roanoke explores the city's true crime history: Prohibition Era smuggling operations, Depression-era banditry, mass murderous arson in Victorian mansions, and unsolved murders that still haunt the city. A live English-speaking guide leads you through the actual sites tied to these strange and tragic stories. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Roanoke true crime sites

• Hear tour of Roanoke crimes
• See sites of bizarre murders

The experience

One hour takes you through the sites of some of Roanoke's strangest crimes. The tour moves between locations where real events unfolded: Prohibition-era smuggling operations, Depression-era banditry, arson in crumbling Victorian mansions, and murders that remain unsolved. A live guide walks you through each site and tells the stories behind them, grounding the history in the actual places where these crimes happened.

The route is walkable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible throughout. Public transportation options are nearby if you need them, and service animals are welcome. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram, so families can join without worrying about keeping pace.

What’s included

True crime walking tour with a live English-speaking guide visiting the actual sites of Prohibition smuggling operations, Depression-era banditry, Victorian arson, and unsolved murders.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturdayDeparts at 16:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (2 and older) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Old Dominion Tours

Is this one for you?The tour walks at a steady pace for one hour across multiple sites, so it suits anyone comfortable with a moderate amount of walking through the city. All fitness levels are welcome, and the route is fully wheelchair accessible if you need it.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 2): free.

What kinds of crimes does the Roanoke True Crime Tour cover?

The tour explores Prohibition Era smuggling operations, Depression-era banditry, mass murderous arson in Victorian mansions, and unsolved murders from Roanoke's history: some of the strangest and most bizarre cases the city has seen.

How long is the true crime walking tour in Roanoke?

The tour runs for one hour and moves between multiple sites linked to these crimes throughout the city.

Is the Roanoke True Crime Tour accessible for people in wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available nearby if needed.

Can I bring a stroller or infant on this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, so families with young kids can participate without difficulty.

What language is the guide in?

The tour is led by a live guide who speaks English.