St Paul: Sinister Sins & Shadows Ghost Walking Tour

Summary

Haunted mansions, whispered tales and shadowy corners in St Paul’s old district

You’ll wander St Paul’s historic streets after dark, hearing true tales of haunted mansions and restless spirits from a local guide. Expect eerie stops like Forepaugh’s Mansion and Cochran Park, plus odd little moments—a sudden chill or echoing laughter—that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the streetlights hit Forepaugh’s Mansion—sort of yellow and a little harsh, making the windows look like they were hiding something. Our guide, Sam (he grew up here), started right away with a story about a lost love that apparently still lingers in those halls. I swear, even though we couldn’t go inside, I caught a whiff of old perfume when the wind shifted. Maybe it was my imagination—or maybe not.

We wandered down Summit Avenue, passing Stuart House and then that weirdly quiet park—Cochran Park. There’s this pool there that’s been empty for years, but Sam said some folks still hear kids laughing late at night. It was oddly silent for us though. I tried to picture what it would’ve been like back in 1926, but honestly all I could focus on was how cold the stone bench felt under my hand while he talked about ghost sightings.

At Nathan Hale Park Statue, someone in our group tried to record audio “just in case” (no luck). The Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House looked almost too grand for its own good—like it knew secrets it wouldn’t share. And then there was Madame Clifford’s statue; apparently people see a woman in 1920s clothes drifting nearby. Li laughed when I tried to say her name in French—definitely butchered it.

I didn’t expect to end up standing outside F. Scott Fitzgerald’s old house thinking about ghosts and writers at the same time. Sam told us Fitzgerald himself is rumored to show up now and then (which is kind of poetic if you ask me). The whole walk was just over a mile, but by the end my head felt full of stories and shadows. Still think about those empty windows sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore haunted historic sites in St. Paul

• Visit Forepaugh’s Mansion
• Tour Stuart House on Summit Avenue
• Explore eerie Cochran Park
• See Nathan Hale Park Statue
• Visit Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House
• View Madame Clifford Statue
• Tour Chauncey-Griggs Mansion
• Visit William Butler House
• End at F. Scott Fitzgerald House

Top questions

How long is the St Paul ghost tour?

The walking route covers about one mile through St Paul’s historic district.

Does the tour include entry into any haunted houses?

No, private properties are not entered during the tour; all stops are viewed from outside.

Is this ghost tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join and infants or small kids can ride in a stroller or pram.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome on the St Paul ghost tour route.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

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

What sites are visited on this St Paul ghost tour?

You’ll see Forepaugh’s Mansion, Stuart House, Cochran Park, Nathan Hale Park Statue, Burbank-Livingston-Griggs House, Madame Clifford Statue, Chauncey-Griggs Mansion, William Butler House (“Lemon Meringue House”), and F. Scott Fitzgerald House.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the starting point.

Is lunch or food included on this tour?

No meals or snacks are provided during this evening walking tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes all fees and taxes for the guided walk through St Paul’s haunted district—wheelchair access is available throughout and you’re welcome to bring strollers or service animals along as you listen to real local legends under city lights.