Whispers on Whiskey Row: Murder, Crime, & Ghost Tour w/Cocktail

Louisville , United States

Whispers on Whiskey Row: Murder, Crime, & Ghost Tour w/Cocktail

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(187 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the past on a haunting journey through the true story of the "Graveyard of the West". As the sun sets and the city’s vibrant façade fades, you'll uncover the sinister secrets and chilling tales that lurk beneath the city's storied streets.

One part ghosts, one part grisly history, this guided 1.5-hour walking tour through downtown unveils the darkest corners of Louisville’s gruesome past, where the echoes of bygone eras whisper tragic tales of the forlorn, the oppressed, the betrayed, and the ruthless.

From a ghost that still haunts a glamorous hotel to the tragic riots of Bloody Monday, you’ll trace the cursed footsteps of criminals, mobsters, bootleggers, enslavers, and murderers in the city streets they once roamed – and the spirits whose souls never left.

For thrill-seekers, true crime fans, and lovers of the macabre, this dark history & ghost tour is a journey into the stories that lie beneath Louisville’s charming exterior. Dare to listen to the shadows with us.

Available options

Whispers on Whiskey Row: Murder, Crime, & Ghost Tour w/Cocktail

What's included

1.5 miles of walking outdoors, with 2 bathroom stops

Your expert guide will provide audio headsets to help you hear each thrilling tale told on this tour.

1 Cocktail in a haunted bar (Beer & mocktails also available)

Detailed itinerary

You'll begin your tour at a statue commemorating Louisville's famous founder. But is he really deserving of his unblemished reputation? And who else might have a tale to tell about Louisville's role in our country's early days and westward expansion?

Louisville's iconic historic steamboat has seen over 100 years of history and change. What whispered stories might she tell about the murky waters of the Ohio River?

Sit and enjoy a cocktail while you learn about cunning bootleggers who defied Prohibition, fires and floods which nearly destroyed this historic stretch of downtown, and the salacious hidden tunnels underneath your very feet. But beware: there are more spirits here than what you'll see behind the bar...
Note: cocktail is only included for applicable ticket holders.

This glamorous hotel was once the secret meeting place for a famous bootlegger and a mobster whose escapades defined the Prohibition era. Plus, the tragic tale of a grisly murder whose forlorn victim may still walk these hallowed halls...

This ominous steeple once bore witness to one of the bloodiest days in Louisville's history...

Once known as "Justice Square," this beautiful city park has been a battleground for both righteous justice and savage injustice.

What's not included

Gratuities

Transportation

Food

Actual ghosts (but if you see one let us know!)

Indoor exploration. This is a walking tour, and we will not be entering private buildings

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

25 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

162 reviews

5★

143

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We will make 1 stop for drinks and bathrooms.

Louisville Food Tours is proudly locally owned and operated.

This tour shares true, well-researched history, including stories of marginalized and oppressed communities, such as Black history and Louisville’s role in slavery and the Underground Railroad. Some stories are unsettling, as they reflect the difficult realities of the past. If you are not comfortable engaging respectfully with these histories or with people of diverse identities, this may not be the right tour for you.

Our tours are designed to be welcoming and inclusive for all guests. Discriminatory, racist, or homophobic behavior will not be tolerated, and guests who engage in it may be removed from the tour without a refund.

Not recommended for anyone with difficulty walking or standing for 1.5 hours

Meeting point

Meet at the Belvedere plaza entrance at S. 5th & W. Main. Your guide will be by the lamppost on the right side of the walkway when facing the river. The Belvedere isn’t accessible by car, but free street parking and paid lots are nearby. The tour ends about a 10-min walk from the start.

Important notes

Please note that all tickets purchased before March 4, 2025 do NOT have an included cocktail. Ticket holders with this ticket type will be given the option to upgrade before their tour.

About Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and the famous Kentucky Derby. Nestled along the Ohio River, it offers a unique blend of Southern charm and Midwestern hospitality, making it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Churchill Downs

Home of the Kentucky Derby, this historic racetrack offers tours and year-round racing events.

Historical/Entertainment 2-3 hours for a tour Free to enter, tours from $18

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

A must-visit for baseball fans, this museum offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Louisville Slugger bats.

Museum 1-2 hours $20 for adults, $15 for children

Muhammad Ali Center

Dedicated to the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, this museum offers interactive exhibits and a glimpse into his personal and professional life.

Museum/Cultural 1-2 hours $22 for adults, $15 for children

The Frazier History Museum

This museum offers a comprehensive look at Kentucky's history, with exhibits ranging from frontier life to modern times.

Museum 1-2 hours $14 for adults, $10 for children

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

A beautiful arboretum and forest offering hiking trails, scenic views, and a chance to see wildlife.

Nature Half-day to full-day Free entry, parking fee for non-members

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hot Brown

An open-faced turkey sandwich topped with mushrooms, bacon, and a rich cheese sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains dairy, meat

Bourbon Ball

A chocolate truffle-like candy filled with bourbon-infused cream.

Dessert Contains dairy, alcohol

Bourbon Chicken

Chicken marinated in a bourbon-based sauce, often served with rice and vegetables.

Dinner Contains meat, alcohol

Derby Pie

A chocolate and walnut pie, a traditional treat during the Kentucky Derby.

Dessert Contains nuts, dairy

Popular Activities

Cave exploration Hiking Horseback riding Spa treatments River cruises Park picnics Museum visits Art gallery tours

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

These months offer pleasant weather and are ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The Kentucky Derby in May is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Louisville is generally safe for tourists, but like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take basic precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious when using ATMs at night

Getting there

By air

Louisville International Airport • 10 miles (16 km) from downtown

By train

Louisville Station

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and reliable, with various routes covering major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown The Highlands Nulu (NuLu District) Old Louisville

Day trips

Mammoth Cave National Park

90 miles (145 km) • Full day

The world's longest known cave system, offering guided tours and stunning underground landscapes.

Bardstown

35 miles (56 km) • Half day to full day

A charming small town known for its historic sites, bourbon distilleries, and beautiful architecture.

Kentucky Horse Park

10 miles (16 km) • Half day to full day

A working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to horses and horse-related activities.

Festivals

Kentucky Derby • First Saturday in May Louisville Jazz Festival • July Bourbon & Beyond • September

Pro tips

Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum even if you can't attend the Derby itself
Explore the NuLu District for unique shopping and dining experiences
Take a bourbon distillery tour to learn about Louisville's rich history in bourbon production
Check out local events and festivals for a taste of Louisville's vibrant culture
Use the TARC app for easy navigation of the public transportation system