Ghost tours in Wilmington for a haunting look at local history

With centuries of history behind its downtown streets, historic homes and waterfront, Wilmington has accumulated plenty of ghost stories along the way.

Several local tours explore that darker side of the city, whether you want to hear haunted tales while walking through downtown, explore the historic Cotton Exchange or participate in a paranormal investigation.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Wilmington’s ghost tours offer different ways to explore the darker stories, legends and reported hauntings connected to the city’s historic downtown.
• The details: Options range from traditional guided ghost walks and history-focused tours to adults-only haunted pub crawls.
• Why it matters: These tours offer another way to learn about Wilmington’s past while exploring historic streets, buildings and local landmarks.
• The more you know: Tour lengths, meeting locations and age requirements vary, so check current details and availability before booking.

Here are some ghost tours and haunted experiences around Wilmington for those curious about the stories and spirits connected to the Cape Fear region.

Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington

One of the city’s longtime haunted attractions, the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington takes guests through downtown’s historic streets, alleys and burial grounds while costumed guides share researched stories of reported ghostly activity. The roughly 90-minute, one-mile walk draws from more than 30 reportedly haunted locations, with stops varying from tour to tour.

• Location: 8 Market St., Wilmington
• Tour type: Guided walking ghost tour
• Phone: (910) 794-1866
• Good to know: The tour is about 90 minutes and one mile of walking, and advance tickets are recommended.

Haunted Cotton Exchange Tour

Explore the stories surrounding one of downtown Wilmington’s most recognizable historic complexes with Tour Old Wilmington’s Haunted Cotton Exchange Tour. The experience takes guests through the interconnected buildings, alleyways, courtyards and stairways of the former cotton market while sharing its history and stories of reported paranormal activity.

• Location: 1 Market St., Wilmington
• Tour type: Guided historic ghost tour
• Phone: (910) 409-4300
• Good to know: The tour is offered year-round, but times vary, so check current availability before visiting.

Haunted Pub Crawl

For an adults-only take on Wilmington’s haunted history, the Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories with stops at downtown watering holes. Operated by the same local company behind the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, the experience visits reportedly haunted pubs while guides share stories that aren't part of the traditional Ghost Walk.

• Location: 8 Market St., Wilmington 
• Tour type: Guided haunted pub crawl
• Phone: (910) 794-1866
• Good to know: Guests must be 21 or older with a valid ID, and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Wilmington Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub Crawls

Another option for exploring downtown after dark is Wilmington Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub Crawls, which offers guided experiences centered on the city’s haunted history. Its traditional walking tour takes guests past historic downtown locations while guides share stories of reported hauntings, while its pub crawl combines paranormal tales with stops at local bars.

• Location: Historic downtown Wilmington
• Tour type: Guided ghost walks and haunted pub crawls
• Phone: (910) 406-8996
• Good to know: Tour formats and meeting locations vary, so check the details for your selected experience before arriving.

True Tales of Wilmington’s Haunting History

For a different take on Wilmington’s haunting past, Little Wilmington Tours focuses on historically accurate stories behind some of the city’s chilling locations, notorious characters and unexplained events. Local storyteller Steven S. Little leads the 90-minute walk through historic downtown, sharing true tales rooted in Wilmington history from the early 1700s through the present day, including stories of tragedy, betrayal and mysterious happenings along the Cape Fear.

• Location: Meets at Gelarto, 18 S. Water St., Wilmington
• Tour type: Haunting history walking tour
• Phone: (910) 297-5246
• Good to know: Rather than a traditional ghost tour, the experience focuses on historically accurate stories from Wilmington’s past.

Lizzie Borden Ghost Tours

Lizzie Borden Ghost Tours takes visitors through downtown Wilmington while exploring darker chapters of the city’s past and the ghost stories that have grown around them. The guided walking tour covers tales of drowned sailors, battles, reported hauntings and unexplained events, with stories connected to locations such as the Cotton Exchange, Latimer House and other historic sites around the city.

• Location: Historic downtown Wilmington; meeting location provided with booking details
• Tour type: Guided haunted-history walking tour
• Phone: Check booking details for current contact information
• Good to know: The tour combines Wilmington history with local legends and stories of reported paranormal activity, with stops and stories tied to several historic locations downtown.

FAQs

Are there year-round ghost tours in Wilmington?

Yes. The Haunted Cotton Exchange Tour is offered year-round, while other companies on this list also offer ghost walks and haunted experiences at different times throughout the year. Check individual tour schedules for current availability.

Are there adults-only ghost tours in Wilmington?

Yes. The Haunted Pub Crawl is for guests ages 21 and older with a valid ID. Wilmington Ghost Tours & Haunted Pub Crawls also offers a pub crawl option in addition to its traditional walking tours.

Which Wilmington ghost tours focus on local history?

Several combine ghost stories with Wilmington history. True Tales of Wilmington’s Haunting History specifically focuses on true stories and events from the city’s past, while the Haunted Cotton Exchange Tour explores the history and reported paranormal activity of the historic complex.

How long are ghost tours in Wilmington?

Tour lengths vary. The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington and True Tales of Wilmington’s Haunting History are both about 90 minutes, while other experiences vary by tour.

Do you need reservations for Wilmington ghost tours?

Advance reservations are a good idea, especially for tours with limited availability. The Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington recommends advance tickets, while schedules and meeting details for other tours should be confirmed before arriving.