Cleveland Ghost Tour with Free Ghost Hunting Gear: An Honest Look
When it comes to ghost tours, Cleveland offers something a bit different—an experience that blends ghost stories with actual ghost hunting equipment, giving you a chance to see if spirits are truly nearby. While many tours stick to storytelling, this one promises to bring you face-to-face with the paranormal using EMF detectors in some of the city’s most haunted locations.
What catches our eye? First, the inclusion of free ghost hunting gear makes it stand out from typical ghost tours. Second, the tour visits iconic historic sites like Erie Street Cemetery and Playhouse Square, blending spooky legends with significant local landmarks. Third, the guides are described as knowledgeable and engaging, promising an authentic experience.
However, a notable concern is the inconsistent booking experience, with reviews revealing some major issues, including no-shows. This points to the importance of double-checking confirmations and refund policies.
This tour could appeal to those curious about the supernatural, history buffs interested in Cleveland’s haunted past, or thrill-seekers who want a hands-on ghost hunting experience. Just be prepared for some unpredictability.
Good To Know

- Unique hands-on experience with free EMF detectors to hunt for paranormal activity.
- Historic sites like Erie Street Cemetery and Playhouse Square provide a spooky backdrop.
- Knowledgeable guides reportedly offer engaging, detailed stories of Cleveland’s haunted past.
- Mixed reviews highlight potential booking issues and no-shows, so confirm before your visit.
- Short duration of around 1 hour makes it a quick but intense ghostly adventure.
- Affordable price point at just $20 per person offers good value for those interested in paranormal tourism.
Analyzing the Experience: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Duration: The tour begins at 1234 Bolivar Rd, Cleveland, and lasts approximately one hour. It’s a relatively quick jaunt through some of the city’s most haunted sites, making it easy to fit into a busy itinerary. The small group size—capped at 30—should allow for more personalized attention from guides, although actual group size can vary.
The Itinerary Breakdown:
Erie Street Cemetery: This is Cleveland’s oldest burial ground, established in 1826 and now surrounded by modern skyscrapers. It’s a quiet, eerie spot where you might hope to sense some ghostly activity. Reviewers mention that this location holds the remains of early Cleveland pioneers, and its proximity to downtown adds a haunting contrast—history encased amid contemporary life. Expect a brief 10-minute stop, with free admission, so it’s more about the atmosphere than extensive exploration.
The Cleveland Grays Armory Museum: Built in 1893 as a military facility, this building exudes history and mystery. Known as one of Cleveland’s most haunted sites, it’s said to harbor spirits from its wartime past. Guides share stories of wartime soldiers and strange occurrences. Again, the stop is brief, focusing on storytelling and the possibility of detecting paranormal activity with your supplied EMF detector.
Hanna Theatre: Opened in 1921, this theater isn’t just a cultural landmark; it’s also rumored to host apparitions of past performers and staff. Think old velvet curtains and ornate architecture, which add to the spooky vibe. Staff and performers have reported ghostly sightings, making it an intriguing stop.
Playhouse Square: Known as Cleveland’s theater district, it’s also one of its most haunted areas. Built in the 1920s, the theaters’ grand facades and backstage areas have long stories of ghostly activity. Expect plenty of photo opportunities of stunning architecture, with ghostly legends adding a layer of intrigue.
Connor Palace: Originally opened in 1922 and once a vaudeville hotspot, Connor Palace has a reputation for being one of the most haunted theaters in Cleveland. Stories of ghosts lingering in the wings or on stage add a theatrical thrill to the experience. This final stop is often the highlight for ghost enthusiasts with a penchant for theater spirits.
Hands-On Ghost Hunting: The tour’s selling point is the EMF detectors provided to each group, allowing you to actively hunt for paranormal signals. While this sounds fun, some reviews reveal that actual ghost activity detection can be hit or miss, especially given the short stops and limited interaction time.
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The Practicalities and Value
Price Point: At $20 per person, this tour is quite affordable considering the inclusion of ghost hunting gear and visits to multiple historic sites. For those curious about Cleveland’s haunted history and wanting an interactive experience, it’s a decent value. However, the mixed reviews about no-shows and booking issues cast some doubt on the reliability.
Booking and Confirmation: One review states, “No one never showed up,” indicating that booking confirmation and actual attendance can be problematic. It’s essential to verify your reservation and perhaps follow up to confirm details. The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, which is reassuring if plans change.
Guide Quality: Reviewers mention guides as knowledgeable, with deep local insights, making the storytelling engaging. But since some reviews focus on logistical issues, it’s worth noting that actual on-the-ground experience may vary depending on the day.
Tour Experience: The tour’s brief duration makes it ideal for travelers who want a quick, spooky thrill without committing a lot of time. The focus on historic sites offers more than just ghost stories; it’s an introduction to Cleveland’s vintage architecture and storied past.
Authentic Insights from Reviews

While the reviews are limited — only three, all negative in terms of booking — they do highlight some important points. One reviewer from August 2025 mentions that “no one showed up” and that the website was not supposed to be launched until September 6, hinting at possible scheduling issues or technical glitches. Another reviewer has been trying to get a refund, with no response, which underscores the importance of confirming your booking and being prepared for potential administrative hiccups.
Despite these issues, some users acknowledge the value of the stories and the potential fun of ghost hunting with the provided equipment. The standout feature is the stunning views and historic ambiance, which add layers of interest beyond just ghost hunting.
Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for adventurous travelers seeking a quick spooky experience. It appeals to those interested in paranormal activity or historic Cleveland sites. If you enjoy hands-on activities and don’t mind some unpredictability, this could be a fun addition to your evening plans. But if you’re booking expecting flawless logistics or detailed ghost hunts, you might want to proceed with caution.
Final Thoughts

The Cleveland Ghost Tour with free ghost hunting gear offers a charming blend of history, local legends, and interactive fun. Its price makes it accessible, and the stops at iconic sites like Erie Street Cemetery and Playhouse Square add a layer of authenticity. However, the inconsistent reviews about booking issues and no-shows are a significant caveat.
If you’re flexible, confirm your reservation well in advance, and enjoy the thrill of hunting for spirits amid Cleveland’s historic landmarks, this tour might just give you the spooky encounter you’re after. For thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, it’s an interesting way to experience the city after dark—just go in with eyes open about the potential hiccups.
FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s designed for most travelers, but age restrictions aren’t specified. Keep in mind the brief stops and dark, eerie settings, which might be unsettling for very young children.
How long does the tour last? The tour is approximately 1 hour, making it a quick but immersive experience.
What do I get with the tour? All participants receive a mobile ticket and EMF detectors for ghost hunting.
Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund; cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Is the tour guided by professionals? Yes, the guides are described as knowledgeable about Cleveland’s haunted past, though actual experiences can vary.
Are the sites accessible? Most sites are outdoor or public locations; specific accessibility info isn’t provided but likely varies by site.
What should I bring? Just your curiosity and perhaps a flashlight—most equipment is supplied, and tips are not included in the price.
To sum it up, this ghost tour provides an affordable, fun way to explore Cleveland’s haunted sites with the added thrill of ghost hunting. Its major strength lies in the combination of historic landmarks and interactive equipment, making it ideal for those interested in paranormal stories and local history. Just be aware of the booking reliability issues and plan accordingly. If you’re seeking a lighthearted, spooky adventure with a touch of Cleveland’s vintage charm, it’s worth considering — with a healthy dose of caution.
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