Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour

If you’re curious about ghost stories and haunted history but prefer exploring at your own pace, the Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour might be just what you need. For only $7.75 per person, this tour offers a flexible way to uncover the spooky tales that have shaped Burlington’s streets, buildings, and landmarks — all without the pressure of a large group or guide.

What makes this experience stand out? First, we love that it’s entirely self-guided, allowing you to go whenever suits your schedule, with the tour never expiring. Second, the location-aware app makes the storytelling seamless as you walk, adding a layer of immersion. And third, the mix of stories—from ghostly tales of old buildings to infamous figures like H.H. Holmes—keeps the experience lively and intriguing.

Of course, a potential consideration is that since it’s guided solely via an app, audio clarity might suffer in busy, noisy areas like downtown Burlington, as some reviewers have noted. Also, it’s all outside — so don’t expect indoor storytelling or added amenities. This tour suits those who enjoy a spooky walk, are comfortable with their own company, and love adding a little mystery to their sightseeing.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price Point: At just $7.75, it offers great value for a themed walking experience.
• Self-Paced & Flexible: You can start anytime, revisit as often as you like, and go at your own speed.
• Rich Content: Stories cover a wide range of hauntings, from historic buildings to infamous serial killers.
• Short & Sweet Duration: About 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes makes it easy to fit into a day.
• Ideal for Solo, Couples, or Small Groups: No guide needed, perfect for independent explorers.
• Limited Indoor Interaction: Purely outdoor with an app-guided narrative, so it’s weather dependent and doesn’t include food or drinks.

Exploring Burlington’s Haunted Streets: What to Expect

This ghost tour is designed to take you through some of Burlington’s most iconic and historic locations, blending storytelling with the city’s architecture and vibe. It’s perfect for those interested in local history, ghost lore, or simply looking for a fun, spooky way to explore the city.

Starting Point: Shanty on the Shore

The tour kicks off at Shanty on the Shore, located at 181 Battery St. This spot is not just a cozy eatery but also the starting line for unraveling Burlington’s haunted past. You’ll hear about its first owner and the spooky stories tied to this historic waterfront site. The walk then guides you through downtown Burlington, where stories of tunnels, haunted buildings, and streets fill the air.

Traveller tip: The app plays the stories as you walk, making it easy to follow along, but some visitors recommend bringing earbuds to block out traffic noise, which can make hearing the narration a bit tricky during busy times.

Downtown Burlington Historic District

Over roughly 45 minutes, the tour takes you through the historic district, sharing tales of H.H. Holmes, the infamous serial killer, and other dark stories linked to buildings and streets. You’ll learn about the tunnels beneath the city, which are part of Burlington’s mysterious past, and visit haunted sites like the old house with tragic stories that have left their mark.

One reviewer, Colin_G, appreciated the clarity and interesting stories, noting that the directions were accurate. They also mentioned that the tour was easy to follow, which is crucial when exploring unfamiliar streets.

The Train Station & Haunted Tragedies

Next, the route passes the train station, where you’ll hear stories of those hit by trains — a tragic chapter that has become part of Burlington’s ghostly lore. Plus, the tale of ‘flying monkeys’ on top of the station adds a quirky twist to the otherwise somber stories, making the history more colorful.

Historic Homes & H.H. Holmes’ Hideaway

The tour visits a haunted old house with a tragic backstory, and then guides you to the site where H.H. Holmes, America’s first serial killer, rented a house while on the run. Holmes’ connection to Burlington adds a chilling layer to the tour, especially for true crime enthusiasts.

The Historic Theater & Music Venues

Downtown’s historic theater, which has witnessed many tragedies and ghostly sightings, is next. The stories of spectral sightings during performances add a theatrical touch, blending entertainment with the eerie. Nearby, a legendary music venue where Phish got its start is also included, with ghost stories woven into its lively history.

Church Street & Haunted Eateries

The second key stop is Church Street, known for its charming shops and lively atmosphere. Here, you’ll hear about a historic firehouse and haunted restaurants, including a building where many have met their end, and yet seem to prefer sticking around.

A reviewer mentions that the restaurant housed in an old building has a long-standing reputation for being haunted, with some guests feeling a presence even during daytime visits.

End of Tour: First Unitarian Universalist Society

The walk concludes near the First Unitarian Universalist Society of Burlington at 152 Pearl St, one of the city’s oldest buildings. The story of H.H. Holmes’ former rental house is also tied to this area, providing a sense of closure to the ghostly journey.

What Makes This Tour a Great Choice?

This smartphone-guided tour is perfect for those who enjoy self-directed exploration without the hassle of a group or guided tour. Its flexibility allows you to start anytime, pause, or repeat sections—ideal for customizing your experience. The price point makes it accessible, especially for solo travelers or couples looking for a fun, spooky activity without breaking the bank.

The stories are engaging, covering a broad spectrum of Burlington’s haunted history—from ghostly apparitions in historic buildings to stories of infamous criminals. While it doesn’t include indoor visits or food, it compensates by giving you a comprehensive outdoor experience, enriched by local lore and historic architecture.

One useful tip is to plan your walk during daylight hours if you prefer a safer, well-lit experience, especially since outdoor lighting varies, and some stories are darker than others. Also, bringing earbuds is advised, as noise from downtown Burlington can make hearing the narration difficult, a point acknowledged in reviews.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour appeals most to history buffs, ghost story enthusiasts, and those who enjoy exploring cities at their own pace. It’s especially suitable for independent travelers who prefer digital guides over traditional tours, as well as anyone interested in a spooky, atmospheric walk through Burlington’s streets.

It’s a fantastic option for families with older children, couples, or solo explorers eager to uncover a different side of Burlington, blending history, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the outdoor nature and storytelling make it suitable for most older children and teens interested in ghost stories, but younger kids might find the spooky tales a bit intense.

Do I need to book in advance?
The tour can be booked 12 days in advance, but since it’s self-guided and never expires, you can start it anytime after purchase.

How long does the tour take?
The approximate duration is 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish or split it into segments.

Can I do this tour multiple times?
Absolutely. The tour doesn’t have a time limit, so you can revisit and relive the stories whenever you like.

Are there any indoor stops?
No, this is an outdoor walking tour guided solely via the app, so weather conditions can influence your experience.

How good is the narration?
Based on reviews, the narration is clear and engaging, but noise pollution from traffic may sometimes make it harder to hear. Earbuds are recommended.

What about accessibility?
Since the tour is on foot and takes place outdoors, it’s best suited for those comfortable walking. Service animals are allowed, and the tour is available via public transportation nearby.

Final Thoughts

The Burlington’s Famous Ghosts Smartphone Guided Walking Tour offers a well-priced, flexible, and engaging way to explore the haunted corners of Burlington. It’s ideal for those who enjoy local history and ghost stories and prefer self-guided adventures that fit their schedule. While it’s weather-dependent and outside only, the stories and historic sites provide a compelling reason to venture out.

Whether you’re a solo traveler craving a spooky escapade or a couple looking for a unique date idea, this tour delivers just enough eeriness combined with the charm of Burlington’s streets. It’s a smart choice for anyone who loves stories of the mysterious and wants to uncover Burlington’s darker past at their own pace.

Note: Always check the weather forecast before heading out and consider bringing earbuds for better narration clarity. Enjoy your ghostly adventure!