Red Wing Ghost Walk

Introduction

If you’re fascinated by stories of the supernatural and want to explore a town’s haunted past, the Red Wing Ghost Walk might be just your cup of tea. This evening tour promises a mix of local history, eerie legends, and atmospheric sights, all brought to life by an expert storyteller.

What we love about this experience is how it balances entertaining storytelling with historical context, offering more than just ghost tales. The walk includes visits to iconic sites like the Sheldon Theatre and the historic St. James Hotel, giving a genuine glimpse into Red Wing’s past. Plus, the small group size (up to 30 participants) makes it feel intimate and personalized.

One thing to consider is that the tour is entirely outdoors and involves walking around town, so suitable footwear and weather preparedness are key. This experience is ideal for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about local legends—perfect for a relaxed evening outing in Red Wing.

Good To Know

• Authentic storytelling by knowledgeable guides enhances the ghostly tales.
• The historical sites visited offer insight into Red Wing’s past, beyond just the paranormal.
• The tour is approximately 90 minutes long, making it a manageable evening activity.
• The small group size ensures a more personal and engaging experience.
• The tour is cost-effective at $34.99, considering the depth of stories and sites covered.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, including service animals and those prepared for outdoor walking.

An In-Depth Look at the Red Wing Ghost Walk

What’s Included and How It Works

For $34.99 per person, this guided tour offers a fully narrated experience, with an expert storyteller leading the way through some of Red Wing’s most historic—and haunted—locations. The mobile ticket system makes booking straightforward, and the tour begins promptly at 7:00 pm at 418 Levee St. The tour’s duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a perfect evening activity that won’t overextend your schedule.

The tour is designed to be accessible to most travelers, with a waiver required and service animals allowed. Its small group size, capped at 30, helps foster an intimate environment where stories feel personal and engaging.

The Itinerary: A Walk Through Haunted and Historic Red Wing

Stop 1: Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts

Built in 1904, the Sheldon Theatre is a centerpiece of Red Wing’s cultural life. Its grand auditorium is not just a venue for performances but also a hotspot for ghostly stories. According to local lore, the spirit of Annie Sheldon, the theatre’s founder, continues to linger, with some visitors reporting unexplained noises and a certain “presence” felt during performances.

Reviewers note that this stop offers a fascinating glimpse into Red Wing’s artistic past, with some claiming “even in death, her presence can still be felt around the grand auditorium.” It’s a great place to start, setting a theatrical tone for the night.

Stop 2: Liberty’s Restaurant and Lounge

This historic building has served many roles over the decades—shoemaker’s shop, clothing store, pool hall, and possibly a speakeasy during Prohibition. Its layered past adds to the atmosphere, with rumors of secret rooms and clandestine activities fueling ghost stories.

Guests often find this stop particularly captivating because “it offers fascinating insight into Red Wing’s colorful past,” and the building’s historic fabric makes it a convincing haunted locale. It’s also a reminder of how buildings can carry echoes of their former lives.

Stop 3: St. James Hotel, 1875

Arguably the star of the tour, the St. James Hotel is renowned for its paranormal reputation. Built on Native American burial grounds, guests have reported cold spots, mysterious whispers, and apparitions, especially around the basement and the hotel’s historic rooms.

One reviewer notes, “Stories abound of creepy goings-on, unexplained cold spots, and ghostly whispers,” which makes this stop a highlight for those interested in haunted hotels. The hotel’s century-plus history adds weight to its spooky stories, and the guide’s detailed retelling enhances the eerie atmosphere.

Stop 4: Caribou Coffee

This building, dating from 1906, was originally a Chicago Great Western Railway train depot. It’s a place where stories of soldiers heading off to war or tragic accidents might still whisper through the walls. Some visitors believe the spirits of long-gone passengers or workers still linger, making it an intriguing stop for those interested in the stories of transportation and loss.

Guests might enjoy imagining the bustling activity that once filled this station—an added layer to the ghostly tales.

Stop 5: Colvill Park

Dedicated to Civil War hero Colonel William Colvill, this peaceful park is a physical reminder of American history. While primarily a serene spot, stories of Civil War spirits or soldiers are sometimes woven into the night’s storytelling, especially considering Colvill’s heroic reputation.

The stories here serve as a reminder that even places of peace can harbor echoes of the past—and ghosts.

Stop 6: Home Plate Grill & The Dugout Lounge

This lively hotel is a far cry from the quiet historic sites, but it’s no stranger to paranormal tales. Known for upscale food and live music, some patrons and staff have experienced strange happenings—noises, unexplained movements, or lingering feelings—as if musicians and patrons from the past refuse to leave.

The guide shares that “this new hotel has been conjuring some interesting hauntings,” adding a fun and contemporary twist to the traditional ghost walk.

What to Expect from the Tour

Throughout the walk, expect a blend of atmospheric storytelling, historical insights, and shared local legends. The guides are skilled storytellers, often weaving in local history to make the ghost tales more relatable and grounded in fact.

You’ll walk outdoors, often at dusk or after sunset, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are advised. The tour covers multiple sites, each with its own ghost stories and historic significance. The small group size makes for a more engaging experience—guides can tailor stories slightly and answer questions along the way.

Authenticity and Local Knowledge

Guides are well-versed in Red Wing’s history, blending factual background with spooky tales seamlessly. According to reviews, “the stories are very informative,” and the guides are considered quite knowledgeable. Some reviewers specifically mention that the storytelling kept them engaged and made them feel immersed in the local lore.

Value for Money

Compared to similar ghost tours elsewhere, this one offers good value at $34.99, especially considering the depth of stories and the historic sites included. The fact that it’s a 1.5-hour experience with a highly-rated guide makes it a cost-effective evening activity, especially for those interested in history and paranormal tales.

Practical Considerations

The tour is mostly outdoors and involves walking, so dress appropriately. Since it begins at 7:00 pm, check the weather forecast to ensure comfort during the walk. The tour is suitable for most ages, and service animals are permitted, which is a nice touch for travelers with support needs. If you need to cancel, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Sum Up

The Red Wing Ghost Walk offers a captivating combination of history, local legends, and spooky stories, all led by a knowledgeable guide who knows how to keep the atmosphere both engaging and authentic. It’s a fantastic way to explore Red Wing’s historic sites after dark, with stories that go beyond simple ghost tales to include cultural and historical insights.

This tour suits travelers interested in history, the paranormal, or those looking for a fun, atmospheric evening activity. Its small-group format, affordability, and atmospheric stops make it a standout choice for a relaxed yet intriguing experience in Red Wing.

If you’re after a mix of storytelling, history, and a dash of ghostly fun, this tour is well worth considering. Just remember to dress warm, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for an evening filled with tales from the past that might just still be lingering around.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at 418 Levee St, Red Wing, MN, at 7:00 pm.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for a wide audience. However, those sensitive to spooky stories or outdoor walking should consider age appropriateness.

Are there any additional costs?
The tour price is $34.99 per person; alcoholic beverages are not included and not part of the tour.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for outdoor walking, and check the weather forecast. It’s best to wear layers if it’s cool outside.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this a guided tour?
Yes, led by an expert storyteller who provides narration and details about each site.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Final Thoughts

The Red Wing Ghost Walk provides a genuinely enjoyable blend of history and haunted tales, making it ideal for curious travelers looking to explore the town’s darker corners. Its affordability, engaging guides, and atmospheric stops elevate it from a typical ghost tour. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, you’ll likely appreciate the stories and the chance to see Red Wing through a slightly spooky lens. Perfect for an evening adventure that combines education, entertainment, and a little ghostly intrigue.