True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard Neighborhood

The Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, known for its vibrant culture and history, now offers a captivating true crime walking tour that delves into the area’s notorious past. Led by an engaging guide, the tour weaves together tales of armed bank robberies, voting riots, and Prohibition-era gangsters, captivating visitors with a unique blend of entertainment and historical insight. From visual aids to the opportunity to bring their own drinks, this interactive experience promises an unforgettable exploration of Soulard’s dark and fascinating history.

Good To Know

• The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard neighborhood, St. Louis, USA explores the area’s notorious history, including armed bank robberies, voting riots, and bloody duels.
• The tour is led by a knowledgeable guide, Tim, who brings the stories to life through engaging storytelling and visual aids.
• Guests can bring their own alcoholic drinks, adding to the unique experience of the tour.
• The tour operates on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with advance booking recommended to guarantee a spot.
• The tour is accessible to wheelchair users and stroller-pushers, and service animals are allowed.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The True Crime Walking Tour in the Soulard neighborhood of St. Louis, USA, offers an immersive experience for first-time visitors and history buffs.

The 41 reviews reflect a 100% traveler recommendation, highlighting the tour’s ideal blend of entertainment and education. Guests will explore Soulard’s captivating past, delving into stories of armed bank robberies, voting riots, bloody duels, and prohibition gangsters.

The knowledgeable guide, Tim, brings these tales to life while leading the group through historic homes and the Soulard Farmers Market. Participants are encouraged to bring their own alcoholic drinks, adding a Mardi Gras-style touch to the experience.

Booking and Meeting Details

To book the True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard, guests should book ahead to guarantee their spot.

The meeting point is 816 Geyer Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, in front of Molly’s bar.

The tour runs on Fridays at 5:00 PM, Saturdays at 5:00 PM, and Sundays at 12:00 PM.

The end point is 816-818 Lafayette Ave, St. Louis, MO 63104, in front of Soulard Farmers Market.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 30 travelers per group.

Tour Schedule and Accessibility

The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard operates from May 22, 2022, to March 5, 2026, with tours running on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for travelers.

The tour offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for those who need to adjust their plans.

• Wheelchair and stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation

Tour Experience and Guide

Although the tour is led by Tim, a guide who’s well-versed in St. Louis history, the experience goes beyond a simple recitation of facts.

Tim’s engaging storytelling, complemented by the use of photos on an iPad, brings the neighborhood’s past to life. The tour blends fun with historical insights, offering a spooky twist that captivates both first-time visitors and history buffs alike.

Tim’s passion for the subject matter is palpable, making the tour a memorable experience suitable for families, including teenagers, who are interested in true crime and local history.

Soulard’s Notorious History

As the tour makes its way through the Soulard neighborhood, Tim regales visitors with tales of its notorious past.

Soulard’s history is rife with armed bank robberies, voting riots, and bloody duels. During Prohibition, the area was a hub for gangsters, bootleggers, and speakeasies.

Tim’s engaging storytelling brings these stories to life, captivating the audience.

Key highlights include:

• The infamous Desloge Bank robbery, where a gang of outlaws made off with over $23,000 in cash and gold
• The violent voting riots of 1858, where ballot boxes were seized and ballot-box stuffing led to riots and deaths
• The grisly duel between two prominent St. Louis figures that ended in a tragic loss of life

Exploring the Soulard Neighborhood

During the True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard, visitors can explore the neighborhood’s diverse history and architecture.

They’ll pass by historic homes with unique architectural styles, like the stately mansions and ornate Italianate designs. The walking route also takes guests through the iconic Soulard Farmers Market, where they can learn about the market’s role in the community over the centuries.

Throughout the tour, the knowledgeable guide shares stories of Soulard’s infamous past, from prohibition gangsters to bloody duels, providing a captivating blend of true crime and local history.

True Crime Highlights and Insights

The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard delves into the neighborhood’s sordid past, regaling visitors with tales of armed bank robberies, voting riots, and prohibition gangsters.

Guided by a knowledgeable local, the tour weaves a captivating narrative that brings Soulard’s dark history to life.

Guests are treated to:

• Spellbinding stories of bloody duels and gangland violence
• Insights into the prohibition era’s bootleggers and speakeasies
• Chilling accounts of Soulard’s most notorious criminal activities

This unique experience combines education and entertainment, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood’s tumultuous past.

Visitor Feedback and Recommendations

What do visitors have to say about the True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard?

With a perfect 5.0 rating from 41 reviews, the tour has earned rave reviews from travelers. Guests praised the guide’s engaging storytelling, deep knowledge, and passion for St. Louis history.

They appreciated the blend of fun and education, making it a memorable experience. Many recommend it as a must-do for those interested in true crime and local history.

The tour’s combination of spooky tales and historical facts has consistently delighted both first-time visitors and history buffs alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe to Walk Around the Soulard Neighborhood?

The Soulard neighborhood is generally considered safe to walk around, though visitors should exercise typical urban precautions. Most of the area is well-lit and populated, but it’s always wise to be aware of one’s surroundings, especially at night.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Food on the Tour?

The tour allows guests to bring their own alcoholic drinks in a Mardi Gras-style, but it doesn’t mention if guests can bring snacks or food. It’s best to check with the tour operator for their policy on outside food and drinks.

Are Photographs and Videos Allowed During the Tour?

Photographs and videos are generally allowed during the tour. However, the tour guide may request that guests refrain from using flash photography or recording at certain sensitive locations or during storytelling to avoid disruptions and ensure everyone can fully enjoy the experience.

Is There Any Dress Code or Attire Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is suitable. Guests should dress for an outdoor walking tour, as some portions may take place in the elements.

Does the Tour Guide Accept Tips?

The tour guide, Tim, does accept tips. Guests are welcome to tip him at the end of the tour if they’re satisfied with the experience and his knowledgeable storytelling.

The Sum Up

The True Crime Walking Tour in Soulard offers a captivating exploration of the neighborhood’s notorious past. Guided by the engaging Tim, the tour combines historical insights with visual aids, creating an immersive and interactive experience. Suitable for families and true crime enthusiasts, the tour invites guests to bring their own drinks, making it a unique and memorable way to discover Soulard’s dark history.