Haunts and history: Ghost tours abound around the city

Ready for a scare — and some historical knowledge? Georgia’s ghost tours are the way to go this year! You’ll find spooky introductions to residents from years past, and a whole new look at everyday landmarks as you wind through downtowns and cemeteries and even across lakes. So gather your friends, book a tour and prepare for a spooky journey!

Haunted houses abound around Atlanta

Little Five Points Ghost Tour

Trek through the heart of Midtown and learn about its spooky past. Handpicked guides and extensive research make for a night of unforgettable haunted history as this tour has unearthed some of Atlanta’s spookiest secrets. You’ll find little-known stops and take home lots of macabre knowledge about the city’s history.

Location: Midtown - 814 Juniper St. NE #3, Atlanta; Website: atlantaghosts.com; Dates: Dates vary - check website; Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: Free to $31

Oak Hill & the Martha Berry Museum’s Haunted History Tours

Journey outside Atlanta to the world’s largest college campus in nearby Rome, Georgia, for a night of thrills and haunts. You’ll get all the details on scary things staff and students have experienced at stops like Berry College Chapel, the Ford Complex, the Roosevelt Cabin and Morton-Lemley Hall.

As the sun sets and lanterns light, costumed storytellers deliver lively tales of Oakland’s most recognizable and storied residents. Live music, cocktails and craft beer round out the night, and you can take away a souvenir from the Oakland gift store.

Location: Oakland Cemetery; Website: oaklandcemetery.com; Dates: Oct. 17, 20, 24, 27; Times: 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Admission: Free-$190

Lanier Ghost Tours

Georgia’s largest lake has an eerie history, and this three-hour boat tour takes you into the past and the paranormal to explore it. Displaced cemeteries, water-covered towns, the Lady of the Lake: Beautiful scenery hides secrets tour participants will learn all about.

Location: Pelican Pete’s Tiki Bar & Grill dock; Website: lanierghosttours.com; Dates: Oct. 22-17, 31, Nov. 27, 31; Times: 2:30 p.m.; Admission: From $60

Decatur Ghost Tour

This walking tour takes participants through historic Decatur. Led by a paranormal investigator and professional medium, the walk will open your eyes to spirits that roam old houses and old streets and Old Decatur Cemetery where some of the area’s best-known residents rest.

Location: Decatur Square bandstand; Website: decaturghosttour.com; Dates: Oct. 24-27, 29-31, Times: Beginning at 8 p.m.; Admission: $12-$20

Marietta Ghost Tours

Explore one of Georgia’s most prominent cities and hear the tales behind the mysteries that still surround it from narratives about Civil War soldiers to mercurial residents. This 90-minute walk takes place by lantern light through downtown Marietta. Museums, restaurants and other spots will take on a new light as you learn their ghostly history.

Location: Downtown Marietta; Website: toursofmarietta.com; Dates: Year-round - check website; Times: Times vary - check website; Admission: $15-$20

Grapes and Ghosts Wine Tour

This .6-mile, guided tour is for participants ages 21-plus, and includes five locations on Dahlonega’s square. Get all the spooky details about each stop, and sample excellent wines along this two-hour journey.

Location: Dahlonega Square; Website: dahlonegawalkingtours.com; Dates: Fridays and Saturdays year-round; Times: 5 p.m.; Admission: $25