Walk one mile of Summit Avenue after dark with a local guide who threads together true crime, architecture, and ghost lore. This hour-long tour pairs Victorian mansions and literary sites with eerie stories—no private entry required, just an appetite for the uncanny.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The night eases over Summit Avenue and streetlamps throw long, lean shadows across brick sidewalks. You meet at Forepaugh’s 2nd Mansion where the guide holds a lantern—its light carving the façades into theatrical relief. The city feels like a living archive: porches creak, statues hold court, and the pavement seems to remember more than the people who walk it.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people who can walk about one mile on paved sidewalks; some standing during stops.
Wildlife
History
Summit Avenue developed during St. Paul’s late-19th-century boom and houses some of the longest intact stretches of Victorian architecture in the U.S.; F. Scott Fitzgerald’s early life in St. Paul adds literary echoes to the route.
Conservation
Tours encourage low-impact behavior—stay on sidewalks, avoid loud disturbances, and support local preservation groups that maintain these historic streetscapes.
Reserve your spot on the St Paul Ghost Tours: Sinister Sins & Shadows Ghost Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Meet outside Forepaugh’s 2nd Mansion (302 Summit Avenue) 15 minutes before the start to find your guide and secure your spot.
Dress in Layers
Even summer evenings on Summit can cool quickly—bring a lightweight jacket for comfort during stops and slow stretches.
Bring a Small Light
Guides carry a lantern, but a headlamp or phone flashlight helps for reading plaques and footing on darker stretches.
Respect Private Property
The route observes exterior viewpoints only—do not attempt to enter yards or gated areas out of curiosity.
Closed-toe walking shoes
Stable footwear keeps you comfortable on uneven sidewalks and curbs.
Light jacket or fleece
Evening temperatures drop quickly—layers keep you warm between stops.
fall
Headlamp or phone flashlight
Useful for reading plaques and navigating darker sections despite the guide’s lantern.
Printed or mobile ticket & ID
You’ll need to present your booking confirmation at check-in.