Looking for a fright? Reno Ghost Tours operates a year-round ghost tour business in downtown and midtown, sharing historic ghost stories and otherworldly lore.
“We share real stories about people who lived here, died here … and decided to stick around,” owner Erin Pappadeas said of the spirited tours. “We also conduct paranormal investigations for local residents and businesses and teach paranormal investigation workshops throughout Reno.”
Essentially, the hired guides are a one-stop shop for everything ghostly in Reno. We chatted with Pappadeas, who has eight years of experience as a ghost tour guide sharing chilling tales across the U.S., to learn more about the experiences.
TIR: Who are the guides that might be leading your tours?
Pappadeas: Each of our guides is a wonderful storyteller and possesses incredible backgrounds in the paranormal world. Nik is a seasoned and highly respected paranormal investigator, as well as an incredible horror writer, bringing years of experience and captivating storytelling to the team. Jesse Jo is a gifted paranormal researcher with a deep knowledge of Reno’s haunted history, combining her expertise in witchcraft modalities and the occult to uncover the supernatural side of Reno. Salem, another seasoned investigator, is highly skilled in divination, protection and various witchcraft practices. They have a knack for helping our guests understand what goes on beyond the veil. Together, this team brings an exceptional mix of knowledge, experience and passion for the paranormal.
TIR: How did you get into ghost tours?
Pappadeas: I joined a tour company in Savannah, Georgia, where I was living at the time. I learned how to research local history and lore, along with interviewing locals about their first-hand experience with ghosts and hauntings, creating a wonderful story as a result to share with guests. I also started conducting paranormal investigations at the time and gave my guests a mini crash course to conduct investigations of their own on my tours. I moved to Seattle and started my own tour business, and decided to do the same when I moved to Reno.
I have been a paranormal enthusiast and history nerd for most of my life. I love telling my guests about a building that they might have gotten coffee in for the last five years, and watching their faces light up when they realize what the building used to be, who haunts it and why. Storytelling is a practice that keeps history alive, and it’s very fulfilling to share Reno’s special history with both locals and visitors.
TIR: When can people take a tour?
Pappadeas: We started guiding tours in 2022. Nik and I combined our knowledge of Reno’s local history, lore and hauntings and launched the first downtown ghost tour in October of that year. We now have four tour guides at Reno Ghost Tours and guide tours year-round as the weather allows.
TIR: Tease us a little. What can attendees expect?
Pappadeas: Attendees might be surprised to learn that Reno is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States, with nearly every historic building downtown having its own ghost story. On the tour, we dive deep into the history of each location: its significance to Reno’s past, the people who lived and died there, and the lingering spirits that remain. During the tour we teach guests how to capture ghosts on camera and teach them how to differentiate between different kinds of hauntings. We also uncover lesser-known histories, like Reno’s Chinatown. Our midtown tour sheds light on the rich history of Reno’s LGBTQIA+ bars and nightlife, adding to Reno’s vibrant past.
TIR: What’s your favorite story or haunting from the tour?
Pappadeas: My favorite story is about a beloved ghost named John Jokila. He was a hotel porter at the Golden Hotel and we tell his story during the downtown tour. John at times makes himself known to guests. We like to honor John when we tell his story, and he’s definitely listening.
TIR: How scared should people plan to get?
Pappadeas: This is a chilling tour and we recommend ages 16+ attend. We talk about death, ghosts and details about hauntings. I would say our tour is scary. We are guiding tours for kids very soon!
TIR: Do tours explore more historic events or modern crimes?
Pappadeas: We explore more historic events and like to talk about how Reno’s past is still very much part of the present. We love Reno history and many of the ghosts that haunt these old buildings have been here for a long time.
TIR: So tell us, do you believe in ghosts?
Pappadeas: I do believe in ghosts and it’s an honor to share their stories! The more I share their stories during my tours, the more I can tell that they’re listening.
Details
https://renoghosttours.com/
Tours Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 10 a.m.
Special tours Oct. 30-31 at 7 p.m.
$23 per person
