Syracuse Ghost Tour 2026 | Meet the Ghosts of Syracuse’s Past

Syracuse History Comes Alive on a One-Night-Only Walking Tour

What historical mysteries can you uncover in downtown Syracuse?

A silent film star. John Dillinger. Firefighting heroes. Andrew Carnegie. These fascinating figures, and many more, have made their mark on Syracuse history.

Now, Chautauqua-Wawasee invites guests to discover the “ghosts” of Syracuse’s past during a one-of-a-kind walking tour through downtown Syracuse on Saturday, October 17.

At multiple stops throughout downtown, volunteer storytellers will portray notable figures, along with a few notorious ones, sharing strange tales, spooky legends and dramatic moments from Syracuse’s history in the very places where they once unfolded.

Along the way, guests will:

• Hear from a Syracuse bank president who was once tied to a tree and watched helplessly as robbers raided the Syracuse State Bank.
• Learn how Andrew Carnegie helped fund the construction of the Syracuse Public Library 100 years ago.
• Listen as a silent film star tells of his time on Wawasee and how an early nickelodeon helped introduce Syracuse to the movies.
• Meet firefighters who battled multiple blazes in the Pickwick Block.
• Encounter school teachers who were educational trailblazers.
• Discover even more fascinating characters and stories from Syracuse’s past.

Each tour lasts approximately one hour, with a total walking distance of roughly one-half mile on flat surfaces, making the tour mobility-device friendly.

Tours run from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 17, with groups departing every 15 minutes and a dedicated guide. Eight tour times are available, with the final tour departing at 7:45 p.m.

Tickets

All ages are welcome.

Admission is $3 for adults, and children under 10 are free.

CLICK HERE to reserve your tour time and purchase tickets on Eventbrite.

(OR- Pay cash at the door. No credit cards)

Check-In and Parking

Check-in and tours begin and conclude at:

Moore’s Affordable Furniture
200 E. Main St.
Syracuse, IN

Parking is available in the public lot across the street.

Sponsored and led by Chautauqua-Wawasee, this unique event brings together historical research, theatrical performance and a touch of Halloween spirit for an unforgettable evening of local history.

Come walk the streets, meet the “ghosts” and discover the Syracuse stories hiding in plain sight.