Most big cities have a ghost walk or two that take visitors through haunted areas with bloody pasts (London’s “Ripper Walk,” Chicago’s “Gangsters and Ghosts,” New York’s Ghost Tours, and many more). In Indianapolis, the Irvington Ghost Tour explores the many scary stories associated with the winding streets and beautiful homes of the historic neighborhood. Starting September 28 at 7 p.m., residents can begin this season’s Ghost Tours, guided by our own Al Hunter. Tours will be held on Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. through October 27. Tickets are $20 each (cash only) and available 20 minutes before the tour begins. You may also buy tickets in advance at the Magic Candle, 203 S. Audubon. The tours begin on 10 S. Johnson Ave. next to the Irving Theatre. The price includes a copy of the paperback supplement “The Tour Guide” and at least two hours of Irvington history that will curl your hair. Proceeds go to support GaiaWorks pantry, and other local charities.
The tours aren’t just about ghosts — they are about the history of this ever-changing neighborhood since 1870. The neighborhood has been home to Butler University, artists, judges, and upstanding citizens of every persuasion. But it has also been home to the Grand Dragon of the Indiana chapter of the KKK, and briefly to America’s first serial killer, H. H. Holmes. And for decades, there have been stories about strange sightings of women floating through Irving Circle Park, puffs of cigar smoke out of nowhere, houses with lights that turn on an off when no one is about, children talking to people who aren’t there, and many more incidents that make the hair stand up on the back of your neck. Al takes people on the journey to these places and tells the stories. No one will jump out from behind the bush and chase you with a chainsaw, because truth is sometimes scarier than fiction.
For over a decade, Al has told the stories of Irvington — mainly to crowds of people from other parts of the city. He’s often cited stories of people on the tour for the first time falling in love with Irvington’s charm, returning to shop and eat in its businesses, and later on, buying or renting in the neighborhood. He’d love to see more Irvingtonians walk the tour, especially newcomers who may not be familiar with the rich history of the area.
Last year’s tours were very large, with up to two hundred people heading out. Tour-goers are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight to help navigate the dark streets and uneven sidewalks. The tours are rain or shine, so bring umbrellas or a raincoat just in case.
