Winston Salem is a city that offers more than just pretty streets and friendly neighborhoods. It’s a place where history is woven into every corner, from haunted districts to towering factories. If you’re curious about the city’s past, you’ll appreciate the variety of tours that explore its stories—some spooky, some proud, and some deeply personal. Our favorites include a candlelit ghost walk that brings eerie legends to life, a comprehensive downtown tour of its industrial rise, and an insightful look into the African American community’s contributions. Each offers a different perspective, making Winston Salem a layered destination for history enthusiasts.
One of our top picks is the Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour. It’s a great way to combine ghost stories with historical facts, all while walking through the West End Historic District by candlelight. For a more straightforward look at the city’s industrial development, the Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour offers a quick, insightful exploration of key factories and historic districts. Lastly, if you want to learn about the African American community’s legacy, the Winston Salem African American History Tour covers pivotal sites and stories of resilience. Below, we break down each experience and help you decide which best suits your interests.
1. Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour
At number one is the Carolina History & Haunts Winston-Salem Historical Ghost Tour. For just $26, you get a 1.5-hour walk through Winston-Salem’s West End Historic District, led by a guide who shares stories of the city’s haunted past. This tour is as much about history as it is about ghostly legends, covering more than 300 years of local stories with a focus on the original settlement, Revolutionary War era, and the spirits said to linger in the old buildings. It’s designed to be accessible for all ages, making it a fun choice for families or anyone interested in a little spooky storytelling.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of historical facts and supernatural tales. The candlelit walk creates a slightly eerie atmosphere without being overly frightening. The guides, notably Topher, are praised for their enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. Reviewers highlight how engaging and informative the tour is—“I learned a lot about Winston-Salem’s history, and Topher made it fun,” says one. It’s perfect if you enjoy stories about the past mixed with a touch of the supernatural, all delivered in a relaxed, evening setting.
Bottom Line: This tour is an ideal pick for those who like their history with a spooky twist, all wrapped up in a family-friendly format with excellent guides.
2. Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour
In second place is the Winston-Salem Historic Guided Walking Tour. For only $19, this hour-long tour provides a compact but thorough look at Winston Salem’s industrial heritage. It focuses on downtown landmarks, including the Nissen Factory, RJ Reynolds Factory, Wachovia Tower, and Liberty Street Historic District. This tour is perfect for visitors who want a quick, fact-packed overview of the city’s rise as a key manufacturing and banking hub.
What makes this tour special is its focus on the city’s industrial transformation—you’ll see where tobacco, wagon manufacturing, and banking grew and thrived. The guide shares insights into how Winston Salem became a center of progress in the American South. Although the reviews are limited, those who have taken it rave about how much they learned in just an hour. This tour is well-suited for those with limited time or travelers who prefer a straightforward, educational experience.
Bottom Line: If you want a quick, affordable introduction to Winston Salem’s industrial history without frills, this tour hits the mark.
3. Winston Salem African American History Tour
Finally, the Winston Salem African American History Tour offers a compelling hour exploring the contributions, resilience, and stories of Winston Salem’s Black community. Priced at $19, it visits significant sites like the RJR factory, Depot Street Neighborhood, Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, and local homes of African American businesses.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on cultural and social history—it highlights how African Americans in Winston Salem shaped the city’s identity despite segregation’s challenges. Although it has no reviews yet, the itinerary promises a respectful and engaging exploration of key sites and stories. It’s ideal for travelers interested in social history and community stories that are often overlooked.
Bottom Line: This tour provides a respectful, insightful look into Winston Salem’s African American heritage, perfect for those wanting a meaningful cultural experience.
$19.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Winston Salem Historical Tour
When selecting which tour to take, consider your interests, time constraints, and what kind of experience you want. If you love spooky stories intertwined with history, the Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tour offers a memorable evening. For a quick overview of Winston Salem’s industrial rise, the Guided Walking Tour is a solid choice, especially if you’re short on time. If you’re drawn to social justice, cultural history, or want to understand local African American contributions, the African American History Tour is an excellent option.
Practical advice includes booking early—these tours fill up, especially during peak travel seasons. Consider your walking comfort, as some tours involve outdoor routes through historic districts. Summertime offers warm weather, perfect for walking, but be prepared with water and sun protection. Many tours include notable landmarks, so check if specific sites interest you, like the Goler Memorial AME Zion Church or the Liberty Street Historic District.
In sum, Winston Salem offers a range of historical tours that cater to different interests. From ghost stories to industrial milestones and African American heritage, each tour provides a distinct lens on the city’s past. For those interested in a spooky evening, the candlelight ghost walk is a top pick. If your passion is understanding how Winston Salem grew into a vital Southern city, the industrial-focused tour is perfect. And for a deeper look into the people who shaped the community, the African American history tour is invaluable.
No matter which you choose, booking early is wise—these experiences are popular, and Winston Salem’s history is worth exploring with a good guide in hand.