Flagstaff is a town that wears its history on its sleeve — and then some. It’s a place where the old railroad tracks, historic hotels, and even underground tunnels tell stories of the Wild West, notorious characters, and ghosts that still seem to walk the streets after dark. Whether you’re a history lover, a fan of spooky tales, or just curious about the town’s colorful past, Flagstaff offers a range of historical tours that bring its stories to life. We’ve particularly enjoyed the Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour for its chilling local tales, and the Fun Flagstaff History Segway Tour for its fun and quick way to see the city’s highlights []. These tours give a real feel for the town’s character, blending history with a bit of mystery and fun.
If you’re passionate about uncovering Flagstaff’s stories, there’s something here for everyone — from ghost hunters and underground explorers to art lovers and cultural enthusiasts. All these experiences provide insight into how Flagstaff grew from a modest railroad town into a lively city with stories worth telling.
Quick Overview
Flagstaff’s top historical tours cover a variety of interests: haunted walks, underground adventures, mural and art tours, and even cultural visits to Hopi lands. Each offers a distinct way to understand the town’s past. For example, the Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour explores ghost stories and legendary hauntings, while the Flagstaff Underground: Historical Walking Tour takes you beneath the streets to visit tunnels and basements from the Wild West era. The Mural Tour of Historic Downtown Flagstaff showcases the town’s creative side through its colorful wall art. For a mix of spooky stories and true crime, the Southside Flagstaff Haunted History, True Crime, And Ghost Tour is a compelling evening walk. And if art is your thing, the Mural Tour is a great way to see Flagstaff’s cultural expression. All these tours are highly rated and offer authentic insights into Flagstaff’s unique history.
1. Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (278 reviews)
Price: $28.00 per person
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
This tour takes you through the historic streets of Flagstaff, revealing some of its most haunted sites. It’s the original ghost tour, and it shows. Led by engaging guides, you’ll explore tales of true crimes, ghostly legends, and mysterious happenings that have left their mark on the town. Starting between Flagstaff City Hall and Wheeler Park, your walk begins with a brief history of Flagstaff, setting the mood for spooky stories ahead. Stops include an old theater that now hosts arts events, the Weatherford Hotel with its infamous ballroom, and a hotel reputed for hauntings. The tour also recounts a tragic mother who took her children’s lives in a summer night, adding weight to the ghostly tales. Other stops feature books opening to pages like 666 and spirits lingering in the stacks.
This tour stands out for its rich storytelling and local flavor, earning perfect reviews for its engaging guide Revel, who makes history come alive with creepy anecdotes. It’s perfect for those who want a spooky yet educational walk through Flagstaff’s darker corners.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, well-reviewed way to explore Flagstaff’s haunted past, best suited for history buffs and ghost enthusiasts alike.
2. Fun Flagstaff History Segway Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (62 reviews)
Price: $129.00 per person
Duration: 2 hours
For a more active way to see Flagstaff’s history, the Segway tour offers a fun, fast-paced experience. This tour zooms around the historic downtown and railroad district, giving you a broad overview of the city’s evolution. You’ll glide past notable sites like Northern Arizona University, which isn’t accessible by car, and enjoy panoramic views from parks and ponds that many visitors overlook. One highlight is a view of Lowell Observatory, with stories about its role in astronomy and local lore.
What makes this tour unique is its combination of historical storytelling and modern transportation. Guides like Blake, who’s praised for his knowledge and safety focus, make sure everyone rides confidently, even if it’s your first time on a Segway. The tour provides headsets so you can hear every detail, making it ideal for small groups and those who want to cover a lot of ground quickly.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers looking to combine sightseeing and fun, with a lively narrated tour that captures Flagstaff’s past and present.
3. Downtown Flagstaff Haunted History Walking Tour
Rating: 4.8/5 (43 reviews)
Price: $28 per person
Duration: 75 minutes
This shorter, more intense ghost walk is designed for those who want a quick scare and a taste of Flagstaff’s haunted streets. Your gothic guide, dressed up for the occasion, will lead you past some of the most haunted spots in downtown Flagstaff, sharing stories of ghostly apparitions and legendary hauntings. It’s a walk that combines spooky storytelling with an appreciation for the town’s historic architecture. Perfect for an evening outing, the tour promises chills and thrills in a compact package.
Reviewers especially love how the guide’s storytelling brings the past alive, adding a theatrical touch that makes the ghost stories more memorable. It’s a good fit for visitors with limited time or those who want a spooky experience without an all-evening commitment.
Bottom Line: Short, immersive, and hauntingly fun — ideal for fans of ghost stories and quick outings.
4. Flagstaff Underground: Historical Walking Tour
Rating: 5/5 (15 reviews)
Price: $30 per person
Duration: 75 minutes
If you’re curious about what lies beneath Flagstaff’s streets, this underground tour is a must. It explores the city’s basements, tunnels, and underground passages, revealing secrets from the Wild West era. Your guide brings to life stories of hidden tunnels used by outlaws, old saloons, and underground hideouts. Visiting these lesser-known sites gives you a new perspective on Flagstaff’s rough-and-tumble past.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the focus on hidden parts of the city that most visitors miss. It’s an immersive experience packed with stories about the city’s saloons, gambling dens, and underground hideouts. Reviewers praise the guide’s storytelling and the chance to step into the city’s shadowy past.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs interested in the city’s underground history and secret passages, this tour offers a different view of Flagstaff.
5. Southside Flagstaff Haunted History, True Crime, And Ghost Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (15 reviews)
Price: $28.00 per person
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
The Southside used to be Flagstaff’s Red Light District, notorious for outlaws, gamblers, and spirits. Today, the area is lively with restaurants and shops, but this tour uncovers its darker side. The guide shares stories about famous crimes, ghost sightings, and unresolved mysteries at landmarks like Hick’s Boardwalk and the Old Anderson Building. You’ll also learn about the tragic story of Dutch May Prescott, whose ghost is said to haunt the area.
This tour is especially praised for its engaging storytelling and ability to connect past and present. It’s suited for those interested in true crime and ghost stories tied to Flagstaff’s lesser-known neighborhood history. Reviewers have appreciated how it reveals new layers of the city’s past, making it a compelling evening outing.
Bottom Line: Well-suited for fans of true crime and ghost stories, this tour offers a different perspective on Flagstaff’s lesser-known neighborhoods.
6. Mural Tour of Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $27.00 per person
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Flagstaff isn’t just about old buildings and ghost stories — its art scene is thriving. This mural tour takes you through downtown’s living canvas, where colorful murals tell stories of cultural exchange, local history, and artistic expression. Led by passionate locals, you’ll visit murals like “The Sound of Flight” and “All From A Moment Alive,” learning about the artists and the stories behind each piece.
This tour appeals to those interested in culture and art, offering a different way to connect with Flagstaff’s history. It’s a relaxed walk with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into the town’s creative spirit. Reviewers love how the murals enhance their understanding of Flagstaff’s cultural evolution.
Bottom Line: A good choice for art lovers and those wanting a visual story of Flagstaff’s modern-day expressions rooted in its history.
7. Flagstaff Cemetery Haunted History Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (2 reviews)
Price: $40.00 per person
Duration: 1 hour
This tour takes you through Citizens Cemetery, home to some of Flagstaff’s most notable figures — from outlaws and aviators to astronomers. You’ll visit graves like Vesto Slipher, who proved the motion of galaxies, and the FAA mass grave from a tragic 1956 plane crash. Your guide will share stories about murdered outlaws, haunted businessmen, and tragic travelers.
The cemetery tour offers a quiet, reflective experience with a mix of history and ghost tales. It’s an intimate way to connect with Flagstaff’s more somber stories, and the reviews emphasize the knowledgeable guide’s respectful storytelling style.
Bottom Line: A contemplative, historical walk for those interested in Flagstaff’s notable burials and ghostly legends.
8. From Flagstaff or Sedona: Hopi Lands Cultural Tour & Lunch
Rating: 5/5 (1 review)
Price: $328 per person
Duration: 10-11 hours
For travelers wanting an immersive cultural experience, this tour takes you to Hopi villages, including Walpi, the oldest continuously occupied community in the U.S. It includes a Hopi guide, visits to the Hopi Museum, and a traditional lunch at the Hopi Cultural Center. It’s a full-day journey that offers rare insight into Native American life, traditions, and history.
This trip stands out for its authentic culture, giving a rare glimpse into Hopi society and their ongoing connection to the land. It’s a longer, more intensive experience, suited for those interested in Native American culture and willing to spend a day outside Flagstaff.
Bottom Line: Best for culturally curious travelers who want a meaningful, educational experience with a focus on Hopi traditions.
$328 per person
9. Southside Flagstaff Haunted History, True Crime & Ghost Tour
Rating: /5 (reviews)
Price: $28 per person
Duration: 75 minutes
This tour explores Flagstaff’s Southside neighborhood, once infamous as the Red Light District. Walk through spots linked to spectral encounters, old gunfights, and unresolved mysteries. Your guide will highlight sites like the Old Anderson Building and historic gunfight spots. It’s an atmospheric walk that connects Flagstaff’s wild past with its lively present.
While reviews are not listed, the tour’s focus on Flagstaff’s notorious past makes it an intriguing choice for those interested in ghost stories, crime, and local legends. It offers a different perspective on the city’s less polished, more rugged history.
Bottom Line: A compelling nocturnal walk for those interested in Flagstaff’s gritty, haunted history.
$28 per person
How to Choose the Perfect Flagstaff Historical Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and how much time you want to dedicate. If ghosts are your thing, the Haunted History Tours (numbers 1, 3, 5, 9) are excellent options, especially if you enjoy storytelling with a spooky edge. The Flagstaff Underground Tour offers a unique underground perspective, perfect for curiosity about hidden city secrets. Art lovers should look at the Mural Tour for a colorful, visual experience. For culture, the Hopi Lands Tour provides an in-depth Native American experience.
Budget-wise, tours range from around $27 to $40 per person, with the Segway tour at $129 offering a different kind of value: physical activity and a broad overview in just two hours. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots on popular tours.
Flagstaff’s variety of historical tours provides a wide window into its past, from ghost stories and underground tunnels to murals and Native American culture. For those who love walking, the Haunted History Walking Tour or the Cemetery Tour deliver intimate, storytelling-rich experiences. If you’re after a faster, more energetic day, the Segway tour covers a lot in less time. And for those curious about the town’s artistic side, the Mural Tour is a colorful way to connect with Flagstaff’s contemporary identity.
No matter your interest, booking early ensures a spot on these popular tours. Take your pick and enjoy exploring Flagstaff’s compelling stories — the past is waiting to be discovered.