If your ideal date night involves a little history, a few cocktails, and the possibility of communicating with the dead, have I got an experience for you. My husband and I recently hopped aboard the Minneapolis Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour, and it did not disappoint. Equal parts spooky, fascinating, and entertaining, it reminded me how much fun it can be to play tourist in your own city. And yes, there may have been ghosts. Or at least some very suspicious noises.
All Aboard the Boo Bus
First things first: The vintage trolley itself is adorable. It’s even rumored to be haunted, so you’re getting the full experience before leaving the parking lot. Our guide for the evening was John, who has been making the rounds on TikTok thanks to his storytelling skills and larger-than-life personality. After spending an evening with him, I understand why. John was funny, engaging, knowledgeable, and just theatrical enough to make every creepy tale feel like the opening scene of a horror movie. As we rolled through Minneapolis, we stopped at or outside several locations with unsettling histories. John shared stories of mysterious deaths, murders, paranormal encounters, and local legends, including the ghostly woman in white said to haunt the historic Merriam Street Iron Bridge near Nicollet Island. According to local lore, her spirit lingers near the Mississippi River following a tragic drowning, with visitors reporting unexplained footsteps, sudden chills, and shadowy sightings. We also learned about Gertrude’s “cistern” beneath the historic Eugene J. Carpenter Mansion near Loring Park. Gertrude was the former lady’s maid whose story has become part of the mansion’s haunted lore.
Did That Ghost Just Answer Us?
Now, I’m not saying I believe in ghosts. But I’m also not saying I don’t believe in ghosts. At a couple of stops, we got to experience an electronic voice phenomena (EVP) device, which paranormal enthusiasts use to capture sounds they believe may come from spirits. John asked questions, and the device picked up some intriguing noises and what sounded like direct responses. Were we communicating with the other side? Was it interference? Was a ghost trying to tell us to mind our own business? Who’s to say? Whatever the explanation, it added a wonderfully eerie, interactive element to the tour. There’s something about standing in a place with a dark history, listening for an answer from someone who may or may not still be hanging around, that sends a little chill down your spine.
The VIP Attic Experience
As fun as the trolley ride was, the highlight of our evening was the VIP attic tour inside the historic Pillsbury mansion. And when I say attic, please erase any mental image of a dusty little room with a few forgotten Christmas decorations. This place was MASSIVE. We wandered through a labyrinth of tunnel-like rooms and winding spaces that seemed to go on forever. There was an unusual sense of buoyancy that made the whole experience feel slightly surreal. It was equal parts fascinating and unsettling, and I loved it. If you’re considering the ghost tour, I’d recommend adding the VIP attic experience.
A Haunted Mansion With Happy Hour? Yes, Please.
Another fun surprise was discovering that Minneapolis Trolley Tours has transformed the historic Pillsbury mansion into its headquarters, known as the Pillsbury Club. And they’ve really leaned into the atmosphere. The mansion is decorated with spooky touches, making it a fun spot to hang out before or after the tour. There’s a bar and kitchen serving themed cocktails and food that smelled absolutely incredible. We didn’t get a chance to eat, but the aromas were enough to make me reconsider our dinner plans. There’s also a small market featuring shirts, souvenirs, crafts, candles, and other goodies. My advice? Arrive early, grab a cocktail, browse the market, and enjoy the mansion before boarding.
More Than Just Ghosts
If communicating with the dearly departed isn’t your thing, Minneapolis Trolley Tours offers several other ways to explore the city. The Minneapolis Sightseeing Tour takes passengers past iconic landmarks, neighborhoods, and scenic highlights, while the Gilded Age Mansion Tour explores the architecture, history, and interiors of some of the city’s grandest homes. True crime junkies can channel their inner detective on the Minneapolis True Crime Tour, offered Saturdays and Sundays. Passengers examine evidence, hear witness statements, and play jury while working through some of the city’s most chilling cases. Basically, it’s your favorite true crime podcast, but with wheels. And when the holidays roll around, things get festive (or delightfully naughty). December brings two Holiday Light Rides: the family-friendly “Nice” tour, featuring Christmas music and dazzling decorations, and the adults-only “Naughty” tour, which kicks off with cocktails at the Pillsbury Club before turning into a rolling holiday party. There’s also a more hands-on Paranormal Ghost Hunt for anyone looking to take their supernatural investigations a step further.
A Frightfully Fun Date Night
What I loved most about the Candlelight Ghost Tour was that it wasn’t a jump-scare haunted house. It was a fun mix of Minneapolis history, creepy folklore, storytelling, and just enough paranormal intrigue to keep us guessing. You don’t have to believe in ghosts to enjoy it. You just have to appreciate a good story, a little mystery, and an excuse to explore the darker side of the city. My husband and I had an absolute blast, and I’d happily hop aboard again. Although next time, I might need to try the true crime tour. Or the holiday cocktail trolley. For research purposes, obviously. My verdict: Come for the ghost stories, stay for the cocktails, and don’t skip the attic. 
Know Before You Go
What: Minneapolis Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour
Where: Tours begin at the historic Pillsbury Club mansion in Minneapolis.
Tickets: Approximately $50-$80 per person, depending on the day and time. Check VIP attic tour options when booking.
When: Ghost tours are offered daily, with sightseeing, true crime, mansion, and seasonal holiday tours also available.
Pro tip: Arrive early to enjoy the cocktails, food, and market inside the Pillsbury Club.
More information and tickets: Minneapolis Trolley Tours
