Aerin Johnson
Editor in Chief
The time is coming when we try to get a chill from the world around us.
While some prefer the haunted houses where people jump out, I personally prefer getting a peek at the darker side of St. Louis history.
According to Dave Riordan of Riordan Tour, St. Louis is the fourth most haunted city in the United States. He has run Haunted History Walking Tour around St. Louis for three years and shares stories from St. Louis’ history that are sure to give you a chill.
To begin the tour, you first meet a Morgan’s Street Brewery, a restaurant with a friendly atmosphere and entertaining things such as paintings of bears and even a buffalo head.
Before going out, you can grab a bite to eat and get prepped for the walk ahead. There is a 10 percent discount at Morgan Street Brewery for tour group patrons.
After gathering everyone together, Riordan leads everyone outside to begin the tour with the rules or more specifically none.
“There are no rules!” Riordan says as he begins his tours earning a laugh. He has based this year’s tour on the 250th birthday of St. Louis. He also mentions his own personal history with ghosts. Then he leads to the first location.
Riordan leads his groups around downtown to places like Rue Royal Street, Eads Bridge and what Riordan considers to be the most haunted area of St. Louis, Claymorgan Alley. He tells exciting and interesting stories has he takes groups around the Arch.
Riordan does the research for all his stories to make sure he’s getting the facts right for the most part. However he did give an exception if he found multiple versions of the same story.
“I reserve the right to tell you the more entertaining one,” Riordan said.
The tours usually have about 20-26 people on them and are perfect for all ages. Tours start at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and cost $20 per person.
When you walk down the dark cobblestone streets and hear the wind whistle through the air, you’re sure to go back in time.
They are probably one of the most entertaining tours you will ever go on, and you are sure to get a chill, a thrill, and whatever else you’re looking for this Halloween.
