Austin Murder Walk: Explore America's First Serial Killer
4.9
242 Ratings
Austin
Discover the dark history of America's first serial killer on the Austin Murder Walk tour. Explore crime locations, theories, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through historic Austin.
Duration:
1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- The Driskill - Our expert guides will explain in detail how the iconic Driskill Hotel fits into the story of the “Servant Girl Annihilator”. Built in the very year of the murders, 1885, you will be able to tour the lobby of this magnificent hotel and view the impressive portrait of its creator, Colonel William “Jessie” Driskill.
(This stop is subject to the Driskill’s rules and hours of operation and is available most, but not every night. However, all tours will see up close this beautiful hotel and learn of its history.)
- 6th Street - Our expert true crime storytellers will escort your group through parts of the historic 6th street district in downtown Austin. Watch 6th street come to life as you view old photographs of how the street appeared during the time of the murders in 1885.
- Speakeasy - The Speakeasy Tavern at 412 Congress Avenue is a crucial stop to understanding one of the possible suspects of the servant girl murders. Our expert guides will escort you inside and explain how this location weaves into the tapestry of this true crime mystery. While at the Speakeasy, you have an opportunity to grab a drink from the bar and enjoy the history of the tavern. (Drinks not included)
What's Included
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
Additional Information
The Austin Chronicle 2022 Critic’s Choice declared it as the ‘Top Evening Entertainment.’ Back in 1885, the first known serial killer in America lurked in the nascent city of Austin’s roads and alleyways. This brute, who was scarier than any ghost tale, maliciously murdered eight women with an ax. Throughout a year, this ‘midnight assassin’ struck fear into the city inhabitants. He was never apprehended, and his real identity remains unknown…or is it?
Our most extended tour takes 1 hour and 45 minutes, covering 2 miles of historic Austin, including West 6th Street, Guy Town, Warehouse District, and a refreshment halt at the legendary Driskill Hotel. The pace is comfortable with periodic short rests and a drink stop at the Driskill (drinks are not included) on the route.
Participate in this unique true crime walking tour to explore the actual crime sites and explore various theories related to the mysterious midnight assassin. It’s an utterly ‘murderous’ tour.
- Not recommended for ages under 13.
Location
Bowie Street & West 6th Street
This tour will depart from the intersection of Bowie and West 6th, at the corner of Whole Foods in downtown Austin, Texas.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(242 Ratings)
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Smrtdrmmr
Apr 2, 2024
Austin's got some history - Another interesting way to explore different parts of Austin at night with a bit of story-telling along the way. Our guide Shannon did a great time leading us through the city starting pretty far West and making our way toward the Driskill where we ended (not at Cooper's where indicated by the Tripadvisor page). The story is interesting, albeit a little confusing as pieces of it come together. By the end of the tour, we had a good understanding of the murders and the theories behind who committed them. It was fun and well done.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesr
Mar 23, 2024
Will is a great storyteller - Will was a great storyteller. His knowledge is vast and the little details made the mystery come alive We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Review provided by Viator
Emilyj325
Mar 23, 2024
Engaging True Crime Tour - Phil was a great guide. We have done various ghost tours and true crime tours in many cities throughout the world and this was one of the best. Phil was a great story teller and could tell his passion for this true crime case. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielle_f
Mar 18, 2024
Best Tour in the U.S. - Best tour I've gone on in the U.S.—HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Will—our guide—was incredible! His passion for history combined with his easy to hear/understand voice & his gift for storytelling made this an experience we'll never forget!
Review provided by Viator
Andos76
Mar 17, 2024
Excellent! - Great tour. Tyler was very knowledgeable and the tour was great fun. Such a great tour to learn about Austin's history. Highly recommended!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angie_g
Mar 17, 2024
Tour guides are AWESOME - Tyler made the experience AMAZING! I loved the storytelling aspect of the tour. Lots of great sights and the stop at the Driskill Hotel was so great.
Review provided by Viator
Tiffany_r
Mar 15, 2024
A must when visiting Austin! - Wow, this tour was so full of Austin’s history. Our tour guide, Will, was so knowledgeable and accommodating. He was full of information and made such a wonderful memory for us. We will definitely be signing up for all the tours this company offers!
Review provided by Viator
Michellesummers2016
Feb 26, 2024
Fascinating and highly recommend - We went on the Murder Walk in Austin on a Saturday night in Feb 2024. Our tour guide was William, and we had so much fun. We learned a lot, and he was informative plus interactive, we give him 10 stars as our guide. Thank you for a memorable evening!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisacg4498iz
Feb 21, 2024
So Worth It! in Austin Murder Walk - Shannon was the best! She was so approachable when we walked up and had everyone smiling and sharing stories right off the bat! I was with my boyfriend, two ladies and a man. Her pace was appropriately paced for everyone in the group and she was so observant on any limitations or adaptability needed. She knew so much about each case in legit detail. She knew further history about the areas and players in the characters lives. The tour was thorough and really fun! I highly recommend touring with her.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Eduardo_l
Apr 2, 2024
Overprice - The tour was fine but I wouldn’t recommend. The guide was informative but kept getting annoyed at there being noise on the street… on a Saturday night…in the most popular area of Austin. You get no extras so why the price is almost double of other tours doesn’t make sense.
Review provided by Viator
