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Austin Murder Walk: Explore America's First Serial Killer
4.9
248 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
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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
(248 Ratings)
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Lauren_n
May 15, 2024
Informative and interesting - We didn't get to do the murder walk due to not enough people in the tour. However we did the ghost tour. Alyssa was great! The only thing we wish we could've done differently is to be able to go inside all of the places to see the different rooms where the alleged ghosts were witnessed.
Review provided by Viator
Anthony_t
May 8, 2024
Great tour. - William gave us a lot of historical information about what happened in the serial killer murders. I enjoyed the tour very much, if you like true crime like my wife you will enjoy it. I am not into true crime but I thoroughly enjoyed it. William was great
Review provided by Viator
Zatannav2020
May 3, 2024
Great tour! - The tour was amazing. We loved hearing about all the details and seeing the actual locations that we had only read about. Seeing what remains of that time period was beautiful, despite there being so little of it left. Will was an awesome tour guide and we had a great time for my daughter's birthday. She wouldn't stop talking about it afterward.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jana_m
Apr 19, 2024
Fun experience in Austin - Will did a great job telling the murder story! Got to see parts of Austin that we would have most likely missed on our own. Great for our true crime junkies in the group.
Review provided by Viator
L1218rmlisaf
Apr 11, 2024
Worth every Penny! - Worth every penny! Our whole group all agreed we would highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in true crime or even a night out for a stroll. Our guide Will was very animated and told the story engagingly. Definitely knew their stuff! 10/10
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Landy_coys
Apr 7, 2024
Whodunnit ???? - Really enjoyed this tour, an engrossing story that was entirely new to me, whilst walking the sadly redeveloped and car parked covered Austin streets. Tyler told the story well, answered all our questions and gave us references to look up further info. Some people in reviews have suggested that the detail is too much, however it’s no more gruesome than that given by the Beefeaters that do the Jack the Ripper tour in London.
Thanks Tyler & Team.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bill_h
Apr 6, 2024
Great time! Will is fantastic! - We had family in from out of town and thought this would be a good time. Little did we know it would be a great time! Our guide, Will, was amazing and you could tell he had incredible passion for what he was doing. I completely recommend and if you can get Will you will have a fantastic time!
Review provided by Viator
Karrie_j
Apr 6, 2024
Awesome!!! - This tour was awesome. Our tour guide Will was very knowledgeable and made the experience one to remember.
Review provided by Viator
Temple_g
Apr 25, 2024
Interesting tour - I am a true crime junkie so this tour was right up my alley. I didn't expect a huge crowd since it was a Wed night. The tour was my husband, myself, one other person, and Shannon as our tour guide.
I have to say that I really appreciated Shannon's storytelling and enthusiasm for the tale. It was a nice look and it's nice to see how the people around town respect each tour guide and recognize them. Shannon was a wealth of knowledge. She showed us old pictures of Austin at various spots which brought the story to life. The tour ended at the beautiful Driskell Hotel where we could enjoy a drink or just sit in the lounge. I had a good time.
Review provided by Viator
Robin_b
Apr 19, 2024
Fun experience! - Shannon was very knowledgeable and then experience was a lot of fun. The walking distance was very minimal. The only complaint was the noise level at the Driskill.
Review provided by Viator
