Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

If you’re curious about Memphis’s shadowy past, the True Crime History Bus Tour offers a fascinating peek behind the city’s lively music scene and vibrant culture. This 1.5-hour journey promises stories of notorious crimes, legendary mobsters, and chilling unsolved mysteries. It’s a unique way to explore Memphis’s darker chapters, and from reviews, it’s clear many travelers find it both entertaining and enlightening.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the lively storytelling and the chance to see some of Memphis’s historic sites from a perspective you won’t find in typical sightseeing trips. Plus, the price—just $41 per person—seems to offer good value for a compact but well-curated experience.

However, a potential consideration is the brief duration—1.5 hours—and the fact that there’s some walking involved during off-bus stops. If you’re after an in-depth crime documentary experience, this is more of an overview.

But for those wanting a fun, spooky, and slightly macabre look at Memphis’s past, it hits the mark perfectly. This tour suits history buffs, true crime fans, or anyone interested in the city’s less-glamorous stories.

This experience made our article of The 12 Top Historical Tours In Memphis: Which Is Best?.

Key Points

• Engaging storytelling and a knowledgeable local guide make the experience memorable.
• Includes a stop at Moxy Hotel, where you can enjoy themed cocktails, mocktails, or water—adding a social element.
• Well-organized and priced affordably, offering good value for those interested in Memphis’s darker history.
• Short but sweet: lasts 1.5 hours, ideal for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.
• Includes transportation on a comfortable bus, with options for parking nearby.
• Real stories, real locations: see where notorious crimes occurred and learn about local figures like Georgia Tann and Alma Theede.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Memphis True Crime Bus Tour

When considering a tour that unearths the city’s more sinister stories, this Memphis True Crime Bus Tour stands out for its mix of historical facts and engaging narration. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a group, the tour’s format is straightforward and accessible. It’s designed to give you a sense of Memphis’s dark side without overwhelming you with too much information.

What to Expect During the Tour

Starting at Backbeat Tours’ ticket stand near Alfred’s, you’ll meet your guide and hop aboard a climate-controlled bus. The tour is usually scheduled in the afternoon and lasts about an hour and a half, making it easy to squeeze into a busy itinerary. The experience is mostly seated, but there’s about a half-mile of walking during some off-bus stops, which may include walking to specific crime scenes or historic sites.

The route takes you past some of Memphis’s most notorious locations—think of it as a moving storytelling session. Your guide, often praised for their knowledgeable and engaging style, will recount tales of serial killers, mobsters, vengeful lovers, and unsolved cases. As the bus rolls through the city, you’ll hear about Memphis’s most scandalous moments, from Georgia Tann’s baby thefts using the Tennessee Children’s Home Society to the story of Alma Theede, dubbed the “Black Widow” of Vance Avenue, known for her long list of dead husbands.

Highlights of the Tour

One of the standout moments is learning about Georgia Tann, whose manipulation of the foster care system allowed her to steal babies for adoption rackets. The story is chilling and makes you wonder how such corruption went unnoticed for so long. Guests also enjoy the story of Alma Theede, whose personal narrative adds a darker, more personal touch to the tour’s overall theme of crime and scandal.

The tour also covers the largest jail break in Shelby County history—a true testament to Memphis’s tumultuous past—and stories of notorious saloons on Beale Street that earned their deadly reputations. As you pass by these sites, it’s easy to imagine the chaos and danger that once permeated the city streets.

The Moxy Hotel Stop and Themed Drinks

One of the tour’s added perks is stopping at the Moxy Hotel, where you can enjoy themed cocktails (or mocktails and water). This relaxed break allows for socializing and reflection on what you’ve just heard. Many reviews mention the fun atmosphere and the chance to discuss stories with fellow travelers.

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Guides and Group Dynamics

According to travelers, the guides are a major highlight. Multiple reviews praise them for their storytelling skills, cheerful personalities, and depth of knowledge. One reviewer from New Zealand mentioned that their guide was “very friendly and knew the key data and tips extremely well,” which enhanced the experience. Others appreciated the cheerful attitude and ability to keep things light while sharing sometimes dark tales.

The Value for Money

At $41, the tour offers reasonable value, especially considering it includes transportation, a live guide, and a stop at a themed bar. Many reviews describe it as “well worth the price,” especially for the quality of storytelling and the behind-the-scenes stories that aren’t always covered in traditional history tours.

Practical Details

Parking is straightforward near the meeting point, with several garages and street parking options within a few blocks. The tour does require some walking during stops, but most travelers found this manageable. It’s a flexible activity since you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve with the option to pay later.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, true crime fans, or anyone curious about Memphis’s gritty past. It’s also a good fit for travelers seeking something different from the usual Memphis attractions like Beale Street or Graceland. The 1.5-hour format makes it ideal for those with limited time or as a quick evening activity.

While it isn’t an in-depth crime documentary, the stories are vivid and often surprising, making for memorable storytelling. If you’re traveling with kids, check the content—some stories may be too dark or intense for very young children, but most adults and teens should find it more fascinating than frightening.

Final Thoughts on the Memphis True Crime Bus Tour

This tour offers an engaging, entertaining way to explore a less-glamorous side of Memphis. The combination of knowledgeable guides, interesting stories, and a reasonable price makes it a strong choice for anyone wanting to add some mystery and suspense to their Memphis visit.

You’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the city’s complex past and a handful of stories that will likely come up in conversation long after the tour ends. It’s a well-organized, fun experience that balances historical insight with a sense of thrill.

Whether you’re a true crime aficionado or simply looking for an offbeat activity, this tour provides a captivating glimpse into Memphis’s shadowy history. It’s a memorable, value-packed outing that will leave you both intrigued and slightly spooked—in the best way.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour runs for approximately 1.5 hours, making it a compact yet informative experience.

Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at Backbeat Tours’ ticket stand on the downstairs patio at Alfred’s, near Beale Street.

Is parking available nearby?
Yes, there are four parking garages within a few blocks, including one just two blocks away at 149 Peabody Place. Street parking on nearby streets is also an option.

Does the tour include any walking?
Yes, there are some off-bus stops where you’ll walk about half a mile in total to see specific sites or crime scenes.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers round-trip transportation on an air-conditioned bus, a live guide, and a stop at Moxy Hotel for themed drinks or water.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel planning.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most reviews praise the stories, some content may be dark or intense, so consider your children’s sensitivity before booking.

The Memphis True Crime Bus Tour offers a lively, well-structured look into the city’s less-glamorous history, packed with stories that entertain and inform. It’s a must-try for anyone wanting to see Memphis from a darker, more intriguing angle.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby