The What Waits in the Dark Tour - adults-only ghost tour in haunted Franklin, Tennessee
5 Stars • 1 Reviews

The What Waits in the Dark Tour

AN ADULTS-ONLY DESCENT INTO FRANKLIN'S DARKEST CIVIL WAR HAUNTINGS

90-Minute Tour
Downtown Franklin
Adults Only 16+
Starts: 9 pm
Book This Tour(WILL OPEN NEW WINDOW)From $34.99
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Authentic Stories

The What Waits in the Dark Tour: Overview

9 pm • 90-Minute Tour
4.8 Rated
Pet-Friendly
Ages 16+

$34.99

Per person

Minimum Age Required

16 years

Looking for a ghost tour that strips away the polite version of history? What Waits in the Dark is Franklin's only adults-only ghost tour, taking guests 16 and older deep into the bloodiest, most disturbing chapters of this Civil War town's haunted past. With unfiltered storytelling and mature themes, this is not the family tour, this is what the family tour leaves out.

Franklin is one of the most haunted small towns in America for a reason. In just five hours on November 30, 1864, nearly 10,000 men were killed, wounded, or captured here. Surgeons worked through the night on bloodstained floors. Bodies were stacked in parlors and on front porches. The What Waits in the Dark Tour walks you through the streets and homes where those tragedies unfolded, and where, by countless accounts, the spirits have never moved on.

Expect graphic Civil War accounts, real paranormal encounters, and the kind of details that make even the bravest guests pause. This tour shines a light on what's still lurking in the shadows of one of Tennessee's most haunted towns.

5
1 reviews
$34.99Per person
16+ Minimum Age Required
BUY TICKETS ONLINE(WILL OPEN NEW WINDOW)

Starting Time

Nightly: 9 pm | 90-Minute Tour

(Varies by Night)

Adults Only Ghost Tour

This tour is for ages 16 and older only

Pet Policy

This is a pet-friendly Ghost Tour

Alcohol Policy

You may NOT bring your alcoholic drinks on this Ghost Tour

What Our Guests Say

Join millions of happy guests who've experienced The What Waits in the Dark Tour with Ghost City Tours

5
Average Rating
1+
Verified Reviews
9M+
Happy Guests

“Best ghost tour we've ever been on! The guide was amazing.”

TripAdvisor

“Perfect mix of history and spooky stories. Highly recommend!”

Google

“Our guide was knowledgeable and entertaining!”

Yelp

Reviews from TripAdvisor, Google, Yelp & more

Featured Haunted Locations

Explore the spine-chilling locations you'll visit on this unforgettable ghost tour

Not all stops are guaranteed on all nights.

FEATURED STOP

The Hauntings at the Carter House

Tod Carter's Final Journey Home

Tour Stop #1
Est. 1830

With over a thousand bullet holes scarring its walls, the Carter House bears witness to some of the Civil War's bloodiest combat. The ghost of Tod Carter, who came home to die in his childhood bedroom, still haunts these grounds alongside his sister Annie and his phantom warhorse Rosencrantz.

Learn more about The Hauntings at the Carter House

Ghost Story Preview

Hear the chilling tales and witness paranormal activity that has been reported at this location for over a century.

Other Haunted Stops on This Tour

2

The Haunted Carnton Mansion and Plantation

Tennessee's Most Haunted House

Called Tennessee's most haunted house, Carnton Mansion became a Confederate hospital after the Battle of Franklin. With bloodstained floors, the ghosts of five Confederate generals, and the spirit of Carrie McGavock herself still walking the halls, Carnton is a place where death never truly departed.

Est. 1826
3

The Ghosts of the Haunted Lotz House

Ground Zero of the Battle of Franklin

Named the Second-Most Terrifying Place in America by the Travel Channel, the Lotz House sits at ground zero of the Battle of Franklin. With bloodstained floors, cannonball holes, and spirits of soldiers and children still walking its halls, this is Franklin's most haunted location.

Est. 1858
4

The Haunted Franklin Courthouse

Where Justice Was Harsh and the Dead Still Wait

Site of public executions, brutal punishments, and Civil War hospital wards, the Franklin Courthouse harbors spirits from multiple eras of tragedy. The most famous is a bearded man who appears to prisoners in holding cells, smoking a cigar before vanishing into thin air.

Est. 1858

Plus many more spine-chilling locations and untold stories

Read More Ghost Stories

Franklin's premier adults-only ghost tour

Why Choose the The What Waits in the Dark Tour?

When you purchase your tickets directly from Ghost City you're in for a stress free, easy, and enjoyable experience.

5 from 1 Reviews

Dare to Walk Franklin's Bloodiest Streets

The What Waits in the Dark Tour takes you into the shadows of the Battle of Franklin. It's the only tour designed specifically for guests 16+.

Spirits of a Haunted Town

The streets of Franklin are alive with stories of tragedy, suffering, and ghosts that still walk among us.

Raw History, Unfiltered Stories

Expect strong language, dark themes, and chilling detail. This is ghost touring at its most intense.

Franklin's Darkest Experience

If you want the real, unvarnished story of Franklin's ghosts, this is the one you can't miss.

Join millions of happy guests

Experience Franklin's #1 rated ghost tour today

Book Your Tour(WILL OPEN NEW WINDOW)

The What Waits in the Dark Tour FAQ

Everything you need to know before you go

Is the What Waits in the Dark Tour appropriate for children?

No, this tour is designed exclusively for guests ages 16 and older. The What Waits in the Dark Tour features mature content, strong language, and graphic Civil War history that are not suitable for children. If you're looking for a family-friendly ghost tour in Franklin, we recommend our Ghosts of Franklin Tour, which is perfect for all ages.

What makes the What Waits in the Dark Tour different from the Ghosts of Franklin Tour?

The What Waits in the Dark Tour is the only adults-only ghost tour in Franklin. Unlike our family-friendly tour, this experience doesn't hold back. We explore the most graphic accounts of the Battle of Franklin, the surgeons' tables at Carnton, and the violent ends of soldiers and civilians whose spirits are said to still walk these streets. With mature themes and unfiltered storytelling, this tour offers a raw look at Franklin's darkest history.

How long is the What Waits in the Dark Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. During this time, you'll walk through historic downtown Franklin and visit some of the city's most haunted locations while hearing chilling stories from your expert guide.

What time does the What Waits in the Dark Tour start?

The What Waits in the Dark Tour starts at 9:00 PM and runs nightly year-round. The tour typically ends around 10:30 PM. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to meet your guide at the starting location.

What happens if it rains?

Our tours run rain or shine! A little weather can actually add to the spooky atmosphere. However, in cases of severe weather or dangerous conditions, we'll contact you about rescheduling options.

Are pets allowed on the What Waits in the Dark Tour?

Yes, well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome to join the tour. We love when furry friends come along for the ghostly adventure. Just make sure your pet is comfortable walking for 90 minutes and being around other people.

Where does the What Waits in the Dark Tour meet?

We meet at 230 Franklin Road in downtown Franklin. Your guide will be waiting for you at this historic location. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early.

Is the What Waits in the Dark Tour a Walking Tour?

Yes, all tours offered by Ghost City Tours, including the What Waits in the Dark Tour is a walking Ghost Tour. Don't worry, our tours are only about a mile in length and you'll have plenty of chances to sit and enjoy the stories along the way. Why be crammed into a Trolley, next to people you don't know, when you can experience our haunted locations as they were meant to be experienced?

Still Have Questions?

Our Guest Services team is here to help 7 days a week from 7 AM to 11:30 PM.

Call 855-999-0491Contact Us Online

Where does the The What Waits in the Dark Tour start?

Easy to find, plenty of parking, and right in the heart of Franklin

Meeting Point

230 Franklin Road

Franklin, TN 37064

The What Waits in the Dark Tour starts at the Public Square in downtown Franklin. Look for your Tour Guide near the Confederate Monument - they'll be wearing Ghost City Tours gear and ready to begin your haunted journey.

Get Directions

Parking Information

Downtown Franklin offers several parking options including street parking and public lots. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot, or consider using rideshare services to avoid parking hassles.

Pro Tip

Arrive 10-15 minutes early to find parking and meet your tour guide

Need Help Finding Us?

If you get lost or need directions, we're here to help!

Call 855-999-0491

Available daily 9am - Midnight

Your ticket confirmation email includes:

  • •Detailed map and directions
  • •Parking recommendations
  • •Meeting point photos
Tour Starting Point
230 Franklin Road

Ready to Experience The What Waits in the Dark Tour?

Join Franklin's most popular ghost tour tonight. Limited spots available.

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90-Minute Tour Experience

Perfect evening activity for families and travelers.

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4.8

Average Rating

#1

Ghost Tour in Franklin

7+

Years Running

Why our Adult Guests love the The What Waits in the Dark Tour

Join thousands of satisfied guests who have experienced Franklin's most captivating ghost tour

23 others booked today

Franklin's Only Adults-Only Ghost Tour

The most intense ghost tour in town

Money Back Guarantee

Love your tour or get a full refund

Free Rescheduling

Plans change? Reschedule for free anytime

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100% Money Back Guarantee

We're so confident you'll love the The What Waits in the Dark Tour, we'll give you your money back if you don't. No questions asked.

Ghost City Tours' Money Back Guarantee

Our Money Back Guarantee applies only if you complete the tour in full. We're happy to reschedule your tour at no cost. If you miss your tour, we'll issue a raincheck valid in any of our cities. Refunds will not be given for no-shows, early departures, or inability to attend. We do not give refunds due to the scariness level of the tours. You must notify us within 24 hours of your Tour otherwise your claim will be dismissed.

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