Nashville Haunted Hearse Tour with Nashville Ghost Tours

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A ghost tour is a great way to learn more about a city, and the Haunted Hearse Tour with Nashville Ghost Tours was the perfect way to do just that. An evening tour is also a great way to beat the summer heat. That’s why, one warm July evening, my family signed on for one of our more unusual ghost tours–hearing ghostly tales from the back of a modified hearse.

The Nashville Haunted Hearse Tour Begins

The tour begins in the parking lot of the Union Station Hotel. We arrived early for our tour, and a couple of other parties arrived at around the same time. We waited in the parking lot in downtown Nashville, a few blocks from the river. It’s right on Broadway, down from the famous nightlife area.

We weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but soon our Nashville Ghost Tours hearse pulled up.

After our tour guide checked us all in, she explained how the tour and the tour vehicle worked.

The roof of the back of the hearse had been removed, and bench seating along the sides was added for guests. You needed to climb and lean over to board the hearse. If you have mobility issues, you may want to consider this; however, once you’re loaded inside, you won’t leave the hearse until the tour ends. This is different from some tours you take while in a vehicle.

Jeff, Kristin, and I hopped on in and settled in for the tour!

Before the tour got underway, our guide explained that the Union Station Hotel, the hotel right in front of us with its parking lot that was hosting our car while we were out and about, has its own ghostly history. Built in 1900, the building is certainly impressive. Originally, the station was a major hub for rail travel, connecting Nashville to various parts of the Southeastern United States.

In 1986, the station was repurposed and opened as a hotel. The transformation preserved much of the building’s original architecture, including its grand waiting room and ornate details. Today, Union Station Hotel is a luxury property that combines its historic roots with contemporary conveniences. Oh, and it’s haunted. I’ll let you take the tour to hear the stories.

Haunted Hearse Tour Destinations

Yes, you’re sitting in the open air as the hearse travels down various roads in Nashville. With the wind whipping through your hair, you’ll hear an appropriate tune, maybe even the Ghostbusters theme.

The TikTok below shows a little bit about what that’s like. Spoiler: it’s a lot of fun!

@staceybillingsley0

We had a great time with Nashville Ghost Tours riding in a modified hearse for the Haunted Hearse Tour! #ghosttour #Nashville #tennessee #paranormaltiktok #traveltiktok #travel #ghost

♬ Ghostbusters – Ray Parker Jr.

Stop One

It’s worth noting that the tour probably changes up the stops periodically, but this is how our tour went.

Our first stop of the tour was this apartment building that was currently under construction. The open-air hearse is nice; you can see the destinations and hear the stories, but you don’t have to get out of the vehicle.

Belmont Mansion

Built in 1853, this mansion was constructed by Joseph Acklen, a wealthy Nashville businessman, and his wife, Adelicia Hayes Acklen. Adelicia was a prominent socialite and one of the wealthiest women in the South at the time, inheriting considerable wealth from her family. Belmont Mansion served as a social center for Nashville’s elite during the antebellum period. The Acklens hosted lavish parties and gatherings, attracting many notable figures of the time.

 During the Civil War, the mansion was occupied by Union troops, and the Acklens were forced to flee. The mansion suffered some damage, but it was later restored. After the war, the Acklen family faced financial hardship, and eventually, in the 1880s, the property was sold. In 1890, the mansion became part of the campus of the newly established Belmont College, now Belmont University. The institution purchased the property to serve as a women’s college.

In 1980, Belmont Mansion opened to the public as a museum. It showcases the lifestyle of the Acklen family and the history of Nashville and the pre-Civil War South.

Below, you can catch a closer look at the cast iron details. Apparently, it was one of the first homes in Nashville to use cast iron.

And, of course, the place is haunted.

Nashville City Cemetery

Is it really a ghost tour if there’s no cemetery involved? Established in 1822, Nashville City Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Nashville. It’s the final resting place for many prominent citizens, including politicians, artists, and military legends. 

While Andrew Jackson is not buried here, you’ll hear a great story about a certain duel while parked in the hearse, overlooking the expansive cemetery. Jackson is buried at his nearby plantation, The Hermitage. If you’d like to read about our visit, click here.

The cemetery is the final resting place of one U.S. president, though–James K. Polk.

Murder on Music Row

The hearse stopped in front of this house so we could hear the story of the Murder on Music Row. I hadn’t heard much about this story before our ghost tour, but there seems to be a podcast about it. There is also a song recorded by both George Strait and Alan Jackson called “Murder on Music Row,” but as far as I can tell, it’s unrelated to the shooting that happened in this area.

The Wrap-Up

We had a blast on the Haunted Hearse Tour with Nashville Ghost Tours. We’d never rode around in this type of vehicle, and it was certainly memorable. As I mentioned before, we did our tour in July, but this would be a great tour anytime, especially during spooky season in the fall. We had excellent weather, but I could see how you may get too cool riding in an open-air hearse during cooler seasons. I’d dress in layers if you’re uncertain.

This was a nice ending to our Nashville adventure. We learned a little history and saw a little more of the city. It was the perfect touristy family outing!

Click below to read about other ghost tours we’ve done:

Whaley House/Ghosts and Gravestones–San Diego

Ghosts and Gravestones–Savannah

Lincoln Ghost Walk–Springfield, Illinois

Crescent Hotel–Eureka Springs, Arkansas