Denver Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl

Denver’s haunted mansions are the real draw here. Over roughly two hours, you walk through the area around Millionaires Row and Cheesman Park, stopping at local bars while your guide shares tales of restless spirits, troubled homes, and Denver’s less polished past.

I like the mix of small-group storytelling and neighborhood bars, and I like that the tour uses places such as Bar Nun, City O’ City, and Bang Up To The Elephant instead of only relying on famous tourist sights. The main caution is guide quality. Jessica, Kevin, and Kirk earned strong praise for their humor and preparation, but one poorly handled outing included thin storytelling and an abrupt departure by the guide.

Key points to know before you book

• Haunted mansion focus: Much of the experience takes place outside historic homes near Cheesman Park, not inside them.
• Four bar stops: Drinks are available at Pub on Penn, Bar Nun, City O’ City, and Bang Up To The Elephant, but beverages and food cost extra.
• Guides shape the night: Jessica, Kevin, and Kirk received especially warm comments for humor, stories, and group rapport.
• Short walking tour: Expect about two hours, several outdoor stops, and a moderate physical activity level.
• Small maximum group: The tour accepts no more than 20 people, which helps keep the storytelling personal.
• Good value for a casual night out: At $36, the price is fair if you want both local bars and spooky Denver history, but less appealing if you expect a long ghost investigation.

What this Denver ghost pub crawl is really like

This is not a haunted-house attraction with actors, special effects, or a search for hard proof of ghosts. It is a walking tour with drinks, local history, and stories tied to old homes in one of Denver’s most atmospheric residential areas.

You begin at Pub on Penn at 6:00 p.m. After meeting the guide and group, you have time to order a drink before the stories start. From there, the evening moves between bars and outdoor stops near historic houses. The guide supplies the context, while the bars provide places to warm up, order a cocktail, and meet other people.

The maximum group size is 20. That is small enough for questions and conversation, though the mood will depend on the guide and the mix of people in your group. One weekday outing was described as quiet and professional, while other groups found the evening social and easygoing.

At $36 per person, I see this as a reasonably priced night activity. You are paying for a guide, a prepared route, local stories, and access to several drinking spots. You are not paying for the drinks themselves, transportation, or a lengthy investigation at each location.

Starting with Millionaires Row at Pub on Penn

Pub on Penn is the meeting point at 1278 Pennsylvania Street. The first stop lasts about 15 minutes, giving you time to gather the group, meet the guide, and order a drink while hearing stories about Millionaires Row.

That opening works well because it gives the evening a clear setting. Denver’s old wealthy neighborhoods are more interesting when you know something about the people who built the mansions and the social world around them. The pub also gives you a practical chance to use the restroom and get a drink before the outdoor walking begins.

The weak point is the bar itself. One account described the staff as unpleasant, and another said the bar did not seem prepared for the group. That does not mean every visit will go badly, but I would keep your expectations modest. Think of Pub on Penn as the launch point, not the highlight of the evening.

The tour does not include alcoholic drinks. You pay for each beverage and any food yourself, so budget for more than the $36 ticket if you plan to order at several stops.

Bar Nun and the first taste of the night

Bar Nun Denver is scheduled for about 20 minutes. It offers heated outdoor seating, bar snacks, and inventive cocktails, making it a more natural stop for a cool evening than a simple walk-by pub.

I like the practical value here. Denver evenings can feel chilly, and heated outdoor seating gives the group a place to settle in without turning the tour into a long indoor meal. You can order a cocktail or bite, listen to the guide, and get a feel for the group before the longer stretch of house stories.

A five-star account specifically singled out Bar Nun as a favorite stop. Another description praised the drinks and food options along the route. Still, you should not assume a reserved table or included food. The tour provider states that meals and alcohol are extra, and the route can be affected by the bar’s capacity.

Cheesman Park and the Dunning Benedict House

The route then turns toward Cheesman Park and the Dunning Benedict House, once associated with Walter Scott Cheesman, the namesake of the park.

This part gives the tour its strongest sense of place. You are no longer simply moving between bars. You are hearing why the park and surrounding homes have become linked with ghost stories, old deaths, and uneasy encounters. The guide explains the local background while you look at the homes from the street.

The Dunning Benedict House is one of several stops where the story matters more than any visible spectacle. You will not be entering the house based on the information provided. The appeal comes from standing outside a real historic property while hearing the stories connected with it.

For me, this is the point where the tour either works or falls flat. A guide who adds detail, shows photos or videos, and answers questions can make a familiar street feel strange. A guide who recites only a short paragraph may leave you wondering why you came. Jessica was praised for answering questions and encouraging a welcoming group, while Kevin was noted for strong delivery and rapport.

Croke-Patterson-Campbell House and Denver’s darker stories

The Croke-Patterson-Campbell House is presented as one of the most haunted homes on the route. Here, the guide shares unsettling encounters associated with the property.

This stop appears designed for atmosphere rather than a long historical lecture. You may hear about people who felt watched, heard unexplained sounds, or experienced other disturbing events. The value depends on how much background the guide provides and how clearly the stories are tied to the home.

The best guides add a sense of proportion. They can tell a spooky story without presenting every claim as fact. That balance matters to me. You can enjoy the folklore, notice the old architecture, and still keep a sensible view of what is documented and what has grown through retelling.

Because the tour takes place in a residential neighborhood, the group should also keep voices and behavior respectful. The listed route focuses on homes, not private access. You are there to hear the story from the public street, not to treat the neighborhood like a stage set.

Sheedy Mansion, Whitehead House, and the story-heavy middle

At the Sheedy Mansion, the guide tells stories of ghostly workers who are said to remain tied to the property. This adds a different angle to the tour. The focus is not only on wealthy residents, but also on the people who worked in these grand homes.

The Whitehead House brings another set of reported encounters. The strange activity is said to have begun after Whitehead first moved in, and the guide shares first-person accounts along with darker explanations for the haunting.

These stops are likely to blend together if your guide does not vary the delivery. That is the central risk with any house-based ghost walk. You see the outside of several homes, listen to a story, and walk on. The strongest guides create distinct characters and settings so each stop has its own identity.

Kirk was praised for having several stories for each building and keeping the group entertained. That detail is useful because it tells you what good pacing looks like here. You want more than a single ghost anecdote per address. You want enough context to understand why each house has a different reputation.

Cottage House and the tale of Madge

The Cottage House changes the visual rhythm of the route. It is described as an older cottage among larger mansions, a reminder that the neighborhood once included smaller homes as well as grand residences.

The main spirit connected with the cottage is thought to be a woman named Madge. Her story gives the guide a named figure to build around, rather than another general tale about strange sounds or unexplained movement.

I find this kind of contrast useful. The mansions can make the tour feel focused only on Denver’s wealthy past, while the cottage suggests a broader neighborhood story. It also gives you a chance to notice how the streets changed over time, even if the tour does not provide a full architectural study.

City O’ City for a mid-tour pause

City O’ City is scheduled for about 15 minutes. You can order a craft beer or cocktail, with food and drinks purchased separately.

This stop helps break up the outdoor storytelling. A short indoor pause gives you time to chat with the group, compare favorite stories, and warm up if the evening is cold. It also makes the experience feel more like a pub crawl than a standard walking tour.

The timing is brief, so I would not plan on a full meal here. If you need dinner, you should treat this as a drink or small bite stop unless the guide says otherwise. The experience is built around movement, not extended dining.

The bar choices also make the tour more appealing to people who are not serious ghost hunters. You can enjoy the local drinks and neighborhood atmosphere even if you remain skeptical about the supernatural material.

Finishing at Bang Up To The Elephant

The final named bar is Bang Up To The Elephant, where the guide wraps up the evening. The bar and restaurant is known on this route for quirky drinks and a lively setting, and it received especially positive comments for atmosphere.

One group called the stop a highlight after finding the first bar disappointing. That contrast is worth noting. The final location can shape your last impression, and Bang Up To The Elephant appears to be a stronger finish than the opening stop for some groups.

The published meeting details say the activity ends back at the meeting point, while the route description says the guide says goodbye at Bang Up To The Elephant. Since those details do not fully match, check the confirmation message before you set your evening plans. Either way, you should expect the tour to finish in the same general central Denver area rather than include a ride elsewhere.

Guide quality matters more than the ghost claims

The most praised part of this experience is not one particular house. It is the guide.

Jessica was described as friendly, well prepared, and happy to answer questions. Kevin was praised for delivery and rapport. Kirk was noted for humor, strong knowledge of the buildings, and several stories at each stop. Those details point to the kind of evening you want: a guide who can adjust to the group instead of simply reading a script.

There was also a serious negative account. The guide did not introduce herself, offered little historical detail, seemed unable to answer questions, and left abruptly at the end while the group was left with her drink tab. The provider apologized and invited the customer to contact guest relations.

That problem may have been an isolated staffing failure, but it is still relevant. Ghost tours depend heavily on performance. If the guide is prepared and engaging, the walk can be funny, informative, and spooky. If not, the same route can feel like a series of thin stories outside private homes.

Walking, timing, and what to bring

The experience lasts about two hours and requires a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be comfortable walking between bars and outdoor residential stops, standing while stories are told, and staying with the group.

Transportation is not included. The tour begins at Pub on Penn, and you should plan your own way to the start. The route is near public transportation, which makes that easier, though no specific transit line or parking arrangement is supplied.

Bring a phone with the booking details, comfortable shoes, and clothing suited to the evening. Outdoor seating is available at Bar Nun, but not every stop is indoors. You should also bring enough money for drinks and food, since those costs are separate from the ticket.

Service animals are allowed. The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Who will get the most from this $36 evening?

I would choose this tour if you want a relaxed night with a little history, a few drinks, and ghost stories that connect to actual Denver buildings. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and people who enjoy meeting others in a small group.

It is also a good choice for a weekday evening. One solo booking found the smaller group and professional approach useful, while noting that people wanting a crowded experience with many stops should choose something else.

I would skip it if you want a serious paranormal investigation, access inside haunted houses, or a long stop at every bar. The route is quick, the drinks cost extra, and several house stops depend on storytelling rather than activities.

At $36, the value is strongest when the guide is good and you make use of the bar stops. If you plan to buy only one drink and expect a polished theatrical show, the price may feel high. If you enjoy a social walk and want an unusual way to see the Cheesman Park area after dark, it is a fair deal.

Should you book the Denver Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl?

Book it if the combination of Denver mansion stories, local bars, and a compact evening route sounds right for you. The standout guides can make the experience warm, funny, and memorable, and Bang Up To The Elephant and Bar Nun add more character than a simple street walk.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is a guided pub crawl with folklore, not proof of the paranormal. Confirm the ending point, budget separately for drinks, and remember that the guide is the main variable. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 6:00 p.m. start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable.

FAQ

How long does the Denver Spirits & Spirits Haunted Pub Crawl last?

The tour lasts approximately two hours.

Where does the tour begin?

It begins in front of Pub on Penn at 1278 Pennsylvania Street, Denver, Colorado 80203.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 6:00 p.m.

Which bars are included on the route?

The named bar stops are Pub on Penn, Bar Nun Denver, City O’ City, and Bang Up To The Elephant.

Are drinks included in the ticket price?

No. Alcoholic beverages and food are not included, so you pay for them separately.

Is transportation provided?

No. Transportation is not included. The tour is near public transportation.

How large is the group?

The tour accepts a maximum of 20 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refundable.