Scream Tourism: A Tourism Trend That’s Been Living Here All Along

I just came across the phrase scream tourism in a tourism industry email, and immediately thought, “Well, that is exactly what Virginia City has been doing all along.” Haunted settings? Yes. Spine-tingling history? Absolutely. The kind of place where your imagination races even in broad daylight? Without a doubt.

This town was built in the 1800s, and it shows in all the right ways. I am talking about creaky boardwalks, candlelit corners, historic buildings with stories etched into every wall, and the occasional unexplained noise that no one ever quite manages to explain. There is an authenticity here that ghost hunters and curious travelers can feel.

Every October, Virginia City takes it to the next level with Hauntober®, our trademarked, month-long celebration of all things eerie, haunted, and historic. It includes ghost tours, haunted escape rooms, spooky storytelling, and immersive events that lean into the town’s haunted reputation. But here is the best part: that energy never really leaves. Hauntober® may headline the calendar, but Virginia City can be a scream tourism destination throughout the year. Whether you are chasing ghosts, chasing history, or just chasing a good excuse to explore someplace different and unique, this is your kind of trip.

You can learn more about this year’s lineup at visitvirginiacitynv.com/Hauntober. If you are ready to dip your boots into the scream tourism trend, Virginia City has everything you need for a day or a weekend of eerie exploration. Here is a sample itinerary to get your ghost-loving gears turning.

Morning

Start your day with a stroll along the historic boardwalks and take in the architecture that gives Virginia City its haunted reputation. Stop by the Visitor Center for maps, attraction tickets, and tips on where to find the town’s most haunted corners.

Afternoon

Visit one of our historic museums or buildings with a reputation for unexplained activity. Some tours may include storytelling elements, local legends, and artifacts with a past. You never know what you will hear…or feel.

Evening

As the sun begins to set, the energy shifts. Take part in a guided ghost tour, explore a haunted escape room, or simply wander around town and let your imagination fill in the gaps. Paranormal experiences feel different after dark, and here, there is no shortage of shadows to chase.

This is just the beginning. Scream tourism in Virginia City is what you make of it. Self-guided or tour-led, spine-tingling or simply curious, it is all here waiting for you. And there is so much more to do than I can cover in one blog post.

For the most up-to-date schedules, haunted happenings, ghost tours, and historic experiences, be sure to visit visitvirginiacitynv.com.