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Welcome To Dover's #1 Rated Ghost Tour!

Gruesome murders, rebellions, and bloody battles tainted the historic district of Dover, leaving anguished souls and terrifying haunted tales.

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Join Dover Dark History Tour to uncover chilling stories of a quaint refuge transformed by injustice and war that left tortured souls and unhinged spirits determined to make their disembodied voices heard.

Dover Dark History Tour

Location
All tours meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 121 M.L.K. Jr Blvd N, Dover, DE 19901
Duration
Tours last 1 hour across a 1-mile walking distance. Ask about the bonus extended tour to additional haunted locations!
When
Tours are held nightly
Admission
Simply bring your ID. You do not need a printed ticket or passes.
Parking
Visit parkopedia.com for the most up-to-date parking info.

Meet Us Here

Meeting location image for tour: Dover Dark History Tour
Collage of images of tour guests enjoying their tours

The Experiences You've Heard About

Angela Swoveland

Five Stars

Elliott was awesome!!

04.22.25

Connie Heischmidt

Five Stars

Tour guide Vinny was very informative. He kept in contact with us to let us know where and when to meet via text.

03.11.25

Erin Myers

Five Stars

We had the best tour with Vinny! We had a small group which gave us more time to talk and stay at places a little longer. It was also nice to get reco...

02.11.25

Read All Reviews

Preview The Most Haunted Locations In Dover

A tall building near a murder site

Cooch Turner Murder Site

Uncover the twisted tales of Dover’s “Mad Doctor” and hear the gritty details of a gruesome murder incident that left the town reeling and created the backdrop for the unexplained long after. Visit the site of this horrific crime on the Dover Dark History Tour, where you’ll learn about Dr. I ...

A haunted, creepy cemetery

Historic Cemetery

Come on the Dover Dark History Tour tonight to unravel the spooky tales of the historic Christ Episcopal Church cemetery in Dover. Learn about the mysterious Caesar Rodney, who rode through the night to change history and now might just be strolling around in his ghostly boots and spurs.

A mansion under a dark, creepy sky

Woodburn

With its chilling ties to the notorious Underground Railroad in Dover and a tragic Southern raider’s ghost, Woodburn is brimming with eerie tales you’ll hear on the Dover Dark History Tour. Uncover the spooky stories of the most infamous haunt in Delaware and discover why this stately mansion is ...

Welcome To Dover Dark History Tour

Once a tranquil settlement, the capital of Delaware faced turmoil that created the perfect scenario for the dark tales and restless spirits that you’ll uncover on the Dover Dark History Tour tonight. 

The Price of Freedom 

Dover Dark History Tour digs up the chilling secrets of one such location, where you’ll discover the story of the famous “Penman of the Revolution,” whose principles contradicted his practices. His fiery writings may have inspired colonists to rise against tyranny, but the eerie energy around the Dickinson Plantation cast a long, dark shadow over his legacy.

As one of the wealthiest men in the British American colonies, Dickinson maintained his grip on power long after the tide began to turn against the institution in the region. Be ready to confront the unsettling truths of Dickson’s double-edged life and uncover the hauntings left behind.

Reports of ghostly quill scratching and rustling papers around his old study hint that Dickinson himself may still be hard at work. But his ghost isn’t the only presence known to lurk in the shadows of the old plantation. Could it be the unfortunate souls of enslaved individuals, or are they simply the lost voices of those who never found freedom in life but now seek solace in the afterlife? Find out tonight on the Dover Dark History Tour.

What Will I See?

Visit Dover’s Most Haunted Locations, Including:

  • Historic Cemetery – Come on our Dover Dark History Tour tonight to unravel the spooky tales of the historic Christ Episcopal Church cemetery in Dover. Learn about the mysterious Caesar Rodney, who rode through the night to change history and now might just be strolling around in his ghostly boots and spurs. 
  • Cooch Turner Murder Site – Uncover the twisted tales of Dover’s “Mad Doctor” and hear the gritty details of a gruesome murder incident that left the town reeling and created the backdrop for the unexplained long after. Visit the site of this horrific crime on our Dover Dark History Tour, where you’ll learn about Dr. Isaac West’s heinous act and the haunting presence that still lurks in the shadows of Dover today! 
  • Woodburn – With its chilling ties to the notorious Underground Railroad in Dover and a tragic Southern raider’s ghost, Woodburn is brimming with eerie tales you’ll hear on the Dover Dark History Tour. Join us tonight to uncover the spooky stories of the most infamous haunt in Delaware and discover why this stately mansion is the ultimate playground for restless spirits just waiting to tell their tales!

Murder, Mayhem, and the Legend of the “Fiend of Hell”

Dover Dark History Tour offers you a front-row seat to the scene of one of the most notorious murder mysteries in the history of Delaware at the infamous Cooch Turner Murder Site. Discover how a well-respected physician was caught in a web of deceit, betrayal, and bloodshed when a simple dispute turned deadly.

Learn how Dr. West went from being a revered community personality to a figure of fear, with locals watching in horror as his life unraveled in the most shocking way imaginable. His dark legacy continues to haunt the town, as chilling sightings and eerie encounters keep his name alive long after his death.

There may be nothing left of where the gruesome act occurred today, but the ghost of “The Mad Doctor” still prowls the streets. Locals say they’ve felt an unsettling chill in the air or caught a glimpse of a figure in a dark suit when they come near. Listen out for his eerie footsteps as you stroll through the haunting streets, as you may just be the next to witness firsthand the remnants of Dover’s sordid past. 

Ghouls of the Governor’s Residence 

Woodburn’s design may have provided the perfect cover for its pioneer spirits to keep themselves hidden from prying eyes. But no building can keep its spooky secrets locked up forever. Prepare to uncover how an unsuspecting preacher stumbled upon the elusive ghostly figure of the building’s pioneer resident, with the old man’s playful spirit paving the way for other spirited residents to frolic through its sprawling corridors and secret nooks.

The flickering presence of the old man and a mysterious girl in a vintage dress is known to appear in shadows. It’s also said that the restless soul of a former Southern slave angrily roams the grounds, seeking vengeance. 

Feel the air grow colder as you learn about the countless souls who sought refuge here during the perilous days of the Underground Railroad. Each whisper of the wind seems to carry the weight of those who hid from the horrors outside. And if you listen closely, you might even hear the ghostly footsteps of the desperate freedom seekers on this thrilling Dover Dark History Tour. 

Why is Dover so Haunted?

Secrets and Spirits 

Old Dover may not boast the grandeur and glitz of a modern Capitol City back in the day, but its cobblestone streets hide a history laced with mystery and intrigue that rivals the polished charm of its illustrious present. 

Discover the haunting tales of the Golden Fleece and the secrets hidden within its walls. Hear how it transformed from a quiet watering hole into a hub for sneaky spies and revolutionary soldiers, where plans were hatched and loyalties tested over pints of ale.

Strange noises and sightings of the long-gone patrons still stuck in their ghostly gathering have left more than one visitor perplexed and spooked. Feel the eerie chill of their lingering presence on an unfiltered haunted stroll through downtown Dover.

A Deadly Surprise


One of Dover’s darkest stories lies in the shadow of the old Pennington Mansion, where a simple box of chocolates sealed the fate of two sisters. Join the Dover Dark History Tour to experience the chilling legacy of the infamous poison candy murder in Delaware and uncover the twisted tale of a spurned lover who sought revenge through a sweet deception.

Be ready to discover the unfortunate story of a famous Delaware congressman and his daughters, whose life took a tragic turn thanks to a deadly box of chocolates. As you hear the gritty details of this sensational saga, you’ll learn about the intrigue surrounding the delivery, the chaos that erupted, and the heart-wrenching consequences that shocked the entire town.

Poisoned by her husband’s lover in a fit of jealousy, Mary Elizabeth’s ghost is rumored to haunt the grounds with her sister, perhaps seeking closure from the tragedy that happened long ago. With tales of the two sisters staring forlornly from the windows, their spirits seem unable to move on from the horrors that unfolded in their beloved home. Get the scoop on this harrowing tale and more on a heart-pounding Dover ghost tour.

Dover’s Most Haunted 


What started as a charming, peaceful settlement soon morphed into a city with a haunting past, as decades of upheaval and misfortune shaped its character and ambiance. With the city’s once-celebrated streets now the backdrop for mysterious disappearances, sudden deaths, and shocking crimes, almost everywhere you turn holds the ghostly whispers of its eerie history hidden in plain sight.

The eerie whispers at the Lakeside Cemetery hint at restless spirits longing for peace. The Green, one of the town’s three public squares, serves as the haunting ground for the ghost of a grumpy judge, who’s known to stroll among the tombstones and into the heart of the town. Whether you’re a ghostly enthusiast or just a curious soul looking to uncover the city’s secrets, Dover Dark History Tour invites you to indulge in the spine-tingling stories that linger in the shadows.

* This is a walking tour and we do not enter privately-owned buildings or private property *

5 REASONS TO BOOK YOUR DOVER DARK HISTORY TOUR RIGHT NOW!

1) You Love Haunted Mansions and Twisted Family Tragedies

Nefarious deeds, scandals, and despicable acts make up the tragic foundation of the horrible events that shaped the haunted landscape of Delaware’s capital city, and you’re going to hear it all on your next Dover Dark History Tour. The historic Pennington Mansion has a dark legacy that even the bravest souls can’t resist. This is the site where a box of chocolates sealed the tragic fate of two sisters in a scandalous murder that rocked Dover to its core. Discover the spine-chilling story of jealousy, betrayal, and a poisonous plot gone terribly wrong. 

2) You’re Fascinated by Dark American History

Ever wonder what happens when a city built on revolution, cockfights, and civil rights battles tries to sleep at night? Spoiler: it doesn’t. Dover may look like a quaint capital, but it’s packed with eerie history just waiting to be uncovered. From mysterious deaths to unsolved crimes and everything in between, this city has seen it all. On the Dover Dark History Tour, you’ll dig up the hidden stories of Dover’s streets, where whispers of past tragedies still echo. Learn about the strange disappearances and ghostly encounters that make this historic town a haven for the restless souls of vicious characters from its troubled past.

3) You Want an Unforgettable Experience in Delaware

If you’ve explored Dover’s charming streets and are craving a little more thrill than a leisurely stroll, it’s time to embrace the eerie side of history. From the rumblings of colonial disputes to the disruptions of the Civil War, there’s a lot of ghostly drama to see, hear, and experience. Our Dover Dark History Tour brings the city’s spine-chilling past to life each night. You’ll hear about the mysterious happenings that have left their mark on the city, all while having a spooky good time!

4) You Want to Escape the Everyday Routine

Tired of the same old weekend plans? Step outside the ordinary and embrace the thrills and chills of Dover’s haunted past on your Dover Dark History Tour! Our haunted walking tour takes you through Dover’s historic district, where you’ll stroll past haunted landmarks and discover the chilling tales that haunt them. It’s the perfect break from your boring daily routine and an opportunity to explore Dover’s dark and twisted history and engage in something new.

5) You’re Searching for Unique Family Fun in Dover

Got the whole gang with you for a fun-filled weekend in Dover? Don’t miss the chance to embark on a ghostly adventure together! The Dover Dark History Tour is one of the best family-friendly activities in town, with chilling stories that will captivate everyone, from the youngest to the oldest. Plus, you’ll create unforgettable memories as you wander through the city’s haunted history together!

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