Garden Ghost Stories

Garden Ghost Stories returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden on Thursday, October 22, as part of a series running Tuesdays and Thursdays from October 6 through October 29. It's a two-hour walk and talk that starts at 6 PM, right as the light begins to fade. You'll bring a flashlight and follow a guide through the grounds at dusk, stopping to hear ghost stories that have happened on the property. The stories are tied to the Garden itself, so the setting is as much a part of the experience as the tales.

The Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd in the Shaw neighborhood, just adjacent to Tower Grove Park. It's one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, and this is one of the few times a year you'll be walking through it after dark. The two-hour duration means you'll cover a fair amount of ground, so comfortable shoes are a good call, and that flashlight isn't optional—you'll need it once the sun goes down.

If you're not familiar with the place, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts a steady rotation of special events throughout the year. The Japanese Festival, the holiday Garden Glow, and the Whitaker Music Festival are some of the bigger ones, alongside various plant shows and art exhibits. It's a busy spot for the city, and this ghost story walk fits right into that mix of seasonal programming.

For those who live in St. Louis City or County, there's a regular perk to keep in mind: admission is free on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 AM to noon with proof of residency. The ghost stories run on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 6 PM, and each session lasts two hours.