Austin Ripper 1885: Historical True Crime Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Join the search for Austin's 1885 serial killer who targeted vulnerable populations of women. This tour explores the infamous historical murders that threw our city into a state of panic and turmoil. See the locations of the crimes and deep dive into the investigation, suspects, and victims of one of America's most fascinating unsolved mysteries. The unique and controversial theories presented on this tour are expanded upon in our Ripper podcast series- check out Nitty Gritty ATX wherever you get your podcasts.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Tour Guide
Gratuity
Drinks
What To Expect
Congress Avenue
One of Austin's oldest two roads, we'll set the scene, see what the characters in our story saw, and immerse ourselves in the setting of the murders. The tour begins briefly on Congress, and then we return to walk down Congress mid-way through the tour.
Austin History Center
Outside the History Center, an art deco building that was Austin's first library, we'll discuss the secrets behind digging up the truth about Austin's dark past.
Options
True Crime Walking Tour
Reviews
12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
An 1885 who-done-it in Austin
sandradU704MB,
Jul 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Emily did a phenomenal job of weaving a tale of murders that took place over the course of a year in 1885. She took care to walk us to different places in downtown so that we could picture what life looked like back then. She was animated and excited to tell the story - and she helped us hash out our own conclusions. Highly recommend this tour!
Was amazing, guide was so...
Jon K,
Mar 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was amazing, guide was so knowledgeable, the tour was one of the highlights of our Austin trip. 100% recommend
The best Austin Ripper tour ever! Emily knows everything there is to know about the murders! History comes alive!
nikkibR7896GI,
Jan 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00She makes History come alive! Back alleys and dark corners haunt your excursion. Emily is an amazing tour guide. One can tell she has done her research and she puts her passion in the tour.
True Crime Tour was a True Treat
O220OStomc,
Apr 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Emily has substantial knowledge of the subject matter which really kept us focused in the intriguing crime spree of the late 1800s. Thanks for the great experience. We highly recommend this tour. You will not be disappointed.
Excellent Family Event
shanemQ3427AP,
Sep 4, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a great family walking tour. It was super interactive and Emily did a great job presenting and interacting with everyone. We had a fabulous time. We will take another one of her tours next time we are there!
Do it
X7022QJbrookes,
Aug 19, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had the best time on this tour. We are both true crime junkies but Emily exceeded all of our expectations of this tour. I’ve been on a few tours in Austin and this was by far the best one yet. If anyone has the opportunity to do this tour please please please do it- it’s unforgettable. I can’t speak highly enough of Emily and her knowledge of this entire case. It was such a good time we would literally do it again in a heartbeat.
Fun, Informative, Interactive Murder-Mystery Experience
tiffanye350,
Aug 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a very fun experience which I shared with my 21 year old daughter. Emily was so informed and had done a lot of research about the unsolved murder we explored. She made the tour interactive, asking for our input and giving up visual aids to help us to see the murder and visualize it as it happened, while on the walking tour. We were participants in solving a mystery and go to see and experience placed in downtown Austin that we wouldn't have otherwise. This is a fun tour and great for any "true crime junkie".
Interesting tour of an unsolved true crime case!
meg minogue,
Jun 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting tour, included a bit of history of the city buildings along with the murders which were the subject of the tour. It was evident Emily was very passionate about the subject and had a wealth of knowledge to answer any questions thrown at her. Not being from the USA, Emily was helpful in providing guidance on Austin and the states in general. One of the best things we have done here in Austin!
Try to solve this whodunnit
dannyf509,
Mar 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I've indulged in about three Austin downtow/guided tours in 25+ years living here. I think this was probably the most worthwhile. The guide (Emily) knew a lot about Austin's history in general and definitely evoked a realistic sense of the past. What I really liked was that you kind of feel like its a historically based murder mystery and you and your fellow tour-ists are the detectives. It was fun to bounce around theories about the gruesome case with the guide.
Fun Tour
happytravelsyall,
Feb 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a lot of fun on this tour! Emily is a great tour guide and the story of the murders will keep you guessing till the very end. This was a really cool way to learn about some of Austin's history and visit a lot of cool sites around town. I definitely recommend that you try it.
From $55.00
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Operated by Nitty Gritty City Tours of Austin