Reno’s past is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, and the Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour promises to unravel its dark secrets. Guided through the city’s former red-light district, you will explore the notorious history that has shaped Reno’s seedy legacy. From mob connections and the curse on the Mapes Hotel to the mysterious disappearance of a bank cashier, the tour offers a captivating exploration of the criminality and tragedy that have left an indelible mark on the city. As the tour unfolds, visitors will be drawn deeper into Reno’s captivating and haunting past.
Key Points
- The Reno: Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour offers a 2-hour guided exploration of Reno’s former red-light district, delving into the city’s dark history.
- The tour unravels the sordid tales of Reno’s mob connections, infamous hijackings, and the mysterious disappearance of bank cashier Roy Frisch.
- Participants learn about the notorious curse that plagued the historic Mapes Hotel, marked by celebrity deaths and tragedies.
- The tour highlights Reno’s notorious gang activity, including their involvement in high-profile heists and alliances with organized crime syndicates.
- The tour provides a captivating glimpse into the seedy underbelly of Reno’s entertainment scene, which has been marred by tragedy and intrigue.
Tour Overview
The Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore Reno’s dark past through a guided tour filled with intrigue, mobster stories, and spooky tales.
The 2-hour tour takes participants into Reno’s former red-light district, where they’ll learn about the city’s mob connections and the curse on the historic Mapes Hotel.
Along the way, they’ll investigate the mysterious disappearance of a bank cashier and discover Reno’s history of gangs, doomed celebrities, and infamous hijackings.
The tour meets outside the Lake Mansion, where guests should arrive 15 minutes early to meet the guide, who’ll be wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Reno.
Exploring Reno’s Dark Past
Reno’s dark past comes alive as the Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour leads participants through the city’s former red-light district, where tales of mob connections and the infamous Mapes Hotel curse unfold.
Guides share chilling stories of Reno’s history, from the disappearance of bank cashier Roy Frisch to the city’s notorious gang activity and doomed celebrity connections.
Visitors explore the sites where Reno’s underworld thrived, uncovering the shadowy figures and unsettling events that shaped the city’s seedy legacy.
With each stop, the tour unveils a new layer of Reno’s past, leaving participants with a deeper understanding of the forces that have long lurked within this Nevada city.
Mob Stories and Intrigue
Mob connections and shady dealings permeate the stories shared by guides during the Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour, transporting participants back to Reno’s notorious past. Guides reveal the city’s sordid history with the mob, recounting tales of infamous hijackings, criminal activities, and the curse that plagued the Mapes Hotel.
Listeners learn about the disappearance of bank cashier Roy Frisch, whose fate remains shrouded in mystery.
As the tour winds through the former red-light district, guides paint a vivid picture of the underworld that once thrived in the shadows of Reno’s bustling casinos. Captivating and chilling, the Gangs and Gamblers tour offers a glimpse into the city’s seedy underbelly.
The Cursed Mapes Hotel
Mapes Hotel, a once-grand landmark in Reno’s skyline, was plagued by a notorious curse that captured the public’s imagination, according to tour guides.
The hotel’s history was marked by a string of celebrity deaths and tragedies, fueling rumors of a dark supernatural force at work:
- In 1957, famous comedian Errol Flynn died suddenly in a room at the Mapes Hotel.
- Years later, actress Jean Harlow’s mother passed away under mysterious circumstances while staying at the hotel.
The hotel was also linked to the untimely deaths of several others, including a mobster and a casino owner, further cementing its reputation as a cursed location.
More Great Tours NearbyDisappearance of Roy Frisch
Alongside the haunting tales of the Mapes Hotel, the walking tour also explores the mysterious disappearance of bank cashier Roy Frisch, which sent shockwaves through the community.
In 1935, Frisch vanished without a trace after leaving the bank one evening. Rumors swirled that he’d absconded with a sizable sum of money, but his body was never found, and the case remains unsolved to this day.
Tour guides explore the details of Frisch’s disappearance, examining the theories and speculations that have endured for decades. Participants are invited to ponder the unanswered questions and draw their own conclusions about what may have happened to the ill-fated bank employee on that fateful night.
Reno’s Infamous Gangs
Reno’s storied past is marked by the exploits of infamous local gangs, whose criminal activities left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape.
These nefarious groups were known for:
- Engaging in ruthless turf wars, vying for control over the city’s lucrative illegal enterprises
- Orchestrating high-profile heists, from bank robberies to daring armored car hijackings
- Forging alliances with powerful organized crime syndicates, further expanding their reach and influence
The tour uncovers the gritty details of these gang operations, shedding light on the dark underbelly of Reno’s past and the lasting impact these outlaws had on the community. Visitors are left with a deeper appreciation for the city’s complex history and the forces that once shaped its notorious reputation.
Doomed Celebrities in Reno
Beneath the glitz and glamour of Reno’s entertainment scene, a dark cloud of tragedy has long hung over the city, claiming the lives of several famous figures drawn to its casinos and nightlife.
The historic Mapes Hotel, once a hub of high-stakes gambling, has been linked to the untimely deaths of celebrities like Jean Harlow and Lisa Lopes.
Reno’s haunted past also includes the mysterious disappearance of bank cashier Roy Frisch, whose case remains unsolved.
From doomed stars to infamous hijackings, the city’s darker history is a captivating tapestry of intrigue and misfortune that continues to intrigue visitors on the Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour.
Important Tour Information
The Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour runs rain or shine, and it’s not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Guests should arrive 15 minutes before the tour start time and meet the guide outside the Lake Mansion, where they’ll be wearing a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and carrying a lantern.
The tour offers several key highlights:
- Step into Reno’s red-light district and hear mob stories
- Learn about the curse on Reno’s Mapes Hotel and its connection to celebrity deaths
- Investigate the disappearance of bank cashier Roy Frisch
The tour includes a guided walking experience filled with intrigue, mobster tales, and spooky revelations, lasting for 2 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Appropriate for Young Children?
The tour may not be appropriate for young children due to its haunted and historical content focused on Reno’s dark past, including stories about gangs and mobsters. It’s recommended for older audiences who can handle the spooky and mature themes.
Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the walking tour, though it’s best to check with the guide beforehand. Some locations may have restrictions on photography to respect privacy or prevent disruptions to the experience.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments, indicating it may not be wheelchair accessible. Guests should contact the tour company for specific details on accessibility accommodations.
What Should We Wear for the Tour?
For the haunted walking tour, guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in casual, weather-appropriate attire. The tour takes place rain or shine, so layers and rain protection are recommended.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the Reno haunted walking tour. However, it’s not recommended for young children as the content may include adult themes and dark historical tales. Parental discretion is advised.
Recap
The Reno: Gangs and Gamblers Haunted Walking Tour offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s notorious past.
Visitors can uncover the dark tales of mob connections, mysterious disappearances, and the city’s troubled legacy of gangs and criminality.
This tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore the shadowy corners of Reno’s history and gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped its seedy reputation.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Walking Tours in Reno
More Tours in Reno
More Tour Reviews in Reno
- Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain – Round-Trip Transfer
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer
- Renos Original Brewery Tour
- Reno Tahoe Airport(RNO) to Mammoth Mountain Round Trip Transfer
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain – Arrival Transfer
- Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – Departure Private Transfer
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Reno we have reviewed
- Reno Tahoe Airport to Heavenly Mountain – Round-Trip Transfer
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Mammoth Mountain: Arrival Transfer
- Renos Original Brewery Tour
- Reno Tahoe Airport(RNO) to Mammoth Mountain Round Trip Transfer
- Reno Tahoe Airport (RNO) to Heavenly Mountain – Arrival Transfer
- Reno to Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) – Departure Private Transfer
- Explore Reno With a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Crazy Dash
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Reno by Operation City Quest
- Snow Tubing & Sledding Adventures From Reno
- Adventurous Scavenger Hunt in Reno by Wacky Walks
- Snowshoeing Nordic From Reno
- Reno/Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Reno – Private Arrival Transfer