Gunfights & Grifters – A Downtown Austin Walking Tour of Scandal and Forgotten History
Outlaws, grifters, and scandal—this Austin walking tour covers historic fraud, corruption, and true crime.
Tour Overview
Price: $35/person
Length: 1.2 mi - 1.5 hrs
Begins at S Gates of Capitol @ 11th St
This tour is best enjoyed in the evening.
Questions? 512-507-2067
Why this Tour is Unique
Austin’s only tour focused on true crime and real scandals
Stories not told on ghost or sightseeing tours
Researched and led by a local historian
Features lesser-known Austin history
Adults only — dark, gritty, and a little absurd
What You’ll See & Experience
Governor’s Mansion – political scandal
Congress Avenue – notorious gunfight
Driskill Hotel – medical scandal with national fallout
6th Street – sex work and vice in the late 1800s
O. Henry Museum – a brush with white-collar crime
Stories from 1840–1980 brought to life by a local historian
Where We Begin
11th & Congress
South Gates of Capitol Square
Don’t go to the north gates on 15th St.
If you’re lost, text 512-507-2067
Looking for a specific time? Private tours can be booked by request—it’s fast and flexible
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring?
Water, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. It’s an outdoor downtown Austin walking tour.
Will the tour happen if it rains?
Yes — this Austin walking tour runs rain or shine. If you're concerned, you can cancel 24+ hours in advance for a refund.
Is the tour accessible?
Yes, this route is wheelchair and stroller friendly.
Are there places to sit during the tour?
No — this is a walking tour with no guaranteed seating. Expect to walk and stand for the entire 90-minute route.
What age is this tour best for?
Recommended for ages 14 and up. It covers real Austin history, including rowdy and scandalous themes.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Public tours: Full refund with 24+ hours’ notice
Private/custom tours: 15% deposit is non-refundable; the rest refundable with 24+ hours’ notice
You're always welcome to reschedule with notice.
Is transportation included?
No — this is a downtown walking tour. Guests must arrange their own transportation.
Let me know if you want me to generate the schema block for this now.
What people are saying about this tour
“Emily is a fantastic tour guide. Her stories are really interesting all based on historic events. We would definitely recommend her tours.”
-512rhonda, Tripadvisor Review
“Emily did an amazing job! Lots of unique information. You can tell a great deal of research went into developing the tour. Highly recommend this tour.”
-V2704LI, Tripadvisor Review
“Emily was very knowledgeable about the highs and lows of the history of Austin. She was very accommodating and personable. We enjoyed our tour and would highly recommend it!”
-Meiss60, Tripadvisor Review