EAU CLAIRE, Wis., June 29, 2026. The Chippewa River Trolley just announced a brand-new, summer-only late-night tour: Unsolved Histories: True Crime & the Sultry Sins of Summer. A spin-off of the trolley’s popular October Dark History Tour, this exclusive after-dark experience features stories never before told on the trolley, including a deep dive into one of the most notorious murders in Eau Claire history, only briefly mentioned on the original tour.
Across roughly 90 minutes, guests join their host to wade into the murky waters of unsolved true crimes and mysteries that baffled the investigators of yesterday and still puzzle historians today. The stories span more than 100 years, from the early 2000s back to the 1870s, and most remain unsolved in either motive or culprit. Many made national news at the time.
Guests will hear tales of murder, scandal, affairs, and disappearances, woven through secret tunnels, red light districts, mob hits, deathly “coincidences,” murders in broad daylight, and town-wide lynch-mob hysteria. The night’s “final destination” is a walk back to the evening a mystery gunman shot the police chief and fled across the Chippewa River—leaving behind a treasure that has never been found.
“Summer in Eau Claire has a darker side, and this tour pulls back the curtain on the crimes and characters most people never knew were hiding in our history. These are real stories, told with respect—and a few of them will keep you up at night,” said Amanda Polden, Tour Director, Chippewa River Trolley.
While the tour is creepy and atmospheric, it is ultimately a history tour, not a jump-scare attraction. The tour shares factual accounts of murders, assaults, and other tragic events, including some very recent history, in a way that respects the circumstances, the victims, and their families. Listener discretion is advised, and anyone with personal connections to these events may wish to take note.
Tour Details
- What: Unsolved Histories: True Crime & the Sultry Sins of Summer
- When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 9pm, from July 9 to August 29.
- Where: Departs from The Local Store, 205 N. Dewey St., downtown Eau Claire
- Length: Approximately 90 minutes
- Tickets: $36. Available now at https://chippewarivertrolley.org/tours/summer-true-crime-tour/
- Ages: 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian; all adults must sign a waiver
- Good to know: The tour includes theatrical lighting and a gun effect. Two walks off the trolley cross a large wooden staircase, paved paths, wood-floor bridges, and uneven dirt and sand paths in the woods, much of it after dark. Stable, closed-toe footwear is required (sneakers or hiking boots, no flip-flops or heels), and layers are recommended. Red flashlights are provided; personal flashlights are not permitted.
