April 2026: Extras - ABQ Tours: 25 Years of History, Hauntings, and Community Connection

For 25 years, ABQ Tours has led locals and visitors through Albuquerque, mixing history, mystery, and storytelling into an experience that keeps people of all ages coming back.

What started as a new way to explore the city has become a local tradition, connecting people to Albuquerque’s past. Storytelling is at the center of it. “I think people are attracted to the 8 PM Original Ghost Tour because ghost stories have a way of connecting us to our deep sort of ancestral superstitions,” says ABQ Tours guide Brandon Anderson.

The connection between past and present, between story and audience, is what keeps people coming back year after year. “In a way, ghost stories and ghost lore have a part in sort of sanctifying our own legacy,” Anderson adds. It’s a perspective that elevates the experience beyond entertainment. Guests aren’t just hearing stories, they’re becoming part of them. “It’s interesting to get on the tour and realize you’re a part of Albuquerque history,” Anderson explains.

And over time, that connection has grown into something much bigger than a tour. It’s become a tradition. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, ABQ Tours has witnessed generations of guests return at different stages of life. For Manager Misty Lundy, that continued connection is what makes the experience so meaningful.

“I get...the biggest thrill whenever I have a child come on in their elementary class field trip,” Lundy shares. “And then they come back when they’re teenagers for their birthdays… then they come on their first date… then they come back for their wedding proposals.” It’s a full-circle journey that reflects the deep roots ABQ Tours has planted within the community.

But while ghost stories may be the main draw, ABQ Tours offers far more than just the supernatural. From historical deep dives to Route 66 lore, the organization offers a wide range of experiences designed to appeal to all types of audiences. Their “High Noon History Legends and Route 66 Tour” explores Albuquerque’s past in depth, covering everything from ancient history to modern-day culture.

“We cover all the way back to 9,500 BC and now,” Lundy explains.

For something a little more spine-tingling, the ghost tours remain a standout attraction, with multiple time slots and both public and private options available throughout the week. As the tours have evolved, so have the experiences surrounding them.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary, ABQ Tours is introducing a variety of special events and interactive elements designed to engage the community. “We’ve got tons of different events coming up every month,” Lundy says. Among them is a creative treasure hunt that adds a playful twist to the celebration. “We have these little ghost figures hidden all over… people can find them and win prizes like a free ghost tour,” she explains. One lucky participant will even walk away with a silver prize, memorably marking the milestone anniversary.

Beyond the events and storytelling, what truly defines the experience is the sense of connection it fosters. Each tour is more than a walk through history. It’s an opportunity to see Albuquerque through a different lens, to hear stories that might otherwise be forgotten, and to feel a deeper connection to the city.

Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting for the first time, ABQ Tours offers something unique. An experience that is equal parts educational, entertaining, and unforgettable. After 25 years, one thing remains clear: this isn’t just about ghosts or history. It’s about people. As Lundy puts it, it’s all about “that connectedness to the community.”

With new experiences, expanded programming, and a continued commitment to storytelling, ABQ Tours is ensuring that the connection they created will carry on for years to come. To learn more, book a tour, or explore upcoming events, visit www.abqtours.fun.