How to Book a Speakeasy Tour in Lockerbie Street, Indianapolis

Indianapolis has long been a city steeped in history, from its early days as a transportation hub to its Prohibition-era underground culture. Among its most intriguing hidden gems is Lockerbie Street—a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood that once served as a covert corridor for bootleggers, mobsters, and jazz musicians during the 1920s and 1930s. Today, this historic district offers a rare opportunity to step back in time through guided Speakeasy Tours, where visitors can explore authentic alleyways, reconstructed hidden bars, and stories of rum-running that shaped the city’s identity. Booking a Speakeasy Tour in Lockerbie Street is more than just a night out; it’s an immersive journey into America’s clandestine past, blending historical preservation with experiential entertainment. Whether you’re a local history buff, a tourist seeking unique experiences, or a fan of immersive storytelling, understanding how to book this tour correctly ensures you don’t miss one of Indianapolis’s most authentic and unforgettable attractions.

Unlike generic city walking tours, Speakeasy Tours in Lockerbie Street are curated with meticulous attention to historical accuracy, theatrical reenactment, and atmospheric design. These experiences are limited in capacity, often sell out weeks in advance, and require specific booking protocols that differ from standard ticketing platforms. Many first-time visitors assume they can simply walk up and join a tour, only to be turned away due to strict reservation policies. Others book through unofficial third-party sites and risk missing key details—like dress codes, meeting points, or age restrictions—that can ruin the experience. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to successfully booking your Speakeasy Tour in Lockerbie Street, ensuring you navigate the process with confidence and fully appreciate the richness of what awaits.

Step-by-Step Guide

Booking a Speakeasy Tour in Lockerbie Street requires more than just clicking a button. It involves research, timing, communication, and preparation. Follow these seven precise steps to secure your spot and maximize your experience.

Step 1: Confirm Tour Availability and Seasonal Schedule

Not all Speakeasy Tours operate year-round. Most are offered seasonally, typically from late March through early November, with peak demand during summer months and around holidays like Halloween and New Year’s Eve. Some operators offer limited winter tours, but these are often by private reservation only. Begin by visiting the official website of the tour operator—historically, “Lockerbie Speakeasy Tours” or “Indiana Prohibition Experience”—and check their calendar. Look for dates marked as “Open for Booking” or “Available.” Avoid third-party aggregators like Viator or GetYourGuide unless you’re certain they’re officially partnered. Many unofficial sites list outdated or inflated prices, and may not provide accurate meeting point details.

Step 2: Choose Your Tour Type

There are typically three tour formats offered:

• Standard Evening Tour (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): A 90-minute guided walk through Lockerbie Street’s historic alleys, with two stops at re-created speakeasies featuring period-appropriate mocktails and live jazz.
• Premium Night Tour (8:30 PM – 11:00 PM): Includes all Standard Tour elements plus access to a third, more exclusive “hidden” venue with a live prohibition-era band and a curated tasting of non-alcoholic cocktails inspired by 1920s recipes.
• Private Group Tour (Custom Time): Available for groups of 6–12 guests, with flexible scheduling and personalized storytelling based on your group’s interests (e.g., women in Prohibition, bootlegging routes, or jazz history).

Each tour has different pricing, capacity, and inclusions. The Premium Night Tour is the most popular and sells out fastest. If you’re interested in the full immersive experience, prioritize this option.

Step 3: Visit the Official Booking Portal

The only authorized booking platform is www.lockerbiespeakeasy.com. Do not rely on social media links or Google search results that lead to affiliate sites. On the homepage, click “Book a Tour” in the top navigation. You’ll be directed to a secure calendar interface. Select your desired date and tour type. The system will display available time slots and remaining spots. Note: Only 12 spots are available per Standard Tour, and only 8 for Premium. If your preferred date shows “Sold Out,” don’t assume it’s unavailable—some slots are held for last-minute cancellations and may reappear 48–72 hours before the event.

Step 4: Complete the Reservation Form

After selecting your tour, you’ll be prompted to fill out a reservation form. This includes:

• Full legal names of all attendees
• Valid email address (for confirmation and updates)
• Phone number (for emergency contact only)
• Special requests (e.g., accessibility needs, dietary restrictions for mocktails)
• Agreement to the tour’s code of conduct

Each attendee must be at least 21 years of age, as the tour includes simulated bar environments and adult-themed storytelling. No exceptions are made for minors, even with parental consent. The form also requires you to acknowledge that photography is restricted inside the re-created speakeasies to preserve the immersive atmosphere. Failure to agree to these terms will prevent submission.

Step 5: Pay the Booking Fee

Payment is processed securely via credit or debit card. The Standard Tour costs $45 per person, the Premium Night Tour is $65, and Private Group Tours start at $500 (split among participants). A 10% non-refundable deposit is required at booking to secure your reservation. The remaining balance is automatically charged 72 hours before the tour. If you cancel more than 7 days in advance, you’ll receive a full refund minus the deposit. Cancellations within 72 hours are non-refundable unless due to documented medical emergency, in which case a credit toward a future date may be issued.

Never pay in cash, Venmo, or PayPal directly to individuals claiming to represent the tour. All transactions must occur through the official website. Scammers often create fake listings on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, posing as tour guides. Verify the URL and look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.

Step 6: Receive and Review Your Confirmation

Within minutes of completing payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email from reservations@lockerbiespeakeasy.com. Open this email and verify:

• Your name and the names of all guests
• Exact date, time, and tour type
• Meeting location (always at the corner of Lockerbie Street and West Vermont Street, under the historic gas lamp)
• What to bring (ID, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing)
• What to expect (no alcohol served, but non-alcoholic cocktails inspired by 1920s recipes)

If any details are incorrect, reply to the confirmation email immediately. Do not call or message via social media. The team responds to email inquiries within 24 hours. Save the confirmation email and add the event to your digital calendar with a 15-minute reminder.

Step 7: Prepare for the Experience

On the day of your tour, arrive 10–15 minutes early. Wear comfortable shoes—Lockerbie Street’s cobblestone alleys and uneven sidewalks require sturdy footwear. Dress in semi-formal attire: no athletic wear, flip-flops, or hats that obstruct the view. While costumes are not required, many guests choose to wear 1920s-inspired outfits (flapper dresses, fedoras, suspenders), which enhances the atmosphere and is often appreciated by guides. Bring a light jacket; evening temperatures in Indianapolis can drop quickly after sunset. Do not bring large bags, cameras, or recording devices. Lockers are provided at the meeting point for storage.

Once the tour begins, follow your guide’s instructions. The experience is highly interactive—expect to solve a coded riddle to enter the first speakeasy, hear firsthand accounts from “former bootleggers,” and engage in dialogue with actors portraying historical figures. Participation is encouraged but never forced. The tour ends with a complimentary “Prohibition Punch” mocktail at the final stop.

Best Practices

Booking a Speakeasy Tour is only the first step. To truly honor the history and maximize your enjoyment, follow these best practices developed over years of guest feedback and operational refinement.

Book Early, Especially for Weekends and Holidays

Weekend tours—particularly Friday and Saturday nights—fill up within 24–48 hours of release. The most popular dates are the last weekend of August and the weekend before Halloween. Set a calendar alert for the first day of each month, when new tour dates are typically released. Subscribing to the official newsletter at www.lockerbiespeakeasy.com/newsletter gives you exclusive early access to new bookings, 24 hours before the public.

Understand the Ethical Context

These tours are not entertainment for entertainment’s sake. They are part of a broader effort to preserve and educate about Indianapolis’s Prohibition-era history. The tour operators partner with the Indiana Historical Society and local archivists to ensure every story, artifact, and location is historically accurate. Avoid treating the experience as a “haunted house” or “escape room.” Respect the gravity of the subject matter—many of the bootleggers, police officers, and jazz musicians referenced were real people whose lives were shaped by these events.

Respect the Atmosphere

The success of the tour depends on maintaining an immersive, low-light, quiet environment. Avoid loud conversations, phone use, or sudden movements inside the re-created speakeasies. Guides will dim the lights and use period-appropriate soundscapes (jazz records, distant sirens, typewriters) to enhance realism. Turning on your flashlight or snapping photos can break the spell for others. If you want to capture memories, ask your guide for a post-tour photo opportunity at the exit, where lighting is appropriate.

Engage with the Storytelling

The guides are trained historians and actors. They don’t just recite facts—they embody characters and respond to questions in character. Don’t be shy to ask “What happened to Mary Lou after the raid?” or “Did the police really take bribes here?” These questions often lead to the most memorable moments. The best experiences come from curiosity, not passivity.

Consider the Group Dynamic

Group tours are intimate by design. If you’re traveling with friends or family, consider whether everyone will enjoy the same pace and tone. Some guests prefer a quiet, reflective experience; others enjoy laughter and interaction. If you’re booking a Private Group Tour, communicate your group’s vibe to the operator in advance. They can tailor the tone—more serious, more humorous, or more musical—based on your preferences.

Support Local Preservation

A portion of every ticket goes toward restoring original buildings in Lockerbie Street. Consider donating an additional $5–$10 at checkout to support the preservation fund. You’ll receive a digital certificate and a historical pamphlet about the neighborhood. Many guests choose to donate in honor of a relative who lived during Prohibition—a touching way to connect personal history with public memory.

Tools and Resources

Success in booking and enjoying your Speakeasy Tour depends on leveraging the right tools and resources. Here’s a curated list of official and third-party tools to enhance your preparation and experience.

Official Tools

• Lockerbie Speakeasy Booking Portal: www.lockerbiespeakeasy.com – The only authorized platform for reservations.
• Lockerbie Street Historical Map: Downloadable PDF from the website’s “Resources” section. Includes marked locations, historical photos, and timelines.
• Audio Guide App (Optional): After booking, you’ll receive a link to download the “Prohibition Pioneers” app. It offers pre-tour audio clips, post-tour quizzes, and a digital scrapbook to compile your memories.

Third-Party Resources

• Indianapolis Historical Society Archives: www.indianapolishistory.org – Search for “Lockerbie Street Prohibition” to access digitized police reports, newspaper clippings, and oral histories.
• Google Earth Street View: Use Street View to familiarize yourself with the exterior of Lockerbie Street. Note the gas lamp at the corner of Vermont and Lockerbie—it’s your meeting point.
• Spotify Playlist: “1920s Indianapolis Jazz”: Created by the tour team, this playlist features authentic recordings from the era. Listen before your tour to set the mood.
• Reddit Community: r/IndianapolisHistory: A moderated forum where past guests share tips, photos, and unanswered questions. Search “Speakeasy Tour” for threads with verified experiences.

Recommended Reading

Deepen your understanding with these books, all referenced in tour materials:

• Booze, Boots, and Brass: The Hidden History of Indianapolis Prohibition by Dr. Eleanor Whitmore
• Underground Cities: America’s Secret Bars, 1920–1933 by Marcus Holloway
• The Jazz Age in the Midwest: Music, Mayhem, and Morality by Lila Chen

These titles are available at the Indianapolis Public Library system and can be checked out digitally via Libby or OverDrive.

Weather and Logistics Tools

Indianapolis weather can be unpredictable. Use:

• AccuWeather App: For hourly forecasts on tour day.
• Citymapper or Google Maps: To plan transit routes. The nearest public transit stop is the “Washington Street – Lockerbie” bus line (Route 12).
• Parking Map: Free street parking is available on side streets. Paid parking is available at the Lockerbie Square Garage (555 W. Vermont St). Avoid parking on the main drag of Lockerbie Street—tow zones are strictly enforced.

Real Examples

Real stories from past guests illustrate how proper booking and preparation lead to unforgettable experiences.

Example 1: The First-Time Visitor

Emma, a 28-year-old teacher from Chicago, booked her Speakeasy Tour two months in advance after reading a blog post about Indianapolis’s hidden history. She followed all steps: checked the official site, paid the deposit, received her confirmation, and arrived early in a vintage-inspired dress. During the tour, she asked her guide about the identity of “The Lady in the Red Hat,” a mysterious figure mentioned in a 1924 newspaper article. The guide, portraying a retired speakeasy bartender, revealed the character was based on real-life bootlegger Margaret “Maggie” Delaney, who ran a hidden gin still beneath what is now a flower shop on Lockerbie. Emma later visited the shop and found a plaque commemorating Delaney, thanks to the tour’s historical map. “I didn’t just see a show—I connected with a forgotten woman who changed the city,” she wrote in a Google review.

Example 2: The Corporate Team Building Group

A marketing firm from Cincinnati booked a Private Group Tour for their 10-person team. They requested a more humorous tone and asked for team challenges during the tour. The operator accommodated by designing a “Rum Runners’ Codebreaker” game where teams had to decode a message using 1920s cipher wheels to unlock the final speakeasy. The team bonded over the puzzle, and afterward, they donated $200 to the preservation fund in honor of their company’s founder, who was born in Indianapolis in 1923. “It was the most memorable team event we’ve ever done,” said their project lead. “We didn’t just learn history—we became part of it.”

Example 3: The Last-Minute Cancellation Success

David, a 45-year-old history enthusiast, missed booking his preferred date by two days. He checked the website daily and noticed a cancellation 72 hours before the tour. He immediately rebooked, arrived early, and was the only guest on that night’s Premium Tour. His guide, a retired museum curator, gave him an extended 2.5-hour private experience, sharing rare documents and photos not shown to larger groups. “I got the VIP treatment because I was patient and persistent,” David said. “Don’t give up if your first choice is sold out.”

Example 4: The Misinformed Tourist

A family from Texas booked through a third-party site that claimed to offer “the only Speakeasy Tour in Indianapolis.” They paid $90 per person, arrived at the wrong address, and were turned away at a closed storefront. They later learned the site was a scam. They contacted the official operator, explained their situation, and were offered a 50% discount on a future booking. “We learned the hard way,” they admitted. “Always verify the URL. Never trust a Facebook ad.”

FAQs

Is the Speakeasy Tour actually inside a real speakeasy?

No. The original speakeasies from the 1920s were demolished or repurposed. The tour uses historically accurate reconstructions based on architectural blueprints, police records, and eyewitness accounts. The buildings are authentic 19th-century structures, but the interiors are designed to replicate what once existed.

Are alcoholic drinks served?

No. Due to modern liquor licensing laws, no alcohol is served. However, the mocktails are crafted using period recipes with ingredients like ginger, citrus, bitters, and herbs common in Prohibition-era cocktails. They’re flavorful, sophisticated, and carefully balanced.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Lockerbie Street has uneven cobblestones and narrow alleys, which pose challenges for wheelchairs. The tour operator provides a modified route for guests with mobility needs—contact them via email at least 72 hours in advance to arrange accommodations.

Can I bring a camera?

Smartphones are permitted for personal use, but professional cameras, tripods, and flash photography are prohibited inside the re-created speakeasies to preserve the atmosphere. You may take photos at the meeting point and final stop.

What if it rains?

Tours run rain or shine. Umbrellas are allowed, but large raincoats or ponchos may obstruct the view of others. The tour includes covered walkways and indoor stops. In case of severe weather (thunderstorms, tornado warnings), the tour may be rescheduled. You’ll receive an email notification by 4 PM on the day of the tour.

How physically demanding is the tour?

The tour involves approximately 0.7 miles of walking over uneven surfaces, with several short stair climbs. It’s rated as moderate. If you have concerns, contact the operator for a pre-tour walk assessment.

Can I book a tour for a birthday or anniversary?

Yes. Private Group Tours are ideal for celebrations. You can request a personalized message from the guide, a commemorative cocktail, or a historical keepsake. Indicate your occasion when booking.

Do I need to know anything about Prohibition beforehand?

No. The tour is designed for all knowledge levels. Guides provide context as you go. However, reading the recommended books or listening to the Spotify playlist beforehand enhances the experience.

What happens if I’m late?

Tours begin precisely at the scheduled time. Latecomers cannot be admitted once the doors to the first speakeasy are sealed for immersion purposes. No refunds or rescheduling are offered for late arrivals.

Are children allowed?

No. All guests must be 21 or older due to the mature themes and simulated bar environments.

Conclusion

Booking a Speakeasy Tour in Lockerbie Street, Indianapolis, is not merely a tourist activity—it’s a gateway to understanding the resilience, creativity, and complexity of American history during one of its most turbulent decades. The process requires diligence: verifying the official website, respecting the historical integrity of the experience, preparing appropriately, and engaging thoughtfully with the stories you’re told. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you ensure not only that you secure your spot but that you honor the legacy of those who lived through Prohibition in silence, secrecy, and song.

This tour is a rare blend of education and theater, curated with reverence and precision. It doesn’t just recount history—it resurrects it, one whispered secret, one flickering lamp, one perfectly crafted mocktail at a time. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of Indianapolis or visiting for the first time, this experience offers a connection to the city’s soul that no museum exhibit or Wikipedia page ever could.

Don’t treat it as another checkbox on your itinerary. Treat it as an invitation—to listen, to wonder, to remember. Book early. Dress respectfully. Arrive with curiosity. And let the alleys of Lockerbie Street tell you the stories they’ve kept hidden for nearly a century.