Bentley City Ghost Tours uncovers the haunted history of South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A local paranormal investigator and his fiancé are hosting haunted ghost tours, which also serve as a deep dive into South Bend’s history.

Corbyn Bentley and his fiancée, Brittany Axell, came up with the idea of starting ghost tours to showcase a different side of South Bend—one that not everyone gets to experience.

"South Bend has a lot of history people just don't know about. People just drive downtown and go to Notre Dame, but there's a lot of history in South Bend that people just don't pay attention to. Spreading awareness on ghost stories and history walks, people just don't have that here, so I wanted to bring it here to the city," Bentley said.

For $30, participants can take part in a walking tour through downtown South Bend. The experience is offered year-round, giving people the chance to explore the city’s haunted side no matter the season.

The tour makes stops at sites like the Morris Performing Arts Center, LaSalle Grill, Studebaker buildings, and even the Castle of South Bend, formerly known as the Kizer house.

Notre Dame graduate Stephen Ziegler purchased the Kizer house and now, he's on a mission to bring a new life into this historic building.

"To me it's another thing that our guests from around the world can come visit and see and remember. We want people to take home with them good experiences. And going on these different types of tours, ghost tours or a history tour, it makes a difference when you come into town and get a special experience," Ziegler said.

The house has roots dating back to 1887, when William L. Kizer, a tax collector, moved in with his wife, Elizabeth, and his three kids.

Ziegler says he envisions the first floor as a vibrant space, as it will serve as a venue for public gatherings, like art shows and other small events-- while upstairs will be converted into apartment units.