Step into the intense world of the West Virginia Penitentiary with a thrilling puzzle challenge that tests your detective skills. Can you uncover clues fast enough to change a life-or-death outcome? Keep reading to find out more!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical shape, comfortable navigating potentially tight spaces.
Wildlife
History
The West Virginia Penitentiary operated from 1876 to 1995 and was once considered one of the most dangerous prisons in the U.S.
Conservation
The preserved site promotes respect for history and encourages responsible tourism to prevent damage to the historic structures.
West Virginia Penitentiary
Step into the intense world of the West Virginia Penitentiary with a thrilling puzzle challenge that tests your detective skills. Can you uncover clues fast enough to change a life-or-death outcome? Keep reading to find out more!
West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, West Virginia, is a former correctional facility that now operates as a public attraction offering guided tours and immersive experiences. The site provides multiple ways to explore the building’s history and reported paranormal activity, from daytime guided visits to after-dark investigations.
Visitors can join a 90-minute guided tour that introduces the prison’s layout, notable cells, and the stories associated with the facility. For guests seeking a deeper encounter, the venue offers Private Paranormal Investigations — six-hour sessions that begin with a 90-minute guided tour and allow up to 19 participants to investigate the site using their own equipment and supplies. Public Ghost Hunts follow a similar format with a 90-minute guided tour before solo exploration of areas like the Sugar Shack and psych ward. Guests are encouraged to bring personal gear and snacks for evening investigations.
Other offerings include Twilight Tours (a three-hour evening experience that starts with a 90-minute guided tour), the interactive escape experience “Escape the Pen: The Execution” (a 90-minute challenge), the Dungeon of Horrors maze attraction, Daily Tours, and Photography Tours. Each experience is presented as a distinct product with specific durations and formats. The venue operates as a destination for history enthusiasts, paranormal investigators, and visitors seeking immersive, adrenaline-driven entertainment in Moundsville, West Virginia.
Location
Moundsville, WV
Located in Moundsville, West Virginia.
Tours Offered
7
Range of guided and interactive experiences.
Typical Durations
90–360 min
From 90-minute tours to 6-hour hunts.
Private Capacity
Up to 19
Private paranormal investigations accommodate 19 people.
Reserve spots for Private Paranormal Investigations, Public Ghost Hunts, Twilight Tours, Escape the Pen, Dungeon of Horrors, Photography Tours, and Daily Tours in Moundsville.
Arrive early
Getting there with a few minutes to spare ensures you’re ready for the start and can settle in before the clock begins ticking.
Pay attention to details
Many clues are hidden in small objects or subtle features of the environment, so stay observant.
Work as a team
Collaboration is key—discuss clues and share insights with your teammates for the best chance at success.
Dress comfortably
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for moving around in an old, potentially uneven building.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Necessary for moving around comfortably and safely within the old prison structure.
Notebook and pen
Helpful for jotting down clues, notes, and solving riddles during the game.
Comfortable clothing
Wear clothes suitable for moving around and staying comfortable for the duration.
Flashlight
Provides additional light in darker areas or when exploring less illuminated parts.