Explore the Shadows: Susan Sheppard’s Haunted Parkersburg Ghost Tour Experience
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness required; walking tours involve standing and moving at a steady pace for up to two hours.
Overview
Discover the eerie secrets of Parkersburg, WV, with Susan Sheppard’s Haunted Parkersburg Tour. Experience a hauntingly authentic local ghost walk that uncovers the city’s darker history and spectral legends.
Susan Sheppard’s Haunted Parkersburg Tour
Walking Tour of Parkersburg, WV’s Most Haunted Historic Sites
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About This Adventure
Join us this fall for our 28th season!
(PLEASE NOTE: we no longer accept cash at the door. But you may purchase your tickets in-person with a credit card or digital payment app - Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp, or Apple Pay.)
Duration
2 hours
About
Founded by Appalachian writer and supernatural icon Susan Sheppard, this wildly popular haunted history tour has become a local tradition and international draw.
The walking tour begins at The Blennerhassett Hotel and winds two miles north, ending at the gates of Parkersburg's paranormal hotspot: Riverview Cemetery. Join us for tales of Civil War ghosts, Irish banshees, hauntings of The Blennerhassett Hotel, railroad spirits, the West Virginia Mothman and much more!
What to bring
Comfortable shoes and flashlights are encouraged. Alcohol is not permitted (only boos...get it?)
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking on city streets and uneven surfaces, so sturdy footwear is essential.
Bring a flashlight
Evening tours benefit from a small flashlight to navigate dimly lit areas safely.
Dress in layers
Temperatures can drop quickly in the evening, especially in fall or winter seasons.
Arrive early
Give yourself time to find parking and check-in before the tour start time.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Urban owls active at night
- Local bats near the riverfront
History
Parkersburg's downtown was a key transportation hub in the 1800s, closely tied to river trade and early railroads, shaping its historic architecture and ghost stories.
Conservation
The tour promotes respect for local heritage through sustainable tourism that protects Parkersburg’s historic districts from overcommercialization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear ensures ease and safety on city streets during the tour.
Flashlight or headlamp
Helpful for navigating darker streets during evening tours in shorter daylight months.
fall specific
Weather-appropriate layered clothing
Adjustable clothing keeps you comfortable in the variable temperatures of the Ohio Valley.
Portable phone charger
To capture photos or keep communication devices powered throughout the evening.