Step into the shadows of the West Virginia Penitentiary and experience a ghost-hunting adventure like no other. Join a group or go solo as you uncover haunted secrets and spirits from the past.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in fair physical shape, with no serious mobility issues.
Wildlife
History
The West Virginia Penitentiary operated from 1876 to 1995 and was known for its harsh conditions. Numerous inmate accounts and local legends contribute to its haunted reputation.
Conservation
The site is preserved as a historic landmark. Visitors are encouraged to respect its structure and experience sustainability by staying on designated paths.
West Virginia Penitentiary
Step into the shadows of the West Virginia Penitentiary and experience a ghost-hunting adventure like no other. Join a group or go solo as you uncover haunted secrets and spirits from the past.
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.
Bring your own gear
Carry essential paranormal tools and snacks to stay energized during the investigation.
Stay aware of your surroundings
Keep an eye out for unexpected sounds or movements; ghosts may reveal themselves suddenly.
Dress warmly for the night
Nighttime temperatures can drop quickly, so layer up to stay comfortable during the investigation.
Respect the environment
Help preserve the site’s history and avoid disturbing any ongoing investigations or relics.
Night-vision camera
Helps you see in the dark and capture any paranormal activity.
Headlamp or flashlight
Illuminates dark areas and arms you for exploration.
Comfortable walking shoes
Provides stability and support while navigating uneven floors.
Recording device (voice or video)
Capture and review any unexplained noises or phenomena.