THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Dive into a spine-chilling paranormal investigation at Preston Castle in Ione, California. Discover ghostly encounters and uncover the castle's eerie secrets in this unforgettable overnight experience.
Dive into a spine-chilling paranormal investigation at Preston Castle in Ione, California. Discover ghostly encounters and uncover the castle's eerie secrets in this unforgettable overnight experience.
Book with Preston Castle Foundation
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Preston Castle Foundation · Ione, California
Located in the scenic town of Ione, California, Preston Castle stands as a haunting relic of early 20th-century reform school history. This historic site, famous for its mysterious past and appearances on ghost-hunting series, offers an electrifying 7-hour paranormal investigation. Designed for thrill-seekers and ghost enthusiasts alike, this experience immerses participants in the castle's long-lost stories through guided exploration of its shadowed hallways, abandoned cells, and hidden corners. The castle's architecture, featuring Victorian Gothic elements and crumbling stone walls, creates a naturally eerie atmosphere that heightens the sense of encounters yet to be uncovered. Known for its numerous ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena, Preston Castle is a magnet for those interested in the paranormal. The limited participant size—just 15 per session—ensures a personalized, immersive experience, allowing guests to connect deeply with the unsettling history etched into every brick. This tour offers a rare glimpse into California's haunted heritage, blending history and ghost lore with real-time investigation tools and expert guidance. Visitors leave with stories of unexplained sounds, apparitions, and emotional impressions that define this adrenaline-pumping adventure. Whether you're an avid ghost hunter or simply curious about the supernatural, Preston Castle's paranormal investigation is a standout activity for anyone keen on uncovering the mysteries lurking within historic landmarks. This experience not only highlights Ione’s historical significance but also lends insight into California’s haunted past, making it a unique stop for adventure travelers seeking a spirited thrill. Prepare to step into a real-life ghost story, where history and the supernatural collide within the crumbling walls of Preston Castle.
moderate.
7 hours.
Participants should be in good health to handle walking and standing for extended periods.
Participants should bring their own water and snacks, as the activity takes several hours without scheduled breaks.
Participants must be at least 16 years old to join, due to safety and sensitivity concerns.
Absolutely—no prior ghost hunting experience is necessary; guides will walk you through the process.
This experience is designed to be fun and intriguing, whether or not you believe in spirits.
Some areas may be challenging to access due to uneven terrain; please contact us for specific accommodations.
No, all necessary investigation tools will be provided on-site.
Preston Castle operated from 1894 to 1960 as a juvenile reform school, and its haunted reputation has persisted ever since.
The site is preserved through ongoing restoration efforts that respect its historical integrity while enabling public access.
Preston Castle Foundation stewards Preston Castle, the historic Preston School of Industry in Ione, California. The Foundation facilitates public access to the site through a variety of curated experiences that highlight the building’s architecture, history, and cultural significance. Public Guided Tours present a docent-led, 1.5-hour exploration of the first and second floors and the basement, offering historical context and documented stories about the institution. Public Self Guided Tours allow visitors to move at their own pace through restored porches, the on-site museum, and notable architectural details of the Romanesque Revival structure while connecting with knowledgeable docents when available. Public Paranormal Investigations are organized as intensive, 7-hour events with limited participation (15 spots), offering a structured investigation of reported phenomena. Seasonal events include The Haunt, a themed haunted attraction run at Preston Castle, and Christmas at the Castle, a period holiday presentation featuring tours, photos with Santa, and seasonal gift shop items. The Foundation works with trained docents and event staff to deliver consistent visitor experiences and clear pre-visit information, booking requirements, and participant limits. All programming centers on the building’s documented history, architectural preservation, and curated public events that provide educational and experiential access to this distinctive historic site.
Book with Preston Castle Foundation