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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good health to handle walking and standing for extended periods.
Wildlife
History
Preston Castle operated from 1894 to 1960 as a juvenile reform school, and its haunted reputation has persisted ever since.
Conservation
The site is preserved through ongoing restoration efforts that respect its historical integrity while enabling public access.
Preston Castle Foundation
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.
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.
Location
Ione, CA
Located in Ione, California
Tour Lengths
1.5–7 hours
Guided, self-guided, and investigation lengths
Small Groups
15 max (investigation)
Limited spots for paranormal events
Tours Offered
5 experiences
Guided, paranormal, self-guided, haunt, holiday
Reserve guided tours, secure limited paranormal investigation spots, or buy tickets for The Haunt and Christmas events — availability varies by event.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing
Bring layers to stay comfortable during the investigation, as the castle can be cool and drafty.
Bring a flashlight
A reliable flashlight is crucial for navigating dark hallways and exploring shadowed corners safely.
Stay quiet and observant
Respect the spirit of the investigation by keeping noise to a minimum and staying alert for unexplained sounds.
Participate actively in the investigation
Engage with the tools and process of ghost hunting for a more immersive experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is necessary for walking through old and uneven castle floors.
Notebook or recording device
Document your experiences or record any paranormal activity for later review.
Warm jacket
Castle interiors can be chilly, especially at night.
Camera
Capture photos of the castle’s atmospheric and ghostly moments.