1.5 Hours • Up to 12 People
Step inside Preston Castle as dusk falls with Historic Sunset Tours — a 1.5-hour, small-group evening walkthrough of Romanesque Revival architecture and local stories. Perfect for photographers, history fans, and visitors staying in Ione who want a compact, atmospheric cultural outing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking and standing; accessible on the ground floor but some areas may include steps.
Wildlife
History
The site’s Romanesque Revival architecture — rounded arches, heavy stonework, and iconic massing — features prominently in the tour narrative.
Conservation
Small-group sizes and defined routes help limit wear on historic fabric; visitors are asked to stay on designated paths and avoid touching fragile surfaces.
Preston Castle Foundation
1.5 Hours • Up to 12 People
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.
Bring a light
Carry a flashlight or headlamp — guides use low lighting and a small personal light helps you read details and stay safe in dim corridors.
Arrive early to check in
Plan to arrive a few minutes before the listed meeting point to handle tickets and accessibility needs without cutting into the 1.5-hour schedule.
Wear closed-toe shoes
Uneven thresholds and historic flooring make sturdy, closed-toe shoes the smart choice for comfort and safety.
Book ahead
Capacity is limited to groups of up to 12 people — reserve in advance to secure your preferred date and time.
Flashlight or headlamp
Essential for seeing architectural details and safely navigating dim corridors.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Protects feet on historic floors and thresholds.
Light jacket or layers
Evening temperatures can drop after sunset; layers keep you comfortable.
fall
Camera or phone with low-light capability
Useful for capturing the changing light on stonework and interior details.