Step into the chilling corridors of Preston Castle in Ione, California, for The Haunt—an intense Halloween walkthrough blending history and horror. Face eerie whispers and terrifying moments in this 15-year tradition of scares.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Guests should be able to walk unassisted for 1 to 2 miles at a gentle pace with some standing.
Wildlife
History
Preston Castle opened in 1890 as a reform school and has since become an iconic, haunted landmark in California’s Gold Country.
Conservation
The Preston Castle Foundation focuses on preserving the historic site while balancing public access and minimizing environmental impact.
Preston Castle Foundation
Step into the chilling corridors of Preston Castle in Ione, California, for The Haunt—an intense Halloween walkthrough blending history and horror. Face eerie whispers and terrifying moments in this 15-year tradition of scares.
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.
Arrive Early for Ticket Pickup
Check in outside the gate ahead of your entry time to receive your physical ticket and avoid delays.
Dress for Inside and Outside
Wear comfortable layers as some walking occurs outdoors between buildings despite it being primarily an indoor experience.
Leave Prohibited Items Behind
Security will confiscate cigarettes, lighters, vaping devices, weapons, and outside food or drinks—plan accordingly.
Be Prepared for Loud and Flashing Effects
Guests sensitive to flashing lights or loud noises should consider bringing ear protection or skip the event.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sturdy shoes help navigate indoor and outdoor pathways safely during the event.
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Layered Clothing
Evening temperatures can drop, so layers keep you comfortable throughout the visit.
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Small Flashlight
Helpful for navigating darker outdoor areas before entering the haunted indoor sections.
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Ear Protection
Recommended for visitors sensitive to loud sounds like air cannons or sudden noises.
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