6 Hours • Overnight Investigation
Spend six thrilling hours inside West Virginia’s most haunted prison with the Public Ghost Hunt. Explore silent cellblocks and eerie wards on a guided then solo investigation that promises a unique blend of history and supernatural intrigue.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be able to stand and walk steadily for extended periods; no exceptional athleticism required but basic mobility is necessary.
Wildlife
History
The West Virginia Penitentiary operated from 1876 until 1995 and witnessed several infamous escapes and riots, contributing to its eerie reputation.
Conservation
Efforts are made to preserve the prison’s structure while respecting its history, encouraging responsible visitation to minimize impact.
West Virginia Penitentiary
6 Hours • Overnight Investigation
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 Ghost Hunting Gear
Equipment such as EMF meters and spirit boxes enhance your chances of detecting paranormal activity during the investigation.
Wear Comfortable, Durable Footwear
The prison floors can be uneven and cold, so sturdy shoes are recommended to stay comfortable throughout the night.
Carry a Flashlight
Some areas have limited lighting; a powerful flashlight will help you navigate safely and thoroughly examine all corners.
Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks
Six hours in a cold, eerie environment calls for energy — pack water and light snacks to keep your stamina up.
Flashlight
Provides reliable illumination inside dark prison corridors during the night investigation.
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EMF Meter
A popular tool among ghost hunters to detect electromagnetic fluctuations.
Thermal Layered Clothing
The prison’s stone walls keep areas cold at night, so dressing in layers ensures comfort.
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Notebook and Pen
For documenting observations and any unusual activity during the ghost hunt.