West Virginia Penitentiary - Real Haunted Place

This gothic-style prison dates back to 1866 and was in operation until 1995. It is no longer used to house inmates like it once was, but now acts as a museum for tourists to visit. Along with their historical tours, the penitentiary also offers paranormal tours for those brave enough!

With a history of violence, it's no surprise that a prison would be a spooky place. According to Travel Channel, the jail was listed on The United States Department of Justice's Top Ten Most Violent Correctional Facilities list. It's no wonder some of the souls that once resided there are said to linger in spirit. Amongst the ghosts is a shadow man that has been spotted and even photographed. Staff have also reported that they've been accosted by unseen forces.

Disclaimer: West Virginia Haunted Houses does not endorse or support trespassing to visit real haunts. Before you visit ANY local real haunt, make sure to acquire the appropriate permits and/or permissions, and be respectful of privately owned properties. Countless Haunt Hunters have been arrested, ticketed, and reprimanded by the authorities for trespassing. To avoid this, be sure to get in touch with the property owners before visiting a haunt, and respect their hours of operation, local regulations, and rules for visiting at all times. Happy haunting!