Looking for a good tale of paranormal? Greater Parkersburg plays host to a number of haunted sites and tours each autumn. Tour historic hotels, bike through haunted tunnels, or take one of the most popular ghost tours in the nation!
Haunted Parkersburg Ghost Tours
(End of September-First Weekend in November)
Downtown Parkersburg
The Haunted Parkersburg Ghost Tours is one of the most popular ghost tours in the nation and take individuals through the quaint streets of downtown Parkersburg and recount its haunted history and famous paranormal tales.
Tour guides will tell you various supernatural stories that are unique to the Parkersburg area. Tours are offered Saturday evenings. Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Blennerhassett Hotel (corner of 4th and Market Streets) and takes approximately two hours (walk is two miles).
Haunted Parkersburg True Crime Tours
(End of September-First Weekend in November)
Downtown Parkersburg
Walk the wicked way and explore the dark corridors of old Parkersburg to shed light on some of the most famous and gruesome crimes in the city’s history. Did you know that in 1867 downtown Parkersburg had a serial killer? What about the post-Civil War hanging on Fort Boreman Hill? Did you know one of the condemned men escaped, was caught and hanged later on Staunton Avenue? During the Civil War Parkersburg was said to be “wickedest city on the Ohio River” and Seventh Street was referred to as the “Bloody Quarter,” there were so many knife fights and murders. Join us as we carefully track the footsteps of a heinous serial killer while seeing the sites and hearing about other fascinating crimes. (Not suitable for small children)
Tours begin Friday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of the Blennerhassett Hotel (corner of 4th and Market Streets) and takes approximately two hours (walk is two miles).
Haunted Silver Run Tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail
Cairo, WV (off US RT 50, east of Parkersburg)
Walk through the 1,376 feet long tunnel known as the Silver Run Tunnel if you dare. Legends say a ghostly pale woman has been seen and heard along the tracks at the tunnel. The story claims that she was a bride making her way to her groom in Parkersburg when she was hit by a train. She is now known as the Phantom of Silver Run.
Hidden Marietta offers a variety of historical and paranormal tours in the Mid-Ohio Valley
Harmar Ghost Trek
FRIDAYS – July thru October
Downtown Marietta, Ohio
Discover our brand new Harmar Ghost Trek! Uncover the early history of the town. You’ll hear stories of vice, accidental deaths and spirits. Harmar is the oldest part of Marietta, and some of the most tragic stories and spookiest encounters have taken place here. This tour starts at 8 p.m. Park at the lot on Putnam Avenue, right across the Putnam Street Bridge as you come into Harmar. This tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.
Details: The total distance covered is a little over one mile. Handicap accessible. Although the entire course of our Ghost Trek tours are over paved or brick streets, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Well-behaved pups are welcome to join us.
Putnam Street Ghost Trek
SATURDAYS – July thru October
Downtown Marietta, Ohio
The Putnam Street Ghost Trek you’ll learn about the creepy old buildings that loom over you in shadow, and learn of a dark past filled with murder, suicide and executions. This tour starts at 8 p.m. at the Courthouse (on the corner of Second and Putnam Streets). This tour of Marietta’s history and mysteries lasts approximately 90 minutes
Details: The total distance covered is a little over one mile. Handicap accessible. Although the entire course of our Ghost Trek tours are over paved or brick streets, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Well-behaved pups are welcome to join us.
Anchorage Mansion Haunted History Tours (Marietta, OH)
May 31 – October 31, 2019
Friday Mansion Tours: 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturday Mansion Tours: 1 p.m., 3pm, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Elmwood, Putnam’s Folly, Putnam’s Villa, The Anchorage…a house known by many names over the years is an iconic piece of Marietta’s history. Explore the story of the Putnam Family and wander the dark hallways for yourself. We now offer Haunted History tours of The Anchorage Mansion! First enjoy a history & ghost tour of the building that will last 60 minutes, and end with an optional 30 minute paranormal investigation in some of the most haunted areas.
Built in 1859, this Italianate mansion was the ambitious dream of Eliza Putnam, and she poured her heart and soul into its design. Unfortunately, she died three years after it was built, but legend has it that she has never left.
Many families moved in and out over the years, each once adding something special to this mansion once known as ‘Putnam’s Folly’. From the 1960s-1980s it operated as a senior care facility and was the last home many of its residents knew. Today, the 23 room mansion is under renovation by the Washington County Historical Society. Tours are provided by Hidden Marietta, with a portion of every ticket going to preservation of this monumental and historic building.
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