Quick Details
Preston Castle sits upon a hill in Ione, California. Construction began on it in 1890 and was completed in 1894. Preston Castle served as the administration building for the Preston School of Industry. The Preston School of Industry was established as part of a progressive act to reform juvenile offenders rather than send them to San Quentin or Folsom prisons. It remained in use until 1960 when the staff moved into the new facility down the hill to the south. Wards lived and worked in the building until 1955.
The Castle has been featured in horror films and popular paranormal shows like Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Asylum, and The Lowe Files. And now YOU can experience the paranormal in this historic site. We offer both public and private paranormal tours with our experienced docents. Scheduled tour dates typically range from January – June. The size of the tours are limited to a maximum of 15 investigators and they sell out very quickly.
You will receive an email confirmation when you purchase a ticket. Bring this confirmation.
You will receive an email with instructions the week prior your scheduled investigation.
We cannot issue refunds for cancellations. We will work with you to reschedule for another available date.
The size of the groups will be kept small.
The Castle offers limited access to those with mobility limitations. Please contact us prior to your visit so we can present the best tour designed with your needs in mind.
Investigations start at 7 pm. Investigations conclude at 2 am. Should you need to leave before 2 am, please inform a docent to assist with your departure. Sleeping at the Castle is not permitted, but feel free to sleep in your car.
All guests will be off the property by 2:30 am.
Attendees may bring food and beverages (no alcohol) to consume during breaks. The only liquid permitted inside the Castle is water.
Dress appropriately for the changing seasons and weather. For your safety, we suggest jeans or long pants, and no open toed-shoes. Many rooms are in disrepair and the Castle is not cooled or heated.
You are welcome to bring your own cameras, audio recorders, temperature sensors, etc. at your own risk. However, video/filming is not permitted. By participating in an investigation, you agree to absolve Preston Castle Foundation and Preston Paranormal Members from any responsibility for any equipment that is damaged or stolen. We have NOT had any problems with broken or stolen equipment in the past. Access to electricity is limited in the castle.
Areas available for you to investigate include the grounds inside the fence and around the Castle, the Castle’s basement, 1st and 2nd floors. You will not have access to the cemetery, it is no longer on the property; or the upper floors of the Castle, as the conditions are too hazardous. Please leave everything the way you found it. You are responsible for any damage to this majestic, but fragile, historic site.
There is NO SMOKING/VAPING or Alcohol use permitted anywhere in or on the Preston Castle site.
Guests must always stay with their docent, please do not wander off and please respect all instructions given during the investigation.
All guests must be age 18 or older. Docents may ask for verification if a guest appears to be under 18.