Eastern State Penitentiary’s Ghost Hunt Prices

In “The Dark Side of the Ghost Hunters Effect” I wrote “…if you want to investigate there with your team? Be prepared to shell out upwards of two grand (if not more)…for four hours.” in reference to Eastern State Penitentiary’s paranormal investigation prices.

That seemed to get a lot of people’ goats. And one person’s particular interest.

THE QUEST FOR THE TRUTH

Vince Wilson of Ghost Tech Magazine wrote me last week saying he liked my article so much he’d like to publish it.

Well, before I lend my good name to Vince’s publication and put his good name on the line, I figured I better practice the philosophy  Javier and Gary over at GhostTheory preach (and practice vigilantly themselves): actual journalism.

That meant I better double, if not triple, check my facts.

So I called Eastern State this morning to ask about prices.

WHAT’S THE REAL FACTS, JACK?

I spoke to a very helpful lady named Brenda. She informed me night paranormal investigations run $25 per person per hour, with four hours and five people minimums.

That comes out to $500.

However, I also learned:

• There is a maximum number of people allowed: 15.
• Investigations are usually limited to no later than 1 a.m.
• They can be scheduled any day between 6 p.m. and 1 p.m. (With the exception of September 5 and November 15. There are no investigations during that time.)
• They post an availability calendar online.
• Investigations must be booked using their online booking form.
• Only ONE group is allowed to investigate per night. (That’s kind of nice.)
• A $200 deposit is required when booking a tour.
• You don’t need to be a member of a paranormal investigation group to book the facility.
• All equipment is BYOE.
• There is an age requirement: minimum of 16 years old. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Technically you could get away with investigating Eastern State for $500. (If four hours and five people would suffice.)

However, it also technically could cost you more than the “upwards of $2,000” I initially reported. If you investigated from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. with 15 people at $25 per person per hour, you’re looking at $2,625 to be exact.

But if you were allowed in a little earlier, like in December when the sun sets by 5 and you had 15 people? You’re at $3,000. (Brenda said they do sometimes allow this. But the only problem –aside from the price– is that it can be quite cold then.)

All of these prices are for one night only. If you wanted to book a weekend Friday and Saturday night deal…you see where I’m going with this? You’re either one helluva fundraiser or you’re independently wealthy. (Or you have some nice sponsors backing your successsful TV show…)

Anyway, I got my facts straight. I feel better now.

For further information check out http://www.easternstate.org/visit/ghost/.

Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.

Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.