When it comes to ghost stories and historic towns, Shepherdstown, West Virginia, offers a charming yet spine-tingling experience—without the crowds of more touristy spots. This self-guided audio tour, priced at just under $10 per person, invites curious visitors to explore the town’s spectral secrets at their own pace, with the added fun of a built-in EMF reader. It’s a blend of history, legend, and a dash of the supernatural—perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, yet slightly spooky outing.
What we really like about this tour is its flexibility—you can start and stop whenever you like, thanks to its GPS navigation and the fact that it never expires. Plus, the cost is quite reasonable for the experience offered, especially since it’s entirely outside, so weather and comfort aren’t big concerns. That said, it’s a self-guided experience—so those craving a live guide or inside access might find it a bit limited. This tour appeals most to those who enjoy history, ghost stories, and outdoor walking adventures—especially if you’re comfortable exploring on your own.
Key Points

- Flexible self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace
- Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers
- Ghost stories and legends add a supernatural thrill to the historic background
- Outdoor only experience means weather can impact your plans
- Built-in EMF reader offers a fun, hands-free way to detect paranormal activity
- Suitable for a wide range of travelers, from history buffs to casual ghost enthusiasts
What Is the Shepherdstown Haunted Self Guided Audio Walking Tour?

This tour offers a 50-minute to 1-hour outdoor walk through Shepherdstown—an historic town with a reputation for haunted sites and ghostly legends. The experience is delivered via a mobile app, which uses GPS to guide you along the route, playing stories as you approach each stop. It’s designed for those who enjoy a bit of mystery and history without the constraints of a scheduled tour or crowded group.
Priced at $9.75 per person, it’s a budget-friendly way to get a taste of Shepherdstown’s spectral past. And since the tour never expires, you can take your time or revisit as often as you like. There are no additional costs for admission, as all stops are outside, and you won’t encounter a human guide—just your own curiosity and the ghost stories waiting to be uncovered.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in West Virginia.
The Route and Stops in Detail

Starting Point: 201 East German Street
Your spooky adventure begins outside a well-known haunted spot that’s been lurking in Shepherdstown for decades. From here, the app shares its story, setting the tone for the haunted walk ahead. The outdoor nature means you can start anytime, day or night, and enjoy the eerie atmosphere at your own pace.
The Historic Hotel
Next, you’ll stop outside the historic hotel, where the tour recounts tales of deaths and spirits believed to still linger inside. It’s a classic haunted site, especially appealing for those who enjoy stories of Victorian-era tragedies. The outside-only approach means you’ll be listening from the sidewalk, but the stories make it feel close enough to almost see the ghosts.
McMurran Hall and Campus Sites
A highlight is the stop outside McMurran Hall, with its notable history and reports of ghostly activity. The tour extends across several campus locations, including dorms and a bookstore, all outside. These spots highlight Shepherdstown’s academic past and how it intersects with tales of apparitions and spectral footsteps.
You can also read our reviews of more guided tours in West Virginia
- Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: West Virginia’s Cultural Crown!
- Art and Architecture in the Downtown Charleston: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
- New River Gorge National Park Audio Tour Guide
- New River Gorge National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
- New River Gorge Guided Paddleboarding and Kayaking
- Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour of New River Gorge National Park
Downtown and Haunted Sports
Walking through Shepherdstown’s streets, you’ll come across several haunted sports sites—from pubs to historic buildings—each with its own story to tell. According to reviews, this outdoor exploration “goes through Shepherdstown stopping at the famous haunted spots and sharing their history and spirits,” which many find both fun and atmospheric.
Ending at Shepherdstown Opera House
The tour wraps up near the Shepherdstown Opera House, where you’ll learn about its history and spirits. This final stop ties together the town’s cultural and ghostly history, leaving you with a sense of the local legends that continue to echo through Shepherdstown’s streets.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The self-guided nature is a big plus—you’re free to start when you want, go as fast or slow as you like, and revisit parts later. The built-in EMF reader adds an interactive element, giving visitors a playful way to “detect” paranormal energy. For those interested in ghost stories rooted in real history, the tour’s storytelling style is engaging without feeling overly theatrical.
The price point is very reasonable, especially considering the duration and outdoor setting. Plus, since it’s delivered via an app, it’s accessible to most travelers with a smartphone. The fact that no admission or human guide is needed means there’s no extra expense or scheduling hassle—perfect for independent travelers or families.
What Could Be Improved?

While the tour’s outdoor format offers freedom, it also means weather can be a concern—rain or cold might dampen the experience. Because all stops are outside, it might not suit travelers looking for interior access or a guided group. Some reviews suggest that “it’s all outside, so if it’s raining or cold, you might want to plan accordingly.”
Plus, since the experience is purely audio and GPS-guided, those who prefer a more interactive or storytelling-heavy guided tour might find it a bit light on personal interaction.
Practical Details and Tips

Duration: About 50 minutes to an hour, but you can take as long as you want.
Price: $9.75 per person, offering a good value for an hour of entertainment and exploration.
Booking: Usually booked 11 days in advance—so plan ahead if you want a specific start time.
Meeting point: Outside 201 East German Street—easy to find and close to the final stop at the Shepherdstown Opera House.
Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, although outdoor walking may be tricky for those with limited mobility.
Weather considerations: Since all stops are outside, check the forecast.
App features: The GPS navigation, ambient sounds, and EMF reader provide a hands-free, engaging experience.
Authentic Traveler Feedback

While the tour has no formal reviews yet, the description and features all point to a solid experience for those who enjoy self-guided walking tours with a spooky twist. The fact that it’s available anytime offers flexibility that busy travelers will appreciate.
Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is a great pick for history lovers, ghost enthusiasts, and independent explorers who prefer wandering at their own pace. It suits those who enjoy outdoor walks and are comfortable navigating via smartphone. If you’re not looking for inside access or a guided group, this experience offers a fun, affordable way to explore Shepherdstown’s haunted past without fuss.
It’s especially perfect for families with older children, couples, or solo travelers who want a relaxed but intriguing self-led experience that combines history with some supernatural fun.
The Sum Up

The Shepherdstown Haunted Self Guided Audio Walking Tour offers a charming, cost-effective, and flexible way to experience one of West Virginia’s most historic towns through the lens of ghost stories and legends. Its self-guided format allows you to explore at your own pace, making it a low-pressure outing for those curious about the paranormal but wary of guided tours. The built-in EMF reader adds a playful element that can spark the imagination and make the stories feel even more real.
If you love a good ghost story, enjoy outdoor walks, and want an affordable way to explore Shepherdstown’s eerie past, this tour hits the mark. Just remember to check the weather and bring your smartphone fully charged. Overall, it’s a charming, accessible introduction to the town’s haunted heritage that will delight curious travelers and fit neatly into a relaxed day of exploring West Virginia.
FAQ
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, older children and teens who are interested in ghost stories and walking outdoors will enjoy it. Keep in mind it’s outside, so good footwear and weather preparedness are recommended.
Can I do the tour at night?
Absolutely. Since it’s available 24/7 and never expires, you can choose dusk or late evening for a spookier vibe.
Is there an actual guide involved?
No, it’s a self-guided tour with an app that plays stories and uses GPS to guide you along the route.
Are there any indoor stops?
No, all stops are outside, making it weather-dependent.
How long do I have to complete the tour?
You can take as long as you like—there’s no time limit.
Does the tour include admission to any sites?
No, all stops are outside, and no additional admission is required.
Is the EMF reader real or just for fun?
It’s built into the app, providing a fun, interactive element, but not a scientific device.
What should I bring?
A smartphone, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Who is the experience provider?
WalknTours is the company behind this tour, offering a variety of self-guided experiences.
This Shepherdstown haunted tour provides a fun, affordable, and flexible way to explore ghost stories rooted in local history—perfect for curious explorers wanting a little thrill without the fuss of traditional guided tours.
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