Updated 08.19.25
Weston, West Virginia, is home to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum- a haunting testament to the complex history of mental health treatment in America. Originally opened in 1864, this historic institution is known for its impressive architecture, tragic past, and ghostly haunts. It’s been on my list of places to see and perhaps we will be able to make it out there one day.
Why I am so drawn to the paranormal even though I’m so easily spooked is beyond me. I don’t watch horror films, yet I’m still fascinated by spirits. Over the past few years I’ve had a growing fascination with the paranormal, especially as it relates to life after death.
A Brief History of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was built in the mid-19th century to accommodate the growing number of patients in need of care for their mental health. The building was built in Gothic Revival style, and features tall towers, expansive corridors, and intricate stonework. It was intended to be a place where patients could receive humane treatment and surprisingly, this was a radical idea at the time when many institutions were overcrowded and underfunded.
The asylum’s capacity was set at 250 patients, but by the early 20th century (at its peak), the asylum housed over 2,400 patients. This overcrowding led to a decline in care standards, and reports of neglect and abuse became common. Patients were subjected to harsh treatments, including lobotomies, electroconvulsive therapy, and restraint methods which are (obviously) inhumane by today’s standards. In 1994, the asylum closed its doors.
Architecture
The building is one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry structures in North America, covering over 1 million square feet. Its design was influenced by the Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized “moral treatment of the insane” through structures with natural light and ventilation to promote healing. The asylum includes long corridors, high ceilings, and large windows that were intended to create a therapeutic environment, despite the grim reality for many patients.
Kirkbride buildings were designed in the 1800s by Dr. Thomas Kirkbride, who believed that architecture and environment could help treat mental illness. They typically have a central administration area with long, staggered wings to provide sunlight, fresh air, and separation of patients. Many were massive stone or brick structures, often functioning like small self-sufficient towns with farms, workshops, and kitchens. While the design was meant to be therapeutic, overcrowding and changing treatments led to their decline. Many of these buildings have been torn down or repurposed.
Ghosts and haunts
Many believe the spirits of former patients still roam the halls. Visitors and staff have reported strange happenings, including unexplained noises, sudden temperature drops, and shadows. There are testimonies of many spooky experiences online, on YouTube, and on Reddit.
The asylum has gained notoriety as one of the most haunted places in the United States and has been featured on various shows, like Ghost Hunters.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum tour information (as of August 2025)
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum offers heritage and historic tours, as well as paranormal and ghost tours. I’ve listed out the tours I could find on the website below since the website was a little hard for me to follow when it came to comparing the options available.
I don’t think I’m ready to experience any overnight ghost tours, but it’s not out of the question! You can read more about my experience with the “Discover the Asylum” tour here.
1. Heritage & Historic Tours (March 29 – November 9, 2025) – first come, first served (i.e., no reservations)
- 1st Floor South Tour (45 min): Explore the Civil War section, restored patient wards, and learn about historical treatments and the architectural design of the asylum. Cost: $15 + tax.
- 1st Floor North Tour (45 min): Includes a walk through maximum security and the art therapy wing, highlighting Dr. Walter Freeman’s contributions and patient life. Cost: $15 + tax.
- The Criminally Insane Tour (45 min): Visit the Forensics Building, learn about the admissions process, and hear stories including a historic riot. Cost: $15 + tax.
- All 4 Floors + Medical Center (90 min): A comprehensive look at the main building’s history, covering all four floors and notable sections like the Medical Center. Cost: $30 + tax.
2. Regular tours requiring reservations
- Photography Tours (Reservations Required):
- Allows semi-guided access for photography without historical narration
- Morning only (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
- Afternoon only (1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Or both morning and afternoon
- Cost: $100 + tax per session; $150 for both sessions
- VIP Tour (90 min) – first come, first served
- An exclusive tour that includes a combination of daytime tours. The tour blends history, architecture, paranormal stories, and Civil War insights. It is interactive and tailored to the group’s interests.
- Wednesday at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm; and Saturday at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm
- Cost: $40 + tax
- Discover the Asylum Tour (8 hours, select Mondays only): An exclusive, in-depth exploration of the entire main building, Medical Center, and more with seasoned guides. Cost: $150 + tax; $10 additional for a pre-ordered boxed lunch
- Read about my experience with this tour here!
3. Ghost Hunts
- 8-Hour Public Ghost Hunts: Main Building
- Time: 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. (year-round, excluding October)
- Locations: Main building
- Details: Extended ghost-hunting experience with expert guides, or go solo.
- Cost: $100 + tax per person
- Reservations required? Yes
- 8-Hour Public Ghost Hunts: Outer Buildings
- Time: 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. (year-round, excluding October)
- Locations: Medical, Forensics, and Geriatrics buildings
- Details: Extended ghost-hunting experience with expert guides, or go solo.
- Cost: $100 + tax per person
- Reservations required? Yes
- 6-Hour Public Ghost Hunts – Main Building (October Only) – “Asylum After Dark”
- Time: 11:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
- Locations: Main building
- Details: Explore the paranormal after dark with a brief introductory tour, then investigate on your own or with guides.
- Cost: $100 + tax per person
- Reservations required? Yes
- 6-Hour Public Ghost Hunts – Outer Buildings (October Only) – “Asylum After Dark”
- Time: 11:30 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.
- Locations: Medical Center, Forensics, and Geriatrics buildings
- Details: Explore the paranormal after dark with a brief introductory tour, then investigate on your own or with guides.
- Cost: $100 + tax per person
- Reservations required? Yes
- Private Ghost Hunts
- Time: 9:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m.
- Details: For groups (min. 10 people) seeking an exclusive experience without other visitors
- Cost: $150 + tax per person
- Reservations required? Yes
4. Paranormal Tours
- Guided Paranormal Tours (2 Hours)
- Time: 9:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (updated 08/19/25)
- Details: Visit the 4 hottest spots of the asylum with a guide
- Cost: $40 + tax per person
- Reservations required? Yes
- Daytime Paranormal Tours (90 minutes)
- Time: Various times Tuesday-Friday and Sunday 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.; and Saturday: 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. (first-come, first-served)
- Details: Brief paranormal exploration during the day
- Cost: $35 + tax per person
- Reservations required? No
- Flashlight Tours (30 minutes)
- Time: During special events only
- Details: A short, special event tour of both historic and paranormal spots
- Cost: $11 per person (first-come, first-served)
- Reservations required? No
Visiting one day
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a bit farther out than our West Virginia property, but I’m glad I was able to make it out there to see it firsthand and learn more about its history. It serves as a reminder of the past, encouraging conversations about mental health awareness and humane treatment.
Perhaps one day we’ll also make it to the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, WV. It appears to be lesser known, but is another similar hauntingly historic institution in West Virginia that offers day and overnight tours. I’ll have to read more about this location next!
