Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour in Gettysburg

Getting the Most Out of Gettysburg’s Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour

If you’re into ghost stories, history, or just looking for something a little different after a day of exploring Gettysburg, this Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour might catch your eye. Touted as a very highly-rated experience with a perfect 5-star score from over 200 reviews, it’s been recommended by nearly all who’ve taken it. Led by a lively spirit guide, it promises to bring the eerie tales of the Civil War era to life — or perhaps, to death.

What I really appreciate about this tour is how it combines history with ghostly tales in an intimate setting, thanks to a group limited to just 10 participants. The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and the guides tend to keep things engaging and personal. Plus, at just $18 a person, it’s a pretty reasonable way to get a taste of Gettysburg’s haunted side without breaking the bank.

However, a noteworthy point is that this tour is heavily storytelling-based, and some might find it a bit on the theatrical side — especially if you’re expecting a ghost hunt or paranormal activity to be vividly obvious. It’s more about stories, legends, and atmosphere than high-stakes scares, so if you’re really into genuine supernatural encounters, keep that in mind.

This experience seems best suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Gettysburg’s darker stories who doesn’t mind a bit of theatrical flair. It’s a good pick for adults or older teens who enjoy storytelling, history, and a spooky vibe.

Key Points

• Small group size of up to 10 people creates an intimate, personalized experience
• Guided by a lively spirit guide who keeps the stories engaging and entertaining
• Includes key historical sites like East Cemetery Hill and the historic orphanage building
• Affordable price point of $18 makes it accessible for most travelers
• A mix of storytelling and atmospheric settings like haunted houses and cellar visits
• Strong reviews for guide character and storytelling quality, though some expect more paranormal activity

What is the Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour?

This walking tour is a step back in time to Gettysburg during the 1860s, when the land was soaked with the blood of the Civil War. The tour is primarily centered around the National Soldiers Orphanage, a building with deep wartime significance, which once served as a hospital, a headquarters, and later, an orphanage caring for children who lost their fathers on the battlefield.

Led by a lively ghost guide, the walk takes about an hour and a half, giving you a chance to visit haunted sites with stories that bring the spirits and history to life. The tour kicks off at 7 p.m., at 778 Baltimore Street, and ends back at the same spot, making it a convenient option to include in your evening plans.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Gettysburg and East Cemetery Hill

Your journey begins with a quick orientation of East Cemetery Hill, a site notorious for heavy fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg. This area is known for its lingering energy, and it’s where the guide starts weaving ghostly tales tied to the battlefield.

The guide’s storytelling is frequently praised — “Chris is a great tour guide! She tells stories in a way that holds your attention,” as one reviewer put it. You’ll learn about the history of the land and the spirits said to be trapped there, adding a layer of ghostly intrigue to the battlefield views.

Stop 2: National Soldiers Orphanage

The centerpiece of the tour is the historic orphanage building. It served many roles historically but is now viewed as a hotspot for paranormal activity. The guide takes you through various rooms, including the cellar — which lots of reviewers have found particularly spooky. One guest even mentioned capturing an orb and experiencing being touched on the neck there.

The guide’s characterization of the orphanage’s sinister past, especially the story of Rosa, the head mistress, really resonates with visitors. “She captured the sinister essence of Rosa,” one reviewer wrote, highlighting how well the guide embodying the character enhances the atmosphere.

Stop 3: Haunted Houses and Cellar

The tour includes stepping inside haunted houses and exploring the cellar, where the atmosphere becomes noticeably more eerie. Some guests have commented that the basement area feels “really eerie,” and it’s often the highlight of the experience for those sensitive to atmospherics.

The Guide and Experience

Guides like Chris and Tom are frequently praised for their energy, storytelling skills, and ability to make history come alive. Many reviewers noted how they were engaged with the stories, acting out ghostly characters with humor and authenticity. One guest said, “Mike (the undertaker),” brought humor to a serious setting, making the tour both fun and thought-provoking.

The tour’s focus on storytelling rather than high-intensity scares appeals to a broad audience, especially those who enjoy learning about history through narrative. Several reviews mention capturing activity on camera or experiencing physical touches, but most agree that the real value lies in the tales and atmosphere.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Limited to 10 travelers, the tour feels cozy and less commercialized. This makes a difference — you’re not just another face in a crowd. The small group allows for more interaction with your guide and a more immersive atmosphere. Many reviews mention how personal and engaging the guides are, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Price and Duration

At $18, the tour offers good value, especially considering the quality of storytelling and the intimate experience. It lasts about an hour and a half, which is enough time to get immersed without feeling drained. Evening timing adds to the spooky vibe, especially as darkness falls.

What Do Travelers Say?

Most reviews are glowing, praising the guides for their character and storytelling. “Loved it,” said Alicia, highlighting the character of Miss Rosa and the engaging presentation style. Many mention that the stories, especially the character portrayals, kept everyone entertained.

Some, like Ricardo, found the basement to be the most interesting part, with a palpable sense of history and eeriness. One reviewer appreciated the educational aspect, stating, “Did not experience supernatural things, but learned a lot about the history.”

A few more skeptical or disappointed reviewers felt it was mostly storytelling without enough paranormal activity, but even they acknowledged the guides’ professionalism and the overall experience.

Is it Worth the Price?

At just $18, this tour is a pretty affordable way to add some spooky fun to your Gettysburg visit. For the price, you’re getting a mixture of history, storytelling, and atmosphere with a knowledgeable guide who really brings the stories alive. The small group size enhances this, making it feel more like a shared experience than a typical tourist trap.

If you’re someone who appreciates historical tales or enjoys a well-told story with some spooky ambiance, you’ll likely find this tour enjoyable and worthwhile.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ghostly tour suits those with an interest in history, ghost stories, or Victorian-style storytelling. It’s best for adults or older teens who enjoy theatrical narration and atmospheric settings. Families with younger children might find the stories too intense or not very interactive for kids, so keep that in mind.

It’s not a high-energy ghost hunt, but rather a narrated experience that points out historic sites with a spooky twist. It’s perfect for a relaxed evening activity that combines education and a touch of ghostly mystery.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an experience that blends history and ghost stories in a cozy, intimate setting, this tour checks all those boxes. The guides receive high praise for their engaging storytelling and character portrayals, making the history of Gettysburg come alive in a new, spooky way.

While it may not satisfy those seeking intense paranormal encounters, it offers a captivating glimpse into the haunted past of this historic battlefield. The $18 price tag, combined with the small group size and notable reviews, make this a pretty compelling choice for an entertaining evening.

For anyone curious about Gettysburg’s haunted tales, or simply wanting a different way to experience the town after dark, this haunted orphanage tour deserves a spot on your list.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? Many reviews mention that the guide engaged all ages, including kids, and was entertaining for a family member’s birthday. However, the stories are spooky and atmospheric, so very young children might find it too intense.

How long does the tour last? It lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity without feeling too long.

What is the group size? The maximum group size is 10 travelers, creating a more intimate and personalized experience.

Are there any paranormal experiences reported? Some guests have caught activity on cameras or felt touched, but the emphasis is on storytelling and atmosphere rather than high-energy ghost hunts.

Where does the tour start and end? It begins and concludes at 778 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA.

What is the price? The tour costs $18 per person, offering good value for a storytelling experience with highly praised guides.

If you’re looking to add a touch of ghostly history to your Gettysburg trip, this tour is a well-reviewed, affordable choice that’s perfect for a relaxed evening of storytelling and eerie ambiance.