Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour in Gettysburg

Our review of the Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour in Gettysburg offers a chance to explore one of America’s most storied battlefields with a twist—through ghostly tales and encounters. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, this tour has garnered perfect ratings and enthusiastic reviews from dozens of travelers.

What we genuinely appreciate about this experience is its combination of history and supernatural storytelling. The small group size—capped at just 10 people—ensures an intimate atmosphere, allowing for a more personal and immersive encounter. Plus, with guides known for their engaging narration and authentic character portrayals, you’re likely to feel both chills and curiosity.

However, it’s worth considering that this is a ghost tour rooted in storytelling and paranormal activity; it’s not a sightseeing bus tour with panoramic views. If you’re someone seeking a more factual, museum-style visit, this might not be your ideal choice. But for those open to a fun, eerie adventure blending history with ghostly tales, this tour could be just the ticket.

This experience is perfect for history buffs who enjoy a good spooky story, groups looking for a memorable evening activity, or anyone curious about Gettysburg’s darker legends. Now, let’s explore what makes this tour stand out, what you’ll visit, and why it might be worth booking.

Key Points

• Led by a captivating ghost guide in an intimate group setting
• Explores East Cemetery Hill and the historic Soldiers Orphanage
• Combines historical facts with ghost stories for a balanced experience
• Tour duration is approximately 90 minutes, at an affordable price
• Small groups (max 10) enhance the personal feel and storytelling
• Multiple reviews highlight engaging guides and authentic supernatural encounters

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Baltimore Street in Gettysburg

The tour begins at 778 Baltimore Street, a convenient central location. From there, your guide will orient you to East Cemetery Hill, an area marked by heavy fighting during the Civil War’s Battle of Gettysburg. This spot is not only historically significant but also reputed to be haunted by tormented spirits. The guide’s storytelling here sets the tone, blending historical context with eerie tales of ghostly activity.

East Cemetery Hill: The Battlefield’s Heart

You’ll walk to the hill, where some of the fiercest fighting occurred. Travelers often comment on how the guide’s historical knowledge brings the scene to life. As one reviewer noted, the storytelling “holds your attention,” making history feel immediate and visceral. Expect to hear about the spirits said to linger in this area, adding a ghostly layer to the battlefield’s history.

The National Soldiers Orphanage: A Haunted Haven

Next, the tour takes you to the site of the former Soldiers Orphanage, which played a significant role during and after the Civil War. This building served as General O.O. Howard’s headquarters during the battle and later as a hospital and an orphanage for war orphans.

Travelers have praised the guide’s ability to make the history compelling. One reviewer mentioned how the guide, Chris, “captures the sinister essence of Rosa, the head mistress,” and others described feeling a spooky atmosphere in the orphanage’s basement. The orphanage’s role as a place where children mourned lost parents and endured trauma adds a poignant backdrop to the ghost stories, creating a haunting resonance.

Haunted Houses and Spirit Encounters

Throughout the tour, you may step into haunted houses or dark corners within the orphanage, where guides recreate scenes with acting and storytelling. Several reviews highlight the basement’s “eerie feeling” and suggest that the atmosphere in these spaces is genuinely chilling. One guest even captured orbs on camera and reported feeling touches on the neck, which adds credibility for those interested in paranormal evidence.

The cellar and basement: The highlight for many

Many reviewers point out that the cellar or basement is the most captivating part of the tour. It’s here that the history and ghost stories collide, with guides acting as if they’re chatting with spirits or otherworldly entities. Visitors often describe a sense of long-ago suffering lingering in these dark spaces.

What Makes This Tour Unique?

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill ghost walk. The fact that it’s led by a literal spirit guide—an actor portraying a ghost—sets it apart. This theatrical element, combined with historical storytelling, creates a more engaging, immersive experience. The guides’ ability to switch between facts and dramatizations makes the stories more memorable.

With a maximum group size of 10, everyone gets a chance to ask questions and feel involved. This intimate setting also means the guide can tailor the experience, making each encounter feel personal rather than commercialized.

The tour’s affordability—just $18—is another plus, especially considering the hours of entertainment packed into 90 minutes. For many, this offers a good value, especially if you’re looking for a fun, spooky, yet educational activity after exploring Gettysburg.

Atmosphere and Experience

The tour combines outdoor walking with indoor visits to haunted spaces. Expect to walk on uneven terrain and enter dark, historic buildings. Guides are praised for their energy and ability to keep the group engaged, even when the spooky stories turn intense.

Many reviews mention how the stories are well-told, blending humor and suspense. For example, one reviewer appreciated the “hilarious jokes” from the guide, Mike, who also took guests into a cellar, balancing humor with the darker themes of loss and trauma.

Paranormal evidence and reactions

Some guests have caught activity on their cameras, reporting orbs or unexplained touches—though, naturally, these are subjective experiences. The guide’s depiction of spirits unable to move on offers a compelling reason why some areas feel so charged with energy.

Practical Details and Tips

• The tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, a manageable length for most travelers.
• Groups are small, with a maximum of 10, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.
• The tour is accessible to most travelers; service animals are allowed.
• Most participants seem to book it about a month in advance, so plan ahead if you want to secure a spot.
• The meeting point is easy to find on Baltimore Street, close to public transportation options.
• No additional admission fees are required; the tour fee covers the entire experience.
• Confirmations are sent immediately upon booking, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Reviewers consistently praise the guides for their storytelling skills and genuine enthusiasm. Alicia_H called it “Loved it,” especially appreciating the character of Miss Rosa and the guide Chris’s energy. Another guest, Elizabeth_G, enjoyed the humor from Mike, the “undertaker,” describing him as “an amazing tour guide.” Many mention feeling genuinely spooked, especially in the basement, with some capturing evidence or feeling touches.

While a few found the stories “mostly just storytelling,” most agree that the atmosphere and guide’s delivery make it a memorable experience. One reviewer summed it up by saying, “It really had a feeling of long ago, and the basement was really eerie,” highlighting how effective the setting and storytelling are.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those interested in a blend of history and the supernatural, particularly if you’re comfortable with spooky stories and ghostly tales. It’s a good choice for adults and older children (13+) who can handle dark spaces and intense storytelling.

It’s also ideal for small groups seeking a more personalized, less commercialized ghost experience. If you’re after a lively, theatrical journey into Gettysburg’s haunted past, this is a strong choice.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a night of history mixed with ghost stories, the Haunted Orphanage Ghostly Encounter Tour offers a compelling, well-reviewed experience in Gettysburg. Led by passionate guides and a talented cast that includes a “spirit guide,” it provides a unique way to connect with the battlefield’s haunted reputation.

The small group size, engaging storytelling, and eerie atmospheres make it both fun and atmospheric—perfect for those seeking a spooky adventure after a day of sightseeing. The price point is reasonable, considering the depth of storytelling and the intimate nature of the tour.

This experience is especially valuable for history lovers who enjoy ghostly legends, curious travelers eager for paranormal encounters, and groups wanting a memorable, slightly spooky activity. While it may not be for everyone—particularly those seeking a purely factual or daytime tour—it’s a lively, entertaining, and authentic ghostly journey through Gettysburg’s haunted past.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable and engaging experience without being overly long.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal and interactive experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is engaging for older children (around 13+). However, younger kids may find the dark spaces or spooky stories unsettling.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 778 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, which is easy to locate and near public transportation.

Is there an additional cost for admission?
No, the tour price of $18 covers everything—there are no extra fees for entry or activities.

What makes this tour different from other ghost tours?
It’s led by a “literal” spirit guide—an actor portraying a ghost—which adds theatrical flair, and the small group setting makes it more engaging.

Can I expect paranormal evidence?
Some guests have reported capturing activity on cameras or feeling touches, but these experiences are subjective and part of the fun.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before won’t be refunded.

Is the tour accessible?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.

Embark on this ghostly journey if you’re eager to see Gettysburg through a different lens—one filled with spirits, history, and a touch of the supernatural.