Jacksonville Ghost Tour
Meeting point
Historic Jackson County Courthouse, 206 N 5th St, Jacksonville, OR 97530
Duration
1 hour
Start time
Nightly @ 8pm
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of Oregon's Gold Rush Past
Step into the shadowy history of Jacksonville, Oregon's National Historic Landmark District on this captivating haunted history tour through the West Coast's first designated historic district.
Led by costumed guides from Historic Jacksonville, Inc., these authentic ghost tours explore the lingering spirits of pioneers who built—and never left—this Gold Rush town. Unlike typical ghost tours with manufactured scares, Jacksonville's haunted walking tours share documented paranormal experiences and real hauntings tied to historic events from the 1850s gold mining era.
Choose from two distinctly different routes: the Courthouse Tour highlighting tales of brothels, epidemics, and hangings in downtown Jacksonville, or the Britt Hill Tour featuring stories of murder, arson, historic saloons, and Oregon's first Chinatown. These Jacksonville Oregon ghost tours bring Southern Oregon's most haunted buildings to life through meticulously researched historical accounts and first-hand encounters with the restless dead.
What to Expect
Your one-hour haunted history walking tour begins at the Jacksonville Visitors Center at the corner of North Oregon and West C Streets, where you'll meet your period-costumed guide who will transport you back to Jacksonville's tumultuous 1850s-1880s heyday. Both tour routes wind through the compact historic district on mostly flat, wooden sidewalks—though the Britt Hill route includes some uphill walking.
Historic Buildings & Haunted Sites: Visit multiple Victorian-era structures where paranormal activity has been documented for decades. The McCully House Inn, Oregon's oldest operating inn built in 1861, is reportedly haunted by both Dr. John McCully's "friendly, calming" ghost and an unidentified woman in the hallways. Historic saloons, brothels, the old courthouse and jail, and residences from Jacksonville's wild frontier days all harbor spirits with unfinished business.
Authentic Ghost Stories: Hear accounts of vengeful women, philandering husbands, playful children, a Chinese miner seeking to have his bones returned to his homeland, victims of epidemics and hangings, and casualties of arsons-for-profit. These aren't fabricated tales—they're documented experiences from residents, innkeepers, and visitors who've encountered Jacksonville's lingering spirits. The stories range from benign and touching to genuinely eerie.
Two Distinct Tours: The Courthouse Route explores downtown's darker history including Jacksonville's red-light district, devastating smallpox epidemics, and public executions at the historic jail. The Britt Hill Tour ventures into the hillside neighborhood, sharing tales from Oregon's first Chinatown, historic saloons where fortunes changed hands, and buildings that burned under suspicious circumstances.
Free street parking and public lots in historic district; 1-3 minute walk to meeting point at Visitor Center. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms on tour; please plan ahead. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
Partially accessible; mostly flat wooden sidewalks with some uneven surfaces. Courthouse route easier; Britt Hill has hills. (for more info contact tour operator)
Service animals permitted under ADA. (for more info contact tour operator)
No entry into buildings; stories are told from outside at public vantage points. (for more info contact tour operator)
Family-friendly with spooky history; suitable for older children comfortable with ghost stories. (for more info, contact tour operator)
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Historic Jackson County Courthouse, 206 N 5th St, Jacksonville, OR 97530
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FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas