Ghost hunts at the Ohio State Reformatory are set to kick off for the first time this year on Saturday, Jan. 11.
According to Ghost Hunt/Night Manager Scott Sukel, the event attracts wide spread of individuals who participate in ghost hunts throughout the year, even during the winter months.
“It’s a mix of different people who come and join the ghost hunts. We have had people come that are in their 20’s and 30’s and one time we had a woman come that was in her 90’s. We have people come with friends and we also have families ghost hunting,” said Sukel.
Sukel explained that last winter was the first time the Reformatory became open for ghost hunting during the colder months. “We have a lot of people that are coming during the winter months and we noticed last year that the activity was greater in the winter than in the summer. We call it Extreme Ghost Hunts in the winter,” said Sukel.
Paranormal activity occurring at the Reformatory is well-documented and has been relayed by many of the historic buildings visitors. Among the most common experiences are hearing talking and walking when there is no one else in the area and shadow spotting, which includes free floating shadows. Sometimes, the experience gets very close.
“A lot of people said they feel like they are not alone and like they are being watched and followed. Once in a while we will get someone that gets scratched, but it is mostly just the feeling of something stroking their hair or feeling a hand on their shoulder,” said Sukel.
Many ghost hunters bring special equipment for hunts. Such equipment often includes audio recorders and meters. Sukel shared that some of the meters that are used pick up electromagnetic fields and the audio recorders pick up voices and sounds that might be nearby.
Sukel explained that the ghost hunts bring in people from all around the world. “We have had people from Australia, Germany, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and we had one lady travel from Kenya. Most of the international ghost hunters’ travel from Great Britain,” said Sukel.
Contact the Ohio State Reformatory at 419-522-2644 to schedule a ghost hunt. Ghost hunts cost $70 per person.
