Ghost Towns That Host Annual Events in Utah

You’ll find Utah’s ghost towns come alive each fall with spine-tingling events that blend history and hauntings. Camp Floyd State Park hosts October paranormal investigations with EMF detectors and infrared cameras, while Silver Reef Museum’s Ghost Nights features costumed storytellers sharing miners’ tales around fire pits. Grafton, near Zion National Park, offers year-round exploration of its cinematic ruins, and Salt Lake City’s downtown walking tours guide you through haunted historic sites. Whether you’re seeking genuine paranormal experiences or atmospheric storytelling, these preserved locations reveal fascinating details about Utah’s frontier past and the spirits that reportedly remain.

Table of Contents hide

1 Key Takeaways

2 Camp Floyd State Park’s Ghosts of Camp Floyd Investigations

3 Silver Reef Museum’s Ghost Nights Experience

3.1 Event Schedule and Pricing

3.2 Historic Mining Town Setting

4 Grafton: Pioneer Ghost Town Near Zion

5 Eureka’s Historic Mining Heritage

6 Old Irontown’s Preserved Industrial Ruins

6.1 Beehive Charcoal Kiln Structure

6.2 Arastra Furnace and Chimney

6.3 National Register Historic Status

7 Salt Lake City’s Downtown Haunted Walking Tours

8 Planning Your Visit to Utah’s Haunted Locations

9 What Makes Utah’s Ghost Town Events Unique

10 Frequently Asked Questions

10.1 Are Children Allowed to Attend the Paranormal Investigation Events?

10.2 Can I Bring My Own Ghost Hunting Equipment to These Events?

10.3 Are There Lodging Options Near These Ghost Town Locations?

10.4 Do Any Events Offer Refunds if Cancelled Due to Weather?

10.5 Are Pets Permitted During Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations?

11 References

Key Takeaways

Grafton Ghost Town, near Zion National Park, hosts paranormal exploration events and serves as a picturesque historic site year-round.
Camp Floyd State Park conducts annual “Ghosts of Camp Floyd” paranormal investigations each October with limited forty-person capacity.

Silver Reef Museum hosts Ghost Nights every October, featuring costumed storytellers and interactive ghost-hunting activities at the 1870s mining town.
Old Irontown offers exploration of preserved industrial ruins including beehive kilns, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Eureka celebrates its mining heritage with events showcasing preserved historic sites like City Hall and the haunted historic jail.

Camp Floyd State Park’s Ghosts of Camp Floyd Investigations

If you’re searching for an authentic paranormal adventure in Utah’s historic heartland, Camp Floyd State Park’s annual Ghosts of Camp Floyd Investigations delivers spine-tingling thrills at one of the state’s most haunted locations.

This October event invites you to explore the 1858 Civil War-era military camp where haunted legends run deep—rocking chairs move independently, mysterious voices echo through rooms, and apparitions appear near the old schoolhouse.

Rocking chairs move on their own, mysterious voices call out, and ghostly figures drift past the old schoolhouse at this haunted military camp.

You’ll investigate the historic Stagecoach Inn, museum, and cemetery from 7 pm to 9 pm using paranormal equipment including EMF recorders, infrared cameras, and digital devices. Before your investigation begins, park staff will provide a brief presentation covering paranormal investigation techniques and previous findings.

With sessions on October 4, 10, and 25, you’re limited to 40 fellow ghost hunters per night.

At just $10, you’ll experience hands-on investigations and share your findings with the group. The cemetery down the road, once unmarked after the camp’s abandonment, now marks 30 graves identified through penetrating radar in 2009, with most soldiers having died from disease or accidents.

Reserve your spot at campfloyd@utah.gov.

Silver Reef Museum’s Ghost Nights Experience

You’ll discover authentic 1870s silver mining history at Silver Reef Museum’s Ghost Nights, happening October 24-25, 2025, from 7-9 pm. This non-frightening lantern-lit experience lets you explore the cosmopolitan ghost town where $8 million in silver was once buried in unique sandstone geology. Costumed storytellers share tales of miners, families, merchants, and mischief-makers who once walked these historic paths. The town peaked at 2,000 residents in 1879, featuring a mile-long main street bustling with various businesses.

Reserve your spot for just $8 per person and save $2 off the door price while enjoying costumed storytellers, haunted paths, and real ghost tales around the fire pit.

Event Schedule and Pricing

Two spine-tingling evenings await you at Silver Reef Museum’s Ghost Nights Experience, scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2025, from 7-9 pm each night. Located at 1903 Wells Fargo Road in Leeds, this annual Halloween fundraiser blends urban legends with authentic 1870s mining history.

Pricing and Logistics:

Reserve ahead: Secure your spot for $8 per person through their Jotform link.

Door pricing: Pay $10 per person if tickets remain available on event nights.
Early arrival: Show up 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time for parking and check-in.
Bonus perks: Score 10% off gift shop purchases during your visit.

You’ll explore ghostly folklore through costumed storytellers portraying miners, families, and merchants from Silver Reef’s silver mining era. The experience features interactive ghost-hunting activities that allow visitors to participate in the supernatural investigation. Bring a flashlight and wear comfortable shoes for the rocky terrain.

Historic Mining Town Setting

Your journey through Ghost Nights unfolds amid the authentic remnants of Silver Reef, one of Utah’s most fascinating 19th-century mining towns. You’ll explore rocky, uneven paths where miners once struck silver in sandstone—a geological rarity that drew fortune-seekers throughout the 1870s.

The mining history comes alive through costumed storytellers portraying actual residents: hardworking miners, resourceful merchants, and determined families who built this thriving community.

Unlike typical haunted attractions, these ghost stories aren’t designed to frighten you. Instead, they’re historical narratives illuminated by lantern light, revealing authentic voices from Silver Reef’s silver twilight era. The event is scheduled for October 24, 2025, offering visitors an immersive evening experience.

You’ll discover tales of ambition, survival, and daily life in this unique sandstone mining district. The experience celebrates freedom-loving pioneers who carved their destiny from Utah’s rugged landscape, creating memories that flicker through time at 1903 Wells Fargo Road.

Grafton: Pioneer Ghost Town Near Zion

Nestled just nine miles from Zion National Park‘s entrance, Grafton stands as the most photographed ghost town in the American West. Weathered adobe walls and pioneer stories create an unforgettable glimpse into Utah’s frontier past.

Founded in 1859, this Mormon settlement survived floods, conflicts, and multiple abandonments before its final residents departed in 1944.

Today, you’ll discover remarkable pioneer preservation through five restored buildings and authentic historic storytelling that brings frontier struggles to life. The town hosted the first outdoor talkie, *Old Arizona*, in 1929, earning five Academy Award nominations.

What Makes Grafton Unmissable:

Cinematic Legacy – Featured in *Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid* and the first outdoor talkie

Authentic Architecture – Explore the 1877 John Wood home and 1886 church/schoolhouse
Accessible Adventure – Reach this National Register site via 3.5-mile unpaved road
Scenic Setting – Surrounded by working orchards and Virgin River landscapes

The Grafton Heritage Partnership has managed preservation efforts since 1997, maintaining the delicate balance between authenticity and protection. Experience genuine Western freedom where history stands frozen.

Eureka’s Historic Mining Heritage

Rising from the Tintic Mountains where cowboy George Rust struck silver in 1869, Eureka transformed from a rough mining camp into Utah’s richest silver district—extracting over half a billion dollars in precious metals and earning its place as the state’s most productive mining center.

You’ll discover authentic mining history at every turn, from the preserved City Hall to the historic jail where restless spirits reportedly still linger. The “Big Four” mines once supported over 5,000 residents, attracting investments from Andrew Carnegie and J.C. Penney himself. At the west end of town stands the large head frame from the Bullion Beck Mine, a towering reminder of the mining operations that defined the community. Main Street bears visible evidence of wear and tear, with mining relics now preserved at the Tintic Mining Museum.

Today’s annual celebrations echo the legendary 1929 Silver Jubilee, when thousands gathered for weeks of frontier festivities. Unlike neighboring ghost towns that vanished completely, Eureka survives—offering you unfiltered access to Utah’s wildest mining heritage and genuine ghost stories.

Old Irontown’s Preserved Industrial Ruins

You’ll discover remarkably preserved industrial relics at Old Irontown, where beehive-shaped charcoal kilns and towering furnace chimneys stand as evidence of Utah’s ambitious 19th-century iron industry. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, this authentic ghost town showcases concrete foundations, stone block kilns, and the distinctive arrastra used for grinding sand.

Two interpretive trails let you explore these fascinating ruins at your own pace, offering an unfiltered glimpse into the challenges pioneers faced producing iron in Utah’s remote landscape.

Beehive Charcoal Kiln Structure

The engineering brilliance becomes clear when you examine these structures:

Parabolic domes with 18-30 inch thick walls that distributed heat perfectly throughout the burning process.
Dual-door system featuring upper loading entrances and lower ash removal ports.

Strategic air holes positioned every three feet around the base for precise oxygen control.
Massive capacity processing up to 45 cords of pinyon-juniper wood per firing cycle.

You’ll discover two intact kilns plus foundations of a third, offering unmatched freedom to explore authentic 1870s smelting technology.

Arastra Furnace and Chimney

Deep within Dixie National Forest, 22 miles southwest of Cedar City, stand the haunting remnants of Old Irontown’s industrial ambitions—a preserved arastra furnace and towering chimney that once fueled Utah’s pioneer iron dreams.

You’ll discover exceptional industrial archaeology as you explore these 1868 structures, where Union Iron Works once produced 2,500 pounds of iron daily.

The Sons of Utah Pioneers’ preservation techniques have protected the foundry walls, arastra structure, and chimney behind protective fencing, allowing you to witness authentic 19th-century iron processing technology.

Short interpretive trails lead you through this testament to frontier ingenuity, where settlers transformed Iron Mountain’s ore into stoves and equipment until the 1873 economic panic shuttered operations.

It’s raw history unfiltered by modern reconstruction.

National Register Historic Status

Recognized for its exceptional industrial heritage, Old Irontown earned National Register of Historic Places status on May 14, 1971, under reference number #71000843—a designation that permanently safeguards these evocative ruins from Utah’s pioneering iron age.

You’ll discover industrial relics** that tell an authentic story of frontier innovation. Preservation efforts** began in 1948, ensuring these historic structures remain accessible for exploration:

Beehive charcoal kiln – Standing testament to 1860s iron production technology
Furnace remnants – Where five to seven tons of pig iron flowed daily at peak operations
Original fencing – Marking the boundaries of this once-thriving industrial community

Pattern shop foundations – Evidence of sophisticated manufacturing capabilities

Now protected as Old Irontown State Park, you’re free to wander among these remarkable structures that chronicle Utah’s self-sufficient pioneer spirit and industrial ambition.

Salt Lake City’s Downtown Haunted Walking Tours

After sunset falls over Utah’s capital, downtown Salt Lake City transforms into a spine-tingling playground for ghost enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

You’ll explore haunted hotspots during 1.5-hour guided walking tours that investigate paranormal activity in the city’s oldest buildings. Professional guides share urban legends from Whiskey Street’s ghostly patrons to the Federal Courthouse’s overbearing judge spirit.

Multiple tour operators offer thrilling after-dark experiences, with prices ranging from $23 to $69. You’ll visit eerie locations like Rio Grande Depot and Salt Lake City Cemetery while hearing firsthand ghost encounter stories.

Some tours provide ghost hunting equipment for authentic paranormal investigations.

Tours typically sell out on weekends, so you’ll want to book ahead. Mobile tickets and free 24-hour cancellation give you flexibility for your supernatural adventure.

Planning Your Visit to Utah’s Haunted Locations

Beyond the capital’s urban ghost tours, you’ll find Utah’s authentic ghost towns scattered across remote valleys and desert landscapes, each offering unique supernatural experiences and historical discoveries.

Essential Planning Tips for Your Ghost Town Adventure:

1. Camp Floyd State Park hosts structured paranormal investigations where you’ll hear local ghost stories about floating dress apparitions and mysterious presences reported by staff during reenactments.

2. Iosepa’s Memorial Day events bring haunted folklore alive at this Hawaiian settlement site.

It is accessible via a half-mile dirt road leading to the pavilion and historic cemetery.

3. Silver Reef Museum charges just $3 admission for exploring sandstone mining history along Old Main Street‘s atmospheric trails.

4. Grafton Ghost Town offers free exploration of the West’s most photographed abandoned settlement.

You’ll walk among structures featured in classic Western films.

What Makes Utah’s Ghost Town Events Unique

Unlike typical haunted attractions that rely on jump scares and theatrical effects, Utah’s ghost town events distinguish themselves through genuine historical integration and documented paranormal activity.

You’ll explore authentic 19th-century settlements like Silver Reef (established 1875) and Camp Floyd (established 1858) where paranormal research teams have recorded footsteps, physical contact, and audio evidence.

These locations don’t fabricate supernatural legends—they’re built on staff-documented encounters and investigations by multiple research teams.

You’re encouraged to visit museums during daylight hours before evening investigations. This allows you to connect supernatural experiences to verified historical narratives.

Guides present actual accounts of mining town citizens and pioneer conditions alongside paranormal claims, letting you form your own conclusions.

With admission between $8-$10, you’ll access location-specific ghost lore rooted in documented history rather than manufactured entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed to Attend the Paranormal Investigation Events?

Yes, you’ll find children can attend these paranormal investigations! There aren’t age restrictions listed, but you should consider children’s safety on dark, rocky paths. Parental supervision’s essential for making these spooky adventures memorable and secure!

Can I Bring My Own Ghost Hunting Equipment to These Events?

The mystery deepens—while you’re free to prop hunt with your paranormal gear at most Utah ghost town events, you’ll want to confirm beforehand since some venues prefer guided-only investigations to preserve authentic historical experiences!

Are There Lodging Options Near These Ghost Town Locations?

Lodging details aren’t specified in current results, but you’ll find accommodation options in nearby St. George near Silver Reef. Research camping amenities and local dining ahead of time to maximize your ghost-hunting adventure’s freedom and flexibility!

Do Any Events Offer Refunds if Cancelled Due to Weather?

You’ll find event refund policies aren’t publicly detailed for weather-related cancellations at Utah’s ghost town events. Contact organizers directly—Silver Reef Museum (435.879.2254) or Camp Floyd State Park—to clarify your options before booking your adventure!

Are Pets Permitted During Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations?

Pet policies aren’t mentioned in available event descriptions, so you’ll need to contact organizers directly about animal restrictions before bringing your furry companion. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back—reach out and ask about your specific tour!