The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has an incredible history. When it opened in 1864 the asylum was a step in the right direction in a time when mentally ill people were often jailed, abused, or accused of witchcraft, but it was far from perfect. Today you can tour the facilities to find out more about everyday life for the patients. In September and October, you can also investigate rumors of the asylum being haunted.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is in Weston, West Virginia.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
The original hospital was open to patients from 1864 to 1994. Changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the buildings forced it to close.
Thousands lived here during the facility's operating years, and hundreds died within the walls.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
In the early years there was not a lot of good information about mental health, so some of the treatments that were practiced were disturbing.
Today the building is well preserved with glimpses of their lives left behind.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
You can look closely at the belongings and the artwork of the patients.
The asylum offers guided tours of the spots most rumored to be haunted.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
The daytime paranormal tours last about 90 minutes. Photography is allowed if it does not interfere with the tour.
Your tour guide will lead you to the four hottest spots for supernatural activity.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
The Asylum has had apparition sightings, unexplainable voices and sounds, and other paranormal activity experienced by visitors.

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There are more creepy tours that take place after the sun goes down.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
Nighttime paranormal tours start at 10:30 pm and last until 12:30 am.
These guided tours last 2 hours.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
You can bring recording equipment to try to detect paranormal activity.
If you're feeling even more brave, you can do a tour with the lights out.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
Flashlight tours last 30 minutes and are half historic and half paranormal tours.
Want more time to explore on your own? You can stay overnight.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
There are a variety of ghost hunting options that last the whole night. You can explore with an experienced guide, or on your own.
Have you ever seen a ghost here?
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum/Facebook
You're not alone. Guests, staff, and tv crews have all experienced strange activity here. The site has been featured on SyFy's Ghost Hunters and Ghost Hunters Academy, and the Travel Channel's Ghost Adventures and Paranormal Challenge.

The address for the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is 71 Asylum Drive, Weston, WV 26452.

For more information or to book your tour, visit TALA’s website or call (304)269-5070.

For another spot in West Virginia that’s rumored to be haunted, check out this abandoned amusement park.

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