Gettysburg: Beginner’s Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour

REVIEW · GETTYSBURG BATTLEFIELD TOURS

Gettysburg: Beginner’s Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour

4.7 · 67 reviews 3 hours From $50 Operated by After Dark Investigations · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Book on GetYourGuide →

A quiet road at dusk turns into an evening science fair for the supernatural. This beginner focused Gettysburg paranormal investigation is built around hands on equipment and real local stories, so you’re not just wandering in the dark. I especially like that you get guided use of paranormal tools and that the vibe is fun, respectful, and not overly scary. One thing to consider first, though, is logistics: you’ll need your own car to follow the guide between stops.

You’ll meet in the back parking lot of General Pickett’s Buffet and spend about three hours hitting multiple locations as darkness settles. Expect a guide who teaches how to run devices like K2 meters and EMF detectors, and how to get usable results from tools like spirit boxes and EVP recorders. Just know that paranormal nights are unpredictable, and on some evenings you may get less activity than you hoped for.

Key Things I’d Tell My Best Friend Before You Go

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - Key Things I’d Tell My Best Friend Before You Go

  • Beginner friendly setup: the guide teaches the gear, not just the lore
  • Hands on paranormal tools: K2, EMF detectors, Ovilus, spirit boxes, EVP recorders, and more
  • Three timed investigations: two longer stops plus a shorter final secret location
  • History woven into the hunt: you’ll hear Gettysburg stories while you investigate
  • Respectful, family friendly tone: built to be safe and approachable, even for kids

Why a Beginner Evening Investigation Fits Gettysburg So Well

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - Why a Beginner Evening Investigation Fits Gettysburg So Well
Gettysburg does not need extra theatrics. The town already has a heavy atmosphere, and the battlefield era stories feel more real when the streetlights dim and the misty nighttime mood takes over. That is exactly why an evening investigation works here, and why this tour is a good fit for first timers.

What makes this experience different from the typical dark walk is the structure. You’re not left to figure out devices on your own. The guide shows you what to do, then you test equipment in real time at real locations. That hands on time is also what keeps the experience from turning into pure hype. You’ll spend a lot of the night learning how investigators try to capture evidence, then you’ll decide what feels compelling.

I also like that the tour keeps a safe, respectful approach front and center. Paranormal investigations can get goofy fast if people treat it like a stunt. Here, the focus stays on procedure and manners, which makes it easier to take seriously without getting stressed.

Meeting Point, Starting Address, and The Own Car Reality

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - Meeting Point, Starting Address, and The Own Car Reality
You’ll meet your guide in the back parking lot of General Pickett’s Buffet. The tour also lists a starting location at 571 Steinwehr Ave, so plan to arrive with enough time to find the correct pickup area and get in sync with the group.

Here is the part that matters most for planning: transportation between locations is not provided. You need your own vehicle to follow the guide to each destination. That means:

  • You should come prepared to drive at night
  • You should keep your car fueled, and your patience intact
  • Bring the kind of shoes you can walk in quietly for a while

If you’re visiting without a rental, this tour can still work, but you’ll want to arrange rides ahead of time, since you’re not being shuttled from stop to stop. Once you’re parked and ready, the rest of the night tends to flow smoothly because the guide controls the schedule.

Stop One: Your First Guided Investigation Session (About 1 Hour)

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - Stop One: Your First Guided Investigation Session (About 1 Hour)
The first investigation block runs about an hour, and it’s designed to help you learn how the night works before you start chasing stronger moments. This is where the guide typically sets expectations, explains how you’ll move as a group, and starts training you on the equipment.

You can expect to learn how to operate tools like:

  • K2 meters and EMF detectors (to monitor changes you’re hoping correspond with activity)
  • spirit box style devices, which are used to prompt responses
  • EVP voice recorders, which aim to capture audio that you might not hear in the moment
  • and other devices you’ll likely try depending on what the group is using that night

Even if you’re brand new, the guide’s teaching matters because device handling can affect what you think you’re getting. If you’ve ever watched ghost hunting TV, you know people wave gadgets around and call it science. This tour keeps it closer to practice by walking you through basic operation and helping you follow the process at each stop.

For your comfort, I’d also plan for a slower start physically. Night investigations involve standing still, lowering your voice, and watching for small changes. That can be easy for some people and hard for others, especially if you’re used to constant movement.

Stop Two: Another Around One Hour, Plus More Equipment Time

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - Stop Two: Another Around One Hour, Plus More Equipment Time
Your second stop also runs about an hour, and this is where the tour often becomes more “you’re doing it now” and less “watch and learn.” The guide typically rotates people through devices, so beginners get a real chance to try the gear instead of just standing nearby while someone else holds the buttons.

This is also where you may feel the biggest difference between a basic curiosity and an actual investigation mindset. Using equipment is not just about pressing start. You’ll likely be thinking about timing, placement, and how to interpret what you see or hear. Even if you take a skeptical approach, it’s still a guided exercise in attention and recording.

The tour can include tools such as:

  • Ovilus style devices (often used for word outputs tied to attempted communication)
  • phasmabox type units (intended to prompt or capture responses)
  • dowsing rods and temperature gauges
  • infrared video cameras and laser grids

One practical note: not every gadget is equally useful in every situation. A good guide helps you avoid treating every beep or flicker as a guaranteed reply. The goal here is to gather data, then compare notes and decide what feels credible.

From a value perspective, this is smart: you’re getting multiple locations and repeated investigation time, which makes your $50 feel less like a single stop and more like a full night of guided activity.

The Secret Stop: The Final 45 Minutes That Feel Like A Closer

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - The Secret Stop: The Final 45 Minutes That Feel Like A Closer
The last location is shorter, about 45 minutes. That time compression matters because it changes your focus. Instead of settling into learning mode, you’ll likely be moving into “what can I catch before we wrap up” mode.

At this stage, your group has usually warmed up to the routine. You know the expectations for staying together, when to power equipment on, and how to listen for subtle audio. If you’ve used a spirit box or EVP recorder earlier, you’ll probably be more comfortable now, which can lead to more consistent attempts at capturing results.

This stop also benefits from contrast. The night can feel like a slow build, and the final location often has that “last chance” energy. That doesn’t mean it’s scarier, but it does mean it’s easier to stay alert. You might notice more, because you’ve had time to learn how to watch and listen for signals.

And because the tour is designed to be family friendly, the guide’s approach typically keeps the atmosphere controlled. The objective is evidence hunting with a respectful tone, not jump scares.

Equipment on This Tour: What Each Tool Is For (And How Guides Keep It Practical)

This is a beginner paranormal investigation, so the best value is not just having equipment. It’s learning how to use it in a structured way.

Here’s how the tour’s main tools fit into the process:

K2 meters and EMF detectors

These are used to monitor changes people associate with activity. On a night hunt, they’re often treated as a trigger for closer attention. If something spikes, the guide can help you think through when to record, when to speak less, and how to note the timing.

Spirit boxes, Ovilus, and phasmabox style devices

These tools aim to prompt communication or capture outputs that are interpreted as responses. The practical skill you learn is not mysticism. It’s getting the setup right and understanding how questions, timing, and silence affect what you record.

EVP voice recorders

EVP attempts rely on sound capture. That means your best results come from reducing noise, following the guide’s instructions, and recording consistently during the same type of moments at each location.

Dowsing rods and temperature gauges

These are used as additional signals. Think of them as extra inputs, not proof. A good guide helps you keep your notes and avoid overreacting to normal environmental swings.

Infrared video cameras and laser grids

Visual tools can feel the most impressive, because they turn the invisible into a screen. Still, you’ll get better results when you’re patient and when the group follows the guide’s directions for positioning and time.

The balanced takeaway: paranormal equipment can be fun, and it can also be noisy or inconsistent. The tour’s strength is that you’re taught how to operate the devices properly and how to treat results thoughtfully.

The Guide Makes or Breaks the Night (And This One Gets High Marks)

The most consistently praised part of this tour is the guide. Names that come up include Cheyenne, Clinton, and Carrey. The common thread is clear: they’re strong on local context and they’re patient with first time users.

From what you can expect, a great guide does two things well:

  1. Teaches equipment use in plain steps, so you’re not fumbling in the dark
  2. Keeps the night from becoming chaotic by managing the group and the schedule

That matters because paranormal investigations are basically group coordination plus silence plus recording. If you’re with someone who knows the area and can keep the pace steady, the night feels like an experience, not a scavenger hunt.

If your goal is to learn equipment and hear Gettysburg stories while you investigate, this format is set up to deliver that.

How Much Is It, and Is It Good Value at $50?

Gettysburg: Beginner's Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour - How Much Is It, and Is It Good Value at $50?
At $50 per person for a 3 hour evening, the value comes from three sources:

  • A live guide leading you through multiple locations
  • Equipment included, so you are not paying extra to try the gear
  • Beginner instruction, which is often where low budget tours fall short

You should also factor in the one extra cost that the tour does not cover: transportation between locations. Since you need your own car, you’re paying for fuel or rides on top. For people staying close by or with a rental, that’s usually manageable. For people coming from farther out, it can be the dealbreaker.

But when it works for your logistics, this price is fair for the time and the hands on gear. You’re not paying for a quick photo stop. You’re paying for a guided evening of attempts.

Who Should Book This Gettysburg Paranormal Tour?

This tour is a great match if:

  • You are new to paranormal investigations and want structured practice
  • You want equipment time, not just listening to stories from the sidelines
  • You want an evening activity in Gettysburg that blends local history with hands on curiosity
  • You’re traveling with kids or a mixed age group and want a controlled, respectful tone

It may be less ideal if:

  • You hate night driving or you do not have a vehicle available
  • You want a tour with fixed, named landmarks at each stop (these stops are described generally rather than as one famous attraction repeated)
  • You’re expecting guaranteed dramatic evidence, because the tour is set up as investigation, not a show

Should You Book This Beginner’s Evening Paranormal Investigation in Gettysburg?

If you want a guided, beginner friendly way to try EMF meters, spirit boxes, EVP recording, and other devices while also learning Gettysburg stories during the night, I’d say it’s a strong choice. The guide driven format and the multiple stop structure give you enough time to get comfortable and enough attempts to make the price feel worth it.

Just be honest about the main tradeoff: you must handle your own transportation between locations. If that part fits your trip plan, book it, show up with insect repellent, wear solid shoes, and bring a respectful attitude. You’ll spend three hours chasing unanswered questions, and you’ll learn how investigators actually run a night hunt, not just how it looks on TV.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Gettysburg Beginner’s Evening Paranormal Investigation Tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet the guide?

Meet your guide in the back parking lot of General Pickett’s Buffet.

Do I need my own car to get between locations?

Yes. Transportation between locations is not included, and you will need your own car to follow the guide to each destination.

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes a guided tour, a paranormal investigator guide, and all equipment.

What should I bring with me?

You should bring insect repellent and your own vehicle.

What equipment will we use during the investigation?

The tour description includes tools such as K2 meters, EMF detectors, Ovilus, spirit boxes, EVP voice recorders, phasmaboxes, dowsing rods, temperature gauges, infrared video cameras, and laser grids.

Are alcohol or drugs allowed?

No. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

Is the tour accessible and offered in English?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and the live tour guide speaks English.