Preston Castle Foundation — Attraction in Ione

My wife and I visited yesterday for both a self guided tour and the paranormal investigation and had a blast. We did a tour at 1130am and took a couple hours familiarizing ourselves and learning all the history we could. We also were fortunate to have some amazing docents let us get closer looks of a few of the rooms since we were having fun talking to them the whole time. The castle is absolutely beautiful despite its condition but its nice to see so many volunteers working to restore it. For the paranormal investigation ay night, we were paired up with Shea and Jamie (i hope im spelling those right) and cant wait to come back already in the future. We wound up having a lot of activity using the Estes method where my wife and I ended up getting multiple names, Ben, Hugh, Nick (which we thought was referring to me until it corrected us saying No. Nick. Too. And later found all three of these as names of those buried in the cemetary you cant visit currently. We played bowling with them as they would ask us to roll the balls trying to hit some posts down the hall. Had dowsing rods react. Had motion sensitive cat balls light up when they were completely down the hall and get voices reacting telling us their favorite color it would light up as. I also go a photo of what looks like a shadow sitting in a wheelchair when zoomed in. Overall, it was an absolute blast and for sure plan to get some more equipment and reach out to do another one with Shea and Jamie again if they're available since we all clicked so well. The whole team was amazing and kind including the day time staff. Thank you for a very fun and...

I have been excited about visiting this castle since I have of it. We went during the Oddities Faire. The castle opens at 11 am. Therefore, arrive early to get into the limited parking areas. You can not park on the street near the entrance of the castle because of the line of people they said. When the sun is out, minus the few trees to shade in n there,there is no awning to protect you from the sun , so bring a hat or umbrella. We purchased tickets for 11:30 in the morning. However, they did not ask what time our tour was. they just scanned tickets and guided yourself. You may hit traffic in some areas of the building as the way in is the way out, too. Oh, there are arrows on the floors on the first floor. Some of the artifacts are not original but donated from that period of time. There are no inside bathrooms. It's located as you walk up towards the castle, the first walkway on your left, and straight back. The Oddity show was nothing more than vendors and a couple of classes. If you purchased tickets just to the castle tour, there was no stopping you from entering the Oddities event because no one checked the tickets you purchased. It was a waste of money, seeing as I was going to the basement anyway as part of the tour. I expected people dressed up, only seen one person dressed. The food vendors were few and nothing spectacular.

The outside building appears to be in great condition, and the inside is under restoration, so watch your little...

Kind of creepy. We went on a $10 "self guided" tour, after seeing a short video telling of Preston Castle history. A boys reform school built in 1800's to prevent underage boys from going to San QuentinPrison with the REALLY BAD BOYS...MERLE HAGGARD was in there for stealing a car. It was self contained, with a garden, masonry, and other occupations I don't recall now. Ghost Adventures TV program did an expose detailing how the castle is HAUNTED. There are haunted tours where people can stay OVERNIGHT!!! Also an annual October haunted house scarefest. Very informative. Many areas roped off due to weather damage. Also parts of castle were removed for local businesses when threats of demolition abounded. After people came and tore things out, like spiral staircase and chandeliers, NOW THEY WANT TO RESTORE IT, yet items are not being returned. Staircase is at Old Sacramento Firehouse restaurant. I "may" return during a spooky...