The Licking County Jail, also known as the Newark Jail, located in Newark, Ohio, is a historic former jail dating back to the late 1800s with a long history of incarceration and unrest. After decades of housing inmates under harsh conditions, the building closed in the 1970s and later gained a reputation for unexplained activity. Investigators and visitors report shadow figures, disembodied voices, unexplained footsteps, cell doors opening on their own, and intense cold spots throughout the jail. These persistent experiences and documented investigations have established the Newark Jail as an active and unsettling location for paranormal research.
More Details
The Old Licking County Jail has become widely associated with reported paranormal activity over the years. The site itself notes that “the Licking County Historic Jail has had far more than its fair share of horror… including the untimely deaths of at least 3 sheriffs and 19 inmates.” Beyond its documented history, investigators and visitors report disembodied voices, shadowy figures moving through corridors and cellblocks, unexplained battery drain on equipment, and the sound of laughter, footsteps, and slamming cell doors echoing through empty halls. Some guests also describe intense physical sensations, including dizziness or a feeling of interaction within the dungeon area. These ongoing reports and media attention have contributed to the jail’s reputation as an active location for paranormal investigation.
Tours and Events
- Haunted Ghost Hunts — guided overnight investigations where participants explore the jail’s corridors and cell blocks looking for paranormal interaction (often run by third-party organizers).
- Private Paranormal Investigations — scheduling options for groups to conduct their own ghost hunt sessions with equipment and guided support.
- Jail of Terror Haunted Attraction — a seasonal immersive haunted house experience hosted inside the old jail during the fall season (distinct from historic or paranormal tours)
- Public access to history tours of the old jail/museum space is available separately from paranormal events, typically through local preservation society scheduling..
Gear up for an Investigation
Before heading out on your next investigation, make sure you’re fully prepared. From essential ghost-hunting tools to reliable gear designed for long nights in the field, having the right equipment can make all the difference when exploring the unknown. Gear up here before you step into a haunted location and give yourself the best chance to document what others cannot explain.
More Haunted Locations
The investigation doesn’t end here — these other locations carry their own stories of unexplained encounters and restless pasts.
