haunted jail tour polk county

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This is a repeating event October 21, 2023 6:30 pm

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Haunted Jail Tour

2023 Fri 20 Oct 6:30 pm Fri 10:30 pm Polk County Sheriff’s Office Haunted Jail Tour 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm Bartow - Polk County Jail , 455 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830 CATEGORY: Holiday Fun PRICE RANGE: $10+ per person

EVENT DETAILS

The annual PCSO Haunted Jail Tour is back by popular demand! For a $15 donation per adult (or $5 for kids under 10), you can scream to your

The annual PCSO Haunted Jail Tour is back by popular demand! For a $15 donation per adult (or $5 for kids under 10), you can scream to your heart’s delight on any of these four nights – Fri & Sat, Oct. 20 & 21, and Fri & Sat, Oct. 27 & 28. We will be up and running beginning at 6:30 p.m. and shutting it down at 10:30 p.m.

We will have agency members on-hand to watch the little ones whose parents want to tour but maybe don’t want their children tagging along. We will also have a bounce house, a “dunk your deputy” dunk tank, and food trucks – fun for the entire family!

Proceeds benefit the United Way of Central Florida. Tickets are sold in person only. Cash and credit will be accepted.

Dates & Times:  FOUR NIGHTS ONLY – Fri & Sat, Oct. 20 & 21, and Fri & Sat, Oct. 27 & 28, 2023 from 6:30pm to 10:30pm Admission Price: $15 for Adults / $5 for Children Under 10. All proceeds benefit United Way. First come, first served – pay at the door. Food and drinks will also be for sale. Location:  PCSO Old Jail in Bartow – 455 N. Broadway Ave, Bartow, FL More info

Check out our full list of haunted houses in Central Florida .

(Friday) 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

EVENT LOCATION

Bartow - Polk County Jail

455 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830

Polk County Sheriff's Office

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$12 adults / $5 children under 10

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Polk County Sheriff's Office resurrects 'Haunted Jail Tour' in old downtown Bartow jail

Polk county 'haunted jail tour' open this weekend.

Carla Bayron reports

BARTOW, Fla. - The Polk County Sheriff's Office's "Haunted Jail Tour" is back with this year's theme being "Resurrection."

The old jail, located off of North Broadway in downtown Bartow, was built in 1962 and closed in 2000. It was supposed to be demolished by now, but there has been a delay, so the jail was "resurrected."

PCSO's Lt. Justin Carr is the master mind behind this year's tour. 

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"We got another year of it, so it's back from the dead," said Carr. "We brought back characters and themes to bring them together and tie them all in. See if we can get a good scare out of people." 

The jail is terrifying on its own without all the blood, bodies and creepy clowns.

"It's very eerie up here when you're by yourself or the lights are off. It makes your skin crawl sometimes and that's what makes it so special," said Carr.

It's 100% haunted, so says PCSO Lieutenant Kimber Wiegert, who was the originator of the haunted tour back in 2010. 

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"We've unfortunately had a lot of deaths in the building. From old age or from people choking. Some people took their own lives in the building. It has a grim history," said Wiegert.

But the sheriff's office does use its dark past to provide a bright future. The tour raises money for the United Way of Central Florida and last year, the jail raised $60,000.

"It's a big tour, and it's $15 for adults. I don't think there are any other haunts, especially something on this scale that goes for that cheap," said Carr. "We always pride ourselves on being a community event people can come to."

Attendees can get one last scare in and enjoy a unique piece of history before it's gone. The tours run for four nights starting Friday, Oct. 20 and Saturday, Oct. 21 from 6:30-10:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 for children under 10.

If you think it'll be too scary for the little ones, it's okay because there will also be a street carnival with arts and crafts booths, a bounce house and more.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is inviting Lakelanders of all ages to the annual Haunted Jail Tour located at the Old Jail in Bartow (455 N. Broadway Avenue). 

The tours run from  6:00 pm through 10:30 pm on Friday & Saturday, October 29th & 30th

Tickets: $10.00 adults | $5.00 children under 10

The old jail is located across the street from the Bartow Police Department. All of the proceeds benefit the United Way of Central Florida whose mission is to improve lives and strengthen our community

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Haunted Jail Tour

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455 North Broadway, Bartow, FL 33830

Special Directions: The Lawrence W. Crow, Jr. building

About This Attraction:

The annual PCSO Haunted Jail Tour (Polk County Sheriff’s Office) is back by popular demand! You can scream to your heart’s delight for a special donation per tour.

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Disclaimer: Always verify important information with the attraction directly before attending. We appreciate your understanding and, as always, stay scary! ~ The Scare Factor

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Polk county haunted jail tour returns this weekend, the annual haunted jail tour returns for its final weekend in 2016 with a family night on the schedule..

Sherri Lonon , Patch Staff

BARTOW, FL — Brave souls who believe they’re ready to take on a “Zombie Apocalypse” are invited to test their abilities this weekend at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s old jail in Bartow.

The facility at 455 N. Broadway Ave. has been transformed for the annual Haunted Jail Tour. This year’s event has a distinctly apocalyptic theme with hordes of zombies ready to infect newcomers. The final nights for the event are Oct. 28 and 29 with tours offered from 6 to 11 p.m.

The cost of a tour is a $5 donation with proceeds going to the United Way of Central Florida. The tour consists of a visit to the origin point of the outbreak, the infirmary, the jail itself where zombies are rumored to be on the prowl, the morgue and the incinerator room.

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Saturday, Oct. 29 has been designated family night. That means treats and games will be available for younger kids who might be too little to go on the tour. Food and drinks will also be on sale both nights.

“If you thought the tour was good last year, just wait and see what we have come up with this year,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a media release.

Goodwill Industries-Suncoast Inc. pitched in to make this year’s tour especially frightening, the sheriff’s office noted. The organization donated “a truckload of props, decorations and special effects that have really allowed us to transform the place like never before.”

Photo and video courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page

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Polk Sheriff Resumes the Popular Haunted Jail Tours

BARTOW — Being sent to jail can be an intimidating, even scary experience, something most law-abiding citizens work hard to avoid. But would you be more willing to go to jail if you knew it was … haunted ?

Mark your calendar in October for a visit to the Polk County city of Bartow , because the old historic jail in the city’s downtown at 455 N. Broadway Ave. (the Lawrence W. Crow Jr. building) is once again opening its doors for the annual Haunted Jail Tour, one of the most popular spooky events of the Halloween season in Central Florida. This year, it’s back by popular demand.

What is the annual Haunted Jail Tour in Bartow?

Sponsored by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office , the Haunted Jail Tour will run 4 nights: Friday & Saturday, Oct. 21-22, and Friday & Saturday, Oct. 28-29.

Carrie Horstman, public information officer for the sheriff’s office, noted that this year’s spooky theme is Doomsday. “And instead of just one tour, we will have two different paths to scare you through the jail,” she noted. “You won’t want to miss it!”

This popular attraction is sponsored for a good cause. While raising plenty of scares, the sheriff’s office is also raising money to benefit The United Way of Central Florida . For a $12 donation to United Way, you can take the haunted tour, or for $20 you can go on both tours. The cost for children under 10 is $5 per tour.

“But if you think the tour will be too scary for your little ones, don’t worry – we will have PCSO members there volunteering to watch your kids in a safe place while you tour,” Horstman noted, while also pointing out that “This is a family friendly kid-oriented event! We’re shutting down Church Street for a street carnival, with arts & crafts booths, games & contests, a cake walk, bounce houses, and our favorite – Dunk The Deputy!” Their school resource deputies have volunteered to sit in a dunk tank.

In addition, Newman BBQ Catering & Events will be on hand, along with Poco Loco Fruta, and D’Lites Ice Cream. 

What Happens During the Haunted Jail Tours?

Each year, the Haunted Jail Tours have different themes — the most recent one was “The Ghost of Calvin,” the legendary story of an inmate who committed suicide and still haunts the property, and before that it was “Asylum.”

Tickets for the tour are not pre-sold, but rather sold in-person at the event until the 10 p.m. cutoff. Some Polk County high schools will pre-sell the Dunk The Deputy dunk tank tickets at their schools. The Dunk Tank tickets are $5 for 5 throws.  Tickets for the Haunted Jail Tour and carnival games can be purchased through cash or credit/debit cards.

There will be signs available leading the way to the parking area. The Haunted Jail Tour typically lasts about 15 minutes.  

Is The Polk County Jail Haunted?

But is the jail truly haunted? That definitely seems to be the consensus, considering that over the decades there were inmates who stayed there on their way to execution and others who committed suicide in their cell. Over the years, both inmates and sheriff’s deputies have reported eerie sightings and happenings there.

In an article titled “Haunted Polk: A Brief History of Local Haunts,” author James Colter writes that the old jail is definitely on the list of haunted Polk County sites.

“Inmates have seen people walking the hallways before deputies were supposed to pass by, and officers have seen people in cells that were not supposed to be occupied. One ghost that has been seen many times is Calvin, an inmate that killed himself in the six-block area …. While one deputy was searching files, the back of a shelf flew off from across the room and nearly hit her in the head. Another deputy in a first floor holding cell felt her hair being tugged when no one else was there. While making their rounds, deputies have seen shadowy figures in the hallways that disappear once the lights turn on. One deputy claimed to have heard someone clicking a counter as if performing head count when officers no longer use such methods.”

What Else Is There To See in Downtown Bartow?

If you do decide to check out the Haunted Jail Tour, make a full night of it. It wouldn’t hurt to go a little early and check out Bartow’s historic downtown, which includes one other haunted hotspot.

Bartow itself is a very historic city, founded in 1851 as Fort Blount, then renamed in honor of Francis S. Bartow, the first brigade commander to die in combat during the American Civil War.

The old Polk County Courthouse Museum is at 100 E. Main St. in Bartow, directly across from the new courthouse. It was built in 1883 and has been a museum since 1997.

The courtrooms, now used for ceremonial events, have their own ghostly legends, including a Lady in White who haunts the building.

The basement, which can only be accessed by elevator, is also a special place, one where visitors and employees have heard agonizing screams – possibly from the victims of an explosion in the boiler room.

Happy haunting!

Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the terrifying book “Bloody Rabbit” . Contact him at [email protected]. .

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Get ready for a month of screams as the theme park you thought you knew just became the nightmare you'll never forget. As seen on Travel Channel's "Halloween's Scariest Thrills," Scarywood is full of haunted attractions and roaming monsters. Experience 5 haunted attractions , including the brand new maze The Swine , 10 scare zones and most of Silverwood's signature rides in the dark. If you survive the night we will see you in your nightmares. Purchase tickets online 1 or more days in advance and receive $8 off the online: day of price. Tickets not available at the gate.

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Clermont County Hauntings & Legends

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On this page you will find haunted locations and legends of Clermont County. Many of these are genuine and documented haunts, but others may be legend or hearsay. Remember, we do not condone trespassing. Always seek permission before entering private property. If you know of a haunting or legend not listed for this county, please submit them through our Haunting Submission Form .

Dead Man’s Curve – This was a dangerous turning intersection where many people had lost their lives. It was once part of the Ohio Turnpike, built in 1831, until the state rebuilt the road into a straight four-lane road in 1969. In October of that year, five teens were killed when their 1968 Impala was hit by a 1969 Roadrunner going more than 100 miles-per-hour. Only one guy named Rick survived. Since that day, the intersection has been haunted by a faceless hitchhiker, who Rick has personally seen at least five times. The ghost is described as a three dimensional shadowy figure. Psychics with no knowledge of the site have described it as very evil. A driverless Impala and a ghostly green Roadrunner have been seen in the area as well.

Dunham House – In the early 1800s, angry Indians raided the house and killed the Tracy family’s little daughter. The house is now supposedly haunted.

East Ohio Pike Home – A residence on East Ohio Pick is the site of many strange happenings. At least five residents have moved out of the home due to the activity. Objects move on their own, furniture in the home vibrates and pictures mysteriously float off the wall.

East Fork Cemetery – There have been reports of sudden smells of perfume followed by the smell of garlic in the cemetery. The source of the smell cannot be found. This location is also known as Old Bethel Cemetery. Related: Contribution

Lucy Run Cemetery Road – A girl went out on horseback in search for her lover one rainy night. It rained so much that the river began to flood the street. The horse slipped in the water and the girl was thrown from her horse into the river where she drowned. Her ghost has been seen walking along the street still in search of her lover. On a full moon, her ghost is said to be seen wearing a white wedding dress and veil. She was buried in the cemetery on the hill above the street. If one walks in the cemetery and finds her tombstone, you can see her face peeking around the grave.  (Credits: Robin Carson)

Clermont County Infirmary – The infirmary had served as a mental hospital, nursing home, poorhouse, and an orphan nursery for many years. It was built in 1833 and was demolished in 2001. When it was still standing, ghostly figures were often sighted in the windows and lights flickered, even when there was no electricity in the building. The haunting seemed particularly active during the years the building stood abandoned. Many of those who died at the infirmary are buried in a nearby field.

Clermont County Women’s Jail – A wing of the jail was built atop the field where those who died in the county’s infirmary were often laid to rest. The jail is said to be haunted by those whose graves were not relocated during the construction of the wing.

Hell’s Church – Located near State Route 32 in Batavia are the remains of a church that burned to the ground over 20 years ago. It stood painted red with stained glass windows. Lightning struck the church during a blood ritual on All Hallows Eve one night. Strange things, such as floating orbs, ghastly screams and phantom vehicles have all been reported there. It is said that grass will not grow on the spot where the altar was located.

Tealtown Road – Two ghostly figures can be seen in the woods near this road arguing, followed by the sound of gunshots. It is believed these ghosts belong to two friends who died there one afternoon in a murder-suicide.

Marret Road – The road is home to a devil worshiping cult during the night. It has been said they sacrifice goats there often and rumored that they have even held human sacrifices.

Smyrna Cemetery – This cemetery is haunted by an old Shawnee sorceress who was killed by her tribe after they found her to be betraying them. The second line of her tombstone reads “Beware of her.” A ghostly dog appeared in a photograph taken at the grave.  (Credits: JJ Damron)

Peaceful Valley – A cult is said to be the source of many problems in the area. When in the valley late at night, cult members will chase you away, driving a pick-up truck with the high beams on. While most of the time the truck only chases explorers away, there have been reports of the cult making physical contact to those who drive slowly or stop their vehicle.

Loveland Castle – The castle in Loveland is said to be haunted by a king and paige who are attached to a throne that was imported there. The builder of the castle, a man named Harry, also haunts the place. He reportedly died when the leaves he was burning set him on fire.

Stucco Mansion – A family who lived in this home would hear mysterious voices and lights turned on when no one else was around. A boy who slept in an attic bedroom would knock and would hear knocking back. Some days when a family member was home alone, they would see figures and strange shadows.

 Miamiville 

The Ghostly Trainman – The ghost of a trainman who was killed by Morgan’s Raiders has been seen on both the railroad tracks and on the road. The ghost sometimes watches a farmer plow his field.

Promont – Employees report hearing ghostly footsteps coming down the stairs and walking across the upstairs floors. One employee even reported that someone had grabbed her ankle but no one admitted to doing it. The mansion was also home to former Ohio Governor John M. Pattison. He died of pneumonia only five months after he took office. At least three people have died at Promont, including Henry Hodges, who was a famous millionaire tobacco farmer.

Stonelick Covered Bridge – Legend says if you go inside this circa 1878 covered bridge, turn off your car and flash your headlights three times, you can see a man hanging from a tree through the window of the bridge. Your car will not start again until he disappears. There is also said to be a church nearby and if you’re caught being near it, a black pickup truck will chase you down the road. Remember, as with all places on private property, always seek permission and anyone found trespassing may be subject to arrest.

Spate House – This two-story brick mansion was built along the Ohio River between 1796 and 1798. It housed many famous people, including the King of France Louis Philippe and the first tourist in America, Marquis de Lafayette. However, none of these famous people haunted the place. The mansion was haunted by a dog that was killed over a card game dispute. The dog was thrown into the Ohio River in a canvas bag and drowned. The house was full of cold spots and bad vibes. An occasional whining and barking of a dog could be heard coming from within the walls.  UPDATE 2012: Sadly, the Spate House was destroyed by an EF3 tornado that devastated the entire town of Moscow on March 2, 2012.

 New Richmond 

New Richmond High School – The auditorium of the high school is said to be haunted by a former student. In the 1970s, a young man committed suicide by driving his car into the Ohio River. Strange noises, including footsteps, have been heard coming from the theater’s catwalk, and the air ducts near the ceiling often rattle for no apparent reason. Members of the NRHS drama club report that the ghost is friendly and they affectionately refer to him as Fred.

Pond Run Road – It is said that the parents of a mentally disturbed kid chained him up in their basement. Lightning struck the house during a storm and the bodies of both parents were found. All that was found of the boy was his hand. Now wearing a hook for a hand, the boy has haunted the road for many years, wreaking havoc on all who stop there.

 Owensville 

South Broadway Sally – The name Sally Evans mysteriously appeared written in chalk in the attic of the home. Some time later, a resident of the home saw the apparition of a beautiful woman wearing a pale green dress at the bottom of the staircase. The apparition was there for only a few seconds before dissipating. Not everything was as harmless, however. One time the medicine cabinet mirror shattered from the inside out for no apparent reason. Shards of glass cut the witness’s toe, but strangely enough, there was no cut on her toe the next day. Related: Contribution   (Credits: Susan Stone)

Village Hall – Built in 1859 as a church, the Morgan’s Raiders met some resistance there from an old man with a shotgun on July 14, 1863. Nellie is the name of the ghost who haunts the hall. He is said to clean the building, move furniture and turn up in photographs.

 Point Pleasant 

Ulysses S. Grant Birthplace – The birthplace of the eighteenth President of the United States is haunted by an unseen ghost who causes the spinning wheel to turn when no one else is around.

Spiritualists Ghosts – The ghosts of a spiritualist group that was killed in the 1847 flood is said to haunt the banks of the Ohio River. During a dance party in December of that year, the building they were dancing in collapsed and sent many of the people there into the icy waters of the Ohio River. Many drowned or succumbed to the cold. Residents of the tiny town have reported seeing ghostly figures walking out of the water. Strange lights have also been reported along the riverbank and in the river itself.

 Williamsburg 

Williamsburg High School – The school is reportedly haunted by multiple ghosts. The county’s last hanging tree was located where the library now stands. Three students have supposedly jumped to their deaths from the third floor window, a teacher shot herself on the third floor, and a janitor hanged himself in a third floor closet. Strange lights have been seen moving from room to room during the night.