What’s the best place to go ghost hunting?

The best place for ghost hunting is a location that’s actually haunted.

I’m not being flippant.  Really.

The problem is, a lot of people start ghost hunting by visiting places that are just “urban legends.” You won’t encounter ghosts there.

Or, they visit sites that weren’t very haunted to begin with, and — with lots of people trekking through — the original ghostly energy has been diluted.  Even the ghosts are bored with ghost hunting.

So, try to verify that weird things really do happen at the location you’re visiting. Look for recent YouTube videos at the site, or at least recent, detailed written reports, online.

A couple of things are important, no matter where you begin ghost hunting.

– Never go ghost hunting alone. Ever.

-Be sure every site is safe to visit.  Choose sites in safe neighborhoods. Indoors, look for solid floors and few obstacles. Outdoors, you’ll want level ground as much as possible. Bring your own medical-style mask. That’s essential if you’re entering a site that’s has mold, mildew, rodent droppings, or even a lot of dust.

(In 2012, an experienced researcher died from a respiratory infection. The cause was rodent droppings. Masks weren’t worn because the site had been visited — without problems — by several other teams. Since then, many of us are more careful.)

-Make certain the site is open to the public.  It doesn’t matter if “everyone goes there anyway.” If you’re at a site that isn’t posted, but the police ask you to leave, leave immediately. Don’t argue. In some states, the police have the right to decide a cemetery (or other public area) is off-limits.

Try to find a popular location. There, more experienced researchers can explain the basics to you.  For example, I’m usually happy to spend half an hour with a new team, showing them the best research spots.  I’ll also demonstrate basic, low-tech ghost hunting methods.  So, say hello if you see other ghost hunters. If they’re friendly, swap information.

However, don’t expect anyone to give you a free ghost hunting lesson.  Sometimes, we must focus on the investigation.

(Often, I’m happy to talk about the site and ghost hunting after the investigation. Until then, I can seem abrupt.)

Take part in ghost hunting events that are open to the public. You’ll explore new locations, and you’ll be among experienced researchers. That can be comforting and educational.

Is that intimidating? Some beginners prefer to start investigating with a group of friends.

-You could spend the night at a haunted hotel, or a ghostly bed and breakfast.

-You could visit a haunted battlefield.

-Dine at a haunted restaurant.

-Take a stroll through a haunted cemetery just before dusk.

You don’t have to leap into a “lights out” investigation. Start with whatever seems easy and comfortable for you.