Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

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Last Updated: January 26, 2023

Hours

Sunday	-
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Special hours: MAY - thru November May 30th, 2020 – November 15th, 2020 Historic Tours leave every hour on the hour. The last 1st floor tour(45 min) leaves at 5:00 p.m. and the last 4 floor tour (90 min) leaves at 4:00 p.m. Reservations are not required for Historic Tours. Historic tours do not include any paranormal information.

Map

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (TALA) is located just three miles off of I-79, right along Highway 33, in North Central West Virginia. Pittsburgh, PA 2 hrs Cleveland, OH 4.25 hrs Charleston, WV 1.5 hrs Roanoke, VA 3.75 hrs Richmond, VA 4.75 hrs Washington, DC 4.25 hrs Charlotte, NC 5 hrs Lexington, KY 4.25 hrs Marietta, OH 1.75 hrs Morgantown, WV 1 hr Cincinnati, OH 5 hrs Baltimore, MD 4.25 hrs

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About Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum

Tour this National Historic

Welcome to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (AKA the Weston State Hospital) located in Historic Weston, West Virginia. This National Historic Landmark served as a sanctuary for the mentally ill beginning in the mid-1800's. This 160 year old asylum holds fascinating stories of Civil War raids, a gold robbery, the "curative" effects of architecture, and the efforts of determined individuals to help better the lives of the mentally ill. Tour this nationally recognized historic landmark and see how it left a lasting impression on local and national history.

We offer a variety of historic and paranormal tours during our season.

We will reopen soon and will be open Tuesday through Sunday. Our tour season will end mid November for historic restoration and general repairs. Ghost hunts of this massive building run year round.

May 30th, 2023 – November 15th, 2023

Historic Tours leave every hour on the hour. Paranormal Tours leave
every 2 hours. The last 1st floor tour leaves at 5:00 p.m. and the last
4 floor/paranormal tour leaves at 4:00 p.m.

Note: Please dress appropriately for the current weather conditions.
It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter inside the building.

OFFICE HOURS

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Can't find what you are looking for call (304-269-5070).

Paranormal Tours

(2 hours - reservations required)

These tours last approximately two hours (10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.). This is a GUIDED TOUR of the 4 hottest spots in this 242,000 sq. foot Asylum. Once everyone is registered, we'll break the groups up and assign guides. Make sure you stay with your guide. Ages 12 and over accompanied by an adult.

Cost is $40.00 + tax per person.

Dates currently available are:

Dates currently available

Schedule Page

Daytime Paranormal Tours

(90 minutes)

These tours last approximately 90 minutes. This is a GUIDED TOUR of the 4 hottest spots in this 242,000 sq. foot Asylum. You must stay with your guide.

Tours are available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Tours on Saturday are at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.

Cost is $35.00 + tax per person. Call for more information.

Tickets are first come first serve and are available on site only.

Paranormal tours cover very little to no information on the history of the building. Reservations are not required for the daytime paranormal tours.

Flashlight Tours

(30 minutes)

During the special events at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum we also offer Flashlight tours of the historic Kirkbride building and the Medical Center! Flashlight tours are 30 minute half historic and half paranormal tours.

Tickets are first come first serve and are available on site only.

Cost is $10.00 + tax per person. Call for details.

This world renowned National Historic Landmark is also conveniently located two hours south of Pittsburgh, and five hours from Washington DC. The nearest airports are in Clarksburg and Charleston, making the Asylum’s location accessible from anywhere in the world! It is nestled among the wealth of interesting historical sites, remarkable geological wonders, and exciting outdoor adventure destinations that West Virginia has to offer.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum grounds are minutes away from historic Jackson’s Mill, where visitors can experience times gone by, with living history demonstrations, in their extensive historic area. Less than a mile from the Asylum, visitors can observe fascinating, hand-blown glass demonstrations, and learn about the rise and fall of Weston’s booming glass manufacturing industry. Weston is extremely rich in Civil War history. The Mountaineer Military Museum is a powerful tribute to those who have served our country in all major conflicts. Guests can relax on the beautiful Arnold Palmer Golf Course, just minutes from TALA, or visit a luxury spa, and enjoy fine dining at the five star Stonewall Resort. The Stonewall Resort State Park boasts outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities.

Weston offers several family friendly restaurants, both chain and charming hometown favorites. Lewis County is served by six major hotels, and a variety of camping areas, as well as, bed and breakfast inns. A short drive through the hills of West Virginia will take you to scenic train rides, historic sites, state parks, theatre, white water rafting, wineries, craft breweries, art galleries, or outlet shopping. Your adventure awaits! Come to experience everything that the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has to offer; stay to explore the grandeur of Wild and Wonderful West Virginia

Gate of the Weston State Hospital

History of the Asylum

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, constructed between 1858 and 1881, is the largest hand-cut stone masonry building in North America, and is purportedly the second largest in the world, next to the Kremlin. It was designed by the renowned architect Richard Andrews following the Kirkbride plan, which called for long rambling wings arranged in a staggered formation, assuring that each of the connecting structures received an abundance of therapeutic sunlight and fresh air. The original hospital, designed to house 250 souls, was open to patients in 1864 and reached its peak in the 1950's with 2,400 patients in overcrowded and generally poor conditions. Changes in the treatment of mental illness and the physical deterioration of the facility forced its closure in 1994 inflicting a devastating effect on the local economy, from which it has yet to recover.