Bluegrass Shadows: Ghosts, Bourbon & Waverly Hills Sanatorium (3-Day Tour)
A one-of-a-kind paranormal weekend adventure through Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, unfolding across storied landscapes, historic inns, and hidden locations rarely found on mainstream itineraries.
⭐ 4.9 rating | 12+ travelers
Guided by Josh Haney
OVERVIEW | Hightlights | Itinerary | What’s included | Reviews | Your guides | PRICING | FAQS
About Your Trip
This is not about chasing spirits—it is about confronting the weight of what remains.
Based in the historic town of Bardstown, often cited as one of America’s most haunted small towns AND ranked (by Rand McNally and USA Today) the “Most Beautiful Small Town in America”, guests will stay in atmospheric inns where the past is said to linger long after nightfall. These historic properties are more than accommodations—they are part of the experience, offering an intimate connection to the town’s centuries-old stories, unexplained encounters, and enduring legends.
Based in historic Bardstown, Kentucky, this immersive weekend blends haunted history, bourbon heritage, and unforgettable paranormal experiences. Explore atmospheric inns, hidden historic sites, and legendary local stories before stepping inside one of America’s most infamous haunted locations. The highlight of the journey is an exclusive after-dark investigation of Waverly Hills Sanatorium, with private access to explore its halls, wards, and tunnels. Along the way, enjoy time in bourbon country and visit locations known for their rich history and unexplained encounters.
The experience concludes at Perryville Battlefield, where history and memory come together in one of Kentucky’s most significant landscapes. From celebrated landmarks to hidden gems, this is a journey designed to stay with you long after you return home.
The journey weaves together Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and its shadowed history, including time at one of Bardstown’s iconic distilleries, known quietly among locals for unusual activity. Evenings reveal hidden gems: rarely visited historic sites with reputations built not on hype, but on firsthand accounts, local lore, and lingering presence. These secret stops allow guests to explore locations that feel undiscovered, authentic, and deeply personal.
The centerpiece of the weekend is an exclusive after-dark paranormal investigation at Waverly Hills Sanatorium, one of the most infamous haunted locations in the United States. With private access to its vast halls, wards, and tunnels, this extended investigation offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with a site long associated with documented phenomena and emotional intensity.
The experience concludes in reflective balance, visiting the hallowed grounds of Perryville Battlefield, where Kentucky’s bloodiest Civil War battle unfolded. Here, history, landscape, and memory converge—offering space to integrate the weekend’s discoveries. This is a journey into haunted places, both legendary and hidden, designed to linger long after you return home.
Trip Highlights
Bardstown Haunted History Experience
Drift through candlelit streets and storied corners of one of America’s oldest small towns, where bourbon lore, frontier tragedies, and restless legends still echo beneath the charm of the present day.
Perryville Battlefield Reflection
Stand on sacred ground where history still lingers in the open fields, as the silence of Perryville reveals the weight of its past and invites a powerful moment of remembrance and connection.
Exclusive After-Dark Investigations with Joshua Haney
Step beyond locked doors into Kentucky’s most haunted and history-filled sites, where echoing stories, shadowed halls, and lingering energy create an unforgettable night of paranormal exploration, including Waverly Sanitorium.
Day By Day Itinerary
Each day unveils a unique piece of Kentucky’s haunted heritage. From historic bourbon landmarks and forgotten frontier roads to legendary paranormal sites and hallowed battlefields, guests will discover the stories, mysteries, and lingering echoes that continue to shape the Bluegrass State.
DAY 1: APRIL 16, 2027
Spirits, Stories & the Old Kentucky Road
Our weekend begins in the heart of Bardstown, where Kentucky’s bourbon legacy and its lingering spirits are deeply entwined. After gathering at our inn, we step into one of the Commonwealth’s most storied distilleries. Surrounded by aging barrels and historic warehouses, this experience blends craftsmanship, tradition, and whispered accounts of unexplained sights and sounds that have long intrigued staff and visitors alike. A relaxed lunch allows time to settle in and connect before the evening unfolds.
As daylight fades, we travel a bit to the Historic Sherman Tavern, an inn shaped by frontier routes, Civil War passage, and generations of travelers. Later in the evening, the journey turns more intimate as we investigate a rarely accessed landmark that once served as a vital stop along Kentucky’s early roadways. Featured in the 2018 and 2019 World’s Largest Ghost hut, its roots reach back to the 1800s. This property has earned a quiet reputation for unexplained activity, shadow figures, and encounters that defy easy explanation.
Here, guests take part in a focused investigative experience within a setting few ever explore after dark. It is an atmospheric introduction to Kentucky’s hidden haunts—layered with history, mystery, and the unmistakable feeling that the past is never truly gone.
PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions
DAY 2: APRIL 17, 2027
From Quiet Streets to One of America’s Most Legendary Haunts
The day begins at a relaxed pace, giving guests time to enjoy Bardstown at their own rhythm. Often called one of America’s most beautiful small towns, its historic streets, cemeteries, shops, and bourbon heritage invite exploration. This unstructured time allows space to rest, wander, and absorb the layered history that quietly lingers in every corner.
As the afternoon turns toward evening, we regroup for a guided haunted crawl through Bardstown’s historic core. Stories of frontier life, tragedy, and restless spirits emerge as we visit locations long associated with unexplained encounters and enduring legends. This walk bridges local folklore with documented history, offering insight into why Bardstown is so often named among Kentucky’s most haunted towns.
After dinner in town, the energy shifts dramatically as we travel to one of the most infamous supernatural locations in the United States. Once a tuberculosis sanatorium, this massive hilltop structure has become legendary for its reported activity and emotional weight. With private access after dark, guests participate in an extended investigation inside its shadowed halls, tunnels, and wards—an immersive experience that stands as the centerpiece of the weekend and a defining moment of Kentucky’s haunted legacy.
PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions
DAY 3: APRIL 18, 2027
Echoes of the Land & A Meaningful Farewell
The final morning invites a quieter, more reflective close to the weekend as we journey to one of Kentucky’s most historically significant landscapes. The site of the bloodiest Civil War battle fought in the state, Perryville, is a place where the land itself seems to hold memory. Vast fields, gentle rises, and solemn markers create an atmosphere that is both peaceful and profoundly moving.
Our visit begins with historical context, grounding the experience in the events that unfolded here and the lives forever altered. From there, we take in a broad battlefield view, allowing time to pause, reflect, and consider how moments of great loss can leave lasting impressions on a place. The experience concludes at the battlefield cemetery, where quiet contemplation offers space to integrate the intensity of the weekend and honor those who came before.
This final experience is not about investigation, but connection—linking history, landscape, and personal reflection. We then gather for a relaxed celebration lunch, a chance to share stories, insights, and closing thoughts before departures. Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for Kentucky’s layered past and a sense of completion that lingers well beyond the journey home.
PLEASE NOTE: Itineraries are subject to slight change depending on availability or weather & travel conditions
What’s Included/Excluded
Included
Hotel Accommodations
Historic Inns
Hotel Taxes
All service charges and VAT for hotel accommodations.
Supernatural Experiences
Two Paranormal Investigations!
Transport
Large Van with Driver
MAT Staff
Expert Mysterious Adventures Tour Guide & Tour Director
Curated Activities
All venue fees and experiences listed on the final itinerary.
Snacks & Drinks
Snacks and soft drinks in the van for longer transport days.
Select Meals & Drinks
This includes breakfast each morning, and a Celebratory farewell meal at the end of our tour
24-Hour Emergency Support
Dedicated emergency customer service available throughout your time.
Traveler Community
Join a welcoming group of fellow Mysterious Adventures Tours travelers exploring together.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Access to private Zoom briefings and our traveler portal with resources and planning guidance.
Not Included
❌ Land package only
Flights and travel to/from the tour (air, rail, bus) are not included. We can assist with recommended routes and fares.
❌ Additional Destinations or Services
Flights and travel to/from the tour (air, rail, bus) are not included. We can assist with recommended routes and fares.
❌ Personal Expenses
Laundry, room service, minibar, phone charges, and other personal purchases.
❌ Travel Disruptions
Costs due to unforeseen disruptions such as weather events, strikes, protests, or other local conditions.
❌ Additional Meals & Drinks
Meals and beverages outside those listed in the itinerary, including alcohol.
❌ Travel Insurance
Strongly recommended. We suggest Trawick International.
❌ Travel Documents
Passport, visa, and ETA fees.
❌ Excess Baggage Fees
Airline fees beyond one checked bag and one carry-on.
❌ Gratuities
Tips for tour guides, cruise crew, and hotel staff.
❌ Unexpected Travel Disruptions
Expenses resulting from unforeseen circumstances such as weather events, transportation strikes, or other local disruptions.
❌ Additional Services or Destinations
Any experiences or services not listed in the final itinerary.
“My trip with Mysterious Adventures Tours was beyond amazing! The tour organizer, Maria, is a complete angel. She wants to make sure everyone is enjoying their time and gets the experience they want from each location and place visited. She was also so easy going if adjustments needed to made to the days schedule. I left the tour with having had the most joyous time, new knowledge of glorious places and amazing new friends that I’m lucky enough to still have contact with. I highly recommend everyone to travel with Maria and Mysterious Adventures!”
Bonnie B.
Adventurer
“I recently traveled to Greece with Mysterious Adventures and highly recommend this tour company. The team was genuine, knowledgeable, and fun, and the focus was on quality rather than quantity, allowing time to reflect, enjoy downtime, and connect.”
Shawnee M.
Adventurer
“We had an awesome time – great people, new friends, and intriguing and historical sites to visit and experience!”
David K.
Adventurer
Meet Your Expedition Leader
Josh Haney
Seasoned tour guide, clairvoyant paranormal investigator, and history lover. Savannah, Georgia native Joshua Haney started as a paranormal tour guide in Savannah, Georgia, focusing on the haunts and dark history of the city. Rated #1 overall and voted by the city and natives, he graduated from guide to owner of his own company employing some of the best the city offers, and is now your guide to the supernatural throughout the United States.
Trip Pricing
Full Package Shared Occupancy per person: $1,400.00
It includes everything listed in the itinerary (subject to change). Please review all inclusions and exclusions carefully. Pricing is per person based on double occupancy.
This package includes the full itinerary and is perfect for travel companions or couples. While accommodations are shared, all experiences can still be enjoyed individually.
Full Package Single Occupancy per person: $1,600.00
Includes the full itinerary. This rate is for single occupancy and includes a private room for travelers who prefer not to share accommodations.
Your reservation includes carefully selected accommodations in Kentucky, immersive cultural and historical experiences, and exclusive access to some of the Bluegrass State’s most fascinating locations. Journey through bourbon country, explore legendary landmarks, and spend an unforgettable night at the iconic Waverly Hills Sanatorium, one of America’s most renowned paranormal destinations. Availability is limited, and early booking is recommended.
FAQ — Bluegrass Shadows: Ghosts, Bourbon & Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kentucky Paranormal Weekend Experience?
It is an immersive paranormal and haunted history journey through Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, blending historic towns, exclusive after-dark investigations, and legendary haunted sites into a single unforgettable weekend.
What should I know before I book?
This is a multi-day immersive experience designed at a relaxed but active pace. The itinerary includes regular walking (Trek Level 2) through historic towns, battlefield grounds, and paranormal sites, some of which may feature uneven terrain, stairs, and limited lighting during night investigations.
Who is this trip designed for?
This journey is ideal for travelers who enjoy:
• Paranormal investigations and haunted history
• Story-driven immersive travel experiences
• Small-town American history and bourbon-era culture
• Night explorations and atmospheric locations
• Small-group curated adventures
What destinations are included in the journey?
The itinerary is based in Kentucky’s Bluegrass region, including Bardstown, historic rural landmarks, private haunted locations, and the Perryville Battlefield.
What makes this tour unique?
Unlike traditional history tours, this experience includes:
• Exclusive after-dark access to private haunted locations
• A guided haunted history walk through Bardstown
• A full paranormal investigation experience inside legendary sites
• A reflective historical finale at Perryville Battlefield
• Expert-led storytelling throughout the journey
Is this a real paranormal investigation experience?
Yes. Guests participate in guided paranormal exploration at select locations known for reported activity, combining historical context with investigative techniques in a controlled group setting.
What kind of accommodations are included?
Guests stay in comfortable, well-located historic inns and hotels chosen for their character, convenience, and proximity to key locations in the itinerary.
Is transportation included between locations?
Yes, guided transportation is included throughout the itinerary between all scheduled destinations and evening investigation sites.
Are all haunted locations guaranteed?
Yes, all major planned sites are confirmed; however, timing, order, or access may adjust slightly depending on weather, local conditions, or operational requirements.
What is your cancellation policy for this trip?
As written in our Terms & Conditions, please note the following Cancellation Policies:
It is considered upon meeting the following standards and penalties: The collected deposit is not refundable at any time. The balance due for the tour (and options) is subject to the following penalties, after the deposit is removed from the obligation.
- Within 150+ days prior to Tour Start Date: You will forfeit the 20% non-refundable booking commitment amount only. Any remaining eligible balance paid will be refunded.
- Within 120–149 days prior to Tour Start Date: You will forfeit the 20% non-refundable booking commitment amount plus 25% of the remaining balance. Any remaining eligible balance paid will be refunded.
- Within 91–119 days prior to Tour Start Date: You will forfeit the 20% non-refundable booking commitment amount plus 50% of the remaining balance. Any remaining eligible balance paid will be refunded.
- Within 61–90 days prior to Tour Start Date: You will forfeit the 20% non-refundable booking commitment amount plus 75% of the remaining balance. Any remaining eligible balance paid will be refunded.
- Within 0–60 days prior to Tour Start Date: You will forfeit 100% of the complete tour package, options, and add-ons. No refund will be issued.
What are your terms & conditions?
You will be required to review and sign off on our Terms and Conditions
These Terms of Agreement, Policies, and Recommendations, referred to throughout this document as the “Terms and Conditions,” are offered for the purpose of supporting a safe, viable, organized, and quality tour or cruise package.
These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire understanding and agreement between you, the tour or cruise participant, referred to as the “Traveler,” and Mysterious Adventures Tours LLC, referred to as “Mysterious Adventures Tours,” “MAT,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” with respect to any and all bookings, tours, cruises, travel packages, optional activities, add-ons, or transactions made with Mysterious Adventures Tours LLC.
These Terms and Conditions govern your participation in any tour, cruise, travel package, optional activity, or related service organized, sold, or facilitated by Mysterious Adventures Tours LLC. By booking, paying, making a reservation, accepting a travel credit, participating in a payment plan, selecting a Buy Now Pay Later option, or participating in any tour or cruise, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms and Conditions.
1. Acceptance
Booking a tour, cruise, travel package, optional activity, or related service with Mysterious Adventures Tours LLC constitutes acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
Payment of any amount toward a tour or cruise, including a deposit, partial payment, full payment, installment payment, Buy Now Pay Later transaction, travel credit application, or other payment method, shall imply acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.
By purchasing or reserving a tour or cruise, the Traveler acknowledges that they have reviewed, accepted, and agreed to the information, policies, responsibilities, limitations, payment requirements, and cancellation terms applicable to the tour or cruise selected.
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The Journey Begins Here
April 16TH – 18TH, 2027
This unforgettable Bluegrass adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience Kentucky’s rich blend of history, bourbon heritage, folklore, and the unexplained. From historic landmarks and charming bourbon country to an overnight investigation at the legendary Waverly Hills Sanatorium, this immersive journey explores the stories, spirits, and traditions that make the Bluegrass State unlike anywhere else.