NNGH Kicks Off Spooky Season with Haunted Fun

On Oct. 3-4, Northern Nevada Ghost Hunters (NNGH) kicked off the October spooky season with a two-night Haunted Hills, Mills & Mansions fundraising event. NNGH and their spirited partners welcomed nearly 100 guests over the weekend to explore Comstock’s haunted history and ghostly tales that linger at the Gold Hill Train Depot, Gold Hill Hotel, Crown Point Mill, Donovan Mill, and Mackay Mansion.

On Friday evening, attendees donned their best Halloween costumes, mingled with vendors and checked out an array of donated raffle prizes at the train depot before embarking on the Gold Hill Hotel tour. NNGH volunteers then led guests to the Gold Hill Hotel – recognized as one of the most haunted places in Nevada – where curious visitors could roam between five eerie rooms and the old miner’s cabin. Armed with ghost-hunting gadgets, guests listened to stories of mysterious footsteps, cold chills, and long-lost miners who still wander the grounds.

Saturday night turned up the fright factor as guests split into small groups to explore three paranormal hot spots in Silver City, Gold Hill and Virginia City: the Donovan Mill, Crown Point Mill, and Mackay Mansion. Flashlights flickered as ghost hunters tiptoed through darkened halls and corners, hoping to catch a glimpse of something not quite living.

NNGH Founders Jeadene Solberg and Jilly Smith also surprised guests with a bittersweet announcement: after 20 years of haunting the Comstock, they are passing the operational torch to Rob Barron for future seasons.

“When they asked me to do this, I accepted on one condition – that they have to continue volunteering,” Barron said. “We have some wonderful things that will be happening for you to come out and support, not only the Comstock.”

All proceeds from NNGH events go to support the Comstock Foundation for History and Culture, helping preserve and restore Comstock landmarks for future generations.

“We love the Comstock Foundation,” Solberg said. “We have raised over $100,00 doing what we’re doing now…but the Comstock has not seen the last of us by far. We want to be a pillar of our own little community and still hold a commitment to the Comstock Foundation.”

The weekend event proved that Nevada knows how to raise spirits while shining a light on local history. For those who missed this frightfully fun fundraiser, more ghostly adventures are on the horizon. Follow Northern Nevada Ghosthunters on Facebook for upcoming events … if you dare.