Where to Celebrate Spooky Season All October

Why save the fun until Halloween? Get into the spirit early with these festive attractions around Minnesota.

Spooky Season is officially here, with bone-chilling haunts and family-friendly festivities in abundance. So, why wait until Halloween when you could celebrate all month long? To help get you in the spirit, we’ve rounded up some of Minnesota’s best frights and delights to explore throughout the month of October.

Minneapolis Trolley Tours’ Candlelight Ghost Tour (Through Nov. 2)

Have you heard the tale of a young toddler trapped in the ballroom of a famous mansion? Or the lady in white who terrorizes her neighborhood from the afterlife? These are just two of the ghost stories you’ll hear on this Haunted Trolley adventure, where riders explore Minneapolis’ paranormal hotspots by candlelight. Tours run through early November.

Candlelight Ghost Tour

Courtesy of Minneapolis Trolley Tours

Nickelodeon Booniverse (Through Oct. 31)

Mall of America’s beloved theme park has transformed to Nickelodeon Booniverse through Oct. 31, offering Halloween fun for the whole family. Try out the limited-time Fog Chute, watch a pumpkin carving demonstration, or embark on a toddler-friendly treat trail. Stick around until park close for the nightly Fright Lights Spooktacular.

Nickelodeon Boo-niverse

Courtesy of Mall of America

Haunted Basement at Travail’s Basement Bar (Through Nov. 2)

Travail Kitchen and Amusements in Robbinsdale is hosting another Haunted Basement Bar experience, and this year’s main event is a haunted dinner party. Guests can expect an interactive, multi-course, Halloween-themed tasting menu and cocktail pairings, complemented by haunting theatrics, lighting, and sound effects. Costumes encouraged! Reservations are available now through Nov. 2.

Anoka Halloween (Through Oct. 31)

Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” visitors flock to the city of Anoka to celebrate all month long. This year’s calendar includes walking ghost tours, a giant pumpkin expo, costume contests, a haunted house, two parades, and more.

Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (Through Nov. 2)

Explore the Minnesota Zoo by Jack-O-Lantern light at this annual event, where thousands of artistically carved pumpkins surround an outdoor trail. This year’s carvings will depict the wonders of the world and the joys of travel. The event runs through Nov. 2, and tickets usually go fast, so make your reservations today.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo

ValleyScare (Through Oct. 26)

The Twin Cities’ largest Halloween event is back in town. Encounter terrifying monsters as you explore mazes, scare zones, haunted attractions, and your favorite rides.

Black Lagoon Cocktail Pop-Up At Meteor (Through Oct. 31)

Black Lagoon, an immersive Halloween cocktail experience, is heading to Meteor in Minneapolis for the month of October. Wear your costume and try innovative cocktails that pay homage to the macabre.

Duluth Haunted Ship (Weekends through Halloween)

Climb aboard for a frightening tour of the historic William A. Irvin ship, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of sailors past. VIP tickets include access to additional spaces, NA and adult beverages, and more.

Scream Town (Through Nov. 2)

One of the top Halloween attractions in the country, this 5-acre “scream park” in Chaska features 10 massive attractions that are not for the faint of heart. Try to escape “Oak Blood Forest,” “Cannibal Cabin,” and other terrifying experiences. Visit Scream Town’s nearby sister attraction, The Abandon Hayride, for even more thrills.

ScreamTown

Courtesy of ScreamTown

Union Depot Ghost Tours (Through Oct. 30)

Led by CynCity Tours, this 90-minute tour experience invites guests to explore Union Depot’s haunted history, with access to behind-the-scenes areas of the building.

Union Depot Ghost Tours

Courtesy of Union Depot

Fright at the Farm (Weekends Oct. 11 through Nov. 2)

Presented by Rochester Horror, this spooky attraction at Willow’s Keep Farm in Zumbrota features a haunted indoor and outdoor experience—plus the only haunted cannabis maze in the country. The lights will go out in the mazes after 10 p.m. every night, leaving guests to find their way out using only one candle per group.

As Managing Editor of Minnesota Monthly, Macy strives to capture the Spirit of Minnesota through impactful storytelling and engaging content. Obsessed with all things entertainment and pop culture, her editorial background encompasses a wide variety of arts and lifestyle coverage—from interviewing local musicians and Broadway actors to exploring that trend you can’t stop hearing about. With her finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the Twin Cities, Macy is passionate about the people, places, and ideas driving Minnesota’s culture. You can often find her cuddling her two cats, seeing a local band, or crossing movies off her ever-growing watchlist.