As Halloween approaches, the Twin Cities come alive with a variety of spooky attractions and family-friendly events that cater to thrill-seekers, families, and everyone in between. Whether you’re looking for haunted houses, ghost tours, or pumpkin patches, the Minneapolis-St. Paul area has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the best Halloween attractions you won’t want to miss!
1. ValleySCARE at Valleyfair (Shakopee, MN)
For thrill-seekers looking to combine roller coasters with spine-chilling frights, ValleySCARE is a must-visit. By day, it’s family-friendly with treats, mazes, and pumpkin patches, but by night it transforms into a haunted park filled with scare zones, horrifying mazes, and terrifying live actors. Be prepared to scream your way through the night!
Dates: Select nights through October
Tip: Go early in the day for family-friendly fun, but stick around after dark for a more intense experience.
Tip: Go early in the day for family-friendly fun, but stick around after dark for a more intense experience.
2. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley, MN)
For a more whimsical Halloween experience, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo is a stunning display of thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. Winding through a forested trail, visitors can enjoy a magical walk illuminated by glowing jack-o-lanterns featuring everything from spooky faces to elaborate designs.
Dates: October 5 – November 3
Perfect for: Families, photographers, and anyone looking to marvel at creative artistry.
Perfect for: Families, photographers, and anyone looking to marvel at creative artistry.
3. The Dead End Hayride (Wyoming, MN)
If you’re searching for a truly heart-pounding experience, the Dead End Hayride is one of the most terrifying haunted attractions in the Twin Cities. Located on Pinehaven Farm, this interactive hayride and haunted walk takes you deep into the woods, where horrifying creatures and disturbing scenes await. With Hollywood-quality special effects and live actors, this attraction is sure to deliver serious scares.
Dates: Through October 31
Warning: This one is not for the faint of heart!
Warning: This one is not for the faint of heart!
4. Anoka: The Halloween Capital of the World (Anoka, MN)
Did you know Anoka claims the title of “Halloween Capital of the World”? This charming city goes all out for Halloween with parades, costume contests, haunted houses, and pumpkin carving events. The annual Anoka Halloween Parade is a family-friendly highlight, featuring floats, performances, and plenty of candy.
Dates: October 21 (Grand Day Parade) and other events throughout October
Perfect for: Families and anyone looking to celebrate Halloween in a classic, community-centered way.
Perfect for: Families and anyone looking to celebrate Halloween in a classic, community-centered way.
5. Haunted Basement (Minneapolis, MN)
For the most extreme and immersive haunted house experience in the Twin Cities, The Haunted Basement is a must. Known for its interactive, psychological horror and professional-grade scares, this attraction is geared toward adults who are ready to be completely terrified. Each year, the experience changes, so you never know what might be lurking in the dark.
Dates: Select nights through October
Note: This is an adults-only event, and participants must sign a waiver.
Note: This is an adults-only event, and participants must sign a waiver.
6. Sever’s Fall Festival & Corn Maze (Shakopee, MN)
For a more family-friendly Halloween experience, Sever’s Fall Festival offers fun for all ages. The festival features a massive corn maze, pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and plenty of other activities like zip lines and magic shows. While not overly spooky, it’s the perfect place for a fall day out with the family, celebrating the season.
Dates: Through November 3
Perfect for: Families with young kids, fall enthusiasts, and those who love a good pumpkin patch.
Perfect for: Families with young kids, fall enthusiasts, and those who love a good pumpkin patch.
7. Ghost Tours at The Wabasha Street Caves (St. Paul, MN)
For history buffs and ghost story enthusiasts, a tour of the Wabasha Street Caves offers both eerie tales and fascinating Twin Cities history. The caves, which were once speakeasies during Prohibition, are rumored to be haunted. The tours explore these spooky stories while also giving a glimpse into the darker side of the area’s past.
Dates: Throughout October
Ideal for: Those who love historical hauntings and prefer storytelling over jump scares.
Ideal for: Those who love historical hauntings and prefer storytelling over jump scares.
Which Attraction Will You Choose?
Whether you’re in search of heart-pounding frights or just some wholesome fall fun, the Twin Cities has something for everyone this Halloween season. From haunted hayrides and elaborate pumpkin displays to ghost tours and corn mazes, you can find the perfect way to celebrate.
Don’t forget to grab your costume, gather some friends or family, and explore the best of Halloween in the Twin Cities!