Halloween Attractions: Where to Find the Scare in 2024

Halloween attractions and Halloween candy are part and parcel of the American cultural zeitgeist. As spooky season approaches, Halloween enthusiasts across the country are gearing up for bone-chilling and Halloween candy-filled celebrations whether in tony Northern California or in the rustic Midwest. From haunted houses to drag extravaganzas, there are plenty of thrilling events and attractions to satisfy all thrill-seekers. Travel-Intel explores some of the most spooktacular happenings within this growing trend of scream tourism – a veritable world of fright and delight.

Halloween at Walker Tribeca, New York, NY:

Walker Hotel Tribeca is offering a special Halloween attraction package in partnership with Blood Manor, NYC’s premier haunted house experience. Perfectly situated in the heart of downtown, this package includes two VIP tickets to Blood Manor, along with other Halloween-inspired offerings. Guests can enjoy Halloween-themed treats from NYC favorite Dylan’s Candy Bar in their rooms, as well as two complimentary drinks at their choice of onsite venues. To top it off, a Halloween costume for two awaits guests in their rooms upon check-in, allowing them to fully embrace the spirit of the holiday.

Screaming Queens at The Brakeman, Detroit, MI:

The Brakeman, an American beer hall, is hosting Scream Queens, a Halloween-themed drag extravaganza featuring the Divas of Detroit. This spooktacular event promises to raise spirits with its captivating performances. Guests can expect a thrilling show, a costume contest, and the chance to win a one-night stay at the Shinola Hotel, Detroit’s only MICHELIN Key hotel. With tickets available for purchase, this event offers a unique Halloween experience for those looking to combine drag entertainment with the spirit of the season.

Toddies and Tarot in Sonoma County, CA:

The Lodge at Dawn Ranch invites visitors in Sonoma County to celebrate Halloween with a distinctive dining experience that includes serving up the Poisoned Apple, a seasonal cocktail made with spiced vodka, campari, apple juice, lemon juice, and cinnamon. The drink drink pairs perfectly with the Brazilian, Argentinian, and European-inspired fare at The Lodge. Additionally, guests dining on Halloween can opt for tarot card readings from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, adding an extra touch of mystery and intrigue to their evening.

Halloween Scream Tourism: Seeking the Ultimate Thrills

Thrillseekers are embarking on a new kind of adventure known as Scream Tourism. This fear-entertainment trend sees haunted attraction enthusiasts traveling far and wide to experience America’s best scares. America Haunts, the premier haunted Halloween attraction association, has identified the top Halloween attractions that draw visitors willing to go the extra mile for a frightful experience.

The Factory of Terror – Canton, OH:

Secondly, The Factory of Terror in Canton, Ohio, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest indoor haunted Halloween attraction. With five horrifying sections, this haunt offers an immersive experience with terrifying actors and mind-blowing effects. Visitors can also enjoy four uniquely themed places outside the haunt, creating a chilling atmosphere to socialize and extend the thrills beyond the scares.

Kersey Valley Spooky Woods – Greensboro/High Point, NC:

Kersey Valley Spooky Woods stands out with its immersive storytelling, Hollywood-level special effects, and meticulously crafted sets. This mega-haunt offers spine-tingling surprises and consistently ranks among the nation’s elite haunted attractions. With attention to detail and a reputation for delivering top-tier scares, it promises an unforgettable experience.

Haunted Trail of Balboa – San Diego, CA:

The Haunted Trail of Balboa immerses visitors in outdoor terror. Winding through the dark, twisted paths of Balboa Park, this haunting Halloween attraction creates a nightmarish journey with ghastly creatures and terrifying jolts of super scares. Known for its heart-pounding fright and eerie atmosphere, it is a top choice for those seeking the ultimate scary-fun thrill.

Talon Falls Screampark – Paducah, KY:

Finally, Deep within the unnerving woods of Kentucky, Talon Falls Screampark offers horror lovers a dream come true. With terrifying trails, spine-chilling haunts, and immersive experiences, it is a must-visit for thrillseekers. From vampires and voodoo to the Undertaker, Talon Falls provides a scream-worthy adventure that makes it one of the nation’s top destinations.

Beast Haunted Attraction – Kansas City, MS:

For those who prefer scares with a side of history, The Beast attraction offers a hauntingly unique experience. Just blocks away from the Beast is the granddaddy of haunts, Edge of Hell, which celebrates its 50th season as the oldest haunt in the nation. Visitors can enjoy extraordinary screams and laughter as they explore both Halloween attractions.

Halloween Attractions: Raising the Dead in Wyoming

TA Ranch

Cowboys are trying to tame the plains from the grave at TA Ranch, which is considered one of the most haunted places in the area and is a Smithsonian Institute National Historic Landmark. The TA Ranch was also the site of the Siege of the TA Ranch, which took place from April 11–13, 1892. This siege was the climax of the Johnson County War. They offer tours to its most haunted locations and live reenactors to meet the characters that are said to still haunt the property.

Halloween Attractions: Buffalo Bill’s Irma Hotel

Firstly, In 1902, Buffalo Bill opened the Irma Hotel in the heart of Cody, Wyoming, naming it after his daughter. Have spirits of the 121-year-old hotel checked in… and remained?

Room 35 of the Irma Hotel is unlike the others. Known as the Paul Stock room, it is one of the original 15 rooms in the hotel and has been the scene of the most ghost stories in the hotel. Paranormal investigators have even spent nights there trying to uncover the mysteries. From the sound of disembodied voices to the bathroom water turning on and off by itself — guests have even reported clothing and personal items neatly moved to different places while they were sleeping.

Down the hall in Room 16, many guests have reported seeing an apparition of Irma Cody Garlow sitting in a rocking chair in the corner of the room. Irma died of influenza and pneumonia in the hotel when she was 35 just a few days after her husband and hotel manager Fred Garlow, died of pneumonia.

Moreover, Employees of the hotel have even said they’ve seen Buffalo Bill wandering the hallways at night or have heard the jangle of spurs in the bar when it’s closed for the evening.

Many guests and employees believe they’ve heard or seen the friendly ghost of the Irma Hotel – but the best way to know for sure, is to stay the night in Room 35 for the ultimate Halloween attraction. Don’t do this alone.

Halloween Attractions: Ghost Town of Kirwin, WY

Along the Wood River near Meeteetse and situated on U.S. Forest Service land is Kirwin, one of the most intriguing abandoned places in Wyoming. During the 1890s, Kirwin had 38 buildings and approximately 200 residents, many of whom journeyed to the settlement during its gold and silver boom.

In the winter of 1907, a massive snowstorm caused an avalanche, taking lives and thus beginning the slow deterioration of the town itself. In the 1930s, the land became part of the Double Dee Guest Ranch, visited by Amelia Earhart and her husband, George Putnam. A cabin was under construction for Earhart when she disappeared during her around-the-world flight in 1937 that was never completed.

Also, If you wish to explore the ghost town and its potential haunting, you want to make sure you have four-wheel drive. You can book private tours or snag an ATV for an off-road adventure. View the remnants of her cabin, which are visible about a mile from Kirwin, as well as an old hotel, small log structures, and mining machinery at this old West ghost town.

Halloween Attractions: The Rise of Scream Tourism

Scream Tourism has transformed Halloween from a local celebration into a nationwide event. More people than ever are planning trips specifically to visit haunted attractions, making the spooky season a boon for the travel industry. Whether seeking the scariest bucket list of the best haunts or opting for proven scares that deliver adrenaline-induced screams, these top haunted Halloween attractions offer the best terror destinations. With their immersive experiences and attention to detail, they have become grave necessities for scream-seeking travelers.

Halloween Candy: The Sweet Side of Spooky Season

Finally, No Halloween experience is complete without indulging in Halloween candy. From classic candies like chocolate bars and gummy worms to seasonal favorites like candy corn and pumpkin-shaped chocolates, there’s something for every sweet tooth. But be mindful of what you eat. These are scary times – with or without the Halloween holiday.