Visit These 5 Lesser Known Destinations For Spooky Season and Halloween

Estes Park, Colorado – Photo credit: Visit Estes Park

As the foliage changes colors and the temperatures drop, Halloween enthusiasts will begin planning their spooky season adventures. Whether you’re a history buff, paranormal fan, or simply looking for a thrilling getaway, many lesser-known destinations in the US come alive with eerie charm during October. I’ve handpicked a short list of eerie destinations to put on your radar for the upcoming Spooky Season:

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Cliffhanging Civil War Fun

Gettysburg is a famous town home to the Gettysburg National Military Park, the site of one of the most famous battles of the American Civil War. Gettysburg is considered by some to be one of the most haunted places in America because the park is said to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers who died in the battle. As such, this destination is a perfect fit for those who love history and horror. Recommended activities include Gettysburg Battlefield ghost tours, haunted Gettysburg walking tours, and Farnsworth House Inn candlelight ghost stories. If you’re lucky, you’ll be one of the visitors who have reportedly observed apparitions of Civil War soldiers on the battlefield. A visit to Gettysburg will supply you with supernatural experiences you’ll never forget.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – Photo credit: Destination Gettysburg

Louisville, Kentucky: The Place To Party For Halloween

Louisville is home to the world’s largest Halloween party. Those who love to celebrate and be scary will feel right at home in this destination. One of the major highlights of this destination’s Halloween festivities is the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at Iroquois Park. The park features thousands of uniquely carved pumpkins. Additional recommended activities are tours at the Waverly Hills Sanatorium, the Louisville Halloween Parade, and the Immersive Horror Escape game. Louisville is the place to be if you want to go all out and have a haunted Halloween experience.

Louisville, Kentucky – Photo credit: Louisville Tourism

St. Helens, Oregon: The Perfect Place For Halloween Movie Buffs

If you love a good Halloween movie, St. Helens is a sight to see. Each Spooky Season, the town transforms into the fictional town of Halloweentown, inspired by the Disney Channel movie series of the same name. St. Helens is also the location where the first Halloweentown movie was filmed. While visiting, you may even see stars from the movie enjoying the festivities. Activities you don’t want to miss during your visit to St. Helens include The Spirit of Halloweentown Festival, The Haunted Hotel, and the giant pumpkin lighting ceremony.

Estes Park, Colorado: The Haunted Haven For Book Lovers

Estes Park is the perfect scene for those who prefer a book over a screen. The town is famous for inspiring Stephen King’s book, “The Shining,” The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, and visitors can bring the book to life with a visit. Activities in Estes Park must include The Stanley Hotel’s night ghost tour, The Stanley Hotel’s Shining Ball, and elk and wildlife watching in Rocky Mountain National Park. If you want an experience that you can brag to your friends back home, book a stay in room 217 at the Stanley Hotel, as this is allegedly the room that inspired The Shining.

Anoka, Minnesota: The Historic City Where It All Began

Anoka is a self-proclaimed city as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” as it is believed to be the first city in the United States to officially celebrate Halloween. This destination has celebrated Halloween for over 100 years since 1920, with parades, contests, and spooky events. Recommended activities include The Grande Day Parade, House decorating contests, pumpkin carving competitions, and the Gruesome Twosome pickleball tournament. A visit to Anoka will also contribute to a greater cause as many of the proceeds from their events go back to the community and schools.

Halloween in the US is more than just visiting well-known cities. There are thrills that can also be experienced in lesser-known destinations. Whether you’re exploring the eerie streets of Louisville, taking a ghost tour in Gettysburg, or enjoying a haunted attraction in Estes Park, there’s no shortage of spooky fun to be had in these 5 destinations. From historical hauntings to modern-day festivities, each location provides a unique blend of entertainment, history, and eerie experiences, making them perfect for a Spooky Season/Halloween-themed getaway. 

This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.