Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Come October, your calendar is probably filled to the brim with every fall activity you could think of: apple picking, leaf peeping, corn mazes. But if you're one to get into the spooky spirit, there's nothing that gets your cauldron bubbling quite like Halloween. And though there's bound to be a Falloween party in your town or maybe a haunted house, to truly get the full experience, you need to head out to one of these places to travel for Halloween across the country.
Some destinations are obvious like Salem, Massachusetts, home of the historic witch trials and now host to millions of people during their month long festival called Haunted Happenings. You'll also find some of the most haunted cities in America like Savannah and New Orleans and towns with perfectly spooky names like Tombstone, Arizona, that lean into their rough and tumble history.
There are also some more obscure options like Estes Park, Colorado where you may not recognize the town, but you'll most certainly recognize the hotel from The Shining. In fact, there are few options on this list that reference Halloween movies they're famous for. Try an old abandoned asylum if you're feeling adventurous or play it safe with Disney characters. Any which way you decide to celebrate, you'll have a wickedly good time!
Enjoy even more this fall:
- The Best Pumpkin Patches Across the Country
- The Best Fall Festivals Happening This Year
- The Most Breathtaking Scenic Drives in America
Salem, Massachusetts
Best known for the infamous witch trials of 1692, this tiny New England town is the most popular place to visit during Halloween. Millions of visitors trek the charming seaside town to attend the month-long Haunted Happenings festival. Visit the historic sites all over town, including the Witch Museum and the Old Burying Point Cemetery.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has quite the reputation for being one of the most haunted cities in America. On any given day, you can take a number of ghost tours. But as Halloween approaches, the spooky celebrations hit their stride, featuring everything from pub crawls to Wag-O-Ween, a pet-friendly community event.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
You have Washington Irving to thank for this quaint little spot being the location of the legendary Headless Horseman. Head to the town for a reading of "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," visit the author's grave at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, and then stay for the Great Jack-'O-Lantern Blaze at historic Van Cortlandt Manor.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Another town full of haunted tales and ghost sightings every day of the year is New Orleans. But of course, leave it to the city famous for Mardi Gras to make Halloween an epic party. You won't want to miss the annual Krewe of Boo! parade in the historic French Quarter.
Anoka, Minnesota
The little town of Anoka is known for one thing: It's the self-proclaimed "Halloween Capital of the World." And with such a moniker, you know you'll have to check out the celebration that's been happening for over 100 years. There's pumpkin carving, costume contests for adults and kids alike, pageants, and so much more.
Orlando, Florida
Disney fans, this one is for you! Bring the whole family to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, which is a months-long celebration from the end of August through October 31. It's more spirted than it is spooky, so it's better for those who love the holiday for its festivities more than its fright.
Weston, West Virginia
What will you find in Weston? It's the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, which sounds as creepy you would think it is. Along with the ghost tours they offer six days of the week anyway, October provides the perfect opportunity to also host a haunted house, fall festival, and the popular (adults-only) Asylum Ball.
St. Helens, Oregon
Back in 1998, the Disney Channel chose St. Helens to be the filming location of Halloweentown. Naturally, the town took spooky spirit in stride and created a huge festival to celebrate each year. For an entire month, Spirit of Halloweentown offers a number of fun activities from the Great Pumpkin Lighting to a haunted house.
Estes Park, Colorado
Do you recognize that hotel nestled among the Rocky Mountains? It's the Stanley Hotel, which was made famous in classic thriller The Shining. You can stay over and attend one of the many events, including The Shining Ball, where you can dress up as any of Steven King's famous characters.
Independence, Kansas
Since 1919, the town of Independence has hosted Neewollah (which is simply Halloween spelled backwards). It has grown to the largest annual event in the state, hosting dozens of family-friendly activities like a parade, a carnival, a chili cook-off, and a musical with local performers.
Romeo, Michigan
Head to the quaint village of Romeo where every October, a few historic blocks of one street turn into the Terror on Tillson. While decorations start to go up earlier in the month, it culminates on Halloween where thousands of revelers and trick-or-treaters flock to the few blocks to see all the decorated houses and celebrate.
Tombstone, Arizona
What a perfect name for the holiday! Tombstone is rich in history from its days of the Wild West and the shootout at the O.K. Corral. And thanks to that, it also has plenty of opportunities for ghost tours all year. But what better time than October to travel west and experience their Halloween festivities and specialized offerings?
Keene, New Hampshire
Every October (perfectly in time for peak foliage, it's worth noting!), you will find the Keene Pumpkin Fest. It's family friendly and oh so gourd-geous. And don't worry, if you miss the festival, there's still plenty of Halloween-themed events around the area like haunted walking tours.
Asheville, North Carolina
This list isn't shy about highlighting some spooky towns with epic ghost tours. Asheville is up next! Known for the Biltmore Estate and its possible paranormal activity, Asheville is also a city with no shortage of Halloween events like a Wicked Spooky 5K and Pup-O-Ween dog costume contest.
Dixon, California
If you're going to celebrate Halloween, why not do it in the world record-holding corn maze at Cool Patch Pumpkins? Oh don't worry, they've also got a giant pumpkin patch, a corn bath, a hay castle, and more. Dixon also hosts trick-or-treating festivities downtown for all the kids.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
The 15 First Signs of Fall
The Most Epic Corn Mazes Around the U.S.
The Best Places to Go Apple Picking This Fall
Where to See the Most Beautiful Fall Foliage
