The Most Spine-Chilling Halloween Destinations Across Every State

For many, autumn is a season of comfort and coziness, but for thrill-seekers, it’s the perfect time to chase adrenaline-fueled scares. Haunted houses, eerie mazes, and spooky hayrides offer the ultimate frights. If the thought of encountering a masked clown sends shivers down your spine, countless venues across the U.S. are ready to deliver that thrill. From theme parks to historic sites, these are the most terrifying attractions in every state.

1. Alabama // The Haunted Chicken House

Location: Heflin, Alabama

The Haunted Chicken House earns our unofficial title for the most imaginative backstory. Legend has it that in 2003, a farmer named Dan brought genetically-modified roosters to his Seven Oaks Chicken Farm to boost profits. However, the birds turned into aggressive mutants, prompting Dan to enlist an army of monsters and slashers to combat them. This bizarre tale sets the stage for one of Alabama’s most uniquely terrifying attractions. Visitors can explore the Haunted Chicken House, hop on the haunted hayride, or brave the “Crazy Train” bus. Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October. —Michele Debczak

2. Alaska // Fright Nite Haunted House

Location: Anchorage, Alaska

For over 30 years, Fright Nite has been delivering spine-chilling experiences to its visitors. Each year, the attraction introduces fresh themes, costumes, sound effects, and actors, ensuring a unique scare every time. And yes, you can expect to encounter some sinister clowns. —Kat Long

3. Arizona // 13th Floor Haunted House

Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix’s eerie 13th Floor features four distinct haunted experiences, each with its own chilling narrative. You might face judgment from a wicked nun with dark intentions, encounter vengeful spirits from the ocean depths, or battle zombies spreading a deadly virus (a bit too real, perhaps!). For the brave, there’s an optional pitch-black interactive maze. The attraction runs through November 4—if you dare to visit. —KL

4. Arkansas // The Reaper Haunted House

Location: North Little Rock, Arkansas

The Reaper Haunted House, a staple of Arkansas scares since 2011, brings the terror of a slasher film to life. With over 30 gruesome scenes filled with “blood, gore, and mayhem,” it’s a nightmare-inducing experience that runs through November 1. —KL

5. California // Knott’s Scary Farm

Location: Buena Park, California

During Halloween, Knott’s Berry Farm becomes Knott’s Scary Farm, marking its 50th anniversary of delivering terror this year. On select nights until October 31, the Southern California park is invaded by horrifying creatures. The event boasts 10 haunted mazes, five expansive scare zones, and four spine-tingling live performances. For those needing a break from the scares, themed snacks like cereal killer funnel cake and spookghetti pie are available. Tickets for 2023 start at $60. —MD

6. Colorado // The Frightmare Compound

Location: Westminster, Colorado

The Frightmare Compound marks its 40th anniversary of terrifying Colorado residents in 2023, and the multi-attraction horror complex isn’t slowing down. Alongside its infamous haunted house filled with gruesome creatures, the Frightmare Compound features a monster museum and a coffin simulator that mimics the terrifying sensation of being buried alive. For those seeking an extra challenge, mini escape rooms test your survival skills. The attractions are open from September 15 through November 4. —KL

7. Connecticut // The Trail of Terror

Location: Wallingford, Connecticut

This is no ordinary stroll through the forest. Connecticut’s Trail of Terror offers a roughly hour-long journey through a series of horrifying scenes. Despite being run by volunteers, the scare team is highly skilled at delivering heart-pounding thrills. The trail operates Fridays through Sundays from September 30 to October 29. —Kerry Wolfe

8. Delaware // Frightland

Location: Middletown, Delaware

With 27 years of terror under its belt, Frightland offers eight chilling attractions—Horror Hayride, Haunted Barn, Idalia Manor, Fear, Ravenwood Cemetery, The Attic, Ghost Town, and Zombie Prison—spread across 1800 acres, all tied together by a dark narrative. The story revolves around Dr. Thaddeus Idalia, who, driven mad by his daughter’s death, attempted to bring the dead back to life. Now, his failed experiments haunt his estate, alongside the ghosts of his father’s equally horrifying past. —Ellen Gutoskey

9. Florida // Halloween Horror Nights

Location: Orlando, Florida

Each Halloween, Universal Studios Orlando transforms its movie magic into terrifying haunted houses. Running from September 4 to November 2 in 2023, Halloween Horror Nights features 10 themed haunted houses, inspired by franchises like Stranger Things, The Exorcist (1973), and Child’s Play (1988). With Hollywood-quality makeup, sets, and effects, the experience is immersive. Scare actors roam the park, ensuring no moment is safe. Ticket prices vary by date, and advance purchases are available on Universal’s website. —MD

10. Georgia // Netherworld Haunted House

Location: Stone Mountain, Georgia

Few Halloween attractions cater to everyone, but Netherworld in Stone Mountain offers something for all, from beginners to hardcore horror fans. Celebrating its 27th year this October, the haunt introduces two new experiences, “Cryptid Chaos” and “Primordial,” which might just pit Bigfoot against a prehistoric beast. Beyond the scares, Netherworld features escape rooms, a monster museum, and a Halloween midway with food, photo ops, and roaming characters. The attraction runs through November 11. —KL

11. Hawaii // Haunted Plantation

Location: Waipahu, Hawaii

If you think haunted houses are outdated, prepare to be proven wrong at the Haunted Plantation. Situated on O‘ahu in Waipahu, this attraction, which serves as a living history museum for most of the year, becomes an outdoor scare zone in October. Featuring over 60 actors in professional makeup and delivering spine-chilling thrills, it’s a must-visit. Timed reservations are mandatory. —KL

12. Idaho // The Haunted World

Location: Nampa, Idaho

The Haunted World spans an impressive 35 acres of terror, featuring Gristle’s cornfield, a 700-foot dungeon, “Hacksaw Jim’s Stanky Cellar,” and a 55-foot Slide Into Darkness. Round off your visit with Cannibal Lecter’s Carnival of Pigs for a night you won’t forget. Open Monday through Saturday in October. —Stacy Conradt

13. Illinois // Basement of the Dead

Location: Aurora, Illinois

Few things are as eerie as basements, and Basement of the Dead in Aurora, Illinois, amplifies that fear to the extreme. The story centers on a boiler explosion at Walker Laundry, which injures two workers who then vanish. Soon, laundry employees begin disappearing, only to be found dismembered near drainage pipes. The workers still lurk in the basement, waiting to ensnare their next victims. Guests praise the attraction’s skilled actors, immersive sets, and chilling lighting and sound effects. A 3D haunted house adds to the terror. Open from late September to early November; tickets are available here. —Erin McCarthy

14. Indiana // Hanna Haunted Acres

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Hanna Haunted Acres offers six unique attractions to thrill every visitor. Explore Acres Manor, a haunted mansion designed to confront your worst fears, or brave a nightmarish carnival filled with grotesque horrors. Other experiences include the Undead Underworld, Horror Fields, Cannibal Chaos, and a Haunted Hayride. Open daily in October, the scariest nights are November 3 and 4, when groups must navigate four haunts with just one glow stick. —SC

15. Iowa // Slaughterhouse

Location: Des Moines, Iowa

Downtown Des Moines’ Slaughterhouse offers a cannibal-themed experience rooted in a chilling tale of “America’s most notorious cannibal empire” from the 1800s. Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October, with additional Thursday nights in the weeks leading up to Halloween. Outside the Halloween season, it transforms into an escape room, challenging visitors to free a victim from the cannibal clan’s clutches within 60 minutes. —SC

16. Kansas // The Haunted Cannery

Location: El Dorado, Kansas

A trip to The Haunted Cannery begins with a covered hayride through Walters Farm and Pumpkin Patch. Upon reaching the maze, visitors must navigate past clowns, zombies, and “every horrifying creature imaginable.” The RIP-FAST PASS includes a ride on their “hell-bound” ambulance and a closed-lid rolling casket experience (not for the claustrophobic). Open Fridays and Saturdays through October. —MD

17. Kentucky // Waverly Hills Sanatorium

Location: Louisville, Kentucky

Waverly Hills Sanatorium, one of America’s most haunted sites, is a former tuberculosis hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. An estimated 50,000 patients died here between 1910 and 1961. While historical tours are available year-round, the Halloween season brings a haunted house experience on Fridays and Saturdays from late September through October. The RIP pass includes a special mini-tour of the sanatorium’s upper floors. For the ultimate thrill, private eight-hour paranormal investigations start at $1100. —SC

18. Louisiana // The 13th Gate

Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The 13th Gate offers a variety of terrifying themes across its 40,000-square-foot space. Visitors can explore a lifelike pirate ship, an outdoor graveyard teeming with zombies, and underground tunnels housing live snakes. General admission tickets are $35, but beware—this intense experience isn’t suitable for those with certain health conditions, including a weak bladder. —MD

19. Maine // Nightmare on the Ridge

Location: Auburn, Maine

Each October, Wallingford’s Orchard in Auburn, Maine, transforms into the Nightmare on the Ridge. This outdoor haunted walk isn’t for the faint of heart—or those afraid of the dark (or clowns). Tickets are available for $25. —MD

20. Maryland // Bennett’s Curse

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

A ticket to Bennett’s Curse in Baltimore grants access to four spine-chilling attractions. The most renowned is House of the Demons, where visitors are caught in a battle between vampires and ruthless underworld demons. Other highlights include a 3D experience, an asylum station, and Legends of Halloween, showcasing every iconic Halloween monster imaginable. —EG

21. Massachusetts // Witch’s Woods

Location: Weston, Massachusetts

Whether you’re drawn to expertly carved pumpkins, a spooky castle, or a haunted hayride, Witch’s Woods has it all. The Jack o’ Lantern Jamboree and Horrorwood Chamber of Chills (a walking tour) are free, but general admission tickets are typically $48 (with $14 off coupons available for Sundays in October). The 2023 Halloween season runs through October 31. —Shayna Murphy

22. Michigan // Erebus

Location: Pontiac, Michigan

For those who crave non-stop scares, Erebus is a must-visit. Spanning 100,000 square feet across four stories and featuring a half-mile walk, Erebus once held the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Haunted House and was named the best in the U.S. by USA Today. From being buried alive to encountering hungry dinosaurs, Erebus offers unique thrills. Open most days in October. —SC

23. Minnesota // Dead End Hayride

Location: Wyoming, Minnesota

If you’re looking for a hayride filled with singalongs and apple cider, the Dead End Hayride might not be your scene. Set on 160 acres of wooded farmland, this attraction features over 200 characters lurking in places like Castle Ruins, along with stunning pyrotechnics. Open most nights in October. —SC

24. Mississippi // Haunted Castle

Location: Tupelo, Mississippi

Celebrating its 15th year, the Haunted Castle reinvents its scares annually. In 2023, it revives a fan favorite: The Lost in the Darkness Labyrinth, “a disorienting maze designed to push your sanity to the limit.” Open every Friday and Saturday in October, including Halloween night. —SC

25. Missouri // The Darkness

Location: St. Louis, Missouri

Hidden in downtown St. Louis is The Darkness, a terrifying walk-through experience often referred to as the Disney World of haunted houses. Inside, you’ll face zombies, demons, dolls, and clowns, all brought to life with cinematic-quality makeup, costumes, and props. If October is too busy, don’t worry—The Darkness also hosts a Krampus-themed Christmas haunt and a one-night Bloody Valentine event in February. —SC

26. Montana // Field of Screams

Location: Victor, Montana

If you build it, they will come ... to the Field of Screams. This attraction begins with a corn maze leading to a haunted playground, a mysterious swamp, and, naturally, a graveyard. Open Fridays and Saturdays in October, with Zombie Free Mondays for those seeking a less intense experience—no scare actors, just the chance to explore the atmospheric sets enhanced by fog, lighting, and music. —SC

27. Nebraska // Bloodrush

Location: Omaha, Nebraska

Subtlety is not in the cards at Bloodrush, a haunted forest that delivers relentless scares. During the 40-minute walk, you’ll face zombies, chainsaw-wielding maniacs, and more. Even nearby shacks offer no refuge—especially if you’ve seen Evil Dead II. Open Thursdays through Sundays in October, plus October 30 and 31. —Jake Rossen

28. Nevada // Hotel Fear and Asylum

Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas boasts some of the world’s finest hotels—and one of its most terrifying. The Hotel Fear and Asylum offers a dual experience, allowing visitors to explore a lodge for families of patients from the nearby (fictional) asylum. Unsurprisingly, both the lodge and asylum are far from relaxing. A portion of the proceeds supports the Paradise Ranch Foundation, which provides horse-assisted therapy for mental health. —JR

29. New Hampshire // Haunted Overload

Location: Lee, New Hampshire

Those with megalophobia might find Haunted Overload daunting, with its towering attractions reaching up to 34 feet. For a milder experience, Friday Night Lite reduces the scares. The farm also offers daytime visits, allowing families to explore without encountering scare actors. —JR

30. New Jersey // Brighton Asylum

Location: Passaic, New Jersey

Brighton Asylum, New Jersey’s most-visited haunted house, offers three award-winning attractions for thrill-seekers. Whether exploring patient wards, the subCULTure tunnels, or the Bleeding Grounds staff quarters, you’re guaranteed a scare. Enhance your visit with escape rooms, axe-throwing, carnEVIL games, and paranormal investigations. Open Fridays through Sundays in October (plus select Thursdays), Brighton also hosts holiday-themed haunts like Santa’s Slay, Dark Valentine, and Saint Patrick’s Slay. —SC

31. New Mexico // McCall’s Haunted Farm

Location: Moriarty, New Mexico

New Mexico’s premier haunted attraction capitalizes on the eerie vibe of rural farms. The fictional tale behind McCall’s Haunted Farm sets the stage: After an interstate was built through his land, Farmer McCall lost his sanity and killed his family. Though never convicted, tourists began vanishing in the area. Today, visitors can brave the Field of Screams—a corn maze haunted by McCall’s victims—and the Haunted Barn, a former meat processing plant turned nightmare. Additional activities include zombie paintball, creepy carnival games, and a clown maze. Tickets for Fridays and Saturdays in October range from $28 to $38. —MD

32. New York // Headless Horseman Hayrides

Location: Ulster Park, New York

For over 30 years, Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Attractions has delivered scares with six haunted houses, a chilling walking trail, a corn maze, spooky entertainment, and a new haunted hayride called “Death Is the Only Cure.” Inspired by The Last of Us, it features a mushroom that transforms its hosts into crow-like creatures. Open from late September to late October; tickets are available here.

33. North Carolina // Kersey Valley Spookywoods

Location: Archdale, North Carolina

Don’t be fooled by Kersey Valley Spookywoods’ name—this is no child’s play. With 15 terrifying sets, there’s something to chill everyone’s spine. Alongside classic haunted corn mazes and asylums, you’ll find the mineshaft-themed Depths of Despair, the vampire and werewolf battleground Agony’s Embrace, the eerie Whispering Pines Funeral Services, and the Inferno, a hellish set worthy of Dante. —SC

34. North Dakota // Acres of Terror

Location: Leonard, North Dakota

Acres of Terror marks 20 years of scares in 2023, perfecting the art of fear. Visitors spend 45 minutes to an hour navigating a haunted corn maze, a creepy trailer, and an abandoned schoolhouse, dodging murderous figures in dark hallways. A unique highlight is a bus ride driven by a werewolf—a rarity among haunted attractions. Open Fridays and Saturdays, dusk to midnight, through October 29. —SC

35. Ohio // Spooky Ranch

Location: Columbia Station, Ohio

Staying true to its Midwest roots, the Spooky Ranch at Rockin’-R-Ranch offers a haunted house and barn, but the standout is its haunted hayride. This high-tech experience elevates a traditional fall activity with pyrotechnics, massive animated creatures, and live actors. Open Thursdays through Sundays in October, including Halloween. —KW

36. Oklahoma // HexHouse

Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma

For an extreme haunted experience, HexHouse stands out, ranked among the top 15 intense haunts in the U.S. by HauntWorld.com. HexHouse avoids cheesy animatronics and movie monsters, instead immersing visitors in “a dark, unpredictable reality.” Inspired by the alleged true story of a 1940s Tulsa occultist who held two women captive, this attraction is sure to leave you spellbound. —SC

37. Oregon // The Fear PDX

Location: Portland, Oregon

If you suspect “Smiley’s Fun House” isn’t as fun as it sounds, you’re ready for The Fear PDX. This multi-attraction haunt features The Mansion, The Harvest, The Forgotten, Radioactive Rampage, and six other terrifying sets. New for 2023 is Chopped, a game where you complete tasks with one hand while the other is trapped in a guillotine. Lose the game, and you might lose your hand. —SC

38. Pennsylvania // Eastern State Penitentiary

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary, a historic prison operational from 1829 to 1971, transforms into a haunted attraction each fall. Beyond its year-round tours, the site features five haunted houses (including a 3D experience), cocktail lounges, flashlight tours, live performances, and ghost stories. Halloween Nights at ESP runs from late September to mid-November; tickets start at $39 and are available here.

39. Rhode Island // Haunted Labyrinth

Location: Cranston, Rhode Island

Cranston’s Haunted Labyrinth, New England’s longest-running haunted house, enters its 39th season this year. Beyond the main attraction, an indoor maze offers frightful surprises. This year’s theme, Nightmares Retold, revisits past horrors. Cash tickets cost $12, while card payments are $13. Open through October 31. —SM

40. South Carolina // Nightmare Dungeon Haunted House

Location: Greenville, South Carolina

Step into a horror movie at Nightmare Dungeon Haunted House. Set in a 150-year-old farmhouse, it features over 40 terrifying scenes with CGI effects, pyrotechnics, and cinematic props, costumes, and makeup. New for 2023 is The Hellevtor, an eight-floor descent into the house’s dungeons. Open nightly in October from 7:30-11 p.m.—if you’re brave enough. —SC

41. South Dakota // Fear Asylum

Location: Brookings, South Dakota

Celebrating its 13th year, Fear Asylum warns that its patients are growing restless. Whispers suggest the government has been experimenting on Brookend Asylum’s unwilling subjects for decades, transforming them into monstrous ghouls. Those who don’t survive are buried in the on-site graveyard. If the haunt doesn’t terrify you, try the two escape rooms or the enigmatic “last ride.” —SC

42. Tennessee // Nashville Nightmare

Location: Madison, Tennessee

Nashville Nightmare’s themed haunted houses show that any setting can be terrifying, from research labs to high schools. The key to their success—measured by the screams they elicit—lies in the actors’ ability to make you forget they’re just performers. The venue also features a bar, axe-throwing, mini escape games, and a laser maze filled with mummies. —EG

43. Texas // Cutting Edge Haunted House

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

The Cutting Edge Haunted House, set in a 100-year-old abandoned meatpacking plant, leans into its history. As the website states, “The Old West meatpacking equipment is still operational, now repurposed for a two-story human processing area.” While the “humans” are mannequins, the live actors and special effects make the industrial horror feel all too real. One of the largest haunts, it takes about 55 minutes to explore. Tickets for the 2023 season start at $39.95. —MD

44. Utah // Fear Factory

Location: Salt Lake City, Utah

Constructed on the grounds of an old cement factory where workers met gruesome fates, Fear Factory spans six buildings and two underground tunnels across a seven-acre city block. Recognized on numerous scariest haunted house lists, it was even visited by the Ghost Adventures team to explore claims of satanic activity. Attractions include a circus, catacombs, a vampire lair, and industrial horror sets. When parking fills up, the Zombie Bus offers a creepy ride to the venue. —SC

45. Vermont // Haunted Milton

Location: Milton, Vermont

Nestled in upstate Vermont near the Québec border, Haunted Milton promises to send shivers down your spine. While details for the 2023 season are sparse, the theme is “Mother Knows Best.” Tours run from Thursday, October 26, to Saturday, October 28, and are restricted to ages 13 and up. For just $10, this eerie experience is a perfect pre-Halloween treat.

46. Virginia // Red Vein

Location: Ashland, Virginia

If Friday the 13th (1980) is your go-to horror movie, this year’s Red Vein haunted house will thrill you with its summer camp massacre theme. Beyond that, the attraction features an asylum, a haunted house, and Witch’s Woods. Operated by the Red Vein Army, a horror collective, they also run escape rooms, haunted history tours, and once traveled as a haunt actor troupe. —SC

47. Washington // Georgetown Morgue

Location: Seattle, Washington

Here’s a chilling backstory: In 1965, the co-owner of a Georgetown morgue in Seattle died when a smokestack collapsed during an earthquake. Three years later, on October 25, nine employees were brutally murdered by masked intruders who forced them into the crematory and burned them alive. While the legend remains unverified, it fuels the terrifying Georgetown Morgue haunted house each October. Ranked America’s 11th scariest haunt by Hauntworld.com in 2022, it’s open Thursdays through Sundays in October, plus October 30 and 31. —MD

48. West Virginia // Fright Nights

Location: Daniels, West Virginia

If you’re in southern West Virginia and craving a scare, Fright Nights is the spot. This haunt offers five themed experiences, including a House of Wax where the “sculptures” become eerily lifelike as you progress. There’s also a Stranger Things-inspired escape room. The 2023 season runs through October 29, and tickets are available now. —SM

49. Wisconsin // Burial Chamber

Location: Neenah, Wisconsin

Known as the midwest’s largest haunted complex, Burial Chamber features four terrifying attractions: Buried Alive, Phobia Haunted Woods, Adrenaline Haunted House, and Insanity Haunted House. Don’t miss the “I Spy” challenge—find hidden items in a creepy room to win free pass upgrades. Book early to secure your spot! —SC

50. Wyoming // Nightmare on 17th Street

Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming

Freddy Krueger pales in comparison to Nightmare 17th Street. Featuring 14 uniquely themed rooms blending classic horror and contemporary frights, there’s something to target every fear. Plus, proceeds support local Cheyenne charities, making it a win-win. —SC