Best destinations for a spooky Halloween in 2024 [Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay]The hot days of summer are mostly over and the air has a fresh chill, while the trees turn all shades of orange, red and yellow. This is also the spooky season with Halloween on the way, making it the perfect time to experience some of the scariest destinations in the US, while enjoying the fall colors.
Spooky destinations to visit in Halloween 2024
For those in the mood for a touch of spookiness and beautiful fall foliage, the following are just some of the best destinations for the spooky season in 2024.
Estes Park, Colorado: The Stanley Hotel of The Shining
The Stanley Hotel of The Shining in Estes Park, Colorado [Image by Ontherocks108 on Wikimedia Commons]Top of the list of spooky destinations to visit this fall, Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel, a place starring in the book and movie of Stephen King’s The Shining. This beautiful hotel is set in stunning landscapes and if it wasn’t for King’s book and the film, is an attractive place to relax and stay.
Scene from The Shining [Image by Adam Polselli on Flickr]However, those King fans who have read the book or seen the movie find the hotel the ideal place for a Halloween vacation. While there, guests can enjoy a night ghost tour, attend the Stanley Hotel’s Shining Ball, or head out into nature. In the surroundings, elk and other wildlife are there to be spotted before heading back to room 217, the room that allegedly inspired The Shining.
Civil War fun in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Halloween at Gettysburg National Military Park [Image by Sallicio on Wikimedia Commons]Gettysburg in Pennsylvania is famous for the Gettysburg National Military Park – the place where one of the most famous battles of the American Civil War. Moreover, the town is said by some to be one of the most haunted places in the US, as the park is believed to be haunted by the ghosts of soldiers who died here. With a blend of history and spookiness, visitors can enjoy haunted walking tours, Gettysburg Battlefield ghost tours and candlelit ghost stories at Farnsworth House Inn.
Party in Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville Zombie Walk [Image by Don Sniegowski on Flickr]For those travelers seeking a Halloween party, Louisville, Kentucky is the place to party and get spooked at the same time. One major event is the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at Iroquois Park. Here, the park is decorated with thousands of carved pumpkins. Meanwhile, spooky tours are available at the Waverley Hills Sanatorium, the Immersive Horror Escape and the Louisville Halloween experience.
Experience the fictional town of Halloweentown in St. Helens, Oregon
Halloweentown in St. Helens, Oregon [Image by Amy Meredith on Flickr]For those who enjoy a good Halloween movie, St. Helens is the perfect town to visit. During the spooky season, the town transforms into the fictional town of Halloweentown. The event is inspired by the Disney Channel movie of the same name that was filmed here. Moreover, there’s a chance of spotting some of the stars from the movie who travel there to enjoy the festivities. Other events ideal to experience here are the Spirit of Halloweentown Festival, a giant pumpkin lighting ceremony and the Haunted Hotel.
Anoka, Minnesota: ‘Halloween Capital of the World’
Halloween Capital – Anoka, Minnesota [Image by Brett Whaley on Flickr]Anoka in Minnesota claims to be the place where Halloween began and calls itself the “Halloween Capital of the World.” The spooky season has been celebrated here since 1920. Meanwhile, Anoka celebrates the spooky season with parades, spooky events and contest. Moreover, visitors can enjoy the Grande Day Parade, the Gruesome Twosome pickleball tournament, house decorating contests and pumpkin carving competitions.