I absolutely love Halloween. Of all the holidays, it is definitely my favorite because of its frivolous nature. Granted, historically, the purpose ran much deeper than dressing up and obtaining candy. And one might argue now that being whimsical and relaxed this time of year is good for the soul (and I would agree). But at the heart of modern Halloween are kids and adults who want to play dress up and have a good time with their friends while doing so.
To facilitate that, I have some recommendations.
First of all, did you know that Anoka, MN is the Halloween capital of the world? Anoka treats Halloween like its very own city celebration, with many community events starting well before the 31st. Be sure to check them out.
For those that are familiar with the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, you would have already heard of the Trail of Terror, which takes place in that same vicinity (though not on the Ren Fest grounds itself). Similar to the Fest of Fantasy, they hold a “Phantom’s Feast” – a five course meal with entertainment. I have not done the fest myself, but Trail of Terror is a good time, with a corn maze, haunted hayride, haunted house, and other events.
Also in Shakopee is the well-known Valley Fair amusement park. This time of year, they change their theme to Valley Scare, offering fun on rides and of the Halloween type as well. There is also Planet Spooky (normally Planet Snoopy) which has daytime Halloween fun for those who aren’t ready to see what’s in the shadows.
In 2009, Buck Hill in Burnsville started Frightmares, an event with multiple attractions. Every night of operation they have a live band, bonfire, magic show, and buildings to explore such as the Asylum and the Fright Factory. This looks to be a unique experience, and I hope to try it out this year.
If you’re really looking to be afraid, consider Scream Town in Chaska. They have a haunted corn maze, haunted forest, “Hillbilly Motel” themed haunted house, and new this year – a Circus Asylum. I don’t know about you, but clowns scare the crap out of me. Especially evil clowns.
Over in Cottage Grove, there’s a 3D Haunting Experience. They have a 3D Haunted House (glasses provided), a bonfire, hayride, nightly movies with concessions, and a garden center store. This event sounds like it might be a bit easier to digest if you have children or are easily scared. In the same city, you can visit Deadview Cemetery, an outdoor-only event that sounds like a walk-through haunted maze.
Mounds Theater in St. Paul is haunted. Or so they’ve been told by psychics and paranormal experts. So what better time of year to offer tours than October? Important to note is that this is a fundraiser for the operation of the theater year-round. Support the arts!
Mounds Theater isn’t the only place to have seen ghosts though. During prohibition, the Wabasha Caves saw their share of gangsters, and goodness knows how many bodies they piled up. Actually, the tour guides know. And they’ll tell you during their cave tours. You can experience their Ghost & Graves tour or the Caves & Graves tour. Check their calendar for details.
Steampunk fans may enjoy Victorian Ghost Stories at the James J. Hill house in St. Paul. This also includes a tour of the mansion and hot cider.
If you need some uncharted territory to instill fear, you can cross the border where you have more options. Dreadwood Forest in Hudson, WI boasts a site with little rules. You wander in the dark without guides in their completely undeveloped forest. You will be scared, they say.
Lastly, for the ultimate fans who want to spread their joy, and maybe have some alcohol to go with it: pub crawls. The yearly Zombie Pub Crawl is a favorite of fans of the undead. Complete with make-up help, this event is no-brainer (ha! pun!). A week later is the Monster Pub Crawl, and if you hurry, you can get cheap tickets on Living Social or Groupon.
Obviously, this is not an all-inclusive list. There is more. Lots more. Many local high schools put on haunted houses, as well as Lions or Jaycees. The Minnesota Historical Society has a few “after dark” events at various locations with Halloween themes. And of course, I can’t find everything. So if you hear about something else I may not have found, please let me know and I’ll add it to the list.
Enjoy your frightening month and have a happy Halloween!
No comments:
Post a Comment