Unique Halloween Activities
October brings a spirited mix of spooky thrills, fall traditions and Halloween fun to Southwest Michigan. From haunted houses and ghostly tales to pumpkin-filled adventures and family-friendly festivities, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season. If you’re ready for a few tricks, treats and memorable October experiences, add these Halloween attractions and activities to your list.
Haunted Train Rides
Ride the miniature haunted train at Eden Springs Park, formerly the House of David. Kids of all ages will be spellbound by this historic train ride. The park is adorned with spooky family-friendly decorations to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. For just $5 per ride (cash only), this annual event runs from 5-8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays in October.
One-of-a-Kind Glass Pumpkins
Pick up one-of-a-kind glass pumpkins at Water Street Glassworks. If you’re looking for something different this year, pick up a unique handblown glass pumpkin handcrafted by artists at Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor’s Arts District. You can also sign up for a class to create your own blown-glass pumpkin, acorn or pumpkin paperweight. As an added feel-good bonus, your purchase helps support the nonprofit’s programming throughout the year.
Creature Craft Party
Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at Fernwood Botanical Garden’s Creature Craft Party on October 25 from noon to 3 p.m. Head to the Sims Education Center to learn about some of the season’s most notorious native creatures, including bats, spiders and toads, then create crafts inspired by them. Enjoy hot cider, popcorn and sweets and explore Fernwood’s hauntingly beautiful gardens, nature trails and pumpkin house. Costumes are encouraged!
Haunted Scarousel
Ride if you dare — the Haunted Scarousel! Enter the spooky Silver Beach Carousel and keep an eye out for the headless horseman. Throughout October, come dressed in your Halloween costume and receive a free ride on the Carousel.
Halloweekend
Celebrate the spooky season in Southwest Michigan wine country during Halloweekend at Round Barn Winery & Estate! This festive weekend brings Halloween fun to the vineyard while marking the grand finale of the Jammin’ in the Vineyard live music series. Come ready for spooky sips, live music and a bewitchingly good time.
Downtown Spooktacular
Get into the Halloween spirit during Downtown Spooktacular on October 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Pick out and decorate a pumpkin, browse the Halloween-themed artisan market, watch a professional pumpkin carver at work or catch one of John Dudley’s free magic shows. Come in costume for the noon Spooktacular Costume Parade, then hop aboard a hayride through downtown. You can also hunt for hidden witches, explore the decorated St. Joseph Lighthouse during free Spooky Lighthouse Tours and enjoy Halloween decorations throughout downtown.
Pumpkins on Parade
See what different Southwest Michigan businesses have spooked up with the annual Pumpkins on Parade! Each business involved will be painting, decorating, carving or decking out a pumpkin to display in their window from Oct. 19 through Halloween! Stop by each business, pick your favorite and vote for them online daily. Voting closes at midnight on Oct. 30.
Niles Scream Park
This haunted park in Niles has been recognized by Haunted Attraction Magazine as one of the “Top 31 Must-See Haunted Attractions” nationwide for the last several years. It’s also one of the largest in the country, offering 44 acres of blood-curdling fear on weekends from early September to early November. This immersive “PG-13” attraction features live actors and puts visitors in a variety of scary situations, from jump scares to moderate gore. Take heart: while you’re choking back screams, a portion of your admission fee will benefit local charities.
Sarett’s Spooky Halloween
A spooky adventure will be had by all ages as you take a stroll through the trails at Sarett Nature Center on Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. Visit for some spooky crafts, game stations and other fun activities. Walk the scary trail if you want a fright! Tickets should be purchased in advance to participate in this Halloween event.
Trick-or-Treating
Calling all ghosts, goblins and ghouls for an evening of treats on October 30! Merchants of the Benton Harbor Arts District and Downtown St. Joseph are excited to welcome trick-or-treaters at this annual event. Wear your spookiest costume and put on your walking shoes — your candy haul will last you until the holidays. Trick-or-treating lasts from 4:30-6 p.m., so get as much candy as you can!
Other Fall Fun
If you’re looking for other fall activities that are less spooky, check out our event listings. Find your own kind of fun in corn mazes, picking apples, drinking delicious cider and eating plenty of donuts among the fall color! Plan your spooktacular fall trip to Southwest Michigan today.
