Unique Halloween activities in Southwest Michigan

October is upon us, and with it comes ghoulish fun and haunted happenings. Here are some ideas when you’re looking for unique Halloween activities in Southwest Michigan:

Eden Springs haunted train

Ride the miniature haunted train through Eden Springs Park. Kids of all ages will be spellbound with this historic train ride at Eden Springs Park, formerly the House of David. The park is adorned with family-friendly decorations to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. For just $4 per ride (cash only), this annual event runs from 5-9 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30.

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 at the pumpkin patch, pick up a unique glass pumpkin hand-crafted by artists at Water Street Glassworks in Benton Harbor’s Arts District. As an added feel-good, 100% of your purchase helps support the nonprofit’s programming throughout the year.

Fernwood Botanical Garden events

Celebrate Halloween with the whole family with Fernwood’s events! For one of them, visit the Sims Education Center to learn and create crafts inspired by the season's most notorious native creatures, including bats, spiders, toads and more. Enjoy free hot cider, popcorn and sweets, and be sure to 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 House and beware the headless horseman. Visit during open hours to enjoy a ride and free Halloween events, too! There are even some prizes for your little ones if they’re lucky. Did we mention if children 18 years and younger come in costume, they get a free ride? 

Round Barn events

Eat, drink and be scary! Head to the Round Barn Estate for a day dedicated to boo’s, blues and spooky brews. This spooktacular Hallowine event on Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. is sure to be a bewitchingly good time.

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 10 a.m. Oct. 21 through Halloween! Stop by each business, pick your favorite and vote for them online daily. Voting closes at midnight on Nov. 1. 

Niles Scream Park

This Niles haunted park is not just scary, it was named the #1 top haunted attraction in the country in 2021! It is the largest in the country, too, offering 44 acres of blood-curdling fear on weekends from early September to early November. This is definitely a destination for your non-squeamish pre-teens and even college-aged kids. The good news is, while you are choking back the screams, a portion of your admission fee is donated to local charities. Check out their website for the scary themes in store this year. 

Spooky tours

Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the St. Joseph City Cemetery, including the Mausoleum. Listen to true spooky stories of local lore as you're guided through. Tours will start on the hour, quarter, half and 3/4 (ex. 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m and 1:45 p.m.). They will go from 1 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 22. Admission is $7 a person. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can grab your tickets online. 

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. 29, from 4-9 p.m. Visit some spooky crafts, game stations and other fun activities. Visit the scary trail if you want a fright! Tickets should be purchased in advance to participate in this Halloween event. Admission is $5 a person ages 2 and older.

Trick or Treating 

Calling all ghosts, goblins and ghouls for an evening of treats on Halloween! 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, you can find them in our fall fun blog. Find your own kind of frightful 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.