5 Spooky-Fun Activities to Check Out This Halloween in Minnesota
When the air turns crisp and the leaves crunch beneath your boots, it can only mean one thing—spooky season has arrived in Minnesota. Whether you’re into haunted thrills, cozy pumpkin patches, or sipping themed cocktails under flickering lights, there’s something for everyone this October. This guide highlights the best Halloween attractions in Minnesota—from haunted hayrides and glowing pumpkin trails to themed pop-up bars and family-friendly farms. From heart-pounding hayrides to glowing pumpkin trails, here are five Halloween activities worth adding to your Minnesota bucket list.
1. Experience a Haunted Hayride
If you’re craving a real Halloween thrill, a haunted hayride is a must. Minnesota is home to two of the most popular attractions in the Midwest—The Dead End Hayride and The Abandoned Hayride—both guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.
The Dead End Hayride — Wyoming, MN
The Dead End Hayride is a Minnesota Halloween staple known for its movie-quality sets, pyrotechnics, and eerie atmosphere. This multi-stage experience takes you through haunted woods, creepy town scenes, and chilling indoor haunts. Each year introduces new themes and characters, so even returning visitors never know what’s lurking around the corner.
Dates: Now through November 2, 2025
Hours: Weekends 7:00 p.m. – midnight | Weeknights 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Address: 28186 Kettle River Blvd N, Wyoming, MN 55092
Website: thedeadendhayride.com
Tip: Arrive early and bundle up—lines get long closer to Halloween weekend, and the earlier you go, the better your experience.
The Abandoned Hayride — Chaska, MN
For an equally haunting experience, The Abandoned Hayride in Chaska offers a multi-part attraction that starts with a hayride through the woods before dropping you into eerie trails and haunted indoor sets. With its blend of live actors, effects, and storytelling, this is one of the most immersive haunted experiences in Minnesota.
Dates: Now through November 1, 2025
Hours: Select nights 7:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (later on weekends)
Address: 7525 County Rd 10, Chaska, MN 55318
Website: theabandonedhayride.com
Tip: Dress for chilly nights and wear boots—most of the experience is outdoors. Tickets for Halloween weekend sell out quickly, so plan ahead.
2. Spend a Day (and Night) at ValleySCARE & Tricks and Treats
Each October, Valleyfair in Shakopee transforms into a Halloween playground—festive and family-friendly by day, thrilling and terrifying by night. During daylight hours, Tricks and Treats fills the park with colorful fall décor, live shows, and sweet treats for kids and families. Once the sun sets, ValleySCARE takes over with haunted mazes, scare zones, and monsters roaming the park.
Dates:
- Tricks and Treats: September 27 – October 26, 2025
- ValleySCARE: September 20 – November 1, 2025
Hours: - Tricks and Treats: 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- ValleySCARE: 7:00 p.m. – midnight
Address: 1 Valley Fair Dr, Shakopee, MN 55379
Website: valleyfair.com
Tip: Visit early in the season for shorter lines and cooler weather. It’s the perfect all-day outing that transitions from friendly to frightful as the night falls.
3. Stroll Through a Glowing Pumpkin Trail
If you prefer your Halloween with more glow than gore, Minnesota’s pumpkin trails offer a cozy, family-friendly way to celebrate the season.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo
The Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is a breathtaking nighttime experience featuring thousands of hand-carved pumpkins displayed along a forest trail. Each section follows a theme, complete with music and lighting that turns the zoo into a glowing autumn wonderland.
Dates: September 26 – November 2, 2025
Hours: 5:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (timed entry tickets required)
Address: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124
Website: mnzoo.org
Tip: Twilight hours offer the best light for photos and fewer crowds.
The Great Pumpkin Trail at Pinehaven Farm
The Great Pumpkin Trail at Pinehaven Farm is Minnesota’s newest and longest glowing pumpkin trail. It stretches across acres of illuminated displays, themed art, and whimsical photo backdrops. Each turn reveals a new surprise, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy Halloween attractions in the state.
Dates: October 3 – November 2, 2025
Hours: Weekdays 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. | Weekends 6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Address: 28186 Kettle River Blvd N, Wyoming, MN 55092 (at Pinehaven Farm)
Website: pumpkintrail.com
Tip: Visit after sunset for the full glowing effect—it’s magical, family-friendly, and perfect for all ages.
4. Sip Your Way Through the Halloween Pop-Up Bars
For a grown-up twist on Halloween fun, the Twin Cities’ Halloween pop-up bars have gone all out with eerie décor, themed cocktails, and over-the-top photo ops. These bars are perfect for a festive date night or a spooky evening out with friends.
Black Lagoon at Meteor — Now through October 31
2027 N 2nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55411
Carnival of Chaos at Travail — Now through November 15
4134 Hubbard Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422
Creepside Supper Club — Now through October 31
4820 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55417
Nico’s House of Halloween — Now through November 2
2516 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Nightmare Bar at Hyatt Centric Downtown — Now through November 2
615 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55402
X-Mas Slay at Bina’s — Now through November 2
1070 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403
Tip: Follow these bars on Instagram for weekly cocktail updates and themed events—many host costume nights and Halloween trivia.
5. Explore a Classic Minnesota Pumpkin Patch
No Halloween season is complete without a visit to a pumpkin patch. These Minnesota favorites combine hayrides, corn mazes, and farm-fresh treats for the perfect fall outing.
Pinehaven Farm — Wyoming, MN
28186 Kettle River Blvd N, Wyoming, MN 55092
Regularly voted one of Minnesota’s best pumpkin patches, Pinehaven Farm features a sprawling pumpkin field, hayrides, a corn maze, and plenty of photo ops. It’s a fall staple for families and couples looking to soak up the season.
Tip: Visit during the day for pumpkin picking, then stay for The Great Pumpkin Trail after dark.
Waldoch Farm / Joyer Adventure Farm — Lino Lakes, MN
8174 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
A lively destination with “pick your own” pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, and family fun. It’s bright, welcoming, and perfect for a fall weekend outing.
Tip: Visit on festival weekends to enjoy games, snacks, and local vendors.
Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest — Jordan, MN
8251 Old Hwy 169 Blvd, Jordan, MN 55352
This orchard-meets-pumpkin-patch combines apple picking, wagon rides, and fall festival fun. Known for its beautiful setting and fresh cider, it’s an easy and scenic day trip from the Twin Cities.
Tip: Arrive early to enjoy both the orchard and pumpkin patch before the afternoon crowds.
Dehn’s Pumpkins — Dayton, MN
17270 125th Ave N, Dayton, MN 55327
With more than 30 acres of pumpkins, a corn maze, wagon rides, and family-friendly activities, Dehn’s is a classic Minnesota fall experience.
Tip: Check their calendar for themed weekends and family events.
Fresh Acres Fall Festival — Monticello, MN
8102 72nd St NE, Monticello, MN 55362
Worth the short drive from the metro, Fresh Acres offers pumpkin picking, corn mazes, inflatables, and a petting zoo. The relaxed atmosphere makes it a great spot for families or couples looking for a quiet fall day.
Tip: Bring cash for vendors and food stalls—don’t leave without trying their fresh cider and mini donuts.
Final Thoughts
From haunted hayrides to glowing pumpkin trails and cozy farms, Minnesota knows how to celebrate Halloween in style. Whether you’re chasing thrills or soaking in the magic of the season, these experiences capture the best of fall across the state. Grab your favorite sweater, a cup of cider, and your camera—it’s time for a hauntingly fun adventure this Halloween.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Halloween attractions in Minnesota?
Top picks include The Dead End Hayride, The Abandoned Hayride, ValleySCARE at Valleyfair, and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo.
When is ValleySCARE open in 2025?
ValleySCARE runs September 20–November 1, 2025, while Tricks and Treats operates September 27–October 26, 2025.
Where can I see glowing pumpkin trails near the Twin Cities?
Visit the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Apple Valley or The Great Pumpkin Trail at Pinehaven Farm in Wyoming.
Are there Halloween pop-up bars in Minneapolis?
Yes, popular options include Black Lagoon at Meteor, Nico’s House of Halloween, and the Nightmare Bar at Hyatt Centric Downtown.
What are the best pumpkin patches in Minnesota?
Top pumpkin patches include Pinehaven Farm, Waldoch Farm, Dehn’s Pumpkins, Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest, and Fresh Acres Fall Festival.
Share Your Experience
Did you check out this experience or try one of these local favorites?
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