20 Fun Things to do for Halloween in Wisconsin [2024]

Guide to the best Wisconsin Halloween events and activities, including Halloween parties, haunted houses, and more.

Halloween is almost here! I bet you would like some ideas on where to go, with lots to see and loads of events and activities to entertain you.

I highly recommend the Badger State! There are plenty of things to do for Halloween in Wisconsin that you really can’t go wrong.

Whether going with kids, as a couple, or traveling solo, there are so many great Wisconsin Halloween activities to choose from, and I’m sure you’ll find something perfect for you.

I’ll show you great places to go, events, and to-do if you’re going to be spending Halloween as you travel Wisconsin. Tell me if you find something to make you enjoy the festive spooky spirit!

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Pssst…??!! You can’t get enough Wisconsin posts? Have a look at my other posts:

• Fall Activities Near Milwaukee
• Wisconsin Dells in Fall
• Most Haunted Places in Wisconsin

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Top Things to do for Halloween in Wisconsin

• Take a Ghost Walk in Lake Geneva
• Brave Freakfest in Madison
• Stay in a haunted hotel in Milwaukee

1. Take a Ghost Walk in Lake Geneva

Halloween in Wisconsin is a time packed with great activities, and you could do worse than partaking in one of the haunted tours Wisconsin does so well.

And they don’t come much more fun than the ghost walks around Lake Geneva.

If you’re going to be spending Halloween in Lake Geneva, remember, this isn’t just a town for the living!

A Lake Geneva ghost tour is perfect for Halloween and will walk you around the haunted locations of this beautiful resort town. Your expert paranormal guide will impart stories of the town’s dark history.

Not only is it a way of scaring yourself silly, but it’s also a great way of exploring this stunning location at the same time.

This is one of the most fun Halloween activities in Wisconsin.

You’ll see all the amazing nineteenth-century landmarks along the route, so it really is worth frightening yourself over.

In fact, no matter the time of year, seeing these landmarks is one of the best things to do in Lake Geneva!

2. Dare to venture into the Fear Attractions

In Wisconsin haunted houses seem to be around every corner, but are you craving for a more fright-filled adventure this Halloween?

Wisconsin offers several top-notch haunted attractions, so prepare to be terrified.

The Hill Has Eyes in Franklin is a terrifying, multi-attraction experience with haunted trails, mazes, and zombie-themed events that will surely get your heart racing as it did mine.

In Mount Pleasant, the Abandoned Haunted House Complex features multiple highly detailed and immersive haunted houses, including zombie hunts and intense scares.

Another spine-chilling option is Terror on the Fox in Green Bay, which combines eerie haunted houses with a haunted train ride, offering an immersive and chilling Halloween experience.

These haunted attractions in Wisconsin promise plenty of scares and thrills for anyone looking for a hauntingly good time this season.

3. Explore haunted Stevens Point

If you’re looking for things to do in Wisconsin in October, then how about frightening the kids by taking them to Stevens Point and telling ghost stories of the legends that permeate the town?

Sound good? Right, the legend is this.

Back in the 1950s (or maybe it was the 1960s – no one seems able to make their mind up!), a group of Boy Scouts were killed while out on a camping trip.

There were nearby what is now known as Boy Scout Lane (what a coincidence!).

There’s no evidence that this actually happened but who cares, it’s sure to put the frighteners up anyone who hears the legend.

Tell this one as you’re wandering along the isolated road, and see the reaction you get!

The road is popular during the months leading up to Halloween. Bear in mind that it is a private road, so be respectful of that if you are visiting.

4. Brave Freakfest in Madison

Halloween events in Madison don’t come any bigger than Freakfest, an annual Halloween party hosted downtown.

The action centers on State Street, and if you attend this event, it’s easy to see how Madison can bear the moniker Mad Town or Mad City quite comfortably!

Freakfest is said to be the largest Halloween festival in the Midwest, and if you’re seeking festive things to do in Madison, Halloween parties really don’t come much more raucous than this one.

The event used to be known as The State Street Halloween Party but was rebranded in an attempt to change the direction of the party, which had been getting increasingly rowdy year after year.

If parties are your thing, you’ll love it. However, if you’re with kids, this is probably one that you’re best avoiding.

5. Visit the Haunted Forest at Schuster’s Farm

If you’re going there with kids this Halloween, Wisconsin has plenty of wholesome events going on, so you’ll never be short of options.

For example, Schuster’s Farm in Deerfield puts on a whole host of Halloween-themed events aimed at younger ones.

During the day, kids can pick pumpkins in preparation for the festivities and visit the petting zoo.

There are also dozens of attractions in the barnyard for the kids to explore while gorging out on candy apples (hot ciders available for grown-ups).

At night, those who dare can stray into the Haunted Forest. There are surprises aplenty when you risk a journey through the woods.

Be prepared for frights because there’s an awful lot of them coming your way!

For those seeking something less scary, a nighttime stroll into the corn maze provides a challenge without the shocks.

6. Spook yourself out in Eau Claire

Halloween in Wisconsin doesn’t get more challenging than a visit to Tactical Escape in Eau Claire.

Tactical Escape is one of the exceptional escape rooms in Wisconsin.

Each year, the room is set up in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House.

This spooky escape room will set you so many scary puzzles that you’ll be glad when (if!) you finally escape.

Teams of 4 to 12 people are given 60 minutes to solve a murder mystery. The twist is that one member of the team will be the murderer!

The environment of the historic house adds to this unique experience. The place is 150 years old, and you can feel the ghouls oozing out of every wall!

If this immersive escape room experience is not your thing, there are plenty of other spooky events around Eau Claire to get your fright at.

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7. Stay in a haunted hotel in Milwaukee

Halloween in Milwaukee is a fun time to explore the city and a great way to spend the holiday.

There are so many things to do in Milwaukee in October, but Halloween trumps them all.

If you’re feeling brave, you could even stay in a haunted hotel!

The haunted hotels in Wisconsin don’t come more ghost-infested than the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Ghosts have been frightening guests here for years, with countless sightings and unexplained happenings going on.

The Pfister Hotel is actually a great place to stay in its own right – but only if you’re prepared for an encounter with the paranormal! The grandeur of this beautiful building really is something to marvel at.

If a haunted hotel is not for you, then don’t worry; there are lots of great events to choose from, or you could do a ghost walk!

8. Experience Thrills on Third in Sturgeon Bay

If you’d like to take in the magnificent fall colors in Wisconsin while scaring yourself witless, then beautiful Sturgeon Bay is a great base from which to do this.

There are lots of things to do in Sturgeon Bay, and Halloween in Wisconsin doesn’t come any more fun than Thrills on Third in Sturgeon Bay.

This entirely free event (entrance and all activities are free) centers on historic Third Avenue in this stunning town.

This family-friendly event features pumpkin painting, a spine-chilling haunted house, a costume parade, and live music.

It’s a friendly, relaxed event and a great excuse to go on those Wisconsin fall getaways and explore this beautiful part of the world.

This really is the most magnificent time of year to take in the natural beauty of Door County, and Sturgeon Bay is a great base from which to do this.

9. Take a spooky train ride from Osceola

Each year, in the build-up to Halloween, you can take a spooky ride along the Osceola and St. Croix Valley Railway to gather your pumpkin ready for decoration.

The Pumpkin Express sets out from the splendid SOO Line Depot in Osceola and takes you all the way (40 minutes) to the pumpkin patch at the Dresser Depot.

This special train runs only on select dates the week before Halloween.

When you arrive at the Dresser Depot, you’ll discover that it’s actually haunted!

In addition to the pumpkin picking, around the depot, you’ll find hay wagon rides, face painting, balloon artists, a bouncy house, and lots more to keep the kids entertained.

Osceola is a beautiful small town that is well worth exploring on its own right at any time of year, so try to save some time for a stroll around.

10. Attend Wisconsin Fear Fest in Beaver Dam

Wisconsin Fear Fest in Beaver Dam is one of the spookiest Wisconsin Halloween events you’re likely to encounter, so beware!

If you dare to go along, you’ll discover not one but two terrifying Wisconsin haunted houses!

There is also axe throwing, a paintball gallery, a spook-infested escape room, haunted hayrides, and all sorts of other spooky surprises lurking in the background waiting to frighten you.

Actors roam the grounds dressed as all manner of ghouls, spooks, and nasties, always at hand to give you a fright when you’re least expecting it…or maybe they were real ghouls, spooks, and nasties!!!

So, if you’re seeking spooky Halloween events in Wisconsin, then Fear Fest runs every weekend in October at the Dodge County Fair Grounds in Beaver Dam.

11. Take a Ghost Boat in Wisconsin Dells

In Wisconsin Dells Halloween is one of the biggest events of the year – no matter the age. The whole city is based around fun, and Halloween in Wisconsin Dells provides that in spades.

Each year, there’s a trick-or-treating event downtown on October 31st, where local businesses will hand out treats to trick-or-treaters.

Look for a pumpkin in the window to identify which businesses are taking part in this event.

For the brave, there’s an after-dark Ghost Boat Journey into Haunted Canyon!

This tour will take you down the Wisconsin River until you reach the haunted canyon. From there, you venture on foot into the unknown, where all sorts of nasty surprises are waiting for you.

You’ll walk through the creepy confines of the haunted passages that populate this spooky canyon, fearing what may be in store.

Bear in mind that this one’s only suitable for kids over the age of nine.

Check out more fun things to do in Wisconsin Dells no matter what time of year you visit!

12. Venture into a Haunted House in Eagle River

The plethora of magnificently scenic lakes that scatter the surrounding area makes Eagle River a popular year-round vacation destination.

However, if you visit during Halloween, you may get more than you bargained for!

The Evil Falls Haunted House Attraction is full of ghoulies who seek out lost souls to feed their own!

If you want to risk that, then this attraction is open for 11 nights of nightmares.

The Evil Falls House of Tormented Souls is home to a demented character known as the Soul Collector.

If that’s not enough, he has a partner in crime who’ll do anything to assist him in his dastardly deeds.

Only venture inside if you’re prepared to put up with startling scares, creepy scare actors, dark, narrow paths, intense lighting, fog, blood and gore, haunting music, and dark, claustrophobic spaces.

13. Shoot some Zombies in Little Suamico

If you’ve ever fancied taking aim at the undead, then fire away at some flesh-eating zombies in Little Suamico, where zombies have taken over, and only you can save humanity.

Well, you and the other 20 zombie hunters aboard the specially designed zombie-killing vehicle.

From this, you’ll take aim with your zombie-slaying weapons and blast those hellbound pests to oblivion.

The flesh-eaters will spring from pirate ships, castles, and wooded villages to launch their attacks on you as you ride through the apocalyptic landscape.

If you survive that, you’ll then have to tackle a haunted maze full of scary surprises.

Despite the scary-sounding nature of this event, no one actually gets hit apart from the zombies, so it’s a perfectly suitable Wisconsin Halloween event for kids too!

The event runs throughout October, you can check the Haunted Zombie for full details on available dates and times.

14. Take in the Fox Lake Spooktacular Fall Festival

Fox Lake is a pretty village that hugs the shores of the lake after which it was named.

But don’t be fooled by the seemingly calm exterior; the place is crawling with all sorts of dreadful creatures that are nothing more than scaring the wits out of you.

If the spooks and ghouls don’t put you off, fall festivals in Wisconsin don’t come spookier than the annual Fox Lake Spooktacular Fall Festival.

This family-friendly event takes place in downtown Fox Lake and features many kids’ activities to keep the little ones entertained.

You’ll find pumpkin carving, face painting, a children’s costume contest, a pet costume contest, a flea market, and lots of candy treats for the sweet of tooth (which, let’s face it, virtually every kid!).

Local businesses get in on the fun by spookily decorating for the event, and you’ll encounter numerous zombies and ghouls roaming the streets.

15. Brave Boo at the Zoo in Milwaukee

If you’re a family and are going to Milwaukee, Halloween is a great time to do it because there are lots of fantastic things to do in Milwaukee with kids.

The annual Boo at the Zoo event held at the Milwaukee Zoo is a great activity for all the family and is perfect for fun fall weekend getaways in Wisconsin.

If you’re looking for a Halloween party, Milwaukee Zoo puts on a whole host of great things as part of the Boo at the Zoo event that goes on throughout the Halloween festivities.

A few of the Halloween at the Zoo events include:

• Taking a ride on North Shore Bank Safari Train (turned Halloween-themed ride at night)
• Getting lost in a haystack maze
• Trick or treating your way through the Adventure Africa part of the zoo, where you’ll find 10 different sweet spots, if you’re lucky

The star of the show, though, is undoubtedly the magnificent light display that illuminates all areas of the zoo. Nothing here is too scary, so it’s particularly suited to younger children.

For the adults, however, you might enjoy Zoo Brew, which is a beer festival that usually happens in the beginning of October and is one of my favorite Milwaukee fall festivals.

16. Visit Pumpkin Patches

Wisconsin is a pumpkin paradise in the fall, and Halloween is no exception. One of the best ways to get into the Halloween Wisconsin spirit is by exploring the state’s many pumpkin patches. 

The Great Pumpkin Patch in Green Bay is a must-visit, offering a variety of pumpkins, hayrides, and other family-friendly activities. It’s also on my list of things to do in Green Bay!

You can also check out the Country Bumpkin Farm Market in Lodi or head to the Apple Hill Farms in St. Croix Falls.

I personally loved Barthel’s Fruit Farm in Mequon, as they have different varieties of pumpkins, like white pumpkins, pink ones, multi-colored pumpkins, and even warty ones! 

17. Get lost in Corn Mazes

Wisconsin’s corn mazes are a Halloween town Wisconsin staple, offering a fun and challenging way to spend with your family or friends. 

The Little Farmer in Malone has a popular maze with twists and turns that will test your navigational skills. 

For a more spooky experience, check out the Haunted Corn Maze at the Willow Creek Ranch in West Bend, where you’ll encounter creepy characters and an eerie atmosphere. 

If you’re looking for a family-friendly option, the Maze of Terror at the Country Bumpkin Farm Market in Lodi offers a less frightening maze with plenty of other activities for kids.

18. Watch a Halloween Parade

What I really look forward to in celebrating Halloween activities Wisconsin is watching the parade as the floats are colorful, the costumes are very creative, and the atmosphere is lively.

The city of Milwaukee hosts its annual Halloween Parade on the last Saturday of October, featuring floats, costumed characters, and live music. 

In Madison, the annual Halloween Parade occurs downtown on the same day, focusing on family-friendly entertainment. 

For a more small-town experience, check out the Halloween Parade in Cedarburg or La Crosse. 

19. Join a Bar Crawl

One of the best things to do for Halloween in Wisconsin for adults is to join a bar crawl in one of Wisconsin’s vibrant cities.

In Milwaukee, the Halloween Bar Crawl is a favorite, especially in the Historic Third Ward, with many bars, like the Wicked Hop, offering Halloween-themed drinks and decorations.

Another option is in Madison; the State Street area comes alive with Halloween festivities, including costume contests and live music. 

If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, check out the Halloween bar crawl in La Crosse or Green Bay.

20. Go trick-or-treating!

A classic Halloween tradition one should not miss during this season is trick-or-treating, and Wisconsin offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy this fun activity. 

The historic neighborhoods of Milwaukee, such as Bay View and Walker’s Point, are popular spots for trick-or-treating, with many houses decorated with festive lights and spooky decorations. 

In Madison, the Capitol Square area is a great place to go trick-or-treating, with many local businesses participating in the festivities. 

For a more small-town experience, check out the trick-or-treating event in La Crosse, where families can walk through downtown and visit local businesses.

Wisconsin Classic SweatshirtWanderust Box SignWisconsin HoodieBest Loop Hikes Wisconsin GuideUnder Armour BackpackWisconsin Haunted Travel Guide

 

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Halloween in Wisconsin is a magical time.

While year-round, there are so many great places to go throughout the state, Halloween is so packed with events and activities.

You’ll definitely want to visit Wisconsin at Halloween time for an unforgettable experience, particularly for those with kids.

If you visit during Halloween in Wisconsin, you’ll find it impossible not to have fun.

At this time of year, you’ll also get to see the magnificent fall colors of Wisconsin, so why are you waiting?

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Short FAQ About Halloween in Wisconsin

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