Looking for a good scare this October? Southeast Wisconsin has plenty of ways to spend an evening getting startled, from indoor haunted houses to dark trails and sprawling haunted attractions.
Plan your October visit
Start with our original 10 local picks, then explore the reader-suggested additions below. The longer drives are grouped separately, including Madison-area, Fox Valley, Green Bay, Sheboygan-area, and northern Illinois destinations.
Two dates to keep in mind: Terror at the Fair opens October 9, while Bear Paw’s Haunted Trail finishes October 17. Check your chosen attraction’s calendar before making plans.
All times below are Central. The original 10 entries were checked on October 1, 2026; the added destinations were checked on October 7 using official websites, ticket providers, and clearly labeled organizer-managed listings. Prices, fees, hours, and availability can change.
1. The Hill Has Eyes in Franklin
For an outdoor haunt, The Hill Has Eyes combines four connected attractions into approximately an hour of trails. Plan for a full evening outside, with shoes suited to walking and layers for the weather.
Where: Ballpark Commons, 7005 S. Ballpark Drive, Franklin
When: Select Friday and Saturday nights through October 31. Attractions open at 6 p.m., with timed admission windows. Even the latest ticket window requires entry into the attractions by 11 p.m.
Tickets: Admission prices vary by date and time window. Check the live ticket selector for the current total and taxes. Box-office tickets cost $5 more than online tickets.
Know before you go: The regular nighttime experience is recommended for ages 13 and older. A waiver is required, and parking is free.
2. Buffalo Bill’s Haunted Trail in Franklin
Buffalo Bill’s takes the scares into the woods. Its outdoor setting makes it a good option for a group looking for a haunted trail. The organizer recommends this one for ages 16 and older.
Where: 9612 W. Oakwood Road, Franklin
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31. Friday hours are 7–10 p.m.; Saturday hours are 7–11 p.m.
Tickets: Advertised 2026 pricing is $30 online or $40 at the door for general admission, and $40 online or $50 at the door for VIP admission, plus taxes and fees. Check the live ticket calendar for date-specific rates.
Know before you go: Dress for an outdoor evening and read the attraction’s rules before purchasing.
3. Desolate Acres in Waukesha
Desolate Acres brings a fictional cursed-farmhouse story to the Waukesha County Expo Grounds. Its Prohibition-era setting gives the attraction a distinct theme for visitors who enjoy a story alongside the scares.
Where: Waukesha County Expo Grounds, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31, from 7–11 p.m.
Tickets: Pricing varies by night. General-admission listings checked ranged from $21.38 to $26.53, including the displayed service fees. Early-bird and Fast Pass options are also listed.
Know before you go: Early-bird tickets require arrival at the ticket booth by 8 p.m. Choose the correct date in the official calendar to see its current price and ticket conditions.
4. Terror on Rural Street in Hartford
This indoor community haunt features 17 rooms and a cast of more than 30 actors. It is a straightforward choice for visitors who want a traditional haunted-house experience, with Halloween night offering a separate blackout format.
Where: 147 N. Rural Street, Hartford
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31. Doors open at 7 p.m.; ticket sales run from 6:30–10:30 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is $15 and sold at the box office. VIP admission is $30, with online sales available until 6 p.m.
Know before you go: October 31 is blackout night. The organizer warns that the attraction may be too intense for children and includes darkness and flashing or strobe lights.
5. Terror Shed Haunted House in Kewaskum
Terror Shed is a home haunted house with a full seasonal schedule. Expect a close-quarters walkthrough with darkness, loud sounds, and sudden scares.
Where: 5143 WIS-28, Kewaskum
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31. Published ticket hours are 6:30–10:30 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is listed at $20. Additional pass options are available through the organizer.
Know before you go: The official FAQ describes tight spaces, strobe lighting, and other intense effects, and says full mobility is required. Review those details carefully if access or sensory effects are a concern.
6. The Dark Side Haunted Adventure in Ixonia
The Dark Side offers a farm-based haunted outing with several connected experiences, including a haunted hayride, forest trail, maze, and other themed sections. It is one destination with multiple parts to explore.
Where: N1255 Hoard Road, Ixonia
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31. The haunt opens at 7 p.m.; all guests must arrive by 10 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is $35 plus tax online or $38 plus tax at the box office.
Know before you go: The organizer does not recommend the haunt for children under 10. Read the ticket details if you want to add activities beyond the general-admission experience.
7. Skully’s Terror Haunted House in Fort Atkinson
Skully’s offers a smaller, close-quarters haunted-house experience. The most important planning detail this year is its new location, so check the address before following an older listing or saved map destination.
Where: N551 Wishing Well Lane, Fort Atkinson, between Fort Atkinson and Milton off Highway 26
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31, from 7–10 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is displayed at $22, including sales tax. The ticket page also lists options for two trips and a season pass.
Know before you go: The organizer does not recommend the attraction for children under 13. Use the 2026 ticket page for the current location and schedule.
8. Abandoned Haunted House Complex in Mount Pleasant
Abandoned combines three full-length attractions in one admission: Ambush, Hysteria, and Stalker. The lineup mixes indoor scares, sensory effects, and an outdoor walk, making it an option for visitors who want several styles of haunt in one stop.
Where: 2825 SE Frontage Road, Mount Pleasant
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31. Attractions open at 7 p.m.; the ticket booth operates from 6:30–11 p.m. Attractions finish after their lines have been served.
Tickets: General admission is $45 plus taxes and fees.
Know before you go: The organizer says this is unsuitable as a first haunted-house experience. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The FAQ also describes significant mobility limitations, so review access requirements before buying.
9. Terror at the Fair in Wilmot
The Kenosha County Fairgrounds becomes a collection of sinister fairground scenes, haunted attractions, and a monster midway. Expect the carnival theme to carry through the experience, with clowns, carnies, and unsettling barn settings.
Where: Kenosha County Fairgrounds, 30820 111th Street, Wilmot
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 9–31, from 7–11 p.m. Additional Sunday nights are October 18 and 25, from 7–9 p.m.
Tickets: The current ticket page displays general admission at $31.62 and Fast Pass admission at $41.91. Check the selected date and final ticket total before purchasing.
Know before you go: Opening night is Friday, October 9. Enter through the North Main Gate on Fox River Road, by the electronic fairgrounds sign. Parking is free on the north end of the grounds.
10. Bear Paw Adventure Park Haunted Trail in Caledonia
Bear Paw’s Haunted Trail can be part of a wider evening at the adventure park, but the trail has a short October run. Put this one earlier on your calendar if you want to visit before its season ends.
Where: 10006 7 Mile Road, Caledonia
When: Saturdays, October 3, 10, and 17, from 8–10 p.m.
Tickets: General admission starts at $15 per person and includes one trip through the Haunted Trail along with other fall park amenities. Additional trail trips are listed at $4.
Know before you go: The Haunted Trail ends October 17. Although the park also opens Sunday, October 11, the Haunted Trail is closed that day. The $4 extra-trip price is not the full price of park admission.
More reader-suggested haunts close to home
These additions include neighborhood home haunts, a two-night forest walk, and a Whitewater attraction. Check the linked 2026 details before heading out.
11. Novak Manor in West Allis
A volunteer-run home haunt with live actors and a charitable focus. The organizer also lists a non-scare option.
Where: 9730 W. Montana Avenue, West Allis
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31, 6–10 p.m.
Tickets: $2 per person, according to the organizer’s 2026 listing.
12. Mariner Manor in Muskego
This neighborhood walkthrough pairs themed sets with live scare actors. Admission is free; donations support the Muskego Police Department K-9 unit.
Where: S77W16123 Mariner Court, Muskego
When: October 3, 10, 16–17, 23–24, and 30–31, 7–10 p.m.
Tickets: Free; donations welcomed.
Know before you go: This is a home haunt in a residential neighborhood. Respect neighboring driveways and posted access instructions.
13. Lapham Peak Fright Hike in Delafield
Local groups create scary scenes along a roughly one-mile forest walk. Proceeds support Friends of Lapham Peak projects.
Where: Lapham Peak State Park, starting and ending at the Evergreen parking lot
When: October 23–24, 2026. Choose an available arrival time when booking.
Tickets: $20 per person, online in advance. The ticket page also lists a $10 vehicle entry fee or an annual state park sticker.
Know before you go: Held rain or shine. Uneven trails, fog, and strobe effects may be present; not recommended for very young children. No pets or refunds.
14. Shockwave Haunts at The Fuzzy Pig in Whitewater
The 2026 organizer listing describes two themed experiences: Haunted Circus and The Blood Manor.
Where: N8660 Clover Valley Road, Whitewater
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31. Opens at 6:30 p.m.; the organizer says it stays open until guests are through.
Tickets: $30 for both haunts; sold onsite.
Know before you go: An older Fuzzy Pig webpage still shows the closed 2025 season. Use the current 2026 organizer listing linked here.
Worth the drive: more Wisconsin haunts and northern Illinois
These reader suggestions extend beyond the Milwaukee-area list. Plan extra travel time and check the exact ticket date before making a longer trip.
15. Screamin’ Acres Haunted Houses in Stoughton
A multi-attraction haunted-house stop south of Madison.
Where: 3865 WI-138, Stoughton
When: Fridays and Saturdays through October 31. Remaining October ticket dates show 6:45–11 p.m.; arrive during your selected slot.
Tickets: Book through the official ticket page for current date-specific prices.
16. Forsaken Souls Haunted Attraction in Edgerton
One destination with three themed attractions: Miss Fortune’s Curse, Twisted Hollow, and Carnage in the Corn.
Where: 354 Lake Drive Road, Edgerton
When: Fridays and Saturdays, October 2–31, 7–11 p.m. The ticket booth opens at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets: Check the official ticket selector for current admission options and fees.
17. Schuster’s Haunted Forest in Deerfield
An outdoor haunted forest at Schuster’s Farm, east of Madison.
Where: 1326 Highway 12 and 18, Deerfield
When: Fridays and Saturdays in October, plus Thursdays October 22 and 29. Select an available arrival time online.
Tickets: Timed online tickets are required; prices vary by date.
18. Terror at Tyrol near Mount Horeb
An outdoor haunt at Tyrol Basin that begins with a chairlift ride.
Where: 3487 Bohn Road, Mount Horeb
When: October 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 22–24, and 29–31, 7–10:30 p.m. Arrive before 10:15 p.m.
Tickets: Use the official ticket page for the selected night’s price.
Know before you go: The chairlift is required. Review the organizer’s access and weather guidance before buying.
19. Burial Chamber Haunted House Complex in Neenah
A Fox Valley haunted-attraction complex for a longer evening outing.
Where: 500 N. Lake Street, Neenah
When: Fridays and Saturdays in October; box office 6:45–11 p.m. Additional blackout nights November 6–7 have box-office hours of 6:45–10 p.m.
Tickets: Choose your attraction package and date on the official ticket page.
20. Spooks on Spurr in New London
Mansion of Misery and Forest of Freaks combine a mansion setting with an outdoor woods experience.
Where: W10121 Spurr Road, New London
When: Fridays and Saturdays through October 31. Doors and ticket sales open at 6 p.m.; haunts begin at 7 p.m.
Tickets: Purchased onsite; the organizer does not sell online tickets.
Know before you go: Use the current homepage for this season. The separate calendar page still displays 2025; confirm special-event details directly.
21. Terror on the Fox in Green Bay
A Green Bay option with a longer October calendar, including selected weeknights and Sundays.
Where: 2285 S. Broadway, Green Bay
When: October 2–4, 9–11, 15–18, 22–25, 28–31, and November 1. Hours vary by date.
Tickets: Check the official booking calendar for current time slots and prices.
22. Sheboygan Haunted Asylum in Sheboygan Falls
A staged haunted attraction inside the former county hospital building, with themed weekends throughout the season.
Where: N3773 Garden Parkway, Sheboygan Falls. Enter from County Road VN, not Garden Parkway.
When: October 9–11, 15–18, 22–25, 29–31; November 1 and 6–7. Opening and closing times vary by date.
Tickets: Choose a date and admission tier on the official booking page.
Know before you go: The haunted attraction is in Sheboygan Falls, despite its Sheboygan name. Check the specific event before assuming it is appropriate for children.
23. Dominion of Terror in Sheboygan
A volunteer-built indoor haunt run by the Sheboygan Jaycees to support local charities.
Where: 2024 N. 15th Street, Sheboygan
When: October 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 22–24, and 29–31, 7–10 p.m.
Tickets: General admission is $20; check for date-specific specials and optional speed passes.
24. Dungeon of Doom in Zion, Illinois
A northern Illinois indoor haunted attraction celebrating its 30th season.
Where: 600 29th Street, Zion, Illinois
When: Remaining October dates: October 9–11, 16–18, 23–25, and 30–31. Also November 1, plus blackout nights November 6–7. Hours vary by date.
Tickets: Choose a date and ticket tier through the official dates-and-tickets page.
Know before you go: This destination is in Illinois. Follow posted parking signs and check whether you selected a regular, Slasher, or blackout event.
A different kind of spooky outing: The Old Glenbeulah School
For readers interested in historic settings and paranormal-themed exploration, this former school offers small-group ghost tours and self-guided flashlight evenings. The organizer describes an experience without staged jump scares; paranormal activity is not guaranteed.
Where: 120 E. Benson Street, Glenbeulah
When: Guided ghost hunts October 10, 30, and 31 at 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Lights Out self-guided evenings October 9 and 16 run 7 p.m.–midnight, with last entry at 11 p.m.
Tickets: Guided hunts are $40 per person plus taxes and processing fees. Check the selected event for availability and self-guided pricing.
Know before you go: Ages 12 and older; minors need a parent or guardian. Bring a flashlight for Lights Out. This is a separate school venue, not the Sheboygan Falls asylum.
Before you go
Choose a night, then check the official ticket page again. An attraction’s season dates do not guarantee availability for every time slot.
Read the scare and access guidance. Age recommendations differ, and some attractions include strobes, fog, loud sounds, tight passages, or uneven ground. Contact the organizer directly if you need details that its website does not provide.
Dress for the setting. Outdoor trails can mean cold temperatures, mud, and uneven footing. Indoor attractions may still involve outdoor lines or connecting sections.
Review weather, refund, and admission policies before buying. A timed ticket may describe your arrival window rather than immediate entry.
Have a fun October, and make the plan that fits your group’s comfort level.