Minnesota does fall scares a little differently, with hayrides through dark woods, walk-through trails in farm country, and haunted houses run by everyone from big production teams to student volunteers. Some of these spots have been spooking guests since the 1980s, while others keep reinventing what a haunted attraction can be.
This list covers 12 haunts across the state, from the Twin Cities suburbs to small towns near Rochester and St. Cloud. Grab your bravest friend and start planning your next night out.
1. Haunting Experience, Cottage Grove, MN
Back in 1986, a family-owned entertainment business in Cottage Grove started scaring people, and it never really stopped. That long track record gives it bragging rights as home to the longest-running haunted hayride in Minnesota.
The hayride is only part of the lineup. There is also an immersive haunted house where the actors are known for doing a seriously good job of getting under your skin as you move through the rooms.
Newer additions keep repeat visitors curious. Massacre is an outdoor adventure aimed at true thrill seekers, while Fall Fest offers a gentler, family-friendly option for anyone not ready for the full fright.
The attraction sits at 10900 E Point Douglas Rd S, an easy drive from St. Paul and Minneapolis. Seasonal evening hours typically run Wednesday through Sunday, with later nights on Fridays and Saturdays, so check the website before heading out.
2. Molitor’s Haunted Acres, Sauk Rapids, MN
Plan on spending about 45 minutes on your feet here. Molitor’s Haunted Acres is built around a walking trail that winds through the woods and past several haunted houses along the way.
The sets are detailed, and the characters lean into movie references with realistic masks and costumes. Fans of horror films will likely spot a few familiar faces lurking in the trees.
Groups move through themed areas with stopping points between scenes. That spacing helps each group get its own moment with the actors instead of trailing a crowd.
Some of the houses on the trail go for a delightfully trippy vibe, and the props get plenty of praise. Restrooms are available on site at 3571 5th Ave NE, just outside St. Cloud.
3. The Dead End Hayride, Wyoming, MN
Makeup artists deserve a round of applause at this Wyoming haunt. The prosthetics and costumes are a big reason people talk about The Dead End Hayride long after the night ends.
The experience runs about 40 minutes total. Half of that is a hayride, and the other half is a walk through haunted houses.
Actors here are interactive and dedicated. They even pay attention to how many people are in your group as they herd guests into the houses, which keeps the scares well-timed.
Buying tickets ahead is a smart move. Both free and paid parking lots are available at 28186 Kettle River Blvd N, and the haunt opens most evenings except Tuesday during the season.
4. The Abandoned Hayride, Chaska, MN
Imagine the wagon rolls away and leaves you standing in the woods. That is the whole idea behind The Abandoned Hayride, which bills itself as Minnesota’s newest and most unique haunted hayride.
It has been reviewed by The Haunt Finder as “The Hayride Totally Reinvented.” After the drop-off, guests make their way through a series of haunted houses and forest paths.
Admission covers three haunted attractions for one price, which is a nice value for a group outing. The setup is organized and professional, and the actors stay interactive throughout.
You will find it at 7410 US-212 in Chaska. Paid parking is available, and Saturday nights open a bit earlier at 6 PM.
5. Twin Cities Fear Fest, Bloomington, MN
Louisiana folklore is not what most people expect to find in Bloomington. Twin Cities Fear Fest borrows from those legends to build its haunted house, giving it a flavor all its own.
The sets are big. Think a huge maze, an expansive graveyard, and an asylum scene, all designed so you feel like a character wandering through a suspense movie.
A gift shop is on site for anyone who wants a souvenir. The venue is LGBTQ+ friendly, a transgender safe space, and offers gender-neutral restrooms.
Find it at 200 South Avenue in Bloomington. Hours generally run Wednesday through Sunday evenings starting at 6:30 PM.
6. Scream Town, Chaska, MN
Variety is the name of the game at Scream Town. This expansive haunted theme park packs a haunted hayride, two haunted trails, and five haunted houses into one stop.
Among the houses, a spooky forest and a zombie maze stand out. Detailed sets and talented costumed actors carry the experience from one zone to the next.
The vibe promises either screams or laughs, and often both. It is considered good for kids, so families with braver young ones can make it a group night.
Scream Town shares the 7410 US-212 address in Chaska. Free and paid parking options exist, and advance tickets are recommended on busy weekends.
7. Harvest of Horror Haunted Attraction, St Augusta, MN
Not every haunt needs to push people to their limit. Harvest of Horror finds a sweet spot that is scary without going over the top, which makes it a solid pick for mixed groups.
A hayride kicks things off with plenty of scares. Then you walk back along a trail that winds through a corn maze, a forest, and mini haunted buildings.
The haunted forest is a highlight. Engaging actors deliver jump scares and interact with guests, while the staff stays friendly.
It is open Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 11 PM at 4108 200th St in St Augusta. Restrooms are on site.
8. Dehns At Dark, Dayton, MN
Three haunted attractions plus a hayride in the dark, all in one ticket. That is the pitch at Dehns At Dark in Dayton.
One standout is a blackout attraction called The Shed. With almost nothing to see, it keeps guests guessing every step of the way.
The main haunted house holds its pace from start to finish, mixing scary moments with plenty of fun. I would save this one for the friend who claims nothing gets to them.
Dehns At Dark operates Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 11 PM at 17270 125th Ave N.
9. Anoka Haunted House, Anoka, MN
Anoka calls itself the Halloween Capital of the World, so a community haunt fits right in. Anoka Haunted House is run by students and volunteers, with money raised going back into the community.
Tickets are affordable, which makes it a friendly entry point for first-timers. Actors are convincing and the costumes are well done.
It works for both adults and kids, so families can enjoy it together. Restrooms are available on site.
Visit at 3200 St Francis Blvd NW. Hours run Thursday through Saturday evenings during the season.
10. Nowhere Entertainment, Inver Grove Heights, MN
Most haunts disappear after October, but Nowhere Entertainment keeps the doors open year-round. Escape rooms, a 13-hole black light mini golf course, and an arcade fill the calendar between haunting seasons.
When the seasonal haunted house returns, it brings animatronics, live actors, air hoses, and strobe effects. Classic themes and detailed stories give each room a purpose.
Families get perks here, including kid and family discounts, plus active military discounts. Food is available, and there is a free on-site lot.
It sits at 5300 S Robert Trail. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy, while Thursday and Friday afternoons tend to be quieter.
11. Monster Bash Inc, Harmony, MN
Here is a haunt where your ticket helps the local arts scene. Monster Bash in Harmony is charity-run, and proceeds support local performing-arts programs.
Sets are well built, with blackout transitions and careful makeup and prop details. It still delivers real scares for older visitors.
Little ones are not left out. An easier, less-scary tour is offered for small children, making this a smart pick for families in southeast Minnesota.
Look for it at 150 1st St NW, with free street parking and restrooms available.
12. Rochester Horror: FRIGHT at the FARM, Zumbrota, MN
Cheeky signs and small details set this farm haunt apart. FRIGHT at the FARM blends scary and fun with a psychedelic haunted house that has a playful writing style.
It is an outdoor attraction with professional actors and well-spaced scares. There is also a blackout event for guests who want to raise the stakes.
Lines move quickly, staff are polite, and photo opportunities pop up along the way. It is LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space.
Head to 47385 Hwy 52 Blvd on Friday or Saturday nights from 7 to 11 PM, with free on-site parking.
From century-old traditions to brand-new twists, these 12 haunts prove Minnesota knows how to celebrate the season. Pick one close to home, then work your way across the map.
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