How to Celebrate Fall and Halloween in North Dakota

Angelic Gardens Fall 2012

Who doesn’t love the fall and the events that come along with it? There are the State Fairs, Renaissance Festivals, Thanksgiving, Christmas and lets not forget Halloween. Estimates now place Halloween at the second most popular holiday after Christmas.

Halloween is not just about Trick or Treating anymore. And not to be outdone by any other state, North Dakota has many options to celebrate the month of October and Halloween.

Papas Pumkin Patch

For the lovers of Fall, North Dakota offers Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes for the family to enjoy. Some recommended destinations are Papa’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Bismark and the Berry Acres corn maze just west of Minot, which features an 8 acre corn maze. If the pumpkin patch is not your style, try the Main Street Parade in Cavalier, N.D. on October 27th.

For something on the spooky side, there is Halloween at the Gardens in Minot. Halloween at the Gardens is a family friendly wagon ride through the Angelic Gardens. Riders get to experience the ghoulish side of the gardens and receive a cup of witches potion (punch).

Legends of Terror

Activities more for the adults include, Nightmare on Elm Street in Kindred or the Rocky Horror Picture Show Live in Grand Forks. For something a little different, try Boo’s Cruise. Boo’s Cruise will give you the chance to go on a paranormal investigation.

If your are interested in finding out more about the ghosts and hauntings in North Dakota, there are a number of companies with more information. Some places to check include Real Haunts, Ghost of America, and The Shadow Lands.

Fort Lincoln

For more information on other Autumn or Halloween activities in North Dakota, visit the North Dakota Tourism Office.If you are interested in exploring the local legend on your own, there are few spots to check out the local folklore. One destination is Custer House at Fort Abraham Lincoln where it is said the ghost of Libbie Custer, Lt. Col. Custer’s widow, torments the rebuilt Custer House.  She and the Lt. Colonel lived in this house before his tragic death. You may see her or other spirits of the Seventh Calvary soldiers at Fort Lincoln’s Haunted Fort. Other spooky places are the Acres of Terror in Leonard or the Legends of Terror haunted house in Grand Forks.

For information on other places to enjoy fall, see our post on Fall Fun in New York.

Pictures are from the North Dakota Tourism Office.