Embracing the Spooky Season: A Guide to Local Haunted Attractions
Delmarva's Haunted Attractions
As the nights grow colder and the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red, the allure of Halloween draws near. On Delmarva, where history and folklore intertwine, the spooky season comes alive with a host of haunted attractions that promise thrills and chills for all who dare to venture into the unknown.
From haunted houses and zombie festivals to guided tours of haunted locations, Delmarva offers a variety of experiences that cater to every taste. In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular and spine-tingling haunted attractions, ensuring that your Halloween is filled with unforgettable moments of fright and excitement.
NEW CASTLE COUNTY, DELAWARE
Curley’s Haunt
Be prepared to enter a nightmare you cannot wake up from. The Curley’s Haunt will pick at your mind by combining surreal horror with elements of anticipation and intensity. This all boils down to an end result of sheer sensory overload. We suggest you bring a friend you have some faith in because in The Curley’s Haunt you will be up against an onslaught of fear from all directions! There is truly nothing like this in the northern Delaware area! 1220 Evergreen Rd., Wilmington
This beloved Delaware horror attraction has a special place in Smyrna and Middletown residents’ hearts. Located at 309 Port Penn Road in Middletown, Frightland features haunted horror attractions such as the two-mile Haunted Hayride, multiple indoor haunted houses and more. The haunted scream park has been scaring Delaware residents and visitors for over 25 years. 309 Port Penn Rd., Middletown
Fort Delaware Paranormal Adventures
This former harbor defense facility during the American Civil War is home to a three-hour paranormal investigation tour alongside Diamond State Ghost Investigators. The fort is interesting all year round, but the Halloween happenings tend to be some of the most popular. Fort Delaware holds tours on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Guests will be brought to the fort on a ferry. For ages 13 and up. These tours sell out early, so get your tickets now! 45 Clinton St., Delaware City | 302-834-7941
Halloween Ghost Ship
Celebrate Halloween at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard with a maritime twist on spooky fun for all ages at our 6th annual Halloween Ghost Ship. Bring the whole family in costume and enjoy Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship of Delaware deck tours, pumpkin painting, and much more. 2024 Event is Sat. Oct. 19. 1124 E 7th St., Wilmington, DE 19801 | 302.429.7447
New Castle Historical Society’s Hauntings in HIstory Tours
If you’re brave enough to explore the darker side of New Castle County, Hauntings in History is the event for you. Held by the New Castle Historical Society on Fridays and Saturdays from October 11 to November 12, Hauntings in History will indulge your ghost-hunting fantasies. Guests will get a tour of the Amstel House—which is notorious for being one of the most haunted houses in New Castle—and may get to meet the “Woman in Blue.” 30 Market St., New Castle | 322-2794
Paranormal Rockwood Tours and Experiences
The Rockwood Mansion was featured on the popular TV show Ghost Hunters and is still considered one of the most haunted places in the State of Delaware. With paranormal experiences throughout the year, it’s no surprise that this haunted hotspot kicks it up a notch for October. On weekends throughout the month, enjoy attractions like The Revisionists: A Haunted Victorian Walk at Rockwood, a moonlight walking tour complete with ghost stories. Plus, on the last two Saturdays of the month, guests can participate in the classic Rockwood Paranormal Experience. Learn how to use sophisticated paranormal investigative equipment and investigate the home from the unfinished attic to the decaying basement. Join a professional paranormal investigator, who can help explain how instrument results may relate to the spirits thought to dwell in the house. 4651 Washington Street Ext., Wilmington | 302-761-4340
Halloween at Nemours Estates
Celebrate Halloween in the Estate gardens with trick-or-treating for prizes, a hay maze, food trucks, and live music. Dress in your favorite (family-friendly) costume and join us! Children 5 years and under are free. Event is gardens-only, candy-free and weather-dependent. Last entry is at 4pm. Event areas are mobility device accessible. 1600 Rockland Rd., Wilmington
The Brandywine Zoo brings back this hit 21-plus event for a second year. Put on your best costume and enjoy spooky cocktails and libations from local breweries and vendors. Plus, enjoy bewitching entertainment, Halloween photo ops and animal encounters while supporting the Delaware Zoological Society of the Brandywine Zoo. 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington
KENT COUNTY, DELAWARE
The John Dickinson Plantation is said to be haunted by the former founding father himself. Individuals have reported hearing the sound of a quill pen writing on parchment and witnessing rumpled bed sheets looking as if they had been slept on. While the plantation doesn’t offer paranormal tours, you can always try to witness this paranormal activity for yourself by checking out the website to schedule a tour. 340 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover | 302-739-3277
Wicked Woods
Wicked woods will scare the socks off you! Come by at night if you dare! “We’ll Scare The Yell Outta You.” Wicked Woods is a one mile stretch of sheer terror, with various attractions our hunted trail is a combination of a wagon ride and walking (dress appropriately). 2621 Sandy Bend Rd., Marydel
SUSSEX COUNTY, DELAWARE
Running for 30 years, The Cemetery House is one of the longest operating haunted houses on the Eastern Shore. This scary attraction opens on Friday the 13th this year and features ghouls, zombies, creatures and more in order to give visitors a genuine scare. 205 W. 10th St., Laurel
Haunted Delaware Tour
Join us on journey for a full fall day away exploring some of the First State's most haunted locations. If the walls could talk...discover hair-raising history at locations that are sure to evoke chilling scenes from the past. Learn about the legends from a professional guide of the area. Expect to enjoy a private tour of two different mansions, enjoy a brief walking tour of the haunted streets of New Castle, DE. Discover historic details from each on site docent awaiting our arrival. We will have some location stops, time for lunch in town and of course an opportunity for libations at the famous Dead Presidents Pub before returning to Lewes. Age 12 & up. The Jolly Bus departs at 9:00am from Home Depot, Lewes and returns at 7:00pm. Seats are only fully reserved by online reservations. 17832 Coastal Highway, Lewes
Milton Zombie Fest
Milton is conjuring a haunted MARDI GRAS… making it bigger, better, and eerier than ever before! Join for a night of ghastly delights with new added attractions for all ages. From bone-chilling family activities and sinister costume contests, to haunting entertainment and delicious eerie-themed treats… There’s something for everyone! Don’t miss out on the most unforgettable ZOMBIE FEST yet – Brace yourself for a hauntingly thrilling experience! Downtown Milton
Nightmare’s Haunted House
Back for another year of scaring, Nightmare’s Haunted House operates as a nonprofit and raises funds for local organizations. This year’s event promises new thrills and frightening monsters. The scares begin 1st Friday in October. For more information and to see a weekly roundup of “victim” reaction photos on the attraction’s Facebook page. 10912 County Seat Highway, Laurel
Nothing says “spooky season” at the Delaware beaches quite like the annual Sea Witch Festival in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The last weekend in October, this award-winning festival draws mostly Delaware locals looking for Halloween happenings and fall beach fun. Festival goers can expect a costume parade, the scarecrow trail and show, beach games, vendors, a 5k, live entertainment and more. Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach | 302-227-6446
MARYLAND
301 Devils Playground
If you are looking for the scariest haunted attractions in Maryland & Delaware, 301 Devils Playground has 5 terrifying haunted attractions that will bring your fears to life. Prepare to scream as we have The Barnyard (new for 2024), The Harvest. 13335 Alexander Rd., Galena, MD | 302-670-6388
Crabtown Ghosts: Unveiling Centuries of Haunting History in Annapolis
Prepare for a spine-tingling journey into the heart of Annapolis' dark past with a ghost tour of Annapolis. Book your ghost tour now and embark on an unforgettable adventure through a city tormented by terrifying hauntings for centuries. On this tour, you'll delve into the grisly history of Annapolis, tracing its roots back to the Puritans. Encounter the restless spirits of bloodthirsty pirates who once terrorized the lively ports, unaware that their pursuits would ultimately lead to their grim demise. Reserve your spot early as tours fill up quickly. Get ready for a night filled with chilling tales, eerie encounters, and a deeper understanding of the haunting history that still lingers in the streets of Annapolis. 2 Market Space, Annapolis
