With a state so steeped in old New England history, it’s to be expected that Maine is a tad bit haunted. Home to the world-famous horror writer, Stephen King, there is plenty of things that will make you scream in the night. Celebrate Halloween all October long with Halloween parties, frightening haunted houses, and fascinating history tours.
No Halloween is complete without a major sugar high. Skip the store-bought bags of candy bars and gummies and enjoy the homemade sweets from the Candyman in Kennebunkport. Popular for its delicious fudge and saltwater taffy. Of course, you’ll find plenty of your classic favorites like Jelly Bellies, Starbursts, and all your favorite candy bars.
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For over 10 years, the Parsonsfield Seminary has been scaring brave guests every October. Established in 1832 as an educational facility, this 42-room building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Once part of the “Underground Railroad,” The Parsonsfield Seminary has some stories to share. Put on a brave face and see if you can find some ghosts and goblins this October.
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Built by the Knights of Pythias in 1894, the Opera House has been many things including a meeting lodge for both the Pythians and the Mason, a restaurants and bar, private homes, and finally an opera house. It is said that the second floor of the Opera House is haunted by an unknown ghost. Some people have even reported seeing the piano playing by itself.
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With multiple locations from Bath to Hallowell to Bar Harbor, the Red Cloak Haunted History Tours offers walking tours and cemetery tours to explore the “other sides” of Maine’s most popular tourist destinations. Tours are filled with tales of local hauntings and all the folktales and legends you can enjoy. Just follow the “Lady in the Red Cloak.”
Junkins Haunted Estate is a longtime Southern Maine tradition operating over 30 years in Kittery. This completely free event is open the last two weekends in October. The owners work go all out and deck their two acres with all the Halloween decorations you can imagine. If you want some candy, you’ll have to cross the bridge and head into the swamp. Watch out for what’s behind you!
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There is no better way to celebrate Halloween than taking a tour of Stephen King’s Maine. Hosted by Stuart Tinker of SK Tours of Maine, the Stephen King’s “Derry” Maine tour allows you to see 30 Stephen King sites in three houses. You’ll see the places that inspired many of King’s most popular books, like the “Barrens,” “Birdbath,” and even the “Pet Sematary” where the movie was filmed.
Open weekend nights in October, the Fright at the Fort at Fort Knox is a popular Halloween event in Maine that has been running for years. Proceeds from the event support the Friends of Fort Know to preserve the historic Civil War-era fort. While most of the ghosts you’ll see at the event aren’t real, Fort Knox is known as being one of the most haunted forts in the United States, so keep your eyes peeled for real ghosts and apparitions!
