Halloween Haunts

10 creepy-cool activities across the North

By Brighid Driscoll | Oct. 22, 2022

Halloween is more than a day of neighborhood kids going door to door for candy. Really, it’s a month-long celebration filled with sweet, spooky, and downright scary fun for all ages. We found plenty of local activities to hit up this week, ghosts and ghouls included.

SWEET

Halloween Tea at Applesauce Inn, Bellaire
Known for charm and country hospitality, Applesauce Inn is a gem that can be enjoyed year-round. Owner Jamie Creason knows how to put on a proper tea time, with pastry pedestals filled with tea sandwiches, scones, homemade chocolates, and other confectionery delights all part of the experience. Join a Halloween themed teatime at this lovely B&B Oct. 26 at 1pm. Tickets are $30, and seating at tea time is always limited. Call 231-533-6448 for reservations, and follow the inn on Facebook.

Petoskey Halloween Children’s Parade, Petoskey
The only thing more adorable than a child in a Halloween costume is an entire parade of them. Petoskey residents, bundle up and drink your coffee porchside Saturday, Oct. 29. At 10am, Central Elementary School kids will assemble at the school before parading down Howard Street to Pennsylvania Park. This fall-time favorite gives locals a chance to see smiling faces and colorful costumes without the night-time sugar rush.

Friske’s Farm Market, Ellsworth
Lean into the real life scarecrows at Friske’s, where the farm market and orchards are known for having a great selection of apple varieties. If the weather complies, make an afternoon of it and grab a bushel basket for the u-pick apple option. Kids will delight in plucking their own apples, and using your pickings for pie or cake will make for a delicious pre-Halloween treat. Make sure to grab a cup of cider (warm or cold) and a doughnut for the road! They’re open from 8am to 6pm Monday through Thursday and 8am to 7pm Friday and Saturday.

SPOOKY

Spooky Lantern-lit Hike, Traverse City
Short, free, and fun, this easy 1-mile walk shouldn’t be missed. The Grand Traverse Conservation District is hosting this Halloween-themed hike perfect for the whole family. Meet at the Kids Creek Park trailhead located between Kohl’s and Michael’s on Friday, Oct. 28, at 6pm. Pumpkins and paper bag lanterns will line the path, creating a little magic with every step.

TC Zombie Run, Traverse City
Walk, creep, or crawl through this annual 5k run in downtown TC. Folks of every athletic level join in on the fun—we all know the real prize is who has the best costume! Right Brain Brewery hosts the TC Zombie Run and encourages participants to dress up and go at their own pace. After the race, medals, costume prizes, music, and post-race libations are all enjoyed back at the brewery. This year’s run is Saturday, Oct. 29, at 9am. Registration is at tczombierun.com/registration and closes on Oct. 27. $30 for adults and $25 for students 17 and under. All proceeds benefit TART Trails.

Corpse Bride screening at the Bay Theatre, Suttons Bay
The historic movie theater is a perfect place to watch a Tim Burton movie in the Halloween season. Corpse Bride follows the story of Victor, a man destined to marry Victoria until something spooky intervenes. When a haunted woods drags him to the underworld, Victor meets the ghost of Emily, a woman murdered after eloping. She sets her sights on marrying Victor, who has to find a way back to the mortal world before his fiancee marries someone else. See the screening on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 1pm. Tickets are $1 and are available at thebaytheatre.com.

Halloween Decorations in Central Neighborhood, Traverse City
Arguably the most charming neighborhood in Traverse City, Central knows how to go all out for holidays, and Halloween is no different. Take a stroll through the neighborhood at dusk for a show sure to delight monsters of all ages. Central Neighborhood is located between Sixth and Tenth Streets and Union and Division Streets. Bring your favorite candy bar for fuel and enjoy.

SCARY

Ghost Farm of Kingsley, Kingsley
This local tradition is a favorite. Every year, haunted trail tours are offered at the farm, and this year’s theme, Ravencrow Returns, gives the appearance of a seemingly-abandoned summer camp. Let The Farmer tour you through his beloved Camp Terra, where, in the heart of the dark woods, there isn’t a camper in sight…right? This haunted trail gets rave reviews and is great for those who like a good scare. One enthusiastic reviewer said it was enough to make him “tinkle” a bit, so grab some friends and extra TP! Check in to Camp Terra Friday or Saturday between 7pm and 11pm. Tickets are available at the farm or online at hauntedtraverse.com/ghostfarm for $15.

Mackinaw City Haunted Mansion, Mackinaw City
Speaking of good scares, if you’re looking for an indoor haunted experience, look no further than Mackinaw City Haunted Mansion. This house boasts animatronics, high-end sound technology, and other special effects to create a devilishly delightful experience. You’ll laugh, you’ll jump, and you might even scream. Meticulous attention to detail and care make this manor stand out, and for $8.50, you can’t go wrong. Buy tickets online (mackinawmanor.com) and at the door.

Manistee Ghost Ship, Manistee
A historic car ferry, the S.S. City of Milwaukee, opens for the Halloween season every year as a haunted house. The haunted house proceeds are part of an annual fundraiser for maintenance of the ferry, which gives tours throughout the year and also runs as a bed and breakfast…which is all to say you can feel good about being terrified. This experience isn’t for the faint of heart: Expect stairs and inclines and plenty of flashing lights. Folks love this haunted ship for its size and immersive feeling. Get there between 7:30pm and 10:30pm Friday or Saturday the rest of the month. Tickets are $12 and kids 6 and under get in free; buy at the door or purchase a FastPass in advance at carferry.com/ghostship.