Haunted Maryland:
Special Events, Tours and Exhibits Celebrate Halloween
This year celebrate Halloween Maryland-style! Let tales from the dead help bring Maryland’s history and heritage to life on one of our many ghost tours. Heartier souls can brave various haunted houses, hikes weaving through spooky wooded trails, or hayrides into another realm. Or cruise into the spirit of the season on a historic skipjack or modern yacht. No matter how you prefer to observe the holiday, you’ll find a fun and festive atmosphere throughout the state.
To better aid you in planning your festivities, events below are divided into Maryland’s five geographic regions (Western Maryland, Capital Region, Central Maryland, Southern Maryland and Eastern Shore), then listed by town within the region.
Bear in mind that there is a fee and advance reservations required for many of these activities, plus we recommend calling ahead during inclement weather to confirm the event is going on as planned.
For more information about travel around Maryland, visit www.visitmaryland.org or call 800-719-5900.
CENTRAL MARYLAND
Annapolis
Ghosts of Annapolis Tours
October 12- December 29, 2009
Friday-Saturday 7 & 9 pm
Advance purchase required
800-979-3370
www.ghostsofannapolis.com
Take a 90-minute, lantern-led Ghost Walk through the historic downtown district on a spine-tingling journey into Annapolis’ past, while meeting some of the City’s more spirited residents and sites. The more daring may wish to take a raucous two-hour romp through four of Annapolis’ haunted pubs on a Haunted Pub Tour.
Haunted Ghost Tours
Fridays and Saturdays, September 4-October 31, 2009
7:30-9:30 pm through October 3; 7-9 pm October 9-31
410-268-7601 x 107
www.watermarkspecialevents.com
Join your costumed guide at the Museum Store at City Dock (77 Main Street) as the sun sets for a candlelight tour of Annapolis. Hear stories of old and search for the spirits who linger in the mists.
Baltimore
Inspiring Horror: Artifacts and Images of the Macabre in Early American Life
Mount Clare Museum House
September 18-October 31, 2009
410-837-3262
www.mountclare.org
As part of the city wide celebration of Edgar Allan Poe’s 200th birthday, Mount Clare will show how death was part of daily life in the 18th and 19th centuries. On display will be mourning jewelry and clothing, post-mortem art, and other pieces demonstrating how early Americans dealt with death.
Baltimore Ghost Tours
7 pm
410-522-7400
Purchase tickets online or phone 1-877-Baltimore (1-877-225-8467) Monday-Friday
www.baltimoreghosttours.com
Named "Best Creepy History" by Baltimore Magazine, 2009
The Original Fell's Point GhostWalk
Fridays and Saturdays through the end of November
Tickets: $13 Adults, $8 Kids under 12. On-site $15 Adults, $10 kids under 12
Departs: Outside of Max's Sidebar, 735 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231
Award winning tour of historic Fell’s Point neighborhood.
Mount Vernon GhostWalk
Saturdays through the end of November
Fridays and Saturdays, October – first week in November
Tickets: $13 Adults, $8 Kids under 12. On-site $15 Adults, $10 kids under 12
Departs: The Owl Bar, 1 E. Chase Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Spirited haunted walking tour of Mount Vernon.
Fell's Point Haunted PubWalk
Second and fourth Saturday of the month: September and November
Every Friday and Saturday except 10/31: October
Every Saturday: November
Tickets: $20; drinks not included. 21 and older only
Departs: Outside of Max's Sidebar, 735 S. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231
Step through the doors of some of Fell's Point's most haunted pubs for this fascinating tour of the historic maritime neighborhood.
Masquerade Dinner Cruise
October 31, 2009
7-10 pm
Spirit of Baltimore
410-727-3113, 800-695-BOAT
www.spiritcruisesbaltimore.com
Join a three-hour cruise with buffet dinner, costume contest, cash bar & DJ.
Chesapeake City
Ghost Walk
October 23 & 24, 2009
6-9 pm
410-885-2415
www.chesapeakecity.com/calendar.php
This popular ghost walk stops at porches throughout this Upper Chesapeake Bay village and recounts a revolutionary tale at each stop. Light refreshments included in the price.
Dundalk
Kim’s Krypt
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October
7:00-10:30 pm
410-391-7726
www.kimskrypt.com
If you dare, enjoy this in-your-face haunted house that features live actors (or are they????), animatronics, and other spirited antics for the brave at heart.
Note that alcohol or illegal drugs are not permitted on the grounds and lighters, lighted tobacco products or open flame of any kind are allowed in the Krypt or in the line.
Elkridge
Haunted Experience at Rockburn Branch Park
October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 2009
Fridays 7-10 pm; Saturdays 6-10pm
410-313-4624
www.howardcountymd.gov/RAP
An ink black night, a spooky hayride through the ghostly trails of Rockburn Branch Park (Montgomery Road entrance), haunting tales of goblins, and horror stories that will tingle your spine.
Ellicott City
Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City
Friday & Saturday, April through November
8:30 pm; reservations strongly suggested
410-313-1900
www.VisitHowardCounty.com
With more lurid tales than ever before, the ghost tours of this mill town on the Patapsco River routinely elicit goosebumps and gasps from all who dare to stroll Ellicott City’s Main Street into the historic past. Many first-hand experiences with the ghosts of yore are shared by ghost tour specialists, including one who took a ghost for a ride in her brand new car!
The Spirits of Ellicott City
2nd Thursdays, April -- November
8:00PM, Reservations Required
410-313-1900
$20 per person, must be over 21, drinks not included
The Wine Bin in Ellicott City offers a 10% discount to tour survivors
www.VisitHowardCounty.com
The Spirits of Ellicott City is a new tasteful tasting tour of historic Ellicott City- a pub crawl and ghost tour rolled into one fabulous event. Fresh stories and assorted locations with old haunts mix with the chance to enjoy liquid spirits including wine, beer and cocktails. Guests with their ghost guide will enter haunted pubs, taverns and bistros, including areas normally restricted to dining guests like creepy wine cellars!
Hanover
Bennett’s Curse Haunted Attraction
Arundel Mills Mall
Fridays and Saturdays September 25-October 4, 2009
Thursdays-Sundays October 8-25, 2009
October 28-31, 2009
Thursday & Sunday 7:00–10:00pm
Friday & Saturday 7:00-11:00pm
410-538-6461
www.bennettscurse.com
Named one of America’s Best Haunt for 2009 and one of the Top Ten Haunted Houses in the Untied States, Bennett’s Curse has been terrifying visitors since 2001. This medieval-themed frightfest offers some of the region’s scariest thrills and chills. Enter the deranged world of vampires, witches, and other undead creatures at your own risk!
Havre de Grace
A Haunted History and Walking Ghost Tour of Havre de Grace
October 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, 2009
7:00 and 8:30 pm
Reservations and payment required in advance
410-939-1811
www.mainstreethdg.org
Havre de Grace Main Street, Inc. kicks off its third annual Haunted History Tour. Come celebrate this fun night with history and ghost stories guaranteed to be enjoyed by all.
Spirit Walk
October 24, 2009
6 pm
Angel Hill Cemetery
410-939-5780
www.lockhousemuseum.org
Take an evening stroll through Angel Hill Cemetery where re-enactors will portray noted “residents.”
Kingsville
Creepywoods Haunted Forest
Huber’s Farm
October 3-26, 2009
Fri-Sat 7-11pm; Sunday 7-10 pm
410-538-6461
www.creepywoods.com
This intensely frightening walk-through a haunted trail through the forest is filled with monsters, tortured souls and terrifying creatures, and is only meant for the most courageous amongst the living. Prepare to face rogue villagers practiced in centuries of black magic and meet the 17-foot tall Pumpkin King…if you dare.
Lineboro
Bedlam in the Boro: Old-fashioned Haunted House and Hayride
Fridays and Saturdays October 9-31, 2009
6:30-10:30 pm
410-239-GHOST or 410-239-4467
www.lineborovfd.com/Haunt/
Hayrides depart from the Lineboro Volunteer Fire Department for a four-mile long hayride filled with gruesome sights, horrifying scenes and evil spaces. Afterwards enter the House of Horror for even more thrills and chills. Website contains a $2 off admission coupon.
The Bedlam Bypass offers youngsters a non-scary ride to a nearby pumpkin patch.
Savage
Ghost Walks in Historic Savage Mill
October 23, 24, 30, 31, 2009
8:00 pm
1-800-288-8747
410-313-1900
www.VisitHowardCounty.com
Shoppers can find antiques, artist’s studios and boutique stores, but visitors may also discover the still-present spirits from the Mill’s heyday in the 19th century. Learn the tragic tale of the Ghost of the Tower as well as the frightening story of the paymaster’s office and the ghost that has so scared workers that they quit their jobs on the spot!
Westminster
Self-Guided Ghost Walk
Carroll County Visitor Center
Year-Round
Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm; Sundays and most holidays, 10 am to 2 pm
1-800-272-1933
www.CarrollCountyTourism.org
Take yourself on a "spirited" walking tour of Westminster with eight stops including The Ascension Church where Legh Master is buried….but his ghost still haunts the area of Furnace Hills. Enjoy several other haunting tales including the "Cook's Night Out," "Headless Jailbird," and "Musical Barber" at the old Opera House. Pick up brochure from the Visitor Center or download from the website.
Ghost Stroll
Carroll County Public Library
October 7, 12, 16, 20, 22, 23, 26, 28, 2009
6:30 pm
Pre-registration required; ages 10- adult
410-386-4500 x 3196
http://library.carr.org
Escorted by a storyteller, this tour provides ghostly entertainment during an evening stroll to visit local ghosts and legends throughout Westminster. The walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles. Children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
CAPITAL REGION
Frederick
Candlelight Ghost Tours of Frederick
Fridays and Saturdays October 16- November 7; no tour October 31, 2009
7:30 pm
301-668-8922
www.marylandghosttours.com
Dressed in period costume, for over 90-minutes your tour guide will lead you through historic city streets and dark alleyways on a hauntingly fun adventure. Discover a mortuary turned museum that has not relinquished its dead among other historically accurate tales.
Manor Ghost Tale Tours
Rose Hill Manor Park/The Children’s and Farm Museum
October 10, 17, 24 & 31, 2009
7-9 pm
301-600-1650
www.rosehillmuseum.com
Hear spooky tales, seasonal stories, and learn about 19th century funeral rites and mourning rituals as interpreters lead tours of the manor at night. Appropriate for ages 10 and older.
Largo
Fright Fest
Six Flags America
Saturdays and Sundays, October 3- November 1, 2009, plus Friday, October 30, 2009
301-249-1500
www.sixflags.com/america
It’s thrills by day and chills by night for ghouls and goblins of all ages at Six Flags America. The family-friendly theme park is filled with thrilling rides and Halloween-themed shows during the day and transforms into creepy fun after dark! The highlight of Fright Fest 2009 is the return of THE HAUNTED TRAIN, taking visitors on a scream-inspiring tour that won’t soon be forgotten. The park also features such favorite Halloween attractions as the Bridge of Terror and designated scare zones where roller coasters aren’t the only things inspiring shrieks.
Riverdale
Goatman Hollow: The Chronicles of 36-427
Fridays and Saturdays, October 9-31
Fridays 8 pm to 10 pm; Saturdays 7 pm to 11:00pm
Not recommended for children under age 9; ages 10-13 must be accompanied by parent or guardian over age 18.
www.goatmanhollow.com
Filmed by the Discovery Channel for their “America’s Scariest Halloween Attractions” show, Goatman Hollow is not just a haunted house, but a theatrical extravaganza. Based on the urban legend of the half man, half goat that terrorizes the region, visitors are invited by an unknown agent only know through his code name of 36-427 to join the search for missing Agent Glenn Dale, last known to have visited The Dorsey Building which is rumored to contain many secrets pertaining to The Goatman.
Temple Hills
Haunted Hotel & Trail
Temple Hills Community Center
October 26, 30 & 31, 2009
6-9 pm
Ages 6 and up
301-894-6616
www.pgparks.com
Watch out for the zombies, witches and bats that reside in our haunted hotel and trail.
Upper Marlboro
Mayhem in Marlborough Ghost Walk
Darnall’s Chance House Museum
October 30-31, 2009
7-9 pm; tours begin every 20 minutes up to 9pm
Not for children under age 6
301-952-8010
www.pgparks.com
Take a spooky one-hour guided tour of historic Upper Marlboro replete with costumed guides, colonial spirits and mischief-makers.
Southern Maryland
Chesapeake Beach
Halloween Family Fun Night at the Waterpark
Chesapeake Beach Water Park
October 25, 2009
6:30 – 8 p.m.
410-257-1404, 301-855-3803
www.chesapeake-beach.md.us
A free family event held on the Sunday prior to Halloween. Come in costume and go through the haunted river, then go trick or treating throughout the park for your Halloween treats supplied by the Town and their local merchants. This event is geared towards elementary school age children.
Hollywood
Ghosts of Sotterley Tours - “This year … the ghosts can see you, too.”
Sotterley Plantation
October 15, 16, & 17, 2009
First Tour starts at 7 pm; tours run every 10 minutes; Reservations required
301-373-2280
www.sotterley.org
The year is 1812 and the war is on! Shots ring out both far and near, and the trees glow a burning orange. Is there nowhere safe? Deception abounds during this dramatic production; those you meet along the way are not as they appear. There will be a bonfire (weather permitting), refreshments for purchase, and ghostly music for the cost of $13 per person.
Huntingtown
Spirit Walks
Kings Landing Park will host several Spirit Walks this fall in honor of the park’s rich heritage. All Spirit Walks feature a bonfire and stories of the spirits that have inhabited Kings Landing. Bring a lawn chair, a special friend…the park ranger will supply the cider and marshmallows!
Not recommended for very young children.
410-535-2661
www.calvertparks.org
“Spirit Walk – Footsteps of our Grandfathers”
September 18, 2009, 6-8 pm
Stories pay tribute to our Native American ancestors and how they used our natural resources. Several tribes were noted in the area during the explorations of Capt. John Smith, the famous explorer.
“Spirit Walk – The Real Ghosts of Kings Landing”
October 16, 2009, 6-8 pm
Learn about Mr. James P. King, owner of Kings Landing during the early 1800s and the plantation days in Calvert County. Descendants of Mr. King and the plantation workers still live in Calvert County today still making use of Calvert’s natural resources.
“Spirit Walk – Colonial Spirits”
November 20, 2009, 6-8 pm
Tobacco brought the colonists here from England and Kings Landing was once a thriving tobacco farm. Hear stories of what life was like on the farm, on the river and in the woods during the colonial period in Calvert.
North Beach
Haunted Boardwalk
October 24, 2009
6 – 8 pm
North Beach (5th Street and Bay Avenue on the Boardwalk)
301-855-6681, 410-257-9618
www.ci.north-beach.md.us
Bring the children in costume to trick or treat on the Boardwalk. Local merchants will be handing out Halloween treats.
Solomons
Halloween in the Garden
October 24, 2009
11 am – 4 pm
Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center
410-326-4640
www.annmariegarden.org
Looking for something SPOOKtacular to do for Halloween? Bring the family for a safe and spook-free daytime trick-or-treating event. Children are able to meander through the woods along the paved pathway, free of vehicles, and receive candy from reputable organizations and businesses within their own community. Free ooky, spooky art activities are always provided. Dress the whole family and enjoy a day of trick-or-treating in the garden and unique photo opportunities with the boo-tiful decorations!
Monster Mash Cruise and Costume Contest
October 31, 2009
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Calvert Marine Museum
410-326-2042 ext. 41
www.calvertmarinemuseum.com
Board the Wm. B. Tennison oyster buy boat for a very special cruise for little goblins and their families. Pre-registration is required.
Western Maryland
Clear Spring
Ghost Walk
Fort Frederick State Park
October 24, 2009
7-9 pm
301-842-2155
www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/Fort_Frederick_2009_Events.pdf
Take a walk on the spooky side. Encounter ghostly travelers from the historic past of 253-year-old Fort Frederick - including the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. Visitors will walk through a guided ‘haunted’ trail where they will encounter costumed actors reenacting historical situations from the venerable fort's past.
Hagerstown
Haunted Hager House
October 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 25, 26, 2009
Tours at 7, 8 & 9:00 pm
Reservations required
301-739-8393
www.hagerhouse.org
Hear true stories of unexplained happenings at the circa 1730 home of Hagerstown's founder, Jonathan Hager, located in Hagerstown’s City Park.
Grim Reapings
October 29, 2009
Thursday, 7 pm
301-739-8393
www.hagerhouse.org
Did not get enough spooky stuff prior to October 31st? Join this post-Halloween lecture about America’s burial customs and superstitions from the 17th century to early 20th century at the Jonathan Hager House.
Williamsport
Terror at Creekside Manor
Fridays and Saturdays in October
301-223-6663
www.creeksidemanor.com
Located on the grounds of the Hagerstown KOA Campground, Creekside Manor advances the story of evil sisters Victoria and Mabel Mockenbury, proprietors of an historic inn along Conococheague Creek – or was it a house of ill repute? The evil women are to be buried this year and mourners include Hattie the headless nanny, Sheriff Palmer and other ghoulish characters.
EASTERN SHORE
Berlin
Spirits of Berlin
In-season on Wednesdays and October 31, 2009
8 pm
410-920-7200
http://spiritsofberlin.com
Every town has its secrets…come discover ours. Do the spirits still shuffle cards in a long ago speakeasy? Can a ghost come between husband and wife? Gather at the Atlantic Hotel to begin a 90-minute waking tour to discover the fascinating legends and lore of this charming historic town. Free October 31st tour with overnight package at either Atlantic Hotel or Fager’s Island in Ocean City.
Cambridge
Ghost Walk on Historic High Street
Saturdays, September 26-October 31, 2009
8 pm
410-228-7782
www.dorchesterartscenter.org
Historic High Street will soon teem with ghosts, folklore, fact and fantasy. Guides posing as spirits trapped in time will lead the brave-hearted along the historic street.
Chestertown
Ghost Walks of Chestertown
Fridays in October plus Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tour departs White Swan Tavern at 8pm
410-778-3499
www.kentcountyhistory.org
From the tales of a haunt in the attic of the house where George Washington really did sleep, to the Court House ghost that made international news a few years ago, guides will walk ticket holders through centuries of stories, told against a backdrop of local history. Hear ghost tales collected from folklore – such as the eloping maiden and the blood stained rock of White House Farm, and accounts of eerie lights in the cemetery where murderers were buried.
Denton
Haunted Tale Candle-Lit Walk
Oct. 23, 24 and 30, 2009
Tours depart at 7 pm and 7:30 pm from Museum of Rural Life, 16 N 2nd Street
410-479-0655
www.tourcaroline.com
Get your spook on at the Haunted Tale Candle-Lit Walk through Downtown Denton. Hear scary stories culled from the history of Denton, concluding with a hot beverage and sweet treat served back at the museum. Flashlights/reservations recommended. Join us if you dare.
Pocomoke City
A Delmarva Haunting
Delmarva Discovery Center
October 23-24, 2009
Time TBD
410-957-9933
www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org
This brand-new event takes classic regional folklore and ghost stories and turns them into scary haunts and gruesome scenes. In addition to the haunted house there will also be a family friendly Halloween event with games, crafts and a children’s haunted house.
Ridgely
Halloween Haunted Hayride
Adkin’s Arboretum
October 23 & 24, 2009
Friday, 8-10 pm; Saturday, 7-10 pm
410-634-2847
www.adkinsarboretum.org
Gather your courage and hop aboard a hay wagon to experience wicked witches cackling over a gruesome brew, ghosts and goblins appearing from the deep dark woods, a headless horseman tracking your every move, and smoke and screams hovering on the night air. Come dressed in costume and arrive 30 minutes early to compete in the costume contest. This event is co-sponsored with Tuckahoe State Park, Eastern Shore Jousting Association, and the Tuckahoe Equestrian Center.
St. Michaels
Ghost Tours
September – November 15, 2009
9pm nightly
Advance reservations required; minimum 6 people required for tour
888-312-7847
www.docksidexpress.com/ghosttours.html
Take a lantern-led stroll through St. Michaels to discover tales of ghosts, ghouls and very odd occurrences in this otherwise quiet Victorian-era village on the Chesapeake Bay.
Maryland
Various Towns and Dates
Halloween Horrors: Vampires & Witches
www.mystandlace.com/events.shtml
Local historian and master storyteller, Ed Okonowicz gives lectures on vampires and witches, two of the most horrifying Halloween-related creatures after ghosts. In October, he’ll appear in Joppa, Chestertown, Havre de Grace, and Finksburg. See website for specific dates and times.
