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This October, celebrate Halloween in the First State with ghost tours, haunted horror attractions and more spooky events…if you dare.
By Sydney Kerelo and Cam A. Johnson
Are you in the mood for chills and thrills, Delaware? Come October, the First State is home to a number of haunted attractions in honor of the Halloween season. Between spooky trails, houses and hayrides, this state has plenty to offer locals looking for a good scare. If you are looking for weekend of fear and fun while waiting for Halloween to finally arrive, check out these spooktacular attractions that will make your blood run cold.
New Castle County
Frightland
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 eight haunted horror attractions such as the two-mile Haunted Hayride, four indoor haunted houses and more. The haunted scream park celebrates its 25th season scaring Delawareans this year.
309 Port Penn Road, Middletown
Fort Delaware
This former harbor defense facility during the American Civil War is home to a three-hour paranormal investigation tour alongside Delaware State Ghost Investigators. Fort Delaware holds tours from October 1-23 starting at 6:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. Guests will be brought to the Fort on a ferry, and tickets are $50 for ages 13 and up.
45 Clinton St., Delaware City • 834-7941
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New Castle Historical Society’s Hauntings in History
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 through October 30, 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
Rockwood Paranormal Investigation
The Rockwood Mansion was featured on the popular TV show “Ghost Hunters,” and is still one of the most haunted places in the state of Delaware. This tour features an in-depth study of what paranormal activity lurks within the Rockwood Mansion using advanced equipment, and requires guests to be able to traverse many stairs. Visit this website to view upcoming tour dates.
4651 Washington St. Extension, Wilmington • 761-4340
RELATED: A Guide to Family-Friendly Fall Activities in Delaware This Season
Kent County
John Dickinson Plantation
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. If you want to witness this paranormal activity for yourself, check out the website to schedule a tour.
340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover • 739-3277
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Sussex County
The Cemetery House
Running for 29 years, The Cemetery House is one of the longest operating haunted houses on the Eastern Shore. This scary attraction is open from October 15-30 and features ghouls, zombies, creatures and more in order to give visitors a genuine scare. Visit the event’s Facebook page for details and accurate information about weather delays and closings.
205 W. 10th St., Laurel • Facebook
Nightmare’s Haunted House
Back for its 21st 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. For more information and to see a weekly roundup of “victim” reaction photos, visit the attraction’s Facebook page.
10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel • Facebook