There are plenty of thrills to be had across the mountain state this month. Here are a few you may want to check out.
• Every Wednesday – Sunday until Oct. 31: “Hysteria” Haunted House – A Live Haunted Attraction, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston, 304-269-5070; http://www.theasylumwv.com/; http://www.trans-alleghenylunaticasylum.com/
What better place to get into the spirit of Halloween than at the spooky old mental hospital? The abandoned site hosts a family-friendly fall festival, paranormal tours, and a haunted house, “Hysteria,” where a demented doctor has brought his patients’ nightmares to life. Tickets are $20 per person. Anyone age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
• Oct. 16-18 and 23-25: Boo at the Zoo, Oglebay Resort, Wheeling, 800-624-6988; www.oglebay-resort.com
Don’t miss this special opportunity to dress up and visit the zoo after dark! All participants receive bags at the door to stash the candy you will collect at eight treat stations scattered throughout the zoo. Additional activities taking place include a LASER show at the Benedum Theater and a spooky special Halloween-themed train ride.
• Oct. 16-18, 23-25, 27, 29-31: Dungeon of Horrors, Moundsville, 304-845-6200; dungeonofhorrors@wvpentours.com; www.wvpentours.com
Experience the fright of being locked in a cell, the fear of being lost in a maze, and the terror of an eerie walk through the dungeon of horrors. Do you have what it takes to make it through? The Dungeon of Horrors is not recommended for ages under 13. However, Oct. 27 is designated Family Night and approved for age 7-12.
• Oct. 17: 19th Annual Halloween Party and Haunted House, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, 304-259-5216; http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/special.htm
Blackwater Falls State Park hosts an evening of spooky fun for students up to 7th grade level. Activities include a costume contest and games followed by a walk through the Haunted Area if you dare. Activities take place rain, snow or sunshine.
• Oct. 24-31: 3rd Annual Boo!Fest, Shepherdstown, 304-876-2786; http://shepherdstown.info/events/shepherdstown-boofest/; https://www.facebook.com/ShepherdstownBooFest?fref=ts
Celebrate Shepherdstown’s hauntings and history during Halloween week with films, tours, costume parade, storytelling, Vampire Ball, and trick-or-treating. There will be a wide variety of activities for everyone to enjoy.
• Oct. 30-31: C-K AutumnFest and Pumpkin House, Ceredo and Kenova, 304-360-1381; www.ckautumnfest.com
Events and activities include a craft show, cruise-in, tractor show, haunted trail, old-fashioned bake-off, home canning competition, scavenger hunt, kid’s activities and more. Visit the Pumpkin House which has thousands of carved pumpkins on display.
• Oct. 31: Halloween at Cass, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, Cass, 304-456-4300, ext. 111; http://www.cassrailroad.com/
Celebrate Halloween at Cass with a costume contest, activities for all ages, haunted places and other scheduled events for the day and evening.
• Oct. 31: Halloween Party, North Bend State Park, Cairo, 304-643-2931; www.northbendsp.com
Celebrate Halloween at North Bend State Park with games, prizes, costume contest, crafts, and much more.
• Oct. 31: Halloween Train, Cass Scenic Railroad, Cass, 866-460-7265; http://mountainrailwv.com/
There will be ghosts, goblins and surprises in store on this night ride to Whittaker Station! The train departs at 6 p.m. Reservations required.
• Oct. 31: Mystery, Mayhem and Murder in West Virginia, Blackwater Falls State Park, Davis, 304-259-5216; http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/special.htm
An evening of ghost stories that reveal the darker side of Appalachian folklore is presented by special guest Jo Ann Dadisman. Enjoy the ghost stories, the mysteries and the “un” normal events that shaped an emerging state and its people. Not recommended for the very young or faint-hearted.
