Whether you’re already a diehard “spooky season” fan or are merely curious as to why Americans are so obsessed with Halloween, Pennsylvania is the place for you to visit in September and October. With typical temperatures ranging from 28 C (82 F) to 16 C (61 F) and a majority of days with sunshine, autumn in Pennsylvania is perfect for afternoons of strolling along gorgeous foliage, enjoying meals from freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, and joining in classic American activities such as baseball and football games. But after the sun sets – which can be as early as 5 p.m. – the spooks come out, churning up plenty of fun with ghost tours, costumed capers, and more. Like so many spirits, you’ll never want to leave.
Above: Field of Screams, Mountville
Zombies!
More than 50 years ago, George Romero filmed the classic flick, “Night of the Living Dead,” in Pennsylvania, breathing life into the undead — zombies! Dive deep into horror film history on Pennsylvania’s Trail of the Living Dead, which will take you the filming location of many of Romero’s iconic horror films, as well as other horror hits such as Silence of the Lambs. Along the way, stop in at the University of Pittsburgh to dig through the George A. Romero Archival Collection and see genuine screenplays, props, dailies, artwork and more.
M. Night Shyamalan
Most films written, directed, and produced by M. Night Shyamalan — arguably the modern master of the supernatural thriller – have been filmed near his home in Philadelphia. Stroll City Center Philadelphia and the surrounding neighbourhoods to immerse yourself in the world of Shyamalan’s masterpieces, including “The Sixth Sense,” “Signs,” “the Village,” the “Unbreakable” trilogy, and the series “Servant.”
Prison Poltergeists
Eastern State Penitentiary, located in Philadelphia, was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a haunting world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. Known for its grand architecture and strict discipline, this was the world’s first true “penitentiary,” a prison designed to inspire penitence, or true regret, in the hearts of prisoners. Visit in September, October, and early November for Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Travel a short distance north to Jim Thorpe for another haunted prison. In June 1877, one of the leaders of the Molly Maguires, a secret union of coal miners, was sentenced to his death at the Carbon County Jail. It is said that on his way to be executed, he slammed his hand on the wall and pronounced he didn’t commit the crime. He went on to proclaim that his handprint will remain as proof of his innocence. Years later, after cleaning, repainting and even remodelling, the handprint remains. To this day visitors can walk the cold hallways of the jail and view the mysterious handprint in cell 17. On the first three Saturdays in October, the Old Jail hosts ghost tours of the property.
Haunted Battlefields
Satisfy your ghostly cravings with a trip to Gettysburg, the site of the largest, costliest, and deadliest battle of the American Civil War and a well-known hang-out for the ghostly crowd. It is on these hallowed grounds that many of the 7,058 known dead Union and Confederate soldiers and upwards of 11,000 missing are believed to still roam this earth. Several organizations offer a variety of narrated tours, such as the Ghosts of Gettysburg candlelight walking tour.
Fields of Fright
Known as “Pumpkin Alley” by day, farmlands in Mountville, near Lancaster, invoke terror after nightfall as “Field of Screams.” Named the top haunted attraction in America by several publications, Field of Screams boasts four uniquely frighteningly attractions, including a four-story haunted house and a horrifying hayride. Prepare to be chased by monsters wielding chainsaws at this scream-worthy site.
Haunted Hill
Haunted Hill View Manor once housed the county’s mentally ill, severely destitute, and elderly residents who didn’t have any known family. The home is now one of the most haunted houses in western Pennsylvania. Curious visitors have reported activity including voices, footsteps, being touched, doors slamming, things moving on their own, and the sighting of various apparitions. According to folklore, if you lay eyes on a little boy dubbed “Jeffrey,” who appears to be about six or seven years of age, you would die soon after – although no documented deaths have been attributed, so far. For more paranormal contact, go to room 105 if you dare to encounter the home of a former patient named Mary Virginia. Haunted Hill View Manor is open to public investigations, overnight investigations, paranormal conventions, tours, and more.
Asylums, Morgues, and More
Head to the Pennhurst Asylum to send chills down your spine. The hospital-themed, walk-through attraction features items and artifacts that were part of the original government institution for people with physical or learning disabilities. Today, the facility is also an attraction that combines high-tech animatronics, digital sound, and motivated actors, as well as fine detail and realism to create a terrifying experience. While visiting, guests will brave the Legendary Pennhurst Asylum, the Morgue, and the Pennhurst Tunnels.
Costumed Celebrations
The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is one of the largest renaissance fairs in the United States. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes anytime, but during the last three weekends of October, the festival descends into a Halloween storyline. Frightful events take place throughout the day as well as trick-or-treating (for all ages!), a costume contest, and more.
Edgar Allan Poe
Celebrated American Gothic horror poet and novelist Edgar Allan Poe resided in Philadelphia during his most productive period, drafting many of his most famous works in his Seventh Street home that is now a National Historic Site. The house is easily identifiable by the statue outside dedicated to “The Raven,” Poe’s famous poem that is recited beneath the shadow if this looming bird.
Spooky Amusement Parks
If roller coasters alone don’t give you enough of a fright, several of Pennsylvania’s amusement parks hold special Halloween-themed events.
Kennywood, near Pittsburgh, hosts Phantom Fall Fest with seven haunted houses and four scare zones that include zombies, voodoo priestesses, vampires, and monsters.
In Central Pennsylvania, visit Knoebels Amusement Resort in October for Hallo-Fun, which offers a range of traditional fall activities and frightful haunts.
In Hershey, visit HersheyPark for Hersheypark Halloween trick-or-treating during the day and Dark Nights after sundown.
At Sesame Place, near Philadelphia, you can join Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, and your other favorite Muppets in celebrating The Count’s Halloween Spooktactular, a family-friendly Halloween haven complete with decorations, costumes, and trick-or-treating.
For more reasons why Pennsylvania is the place to visit for Halloween, check out visitPA.com.
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About Greg Evans Consultancy
Greg Evans Consultancy is a leading marketing and consulting firm specializing in the travel and tourism industry. With a proven track record of success, the consultancy offers innovative strategies, digital solutions, and branding expertise to destinations worldwide. Their mission is to help clients elevate their brand presence, drive visitor engagement, and achieve long-term growth in the highly competitive travel industry.
About Pennsylvania Tourism Office
Visit Pennsylvania is the official tourism office for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Their mission is to promote Pennsylvania as a premier travel destination, highlighting the state’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and diverse attractions. The office works with industry partners and stakeholders to enhance visitor experiences, drive economic growth, and showcase the vibrant offerings of the state to a global audience.
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