Autumn in Lancaster County is truly magical, especially for those with a taste for the spooky side of life. Every October, the region comes alive with haunted attractions that range from eerie to downright spine-chilling. From the thrills at Field of Screams to the family-friendly fun at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, there’s something for every Halloween enthusiast, young and old.

But have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a place where you’re close to all these thrilling attractions? Imagine being able to visit a different haunted spot each weekend, and still make it home for hot cider by the fire! Let’s dive into Lancaster County’s most talked-about Halloween attractions, and I’ll also share some great reasons why Lancaster is a wonderful place to call home year-round.

Haunted Attractions for Thrill Seekers

Field of Screams

Location: Mountville, PA
Contact: Field of Screams | (717) 285-7748
Details: Known nationwide as one of the most terrifying haunted attractions, Field of Screams offers four haunting experiences: the Frightmare Asylum, Den of Darkness, Haunted Hayride, and Nocturnal Wasteland. Each haunt is packed with jump scares, intense effects, and professional actors that bring your nightmares to life. It’s intense, so maybe leave the little ones at home for this one! Field of Screams also features live entertainment, games, and food vendors to round out your spooky experience.

Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride

Location: Glen Mills, PA
Contact: The Bates Motel | (610) 459-0647
Details: Inspired by the legendary Bates Motel, this attraction features a haunted house, a terrifying haunted hayride through a cursed forest, and a haunted corn trail that’s sure to chill your bones. For those who crave next-level fear, the Bates Motel delivers Hollywood-style special effects and immersive scares. It’s been terrifying guests for over 30 years and continues to top “must-visit” haunted attraction lists.

Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls

Location: Philadelphia, PA
Contact: Terror Behind the Walls | (215) 236-3300
Details: Located in a historic prison, Eastern State’s “Terror Behind the Walls” is one of the nation’s scariest Halloween attractions. Visitors can explore six haunted zones within the penitentiary’s eerie corridors, each bringing a different theme and a bone-chilling experience. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a must-see for thrill-seekers!

Jason’s Woods

Location: Lancaster, PA
Contact: Jason’s Woods | (717) 872-5768
Details: A Lancaster classic, Jason’s Woods combines a Haunted Hayride with multiple haunted houses, including Lost in Jason’s Woods and Chamber of Horrors. With unique special effects, sound design, and a team of dedicated actors, Jason’s Woods has become one of Lancaster’s most beloved haunted attractions. Don’t miss out on their “live” nighttime entertainment and food vendors to keep you fueled for the fun.

Pennhurst Asylum

Location: Spring City, PA
Contact: Pennhurst Asylum | (484) 886-6080
Details: Located in a real, abandoned asylum, Pennhurst offers multiple terrifying attractions including a haunted asylum, a morgue, and a haunted hospital. With professional sets and actors, Pennhurst Asylum takes realism to a whole new level, giving you a haunting experience that’s as close to real as it gets.

Family-Friendly Halloween Fun

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm’s Harvest Festival

Location: Ronks, PA
Contact: Cherry Crest Adventure Farm | (717) 687-6843
Details: The Harvest Festival at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm is a beloved family-friendly tradition in Lancaster. Enjoy pumpkin picking, a massive corn maze, hayrides, a pumpkin slinger, and farm animals. This attraction is perfect for a daytime Halloween outing with the family, providing hours of fun for kids and parents alike without any frights.

Dutch Wonderland’s Happy Hauntings

Location: Lancaster, PA
Contact: Dutch Wonderland | (866) 386-2839
Details: Dutch Wonderland goes all out for Halloween with “Happy Hauntings,” transforming into a kid-friendly Halloween wonderland. Kids can go trick-or-treating along themed trails, ride Halloween-themed rides, and enjoy live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to bring little ones for a safe, not-too-scary Halloween adventure!

Funk’s Mini Golf Haunted Barnyard and Mini-Golf

Location: Elizabethtown, PA
Contact: Funk’s Mini Golf | (717) 367-9880
Details: This Halloween, Funk’s offers a less intense haunted barnyard attraction and a mini-golf course decked out in Halloween decor. This spooky, low-key experience is perfect for families who want a bit of Halloween fun without any big scares.

Hersheypark in the Dark

Location: Hershey, PA
Contact: Hersheypark | (717) 534-3900
Details: Hersheypark’s “Hersheypark in the Dark” offers something for every family member. With trick-or-treating, select rides open after dark, and Hershey-themed Halloween decor, kids and adults alike can indulge in Halloween festivities at this iconic amusement park.

Sesame Place’s The Count’s Halloween SpooktacularLocation: Langhorne, PA
Contact: Sesame Place | (215) 752-7070
Details: Little ones can celebrate Halloween at Sesame Place with The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular! Enjoy a Halloween-themed parade, trick-or-treating, and interactive shows featuring beloved Sesame Street characters. Perfect for younger children who will love seeing their favorite characters in costume

Ghost Tours and Mystery Walks

For those curious about the history behind Lancaster’s spookier side, there are many ghost tours available throughout the county. These are family-friendly and add a bit of suspense without the frights of traditional haunted houses:

Ghost Tours of Lancaster

Location: Lancaster, PA
Contact: Ghost Tours of Lancaster | (717) 687-6687
Details: Offering a historic twist to Halloween, Ghost Tours of Lancaster provides a captivating tour of Lancaster’s haunted past. Great for kids and adults alike, these tours cover the legends and lore of Lancaster without any jump scares.

Strasburg Railroad’s Halloween-Themed Rides

Location: Ronks, PA
Contact: Strasburg Railroad | (866) 725-9666
Details: This year, hop aboard the Spooky Halloween Train or the trick-or-treat-friendly Pumpkin Train for a Halloween experience like no other. Strasburg Railroad’s themed rides provide a unique way to celebrate the season with younger family members.

Elmwood Park Zoo’s Boo at the ZooLocation: Norristown, PA
Contact: Elmwood Park Zoo | (610) 277-3825
Details: “Boo at the Zoo” allows kids to dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat through the zoo. With treat stations, Halloween decor, and animal encounters, it’s a fantastic family-friendly event for Halloween lovers who prefer animals over jump scares.

Why Lancaster County is the Perfect Place to Call Home

While Lancaster County is rich in autumn festivities, its appeal goes beyond seasonal events. Here’s why Lancaster should be on your list if you’re considering a move:

• Community and History: Lancaster boasts a welcoming, tight-knit community with a rich history that’s visible in its beautifully preserved architecture. Whether you’re strolling through downtown Lancaster or exploring the historic Amish farmlands, there’s an undeniable charm that gives the area a timeless feel.
• Accessible Location: Living in Lancaster puts you in proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and even New York City—all within a few hours’ drive. You can enjoy small-town tranquility while being close enough to major urban hubs to take advantage of cultural attractions, top-notch restaurants, and employment opportunities.
• Variety of Homes: Lancaster’s real estate market offers something for everyone, from historic brick homes downtown to sprawling farmhouses surrounded by scenic pastures. As an experienced realtor in the area, I’d love to help you explore these options and find a home that fits your lifestyle and dreams.
• Affordable Living: Compared to nearby metropolitan areas, Lancaster offers a relatively affordable cost of living, particularly when it comes to housing. This affordability makes it an attractive choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Whether you’re moving for a job, seeking a quieter lifestyle, or simply love the idea of being surrounded by nature and history, Lancaster County provides an ideal environment. And if Halloween is your favorite time of year, you’ll never run out of seasonal events to enjoy here!

Parting Thoughts: Lancaster, Halloween, and Finding Your Dream Home

As you plan your Halloween adventures this year, imagine being able to enjoy these events as a Lancaster local. If you’ve ever felt drawn to a place that balances rich history, a strong community, and unbeatable fall festivities, Lancaster County may just be your dream destination. I’d love to help you explore the real estate options here and make this special place your permanent home.

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How do I know all of these great Lancaster Local Secrets? I am a local real estate agent and resident of Lancaster for more than 30 years!

For more information on buying or selling homes in Lancaster County:
Call Mary Sue at 717-333-9653 (WOLF) or visit our real estate website at www.MarySueWolfRealEstate.com.

No home is too big or too small for our team. We cannot wait to hear from you!

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