TCD’s 2012 Halloween Guide

Halloween season is once again upon us! Whether you're into haunted houses or prefer a peaceful pumpkin patch, TCD's 2012 Halloween Guide has you covered.

By - Oct 10th, 2012 08:19 am

Happy Halloween from ThirdCoast Digest! (Photo from the 2011 Bay View Pumpkin Pavilion, by Jennell Jenney)

You know autumn has arrived when suddenly everything you consume is pumpkin flavored, but festive food flavors aren’t the only thing to look forward to as the falling leaves and ever earlier nights also usher in Halloween season.

Whether you’re fearless or very much fear-full, we’ve covered all levels of spook. From scream-inducing haunted houses to family friendly pumpkin patches, our comprehensive list will guide you through this Halloween season.

HAUNTED HOUSES

Mars Haunted House

Mars offers a unique twist in that their haunted house is actually haunted. Years ago on the second floor, an unfortunate murder took place, and since then, there have been many unusual and unexplained occurrences. Some guests who dare enter this ghostly house say they can feel the presence of something inhuman.

  • Where: 734 W. Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee 53204
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7-11:30 p.m.
    • Sundays and Oct. 24, 25, 31 from 7-10 p.m.

Haunted High

Although this high school has been abandoned for 90 years, it has been rumored that some former students and staff never left. This is the fourth and final year for Haunted High and according to many reviews; it’s one you don’t want to miss.

  • Where: 550 E. Forest St., Oconomowoc 53066
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7-10:30 p.m.
    • Additional “Lights On” tour Sunday, Oct. 14 and regular tour Oct. 25, both at 7 p.m

Image from Hauntfest (at State Fair Park)’s website.

Hauntfest

It may be the only heated haunt in Wisconsin, but I wouldn’t recommend getting to comfortable in this 20,000 square foot house of horror. Not only do you get two terrifying tours for the price of one, students receive discounted admission with valid ID.

  • Where: State Fair Park, Gate 4, 1200 S. 84th St, Milwaukee 53214
  • When: Every Friday-Sunday from Oct. 12 –Nov. 3
    • Fridays from 7 p.m. – Midnight
    • Saturdays, “Lights On” tour 3-5 p.m., regular tours 6 p.m.-Midnight
    • Sundays 6-9 p.m.
    • Additional dates: Oct. 18, 24, 25, 31 from 7-10 p.m.

Haunted Woods

Doesn’t an outdoor setting instantly increase the creepy factor? Be prepared to enter a forbidden forest that claims to “make all your worst nightmares come true.”

  • Where: Bear Den Zoo, 6834 Big Bend Rd., Waterford 53185
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7 – 11 p.m.

Burial Chamber

Cemeteries are eerie, haunted houses on top of cemeteries are even more eerie. 130-year-old skeletal remains from an unmarked cemetery were found beneath the foundation during renovations at the over 80-year-old warehouse that hosts Burial Chamber. The dirt floor of the warehouse remains unfinished from when unsettled workers refused to continue the construction for fear they would lose their “sanity.”

  • Where: 500 N. Lake Street, Neenah 54956
  • When: Every Friday-Sunday in October
    • Friday-Saturday from 7-11:30 p.m.
    • Sundays and Oct. 18, 24, 25, 31 from 7-10 p.m.

Dominion of Terror

This elusive haunted house has been a regular for over 30 years. That’s three decades of scare knowledge to make you forever afraid of the dark.

  • Where: 2024 North 15th Street, Sheboygan, 53081
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7- 10 p.m.
    • Matinee Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m.
    • Additional dates: Oct. 25, 28-31 from 7-10 p.m.

Fright Hike

Warm hot cocoa and a pleasant crackling bonfire serve as rewards for guests who are able to survive the haunted mile hike through Lapham Peak State Park. Remember, the rustling and screaming you hear on your trek are not from friendly forest creatures…

  • Where: Lapham Peak, W329 N846 Co. C, Delafield, 53018
  • When: Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 from 5:30-9 p.m.

Splatter Haus

One of the characters you’ll meet at the Splatter Haus.

Two Rivers may be a humble city of only about 12,000 residents, but don’t let that small town charm fool you. This city knows how to create one hell of a haunted house. Be warned, it’s called Splatter Haus for a reason and is not appropriate for the faint of heart.

  • Where: 1912 Columbus St., Two Rivers, 54241
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 7:15 p.m. – Midnight
    • Oct. 5-6 and Nov. 2-3 from 7:15-11 p.m.
    • Additional dates: Oct. 21, 28 from 6:45- 9 p.m.

Wisconsin Fear Grounds

Rated the “Number one haunt in Wisconsin,” as well as selected as one of “America’s Best Haunts,” the fear grounds speak for themselves as to the utterly terrifying experience you will endure.

  • Where: 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, 53188
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October from 6:45-11:30 p.m.
    • Additional dates: Oct. 25, 28, 31 from 6:45 -9 p.m.

Hubertus House of Horror

You’ll never think about the saying “Home Sweet Home,” the same way after a traumatizing visit to this possessed house. Operating for 29 years, this haunted house has only grown more horrifying with age.

  • Where: 3733 Hubertus Road,  Hubertus, 53033
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October
    • Fridays starting at 7 p.m.
    • Saturdays starting at 6:30 p.m.

Hartford Jaycees Haunted House

This farmhouse has retired from butchering livestock to butchering humans instead. Don’t be so proud if you are able to make it through the first level alive, for there are two more to endure that will surely challenge your nerves.

  • Where: 620 Baehring Drive, Slinger, 53086
  • When: Every Friday and Saturday in October
    • Fridays from 7-11 p.m.
    • Saturdays from 6:30-11 p.m.
    • Kid’s matinee, Oct. 20, 12-4 p.m.
    • Additional dates: Oct .25, 7-10 p.m.

FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN

Boo at the Zoo

For families looking to embrace the Halloween season on a more PG scale, Boo at the Zoo offers tame and kid-friendly activities, such as a Haystack Maze and an exciting train ride through the park.

  • Where: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 West Blue Mound Road, Milwaukee, 53226
  • When: Friday, Oct. 19 and Saturday Oct. 20 from 6-9 p.m.

Halloween Fling

The characters of Eric Carle, author of such popular kid’s books as The Mixed-Up Chameleon and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, will greet guests along a nature hike that will end with smores around a campfire.

  • Where: Schlitz Audubon Nature Center, 1111 E. Brown Deer Road, Milwaukee, 53217
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4-8 p.m.

Not-So-Scary Halloween

After treating themselves to an array of delicious snacks, youngsters, who are encouraged to dress in costume, will also be treated with a performance by First Stage Children’s Theater and have the opportunity to create a variety of Halloween crafts.

  • Where: Betty Brinn Children’s Museum, 929 East Wisconsin Avenue, Milwaukee, 53202
  • When: Thursday-Friday Oct.25-26 from 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 27, 12-4 p.m.

Illusions of the Night

The 23rd annual Halloween show, created by magician David Seebach, is back once again to mystify guests. Take caution though, magic tends not only to attract human guests, but inhuman ones as well. Try not to be surprised if a ghost happens to join alongside you in the audience.

  • Where: Greenfield Performing Arts Center, 4800 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, 53220
  • When: Friday, Oct.19-21 and Thursday, Oct. 25-27
    • Oct. 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 at 7:30 p.m
    • Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. and additional 2 p.m. times Oct. 20, 27

Halloween Haunt

Nestled in a small forest, the Halloween Haunt will not only take families on a spooky hike on jack-o-lantern lit trails, it will also educate guests on some of Halloween’s most notorious animals.

  • Where: Wehr Nature Center, 9701 W. College Ave., Franklin, 53132
  • When: Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 18-20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Pumpkin Pavilion

Once again the Bay View Neighborhood Association is inviting participants to get creative with their pumpkin carving at their annual Pumpkin Pavilion. The neighborhood association will “unveil” the carved pumpkins at the Grand Lighting Friday, Oct. 19 that will also feature a live band.

  • Where: Humbolt Park Pavilion, 3000 S. Howell Avenue, Milwaukee, 53207
  • When: Pumpkin Carving, Wednesday, Oct.17 at Club Garibaldi and Oct. 18 at Humboldt Park
    • Pumpkins displayed Oct. 19-20 at Humbolt Park Pavilion

Ghosts Under Glass

Ghouls and goblins mingle with the geraniums and gardenias in the Bloom and Doom Dome at the Mitchell Park Domes. Jugglers and famous team mascots are ready in the lobby to calm guest’s post-dome jitters from their spooky walk through the ghostly gardens.

  • Where: Mitchell Park Domes, 524 S. Layton Blvd., Milwaukee, 53215
  • When: Call for times, 414-257-7275

Meadowbrook Pumpkin Farm

Meadowbrook is your catch-all for fall-fun. With pumpkin patches, hay rides, and a haunted corn maze that runs until midnight, there are enough activities to entertain the whole crowd, tots, teens and parents alike!

  • Where: 2970 Mileview Rd, West Bend, 53095
  • When: Open daily from 10 a.m.- 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.- Midnight

Halloween Glen 

Visitors gather around a campfire at Hawthorn Glen Park

Lions and tigers and…wait a second. Actors will be dressed in, not evil clown costumes, but non-alarming forest animal costumes as a fun way to educate youngsters on Hawthorn Glen’s family-friendly Halloween-alternative nature hike. The event will take place rain or shine and will also include an array of craft activities.

  • Where: Hawthorn Glen, 1130 North 60th Street,  Milwaukee, 53208
  • When: Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13, every half-hour starting at 6 p.m.

Halloween Hauntings

Rapunzel, long hair and all, will enchant the museum during the two not-so-scary nights which will also include activities such as face painting. Don’t worry adults, there will also be a grown-up oriented ghost tour through the museum as well as a presentation by the Paranormal Investigators of Milwaukee to balance out the night of children’s activities.

  • Where: Milwaukee Public Museum, 800 West Wells Street,  Milwaukee, 53233
  • When: Thursday, Oct. 25 and Friday, Oct. 26 from 6-9 p.m.

Kohl’s Art Generation Family Sundays: Dia de los Muertos

Enjoy a non-traditional Halloween season activity at this year’s Dia de los Muertos event at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Learn about the Mexican celebration of life while having fun creating holiday themed crafts.

  • Where: Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 North Art Museum Drive, 53202
  • When: Sunday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Kids Caribbean Pirates Cruise

Children will join forces with Captain Jack to help defend Milwaukee from pirate attack. Water balloons and cannons will be the first line of defense on this hour and a half long cruise that will also include a lunch buffet.

  • Where: Milwaukee River Cruise Line, 205 W. Highland Ave, 53203
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m.

Halloween Pajama Jamboree

Hosted by the Festival City Symphony, children and adults alike are encouraged to dress in pajamas or costumes and enjoy familiar tunes such as Henry Mancini’s “Pink Panther.”

  • Where: TBA
  • When: Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m.

Casper at The Rosebud

Casper is a classic Halloween ghost movie. This Halloween equivalent of “A Christmas Story” is enjoyable for kids of all ages, just don’t forget the popcorn!

  • Where: Rosebud Theater, 6823 W. North Avenue, 53213
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 27 at noon

Click here for Trick or Treat times in your neighborhood!

HALLOWEEN FUN FOR ADULTS…

Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror experience is truly one of a kind. Don’t be afraid if it is your first time attending, Halloween is the perfect time to start the tradition.

  •  Where: Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee, 2230 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, 53202
  • When: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-27 at midnight

 Night of the Living Dead: The Puppet Show

You are a champion, having survived all haunted houses, ghost walks and spooktacular parties, why not reward yourself with some comedic relief? These aren’t your Sesame Street puppets educating you on ABC’s, but instead zombie puppets whose knowledge is based in subjects more along the lines of Boondock Saints. Need I say more?

  •  Where: Oriental Theatre, 2230 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, 53202
  • When: Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 7:30

Radio Milwaukee Halloween

If you are searching for an authentic Milwaukee Halloween party, look no further than the “Creatures and Creators Halloween Party” hosted by Radio Milwaukee and Made in Milwaukee. Local talents such as The Fatty Acids will perform and the event will also feature a Made in Milwaukee Fashion Show.

  • Where: Turner Hall Ballroom,1034 North 4th Street, Milwaukee, 53203
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.

Secret Labs

The aliens are here, and they do not come in peace. Your only chance of survival lies in the hands of Dr. Flatline, Jane, Tommy and an intelligent, floating, robotic eye named Rubric. Be prepared for a uniquely exciting performance kicked off by the music of Uncle Larry.

  • Where: Discovery World, 500 North Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, 53202
  • When: Sunday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m.

Mad Planet’s Costume Party

As the Halloween season comes to an end, why not go out with a bang? The DJs will take care of the music; all you have to worry about is having a good time at this all night dance party.

  •  Where: Mad Planet, 533 East Center Street, Milwaukee, 53212-2956
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 27 at 9 p.m.

Pre-Apocalypse Halloween Party

Although we have roughly another two months until the world ends in December, why not make the most of our last couple months of existence and party! Come clad in your most apocalyptic drab and  you’ll have a chance of winning the costume contest. Or forget the theme altogether and still be eligible to win a separate costume contest. And don’t worry, there will be plenty of music and booze to drown out any concerns you may have while celebrating the end of the world.

  • Where: Riverwest Public House, 815 East Locust Street  Milwaukee, 53212
  • When: Friday, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m.

Zombie Apocalypse Group Bike Ride

It’s the night of the living dead! Don’t even bother trying to run because unlike the  zombies you seen in movies, these ones are coordinated and  equipped with bikes. This is Milwaukee Bicycle Community’s third annual zombie bike ride and if history is any indicator, it will be a ridiculously fun night ending with a an after-party at Stonefly Brewing Company.

  • Where: Gordon Park, 2828 N. Humboldt Blvd, 53212
  • When: Friday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m.

Brew City Bombshells Burlesque Best of Halloween Milwaukee Extravaganza

The Brew City Bombshells are a well-known group throughout the city and have performed at a variety of venues including the Milwaukee Public Art Museum for MAM After Dark. The evening not only includes a unique burlesque performance, but also a costume contest and after-party that promises to keep you dancing.

  • Where: Rosebud Theater, 6823 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, 53213
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 27 at 9:30 p.m.

Spectacular Spooky Halloween Hip Hop Freaky Funk Blues Soul Extravaganza

Have you read the event title? Good, ‘nough said. In case that isn’t enough convincing however, party-goers who dress in costume get half-off admission and are eligible to enter a costume contest whose winner will receive a signed print from one of the featured artist, a gift certificate to RCafe in the Milwaukee Public Library as well as gift certificate to the MPL bookseller.

  • Where: Cactus Club, 2496 S Wentworth Ave, Milwaukee, 53207
  • When: Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.

Umphrey’s McGee PresentsMilwaukee’s Beast.”

Back for their fifth year in Milwaukee, Umphrey McGee is well-known to deliver a great show. It’s unpredictability is sure to hold the interest of audience members of all kinds.

  • Where: The Riverside Theater, 116 West Wisconsin Avenue, 53203
  • When: Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

Ghost Tours

Once known as “The Bloody Third” in the 19th Century, ghosts still haunt the Historic Third Ward. Although there aren’t any ghouls or goblins waiting to scare, you might just find the real ghost stories may be even more haunting.

  • Where: Milwaukee Public Market, 400 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, 53202
  • When: Typically Friday nights, however, dates vary, call ahead of time, 414-367-8326

OFF THE HAUNTED PATH…

Halloween Dinner Theater: ‘Frankenstein’

Frankenstein isn’t your typical love story, but despite being a tormented and restless creature, he still has the capacity to long for a companion. Guests will enjoy this theater production of Frankenstein by R.N. Sandberg while dining on such delicacies as Frankenstein’s Oven Roasted Beef Tenderloin, and Graveyard Cake. Guests should dress for the weather and come with an appetite!

  • Where: Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Hwy 67, Eagle, 53119
  • When: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 12-14
    • Friday at 7 p.m.
    • Saturday 5 and 8 p.m.
    • Sunday 5 p.m.
  • Additional days Oct. 18-21 and Oct. 25-28

Morbid Curiosity

Traditional works of art such as paintings, photography and jewelry take a turn to the dark side as artists fashion works themed for the Halloween season. Inspired by what you see? The artists invite you back to the gallery to create your own artwork on Saturday from 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

  • Where: James Steeno Gallery,5700 W Vilet Street, 53208
  • When: Saturday, Oct. 26 from 5-9 p.m.

Port Washington Ghost Walk

Port Washington may be pleasant by day, but by night, the city reveals it’s darker truths. Go behind the city’s charming facade and learn about it’s haunting secrets during two hour long guided tour.

  • Where: Wisconsin Chair Company, 218 E. Main Street, Port Washington, 53074
  • When: Oct. 26, 27 from 6- 9:45 p.m., tours every half an hour and Sunday, Oct. 28 from 6-915 p.m.

PUMPKIN PATCHES…        

 

TCD’s editors will be updating this guide through the end of the month. If there’s something you know of that isn’t in the guide, let us know in the comments below. Happy Halloween!

0 thoughts on “TCD’s 2012 Halloween Guide”

  1. Anonymous says:

    Blatant Self-Promotion Alert! I’d love to add another event to your “Off the Haunted Path” selection: The Port Washington Ghost Walk. Brought to you by the folks who did the Riverside Theater Haunted History Tours last Halloween season. This is our 3rd year and the ghost walk in Port Washington has become really popular. We’re doing it all 3 nights of Halloween weekend.

    (Stay tuned for info on the Riverside for 2013)

  2. Anonymous says:

    Don’t forget The Quasimondo Milwaukee Physical Theatre’s production of “Halloween Tree,” inspired by Ray Bradbury’s fantasy novel. Take in the views of dancing skeletons and listen to the notes of the accordion drift through the air alongside the smell of fresh-cut pumpkin as you follow a troop of young boys around the world and through the origins of Halloween in search of their best friend Pipkin. The production runs Thurs. Oct. 25 through Nov. 3 and addresses our desire at Halloween to “venture into darkness and recoil into light.” For a preview and more information, visit http://www.thequasimondo.com or call 414-702-0392.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Thank you for the addition!

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