Haunted, Historic & Spooky Things to Do in Northeast Kansas
Crisp fall air, colorful leaves, and just a hint of something spooky make October an especially fun time to explore Northeast Kansas. From haunted hotels and historic cemeteries to enchanted forests, Halloween celebrations and eerie after-dark adventures, communities across the region offer plenty of ways to embrace the season.
Kansas City, KS
Hell Night at Lakeside Speedway is a live, interactive drama that immerses you in a gripping, edge-of-your-seat experience. You’ll transported into a world of intense, real-life scenarios where fear, suspense and darkness collide. Through vivid performances and chilling scenes, the drama explores the consequences of life's darkest choices, creating a haunting atmosphere that leaves you captivated and uneasy.
Lawrence
Some spirits find it hard to leave Lawrence, and we don't blame them. With a pre-Civil War history as fiery and volatile as ours, Lawrence has more than a few ghosts and haunts.
Lawrence's history of urban legends is why Eric Kripke, creator of the cult drama Supernatural, chose Lawrence as the birthplace of evil-fighting adventurers Sam and Dean Winchester.
Those who know Lawrence are likely familiar with the Eldridge Hotel from its presence on iconic Massachusetts Street in downtown Lawrence, but how much do you know about its history? First built by New England settlers in 1855 as the Free State Hotel, it was attacked and burned to the ground by pro-slavery forces in 1856.
The Eldridge Hotel's haunted history might be one of the more well-known stories, but it isn't the only one. Visit Explore Lawrence to discover more of Lawrence's haunted history.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a spirited city, and it owes a lot of its spooky history to our 200-year-old neighbor, Fort Leavenworth. Stories of ghostly activity include apparitions of lost soldiers wandering the grounds of Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery and the phantom sound of hoofbeats as a spectral cavalry rides the West Parade.
You can go on your own paranormal investigation on Oct. 24 with the fort’s annual Haunted Walking Tour, with costumed re-enactors leading you on a journey through frontier history.
Lenexa
For one enchanting night on Oct. 29, 2026, Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park is transformed into the Enchanted Forest, creating a magical Halloween experience designed to delight even the youngest guests.
Visit the City of Lenexa for more information about the Enchanted Forest.
Merriam
Get into the spooky spirit at Halloween Happenings in Merriam! Dress the kids in their Halloween costumes for a fun test run and enjoy an afternoon of games, activities and a trunk-or-treat featuring Merriam businesses.
Join us Saturday, October 17, from 2–3:30 p.m. at Merriam Marketplace for an easy, family-friendly way to kick off Halloween season with plenty of treats and a little spooky fun!
Visit Explore Merriam for more information about Halloween Happenings.
Olathe
As October brings crisp air and colorful fall scenery to Olathe, Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm offers a unique way to celebrate the season.
Throughout the month, visitors can experience a variety of spooky and seasonal events that blend Halloween fun with the sights and sounds of 1860s Kansas. From family-friendly festivities to after-dark adventures, Mahaffie provides an unforgettable fall experience while showcasing one of Olathe's most treasured historic attractions. Check Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm's October calendar for upcoming events.
Overland Park
To end October with a bang, Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Overland Park is hosting its annual Halloween event: Night of the Living Farm.
Participate in mad science experiments, a flashlight scavenger hunt, princess dances and fortune teller readings, and top it all off with a marshmallow roast. Don’t forget to pack a costume! The event runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. and includes four dates: October 16, 17, 23 and 24. Tickets are $15 a person and can be purchased online.
Seneca
Celebrate fall and the German heritage of Nemaha County at Seneca’s Annual Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 10!
Make a day of it in historic Downtown Seneca, beginning with the 5K Volksmarch Community Walk at 9:30 a.m., followed by KinderFest and the Craft Markt from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families can enjoy games, balloon animals, pumpkin painting, Touch a Truck and more while browsing craft vendors along Main Street.
Then stick around as the celebration shifts into the evening with the Biergarten from 4 to 7 p.m., featuring 10 craft beer samples, plus live music from local band Dry County.
Add in Seneca’s locally owned shops, restaurants, historic downtown and plenty of small-town hospitality, and you have all the ingredients for a great Northeast Kansas fall road trip. Gather your family and friends and Come See Seneca this Oktoberfest!
Topeka
October in Topeka pairs local history with family-friendly Halloween fun. Walk through Historic Topeka Cemetery, established in 1859 and the final resting place of many founders of the capital city and state. A self-guided tour leads visitors past Mausoleum Row, the 40-foot Hurley obelisk and monuments that double as works of art.
On October 24, costumes take over the Topeka Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, with trick-or-treating among the animals and creepy crawlers.
Plan a Spooky Northeast Kansas Road Trip
Whether your idea of an October adventure involves searching for ghosts in a historic hotel, wandering through a cemetery, stepping back into Kansas history or simply watching your kids fill their candy buckets, there’s a spooky stop waiting somewhere in Northeast Kansas.
Pick a destination, or a few, and make a fall road trip out of discovering the haunted, historic and Halloween happenings found throughout Northeast Kansas.
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