Haunted Northeast Kansas: Ghosts, Ghouls, and Family Fun

The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to turn, and spooky season has officially arrived in Northeast Kansas. Whether you’re chasing a good ghost story, looking for a frightfully fun family outing, or hoping to mix a little history with a supernatural twist, our communities have plenty of haunted happenings to keep you entertained this fall.

Lawrence

The historic Eldridge Hotel is known for its rich history and its friendly ghost. Stop by the front desk to see a photo of the spirit captured by a guest, or pick up one of their brochures to learn more about the hotel’s past. You can also find details on all of Lawrence’s haunted and seasonal events at explorelawrence.com.

Atchison

Atchison is known as one of the most haunted towns in America, where history and mystery intertwine on nearly every street corner. From grand Victorian mansions with chilling pasts to the infamous Sallie House, said to be one of the most paranormally active homes in the country, the city has long been a destination for ghost hunters and curious travelers. Historic homes, cobblestone streets, and riverfront views provide an eerie backdrop for tales of restless spirits and unexplained encounters. Whether you take a haunted trolley ride, join a ghost tour, or attend one of Atchison’s signature spooky events, you’ll find yourself immersed in a community that embraces its haunted heritage, blending fascinating history with spine-tingling thrills. Learn more.

Overland Park

Explore the Farmstead after dark... if you dare! Every October, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead hosts Night of the Living Farm, a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Kids can get their fortunes read, dance with princesses, compete in a superhero obstacle course, race pirate ships, take a haunted hay ride, and more. Details here.

Miami County

The spook factor comes alive at night at the Louisburg Cider Mill. Their season of family fun includes nighttime activities like reserved fire pits and the burning of the scarecrow. Plan your visit at louisburgcidermill.com.

Ottawa

Ottawa Memorial Auditorium is about to get a whole lot spookier! Stage Fright and Boos and Brews are just around the corner, brought to you by OMA and the Franklin County Historical Society. Proceeds benefit both organizations. Ghost enthusiasts can also look forward to behind-the-scenes tours for a first-hand experience with some friendly spirits. Find out more info here.

Seneca

A Feathered Spirit in the CemeterySeneca may not have ghost tours or haunted houses, but one unusual tale rests in the southern section of the city cemetery. There lies Beauty the Parrot, beloved pet of businessman Henry W. Fuller. Known for her 300-word vocabulary and love of opera, Beauty was laid to rest in 1949 with special city permission. Some say if you walk by on a quiet fall evening, you might still hear a faint “hello” carried on the wind. Coincidence... or Beauty saying hi? Learn more at comeseeseneca.com.

Gardner

Get ready for a frightfully fun night at Gardner Parks and Recreation’s 28th Annual Halloween Boo Bash, happening Thursday, October 24 at Celebration Park! This family-friendly event features ghastly games, spooktacular rides, candy, and prize drawings for all little ghosts and goblins with a wristband. Grab your $4 wristbands early at City Hall and come dressed in your cutest, silliest, or most creative costume. Event info.

Leavenworth

Let’s go on a ghost hunt! Leavenworth is so spirited it offers two unique walking tours. First City Paranormal will guide guests through historic downtown, exploring century-old buildings and even peeking into the city’s underground tunnel system. Tours are Oct. 17 and 18, with a specialty cocktail to wrap up the night. Meanwhile, neighboring Fort Leavenworth hosts its annual exploration of spooky sites on Oct. 25, featuring costumed re-enactors bringing nearly 200 years of history to life. Learn more at VisitLeavenworthKS.com.

Merriam

Get ready for a not-so-spooky good time at Merriam’s Halloween Happenings on Saturday, Oct. 18. Kids ages 10 and under can dress up and enjoy an afternoon filled with games, candy, a photo booth, and a lively Trunk or Treat hosted by local businesses. This FREE event is the perfect way for families to celebrate Halloween in a safe and festive setting. See details.

Ready for a Hauntingly Good Time?

From ghostly whispers in historic cemeteries to family-friendly festivals full of costumes and candy, Northeast Kansas knows how to do spooky season right. Whether you’re here for thrills, history, or just some fall fun, you’ll find it all waiting for you. So grab your pumpkin spice latte, bring your bravest friends, and come explore the haunted side of Northeast Kansas this September and October