The weather in Idaho is cooling off, people are stocking up on bags of candy like it were the apocalypse and the pumpkin carving is underway. Yes, Halloween is just around the corner and Idahoans are gearing up for a frightfully fun holiday. In the true spirit of Halloween, we’ve compiled a list of nine of Idaho’s haunted houses and corn mazes that will send shivers down your spine. Visit them all, if you dare.
1. Egyptian Theatre
Boise
The Egyptian Theatre opened its doors in Boise in 1927. While this theatre is now known throughout the Treasure Valley as a historical landmark and ghost-inhabited estate, it wasn’t always deemed one of the most haunted places in Idaho. The soul said to reside in the theatre is believed to be that of its former 1920’s projectionist. Joe, as most visitors call him, worked for the theatre on the tail end of the 1920’s up until he had a heart attack while climbing the stairs to the projection booth in the 1950’s. Guests regularly report opening and closing doors, lights being turned on and off and odd noises coming from other rooms. Check out the Idaho Horror Film Festival to really get your blood pumping. The Gem State is full of fascinating history made for thrilling Halloween getaways.
2. Haunted History Walking Tour
Idaho Falls
Head to Idaho Falls and relive the area’s tortured past. Lace up your shoes as you embark on a captivating Haunted History Walking Tour that showcases the dark and twisted stories of Idaho Falls’ twisted past. Hear the tales of crooked businessmen, soiled doves and malicious murderers that played a part in Idaho Falls’ not so distant past.
3. Ghost Walk Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls
Take a Ghost Walk through downtown Idaho Falls and uncover the chilling tales of the settlers who came before you (and the ghosts that still linger in city buildings). Don’t worry about any jump scares. The stories of brothels and lost children will feel vivid enough. Reserve your place on a 90-minute walking tour for Friday or Saturday before the group numbers fill up. Discover a wheelchair-accessible experience made to fascinate.
4. The Haunted World
Caldwell
The Haunted World has been around for nearly 25 years and many visitors will tell you this spooky attraction has perfected the art of fear. It’s the largest indoor and outdoor haunted attraction in the state, offering more frightening entertainment than you may be willing to handle. Typical visits last 1½ hours on weekdays and around 2 hours on weekends.
5. Haunted Mansions of Albion
Albion
If you’re scared of clowns, then the Haunted Mansions of Albion will want to be on your list of places to avoid—or see? Depending on how you feel about being scared on Halloween! There’s also a “Zombie Academy” that will have all you Walking Dead fans jumping for joy.
Bring a friend before you dare to enter the largest indoor/outdoor haunted production in the Northwest—and don’t bring any little ones under eight. No wonder Albion is one of the best cities for Halloween-worthy adventures. Once known as the Albion State Normal School (a since-abandoned college campus), this experience will take you through the twists and turns of the 100-year-old buildings still standing at this site—the School of Chaos, the Clown House and the Creature House.
With a limited number of tickets sold at the door, make sure to reserve your spot in advance. Prepare to embark on an odyssey that will lead you through many stairs and tunnels for an immersive, terrifying escapade.
6. Lowe Family Farmstead
Kuna
You’ve more than likely heard of Lowe’s Family Farmstead, as it’s the home of Idaho’s original corn maze and was featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. You can take your kids to the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect Jack O’ Lantern, exercise on a jumping pillow, watch pig races, ride the cow train and take a hayride. Consider The Farmstead your Idaho sweet spot for exhilarating fun.
7. Old Idaho State Penitentiary
Boise
The Old Idaho State Penitentiary has quite the reputation and is often referred to as the most haunted site in the state. Perhaps it boasts such a chilling reputation because of its past, which consists of prison riots and executions. The Old Pen’s former inmates are said to haunt the facility. Visitors report strange events such as feeling touches from invisible entities, sudden overwhelming feelings of dread or despair and disembodied whispers in the hallways.
Visit the Old Idaho State Penitentiary and explore the off-limits areas up and down the stairs on a behind-the-scenes turn of the building. Go at night for a site experience with a flashlight—and without any guests younger than 13. Get terrified on Cell Block 4 at the only haunted cell house in Idaho when you join the annual Halloween festivities at Squawky & Spirits.
Top off your fright factor list of haunted things to do in Boise, Idaho by signing up for with a paranormal investigation experience or cemetery tour.
8. Scarywood Theme Park
Athol
Perhaps the most famous northern Idaho attraction, Scarywood Theme Park returns for another year of terror. What you thought you knew as Silverwood Theme Park is transformed into a living nightmare that will haunt you for eternity. During the month of October, Silverwood Theme Park reshapes into a land full of haunted attractions and roaming monsters. Fifteen years later this experience has been featured on Travel Channel’s, “Halloween’s Scariest Thrills,” and continues to raise the bar every year. Experience five haunted attractions, ten scare zones and most of Silverwood’s signature rides in the dark.
9. Shindig Farms
Nampa
Looking for family-friendly fun this October in Idaho? Make sure to check out Shindig Farms, where your kids can experience everything from swing rides and corn cannons to climbing a pyramid made entirely out of straw. Laugh your way through a pumpkin patch featuring 20+ different varieties after taking a wagon hayride. Find yourself in a straw maze inviting you to experience 8-foot-tall walls and epic turns. Then stay for standout Saturday nights, where all month long from 8:00 pm to 11:00 pm, the farm’s Haunted Straw Maze will shock and thrill you.
Come and experience an unforgettable fall in Idaho with no end of exceptional haunted attractions closeby, ready for you to uncover with bone-chilling delight.
Updated on December 19, 2024
Published on October 14, 2016
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