Looking for fewer treats and more tricks this fall season in Maine? Then you’ve come to the right place! This post rounds-up all the best haunted houses in Maine, and I’ve also included some very spooky haunted places you can actually visit to give you a few more goosebumps along the way. So, let’s get started!
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The Best Haunted Houses In Maine (Attractions)
The first part of this list is haunted houses in Maine that are special attractions open only in October. Some of these events also have kid-friendly “no scare” nights, too, so there are options for everyone in your group or family! For haunted places around Maine you can actually visit, keep reading the next section of this post.
1. Nightmare On The Ridge – Auburn
Located at Wallingsford’s Orchards, it’s easy to see why The Nightmare on the Ridge it’s easy to see why this is a top-rated haunted house in Maine. You couldn’t ask for a better setting in an apple orchard! And with an eerie theme surrounding a sinister ringleader that preys on your darkest nightmares, you know you’re in for at least a few screams during the walk through this haunted attraction.
During the event, the orchard also keeps their bakery and hard cider tap room open, so either before or after your walk through, you can grab some delicious cider donuts or apple pastries, and sip on Ricker Hill Orchard’s Mainiac Hard Cider.
The orchard also has bonfires lit during the event, and a big screen showing classic horror movies, so you’ll never be bored while you wait in line!
2. Farmington Fright Fest
The Farmington Fairgrounds in October is where to be for a night of scary good fun! The Farmington Fright Fest includes three haunted attractions in one, so you also get really good bang for your buck here.
As one of the top-rates haunted attractions in Maine, the entire production is also very well-organized with entertainment throughout the park. While you wait in line, you’ll find creepy characters walking around sure to give you a few chills, and food vendors serving up fall favorites like hot apple cider.
Tickets for Fright Fest can be purchased online in advance or at the door (cash and cards accepted at the door). This event also does a very scary Black Out Night, where the entire attraction is pitch black, and you only go through with a glow stick.
Parking at Fright Fest is also free at the fairgrounds, and there are usually food trucks, vendors, and music.
3. Haunted Grandview Manor – Lebanon
For a very creepy walk through the woods at night, head to Haunted Grandview Manor! This family-run attraction really doesn’t skimp on the props, actors, and spooks. The walk through the Manor takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how quickly you scare 😉
Tickets can be purchased online in advance to save time once you arrive, and for younger kids that aren’t quite ready for the full experience, you can book a no-scare daytime, or no-scare night excursion through the Manor.
4. Maineiac Manor – Bangor
Located inside the Bangor Mall, Maineiac Manor is the perfect haunted house in Maine to visit for those in Penobscot County, and it really delivers on all fright you’re hoping for! According to their website, this creepy Manor promises “ghostly apparitions, creepy creatures, and unexpected scares that will keep you in suspense and anticipation” throughout your entire walk.
Tickets can be purchased online, or at the door, and Maineiac Manor is open Fridays and Saturdays in October. They also offer no-scare nights for younger kids (and those who scare easily like myself 😉). Parking is free and plentiful at the mall!
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for even more goosebumps, plan a visit to Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor before or after your visit to Maineiac Manor. This is one of the top haunted places in Maine – keep scrolling down to find out why!
5. Trail Of Terror – Saco
Running Fridays and Saturdays at the Aquaboggan Water Park in Saco, the Trail of Terror is one you’ll want to have on your radar. This outdoor walk through the woods takes about 30 minutes, and features spine-tinging ghouls, clowns, and creatures along the way.
Each year, this event adds a new theme and different scares, and the 2023 season is staged to be their best yet.
Tickets for Trail of Terror can be purchased in advance online, or at the door (cash only at the door, though). Once you buy tickets, they can be used on any night, which makes it easy to plan your visit. The park will also feature the Maine Kitchen Food Truck, so plan to eat dinner here, too!
Tips For Visiting Haunted Houses In Maine
✓ Most haunted houses in Maine do not allow photos or videos inside, so be sure to understand and respect their policies before heading in.
✓ Most haunted houses run rain or shine, even if outdoors, so definitely check the forecast before leaving, and dress accordingly.
✓ Wait times to get inside the attractions can be longer on weekends in October, so if you’re visiting with kids, it’s a good idea to have a plan in place to keep them entertained while waiting.
✓ Many haunted houses have food concessions available, but not all of them. Be sure to plan accordingly so you don’t get too hangry during your visit 😉
✓ For attractions with tickets available online, I recommend you book as early as you can, as some time slots or popular dates close to Halloween sell out.
✓ Most attractions have a no refunds policy, unless they have to close for any reason. Be sure you can attend before purchasing your tickets.
Real Haunted Places In Maine You Can Visit
In this part of the list, I’m rounding up cool haunted places in Maine you can visit where people have reported unusual paranormal activity, and unexplainable occurrences. For the ultimate night of spine-chilling lore, this part of the list is for you!
6. Wood Island Lighthouse
Ever since a tragic murder-suicide at the lighthouse in 1896, many believe the ghosts of the victims still haunt the property. A lighthouse keeper reported seeing and hearing the ghosts of the victims while staying at Wood Island, and was so scared, he left the property, only to jump out of a window, which resulted in his death.
Paranormal researchers with the New England Ghost Project even came to the lighthouse to investigate, and found apparitions around the grounds of the lighthouse. Mediums have also come to the island, and have claimed to been in contact with the victims of the original murder-suicide.
If this all sounds fascinating to you, Wood Island Lighthouse currently hosts (as of 2023) a special event called “An Evening With the Spirits of Wood Island Lighthouse,” which is hosted by the New England Ghost Project. This event is usually held in late September, and tickets can be purchased online!
7. Mount Hope Cemetery
Located in Bangor, Stephen King used this cemetery as inspiration for his movie Pet Sematary, and some have said that he even named some of his most famous characters after named on the gravestones here (like Carrie, for example). So, if iconic horror writer Stephen King was inspired by Mount Hope, then you’ll probably get at least a few goosebumps during your visit, too.
While made famous because of King’s past visits, many people have reported seeing ghostly apparitions, and voices of small children. Not sure if it’s actually haunted? Guess you’ll have to visit and see for yourself!
Pro Tip: Mount Hope Cemetery is located near the Maineiac Manor haunted house, so you can visit both in the same night!
8. Museums of Old York
York is the site of one of the first settlement’s in the New England region, and Museums of Old York do a fantastic job of showcasing the area’s history. However, it just so happens that this property is one of the most haunted places in Maine.
During the region’s Witch Hunting period, the museum was used as York’s Town Hall, where a woman was found guilty of witchery. She was hung in front of the building, and there’s been reports ever since that her ghost has haunted the property.
Local residents have reported seeing a woman walking down the road, and past employees of the museum have claimed to have felt cold spots, things unexplainably moving and changing locations, and doors opening and closing.
Kids at the daycare across the street have even claimed to have played with a woman dressed in white, only for her to vanish without a trace.
The Museums of Old York are open from Memorial Day through the end of October, so you’ll have enough time to squeeze in a visit just before Halloween!
9. Route 2A In Wytopitlock
Located up north in Aroostook County, Route 2A has become one of the most iconic haunted places in Maine. Due to a hairpin turn and dangerous conditions, it’s been said that many truck drivers have died on this stretch of road, and their ghosts haunt the area.
People over the years have claimed to stop for a woman screaming for help on the side of the road, only for her to disappear when the driver pulls over. Some have even claimed to see the ghost of a small girl on the side of the road, and many believe her to be the ghost of a girl who was killed by a driver in the area.
If you’re up north and looking to come in contact with an entity, Route 2A is a great place to start.
10. Fort William Henry At Pemaquid Beach
Located along the Midcoast in Bristol, New Harbor is home to Fort William Henry, which is widely considered one of the most haunted places in Maine. The fort was built by early settlers after taking Native American land, and after tensions arose, Chief Taukolexis of the native people was hung in front of the fort.
It’s said that his spirit still haunts the property today, and many have reported seeing his ghost at the tree where he was hung.
Editor’s Note: While these haunted locations are open to the public, or offer tours, it’s important to be respectful of other visitors during your time there.
More Of My Maine Travel Guides:
- Maine In November: Is It Worth Visiting?
- Maine In The Spring: Where To Go & What To Do
- Maine In October: Best Foliage Spots & Things To Do
- Blueberry Picking In Maine
- Maine In The Winter
- Portland, Maine In The Winter
- Best Stops To Make On A Portland, Maine To Acadia National Park Road Trip
- Best Breweries In Portland, Maine
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Where To Find The Best Whoopie Pies In Maine
- Best Day Trips From Portland, Maine
You may also enjoy:
- The Perfect Fall New England Road Trip
- Best Haunted Houses In Massachusetts
- Haunted Hotels In New Hampshire You Can Stay In
That’s A Wrap On Haunted Houses & Places In Maine!
And there you have it, my round-up of all the scariest haunted houses in Maine, including very eerie haunted places you can actually visit. Whether you’re looking to bring the kids to a no-scare night for some Halloween fun, or you’re looking to plan the ultimate night of frights, Maine has some pretty epic attractions for everyone. Happy Halloween, all!
