Haunted hayrides are so passé – it’s all about haunted train rides in the U.S. this Halloween! Combining the old-fashioned thrill of riding through the dark on a Halloween train ride with the classic frights, spooks, and starts of a haunted house experience, these haunted train rides across the U.S. will make you shiver in a good way.
1. Oklahoma Railway Museum Halloween Ride, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Railway Museum, 3400 NE Grand Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111, USA
Looking for a new and fun family activity to do this Halloween? If so, try an old-fashioned steam-engine train ride at the Oklahoma Railway Museum. With the entire train decked out for Halloween, there are costumes and friendly faces everywhere you turn. You will immediately feel like you have been transported back in time when you hear "all aboard." The Oklahoma Railway Museum is located in the heart of Oklahoma City and the ride lasts for approximately 40 minutes. Halloween rides are only offered on October 30 and 31 so order your tickets now because in the past they have sold out early!
2. Hoosac Valley Legends Twilight Train, Massachusetts
Hoosac Valley Train Ride, 3 Hoosac St, Adams, MA 01220, USA
Are you fascinated by local history? Do ancient cemeteries give you the chills? Do you like a good scare? If so, the Hoosac Valley Legends Twilight Train is definitely for you.
Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s new Hoosac Valley Service offers fun and educational train rides between Adams and North Adams in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts. This train ride is a living history exhibit that explores the rich railroad history of the region and complements the already popular cultural attractions located in the Northern Berkshire area. During the fall, this spooky train right will take you through some of the creepiest spots in the area!
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3. The Spookomotive Train Ride, California
California State Railroad Museum, 125 I St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA
Hop aboard the California State Railroad Museum's annual haunted train ride this October. back by popular demand, California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation will offer engaging and entertaining "Spookomotive" train rides in Old Sacramento every weekend in October. Steaming out of downtown Sacramento, this ghoulish excursion will take you past dazzling fall foliage and spooky sights. The train and staff are dressed up for the season, and wearing your own spirited finery is highly encouraged. Despite their antique nature (and potential for being haunted), these old trains make for a very family-friendly ride. Just look at this kindly docent ready to lead you on this spooktacular train trip in California!
4. The Haunted Ghost Train, Nevada
Nevada Northern Railway Museum, 1100 Ave A, Ely, NV 89301, USA
Each year, the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely transforms its historic trains into mobile fright factories. The Haunted Ghost Train is staffed by over 100 volunteers who are committed to scaring you out of your wits...and giving you a few laughs. You'll cruise through the area and encounter UFOs, headless horsemen, ghosts and other creepy fare. The Haunted Train Ride is run by approximately 100 volunteers every year, who are dedicated to giving you a terrifying experience. The Haunted Train Ride sells out every year, so buy your tickets early or else!
5. Headless Horseman Halloween Train, Washington
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, 207 Railroad Ave, Yacolt, WA 98675, USA
Each fall, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers a Harvest Run and a mid-October fall foliage ride. They’re both beautiful and fun, but if you love Halloween, wait until the end of the month. The Headless Horseman Halloween Train is always on the last weekend of October and it’s as spooky as it sounds. On a foggy day, Chelatchie even looks a little like Sleepy Hollow!
6. Ghost Train at Boothbay Railway Village, Maine
Boothbay Railway Village Museum, 586 Wiscasset Rd, Boothbay, ME 04537, USA
The Boothbay Railway Village is typically a lovely, relaxing place.
But once a year, witches and goblins arrive at this quaint railroad village to board the Ghost Train. You'll cruise through the local landscape and see all sorts of delightfully creepy characters. The train ride is meant to be a good time for all ages, so the scares are kept pretty tame. For those of us that appreciate Halloween, but prefer bunny costumes over zombies this is the perfect activity!
7. The Halloween Train at Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel, Maryland
The Wheaton Miniature Train and Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel is a fan-favorite attraction in Maryland that delights both children and adults throughout the year. But once a year it becomes a haunted train ride! Located in Wheaton Regional Park, about 40 minutes outside of Washington DC, this fun destination becomes a spooky adventure every October. For a thrilling ride that will be sure to make you scream, head to Wheaton and take the Halloween Train!
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8. Ghost Train of No Return, Iowa
Midwest Haunted Rails, 405 E Thresher Rd, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641, USA
Operating out of Mount Pleasant, the Midwest Central Railroad's haunted train ride is a one-mile excursion that definitely delivers a few frights, but won't dish up anything too scary for the younger set. The railroad has steam locomotives and railroad cars, and you’ll enjoy a scenic ride, with plenty of sights and sounds along the way. You'll see plenty of creepy decorations, and get the chance to test your courage at the haunted house.
9. New Hope Railroad, Pennsylvania
New Hope Railroad, Stockton Ave, New Hope, PA 18938, USA
This autumn train ride in Pennsylvania will take you on a terrifying rail adventure. You'll be whisked into the woods of New Hope on a one-hour trip filled with spooky surprises, haunted happenings, and even an excursion into a creepy corn maze. The train runs select dates during the month of October, so visit the New Hope Website and reserve your spot now!
What’s your favorite way to celebrate the spooky season in your neck of the woods? Have you experienced any of these haunted train rides in the U.S. before? If so, we’d love to hear all about your spooky experience! Looking for more fall fun? Here are some of our favorite fall festivals across the U.S. And, if you decide to check out fall activities around the state via a road trip, check out our ultimate road trip packing list!
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More to Explore
Haunted Train Rides in the U.S.
Sarah M.|September 01, 2022
What are some non-haunted train rides in the U.S. I can take this fall?
Not everyone is into the frights of the spooky season, and we totally get it. If you're more of a fall foliage fan than a fearless ghost hunter, you'll be delighted to learn about these 18 epic train rides across America that, while beautiful all year long, are especially lovely in the fall months:
One of our favorite autumn train rides is the one offered at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Along this scenic three-and-a-half-hour train ride, you'll journey straight through the Cuyahoga River Valley, along the eponymous river, and past gorgeous wetlands (yes -- Ohio has wetlands!). This excursion offers an unrivaled experience of one of the country's finest and overlooked national parks that's sure to give passengers a newfound appreciation for the Midwest.
