The Small Town in Oregon That Is Halloweentown

Growing up, I was a Disney Channel kid. I religiously watched the new Disney Channel movies month after month, but very few compared to one of the classics—"Halloweentown." This 1998 movie is about a girl named Marnie who finds out she is a witch on her 13th Halloween. She is transported to Halloweentown, where she must help her grandmother, who is also a witch, save the town from evil. This movie is filled with spooks, ghouls, thrills, and feel-good moments as well.

Halloweentown may appear to be a fictional place, but it actually exists, and it’s right here in Oregon. St. Helens is a small town along the Columbia River, approximately 30 miles from Portland. This charming town is where the "Halloweentown" movies were filmed, and each year, this fictional town is recreated.

From late September until Halloween, St. Helens hosts the Spirit of Halloweentown, a month-long festival where you’ll find activities for every family member. Walk around town and you’ll find impressive decorations from giant pumpkins to scarecrows. The historic riverfront is where you may spot a few landmarks from scenes in “Halloweentown,” and is quite stunning when surrounded by fall foliage.

On select days throughout this massive festival, you can enjoy events like a haunted house, pumpkin lighting, photo ops, celebrity visits, and so much more. There are even filming location tour train rides, costume contests, and walking tours. You'll want to visit the Spirit of Halloweentown website as some of these events require the purchase of admission.

There is plenty to keep you busy right in town, and you likely won’t find a better fall festival on the West Coast. However, if you are like me and often need a break from the crowds, autumn is truly a remarkable time to visit St. Helens and the surrounding area. I recommend you take a scenic drive along the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, where the fiery fall foliage is spectacular and the waterfalls are surrounded by gorgeous colors.

If you wish to lace up your hiking boots and surround yourself in autumn's palette on foot, I recommend making the short drive to Portland to walk around Forest Park and the Hoyt Arboretum. This is a gorgeous day trip destination and where you’ll find some of the most breathtaking autumn views in Oregon. Or, if you want to stay right in St. Helens, walk around the beautiful Grey Cliffs Park, which is built on an old basalt quarry. This is a great place to slow down and watch boats and wildlife out in the water. For even more incredible views, climb the stairway in the park to receive views of the entire waterfront.

History buffs will also find plenty to love in St. Helens. One of our favorite historic buildings to visit is the Columbia Theater, a restored 1928 theater. You'll also want to step inside the Columbia County Museum, which was once housed inside a portion of the historic Columbia County Courthouse, built in 1904. However, at the time of this article's publishing, the museum is in the process of being moved into the renovated John Gumm Building and Civic Center. It is expected to open in fall of 2025.

St. Helens, Oregon, is a town with something to offer everyone, particularly during spooky season. When you visit during the town’s Spirit of Halloweentown Festival, you really will feel like Marnie from the movie, walking the streets of a community home to ghosts, ghouls, and all types of supernatural creatures.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.