The Brainerd Lakes area transforms into a Halloween wonderland each October, offering 28 spine-tingling events perfect for thrill-seekers and families alike. Whether you're looking for gentle frights or heart-pounding scares, this season delivers unforgettable experiences across Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake, and Emily.

Start your Halloween adventures at Hidden Hollows No-Scare Family Day on October 18th at Paul Bunyan Land. From noon to 5 PM, explore haunted attractions with all the atmosphere but none of the jump scares—lights stay on, animatronics run, but actors take the day off. At just $12 per person, families can enjoy select amusement rides while experiencing the spooky season safely.

 

The weekend of October 25-26 brings a bounty of community celebrations. Downtown Pequot Lakes hosts its 7th Annual Trick or Treat on October 25th (10 AM-12 PM), where Miss Pequot Lakes Royalty welcomes families to a community bonfire while local businesses distribute candy.

 

Later that day, Camp Spooktacular at Crosslake Recreation Area (3-6:30 PM) offers a unique camping experience with decorated campsites, tractor-pulled wagon rides, pumpkin carving contests, and a creepy cornhole tournament complete with trophies.

 

Multiple trunk-or-treat events fill October 25th, including Trinity Lutheran Church (3-5 PM) and Northland Arboretum's Low Scare Trail + Trunk or Treat (4-6 PM). The Arboretum event stands out with its artistic haunted trail featuring professional lighting and creative effects without frightening elements, making it perfect for younger children at only $5 per person.

 

October 26th continues the festivities with the Downtown Brainerd Halloween Spooktacular (11 AM-1 PM), where businesses throughout downtown welcome costumed trick-or-treaters for a morning of candy collection and themed activities.

 

Meanwhile, The Woods hosts a combined Trunk or Treat and Car Show (11 AM-2 PM) featuring Lakers Car Club vehicles.

 

Halloween night itself delivers multiple options, including the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Trunk or Treat (3:30-5:30 PM) with displays from the Tactical Team, Mounted Patrol, K9 Team, and Drone Team.

 

The crown jewel is Zion Lutheran Church's Trunk or Treat (5:30-7 PM), expecting over 1,000 kids annually with a best decorated car contest.

Adult Halloween enthusiasts will find plenty of adrenaline-pumping entertainment. Hidden Hollows Haunted Attraction at Paul Bunyan Land operates multiple weekends (October 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31, and November 1) from 7-10 PM.

 

As Central Minnesota's largest haunted attraction, it features a three-story haunted house, 14-acre corn maze, and carnival rides open until 11 PM. Pricing ranges from $16-40 depending on your chosen experience and ride access.

 

Northland Arboretum's Haunted Trail (October 16-18, 7-9 PM) offers three intensity levels: Low Scare, High Scare, and Insane High Scare, plus a new Super Spooky Maze.

 

One ticket grants access to all trails, with Fast Pass options available to minimize wait times and Group Ticket Packs for larger parties entering at 8:30-9 PM.

 

For those seeking interactive entertainment, the Halloween Theme Murder Mystery Dinner at Gather on 3 Event Center on October 25th (4:30-9 PM) presents "I Love the 80's to Death." This immersive experience includes hors d'oeuvres, a seated dinner, full cash bar, and encourages 80's costume participation. Individual tickets are $69.95, with VIP tables available.

 

Several venues host costume parties the final weekend of October.

 

The Parlor Halloween Bash on October 28th features a live show at 9 PM and costume contest at 11 PM for ages 21+.

 

O'Neary's Irish Pub also hosts a costume contest that evening at 8 PM with cash prizes, drink specials, and karaoke.

 

Jack Pine Brewery offers a more relaxed atmosphere on October 26th (4-10 PM) for their Halloween Costume Party.

 

Unique adult experiences include Halloween Trivia at CC's on October 30th (6:30 PM)—a free horror movie-themed event with prizes—and Xtreme Music Bingo featuring Halloween songs at Roundhouse Brewery on October 29th.

 

For paranormal enthusiasts, the Minnesota Haunted Museum on October 27th offers an otherworldly experience at 624 Washington Street in Brainerd.

The Brainerd Lakes area's Halloween offerings provide exceptional value and variety. Most family events are free or under $15, while adult attractions range from complimentary trivia nights to premium dinner experiences.

 

The concentration of events on October 25-26 and October 31st means you can pack multiple activities into single weekends.

 

Notable highlights include Northland Arboretum's dual offerings for families and adults, Hidden Hollows' comprehensive haunted attraction with flexible pricing, and Camp Spooktacular's distinctive camping-based celebration.

 

With 18 kid-friendly and 10 adult-oriented events, there's something for everyone in your group.

 

Whether you're seeking gentle seasonal fun with your little ones or heart-racing haunted experiences, the Brainerd Lakes area delivers an unforgettable Halloween season.

 

Grab your costumes, gather your crew, and prepare for a month of memories that'll last until next October.