10 Spooky Small Towns Across the US You’ll Want to Visit This Halloween
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on any of those links and make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission, at no cost to you, to help support this website.
Think the best Halloween destinations are all big-city parades and theme park spectacles? Think again. Some of the spookiest spots in the country aren’t sprawling metropolises—they’re tucked-away towns with shadowy legends, haunted hotels, and just enough eerie atmosphere to make you sleep with the lights on.
Across the US, these small towns know how to do Halloween right. Whether they’ve got a centuries-old ghost story, a haunted asylum, or just an unusual obsession with the paranormal, these places lean into their creepy reputations with full October energy. We’re talking ghost tours on cobblestone streets, pumpkins on porches, flickering lanterns, foggy forests, and locals who really commit to the costume game.
From witch trial history in New England to Wild West hauntings in the desert, here are 10 spooky small towns you’ll want to visit this Halloween—if you dare. Cozy up, charge your phone (you’ll want night mode for these photos), and prepare for some delightfully creepy travel inspo.
Salem, Massachusetts
It doesn’t get more iconic than Salem in October. This coastal New England town is infamous for the 1692 witch trials—and today, it fully embraces its spooky legacy. During Haunted Happenings, the entire town transforms into a Halloween playground, with ghost tours, psychic readings, costume balls, haunted houses, and more broomsticks than you can count.
Visit the Salem Witch Museum, stroll the historic cemeteries, or grab a pumpkin latte between tarot appointments. Crowds? Yes. But if you’re a Halloween lover, this is your Disneyland.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
This quirky Ozark mountain town looks charming on the surface—but dig a little deeper and you’ll find it’s one of the most haunted spots in the South. At the center of the eerie energy? The Crescent Hotel, often called “America’s Most Haunted Hotel,” where ghost sightings are practically expected. Add in foggy Victorian streets, underground cave tours, and a thriving local ghost tour scene, and you’ve got a Halloween getaway that’s equal parts charming and chilling.
St. Helens, Oregon
If you grew up watching Halloweentown, this one’s for you. St. Helens was the filming location for the cult-favorite Disney movie, and every October it transforms into a real-life version of the film during its month-long Spirit of Halloweentown festival. Think pumpkin lighting ceremonies, costume contests, haunted houses, and maybe even a surprise appearance from a cast member or two. It’s spooky, it’s sweet, and it’s perfect for Halloween lovers of all ages.
Jerome, Arizona
Once a booming mining town, Jerome is now a hauntingly beautiful ghost town perched on a steep hillside. It’s famous for its abandoned buildings, eerie history, and plenty of ghost stories that locals love to share. Wander through the old hospital, explore haunted inns, or take a guided ghost tour to soak up the supernatural vibes.
Jerome’s mix of rugged desert scenery and paranormal lore makes it a must-visit for Halloween thrill-seekers looking for a Wild West twist.
Jefferson, Texas
Tucked deep in East Texas, Jefferson proudly calls itself the “most haunted small town in Texas”—and it’s earned that reputation. With historic homes, old cemeteries, and a wealth of ghost stories, this town is a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts.
You can join guided ghost tours that explore haunted hotels and battlefields, or check out the Jefferson General Store for spooky souvenirs. Add to that some authentic Southern hospitality and plenty of eerie Southern Gothic vibes, and you’ve got a Halloween destination that’s equal parts charming and chilling.
Weston, West Virginia
This small town’s claim to spooky fame isn’t the town itself—it’s the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, a massive 19th-century psychiatric hospital turned paranormal hotspot. Visitors flock here for flashlight tours, ghost hunts, and chilling history lessons that dive deep into the asylum’s eerie past.
If you’re brave enough to take a nighttime tour, prepare for a truly spine-tingling experience surrounded by shadowy halls and unsettling stories. Weston’s small-town charm pairs perfectly with one of the most notorious haunted sites in the US.
Estes Park, Colorado
Nestled at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park might be best known for stunning mountain views—but Halloween fans know it as home to the legendary Stanley Hotel. This grand, historic hotel inspired Stephen King’s The Shining and still attracts ghost hunters and thrill seekers year-round.
Take a haunted tour, join special Halloween events, or simply soak up the crisp mountain air surrounded by fall foliage. Estes Park perfectly combines natural beauty with spine-tingling history, making it an unforgettable Halloween getaway.
Fall River, Massachusetts
If true crime and haunted history are your thing, Fall River is calling your name. This small city is home to the infamous Lizzie Borden House, where the 1892 axe murders took place. Now a bed and breakfast and museum, it offers guided tours that dive into the chilling story behind the legend.
Beyond Lizzie, the town’s historic neighborhoods and old cemeteries add to its spooky vibe, making Fall River a perfect stop for Halloween travelers who want a mix of real-life mystery and eerie atmosphere.
Bisbee, Arizona
Once a booming mining town, Bisbee has transformed into a quirky arts haven with a decidedly spooky edge. The town’s steep streets and colorful buildings hide stories of miners, ghosts, and mysterious tunnels.
Haunted hotels like the Copper Queen welcome visitors looking to sleep somewhere with a few extra spirits on the premises. Ghost tours explore the winding underground passages and share tales that have been whispered for generations.
With its artistic vibe and supernatural stories, Bisbee is a perfect off-the-beaten-path Halloween destination.
Point Pleasant, West Virginia
This small town is famous for one very strange reason—the Mothman, a mysterious winged creature reportedly spotted in the 1960s. Every Septembers, Point Pleasant hosts the Mothman Festival, celebrating the legend with costume contests, guest speakers, and plenty of local lore. Visit the Mothman Museum year-round to dive into the creature’s history and the town’s eerie vibe.
Whether you’re a true believer or just in it for the fun, Point Pleasant offers a unique Halloween experience filled with cryptid curiosity and small-town charm.
Save it on Pinterest for later:
