Halloween in Wisconsin Dells 2026

Wisconsin Dells may be famous for summer vacations and waterparks, but October brings a completely different side of the Dells to life.

As the leaves change and temperatures cool, Halloween events begin popping up throughout the area. From haunted trails and nighttime adventures to pumpkin trains, trick-or-treating and family-friendly fall activities, there are plenty of reasons to plan an October getaway.

Whether you're traveling with younger kids or looking for something genuinely scary after dark, here are some of the Halloween events and fall activities to check out in Wisconsin Dells in 2026.

The Curse at Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster

Something has taken over the mountain.

This October, Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster transforms after dark for The Curse at Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster, an immersive Halloween experience happening every Friday and Saturday night throughout October.

During the daytime, families can visit the Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster and enjoy the Halloween decorations without the live scares, making it a fun seasonal stop for younger children and anyone who prefers their Halloween festivities on the not-so-scary side.

But when darkness falls, things change. Live scare actors take over the mountain, creating a much more intense experience for guests brave enough to visit after dark. Combine the darkness of the woods with the twists and turns of an alpine coaster, and you've got a very different way to experience Halloween in Wisconsin Dells.

The Curse at Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster

Friday and Saturday nights in October

Haunted experience after dark

Daytime Halloween experience available without live scares

If you've only experienced the mountain during the day, October might be the perfect time to see what happens after the sun goes down.

Take a Ride on the Ghost Boat

If your idea of Halloween involves dark water, an abandoned canyon and things lurking in the woods, Wisconsin Dells has you covered.

Ghost Boat combines an after-dark boat ride along the Wisconsin River with an on-foot journey through Cold Water Canyon.

The approximately 90-minute experience takes guests by boat to the canyon before sending them along a roughly one-mile haunted trail filled with live actors and special effects.

Ghost Boat operates on select nights throughout October, making it one of the area's signature experiences for visitors looking for a serious scare.

The attraction is intense and is not recommended for children under 10. Guests should also be prepared for a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain.

Play a Round of Haunted Mini Golf

Mini golf gets a Halloween makeover at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf during Haunted Hooks.

Throughout October, the Captain Hook course at the top of the hill transforms after dark with fog, eerie lighting, creepy statues and a murky red waterfall. Guests even receive a special glowing ball to use as they make their way around the course.

Haunted Hooks runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights throughout October from 6PM to 10PM

It's a fun middle ground for families and groups who want something more Halloween-themed than traditional mini golf without committing to an intense haunted attraction.

Ride the Pumpkin Train

For younger Halloween fans, take a ride through the Wisconsin countryside aboard the Pumpkin Train at Riverside & Great Northern Railway.

The Pumpkin Train runs Saturdays and Sundays throughout October, offering families a chance to enjoy the area's fall colors while riding the historic railway.

Children 12 and younger receive a free pumpkin with their ride, making this an especially fun daytime activity for families visiting Wisconsin Dells during October.

The Pumpkin Train continues through Halloween, October 31, so it's also an option for families looking for something to do earlier in the day before trick-or-treating begins.

Celebrate Halloween at Mt. Olympus

Mt. Olympus Water & Theme Park is also getting into the Halloween spirit with seasonal activities throughout October.

Pumpkin painting is scheduled on select October evenings from 6–8 p.m., giving kids the opportunity to decorate their own pumpkin and take it home as a fall keepsake.

Then, on October 31, the celebration expands to include trick-or-treating along with pumpkin painting.

The activities are free for Mt. Olympus Resort guests and children 12 and younger, while non-resort guests need a daily admission pass. Pumpkins are available for an additional charge.

It's an easy way to add a little Halloween fun to a Wisconsin Dells family vacation, especially if you're already staying at or visiting Mt. Olympus.

Spend a Fall Day at Country Bumpkin Farm Market

If you're looking for classic fall activities, head to Country Bumpkin Farm Market.

Located just outside the main Wisconsin Dells tourism area, Country Bumpkin remains open through October 31 and offers plenty of ways to enjoy fall before Halloween arrives. Explore the corn maze, visit the farm animals and Play Village, or enjoy one of the farm's seasonal activities.

Country Bumpkin also hosts special fall and Halloween events throughout the season, making it a great option for families looking for an outdoor activity away from some of the larger attractions.

Go Trick-or-Treating in Downtown Wisconsin Dells

For a more traditional Halloween experience, head downtown.

Downtown Wisconsin Dells has traditionally welcomed families for afternoon trick-or-treating at participating local businesses, giving kids a chance to show off their costumes and collect candy in a fun, community setting.

Because the event takes place during the daytime, it's an especially good choice for families with younger children who may not be ready for the area's nighttime haunted attractions. Pair trick-or-treating with lunch, shopping or a walk through downtown Wisconsin Dells to turn it into a full afternoon.

Make It a Halloween Weekend in Wisconsin Dells

One of the best things about celebrating Halloween in Wisconsin Dells is the variety.

You can spend the morning riding a pumpkin train, tackle a corn maze in the afternoon and head downtown for family-friendly Halloween fun.

Then, once the sun goes down, the experience changes completely. Play a round of Haunted Hooks, board the Ghost Boat for a journey into Cold Water Canyon or head to Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster to experience The Curse after dark.

And don't forget about the fall scenery. October brings changing leaves throughout the Wisconsin River corridor, making the drive and outdoor attractions part of the experience. If you're planning a Halloween getaway, make sure Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster is part of your itinerary.

Visit during the day for fall scenery, Halloween decorations and family-friendly fun.

Then come back after dark if you're ready to experience The Curse at Wisconsin Dells Mountain Coaster.

The mountain is waiting.