5 of the Most Haunted Places Around Des Moines to Check Out This Halloween

With Halloween rapidly approaching, you're likely looking to get in on some spooky fun. Whether you're on the hunt for a legitimate haunted house or would prefer the thrilling experience of escaping a ghoulish corn maze, the Des Moines area has plenty to offer this Halloween.

Built in 1869, this historic building is home to Iowa's governor. However, it's also rumored to be home to the ghost of a little girl who’s allegedly been spotted on several occasions working the property's elevator.

If you want to experience this haunted mansion's paranormal activity for yourself, attend the annual Scare Us Hill children's event on Sunday, October 23, at 1 p.m. The governor's stately but spooky manor is the perfect setting for trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt through the mansion, and much more. Tickets are available at the door for $5 per person.

This family-friendly Halloween event at the Blank Park Zoo is kicking off its 26th year on October 20-23 and 27-30. The event is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. You can expect to see all of your favorite magical characters, cruise through the zoo on a train, and indulge in as many sweet treats as possible. This event is more fun than scary, so great for little ones.

People drive from hours away to visit this haunted forest every year, and once you live through this frightening experience you'll see why this is such a popular attraction. This outdoor haunted walk is by far the largest you'll find in Iowa and will take you a full 30 minutes to get through. You can experience the haunted forest every Friday and Saturday night in October beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person.

Do clowns give you nightmares? If so, your nightmares will become a reality when you experience the Circus of Freaks, which is a clown-themed haunted house. This haunted attraction is open every Saturday in October beginning at 8 p.m., and tickets are $5 each.

Not only is this the oldest haunted attraction in town (it started in 1984), but it's arguably the most unique. If you fancy complete darkness, long crawl ways, and sudden surprises, you'll love being spooked at Linn's Supermarket Haunted House. Voted "Best Haunted House" by readers of Cityview, this attraction is open October 21-31 beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are $14.

Are we missing any haunted places in the Des Moines area to check out this Halloween? Let us know in the comments below!