The crisp autumn air is here and the leaves are turning vibrant shades of orange and red. It’s the perfect time to embrace the spooky season and experience the thrill of Halloween. As a local home builder in Illinois and Wisconsin, we’re excited to share some of our favorite Halloween events and traditions events in the area. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the community, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Wisconsin Events

Spook-tacular Attractions and Events

Back again this year, the annual Walk of Terror is gearing up for another spine-tingling season of scares! The attraction is located at the Alpine Valley Resort in Elkhorn and open weekends from 7 to 11 p.m. until November 2. The Walk of Terror promises frightening fun while giving back to the local community. This year, a portion of every ticket will go toward the East Troy Scholarship Fund and Elkhorn High School Scholarship Fund. Tickets start at $20 for general admission and $35 for fast passes.

Experience more spooky adventures this season by visiting Boney Manor at Schneider Farm in Genoa City. This interactive Halloween showcase is family-owned and operated, featuring 200 skeletons dressed as characters from your favorite movies! Open until Oct. 31, Boney Manor is FREE to attend, but cash donations for the Lupus Foundation of America, WI Chapter, are greatly appreciated. The event is open weekends from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Prepare for a wild ride at the annual Dan Patch Stables Haunted Hayride and Barn! The ride embarks nightly, from 6 to 11:30 p.m. until Oct. 26, with thrilling scares and elaborate monsters. Kids can come early for a friendlier ride with no jump scares. Admission is cash only, $25 for adults and $10 for children aged 4-10. The haunted barn is another spooky treat, full of chilling screams and screeches around every corner. Haunted barn tickets are also cash only and $10 a person.

For some festive fun on the water, Spooktacular Lake Lawn Queen for an Adult Halloween Boat Bash Cruise invites you to set sail from the Lake Lawn Resort on October 26. The DJ will be spinning your favorite Halloween tracks throughout the cruise, then the excitement moves to the Monster Mash Adult Party in the Geneva Ballroom. There will be prizes for the best costumes, so make sure to dress up for this fright-tastic event! The cruise runs from 7 to 9 p.m. with the afterparty going on until 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $50.

Fall and Farm Events

Embrace the changing seasons on the Fall Colors Tour, a breathtaking, sunset boat ride that captures the beauty of autumn. Attendees can revel in scenic views of Delavan Lake from the open-air upper deck or relax with a drink at the fully stocked bar. The Fall Colors Tour runs from 3 to 4 p.m. every weekend until October 19 and requires a reservation. Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children.

Family fun awaits this October at Pearce’s Farm Stand and Corn Maze in Walworth! Bring the whole family for the 12-acre corn maze, locally grown produce and delicious, homemade goodies like donuts and kettle corn. Admission to the corn maze is just $8 for adults and $6 for children. The farm also hosts Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 12 and 13, inviting locals to celebrate all things pumpkin! Stop by anytime this month from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for good food and fun times.

Illinois Events

Fall and Farm Events

All Seasons Orchard in Woodstock is a staple for autumnal celebrations. From apple picking to hayrides, you’ll find a range of activities in the expansive orchard. The orchard is open until November 2, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Attendees can purchase a combo pass for $19, granting access to the barnyard activities and U-Pick.

In Marengo, Cody’s Farm & Orchard is your one-stop-shop for all things fall. Visitors can explore acres of crisp apples, enjoy hayrides across the farm and walk through the four-acre corn maze. Cody’s is open every weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Looking for another local farm to visit this season? Check out Dave’s Pumpkins in Huntley for bountiful pumpkin harvests and fall activities. There is something for every family member, including a haunted hayride, pumpkin bowling, sunflower maze and a vibrant produce stand. Dave’s is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Fall Festivals and Markets

Venture into Algonquin this Halloween for the arrival of its Halloween Town. Visitors are wowed by festive activities like haunted houses, parades and more. The town transforms into a spooky version of itself and beckons you to stay for a spook, or two! You are invited to see Halloween Town for yourself every night in October from dusk until 10:30 p.m.

Tom’s Farm Market in Huntley is also known for its fall festivities during Fall on the Farm. Stop by for delicious baked goods, fresh produce and the seasonal corn maze. Tom’s is open until Oct. 29, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets start at $12 and include U-Pick and outdoor activities.

Stade’s Farm & Market in McHenry is your destination for the season’s best produce and fall decorations. Whether you are seeking apples for your family-recipe pie or a stylish wreath for the front door, Stade’s has you covered!

As you venture to Halloween festivities across Illinois and Wisconsin, explore our communities in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, as well as McHenry and Poplar Grove, Illinois, that offer new home opportunities near exciting seasonal events and festivities.

For further details, reach out to us at 815-385-4495 or visit our online contact page to connect with the Gerstad Builder team!