A host of Halloween events are planned in the Northland in the days leading up to the holiday. Here are a few ways you can seek out some terror, or treats, or both:
Haunted Ship
The William A. Irvin Haunted Ship provides - in the words of organizers - "a nightmare for everyone on board."
The annual Halloween-season event transforms the museum ship into a freighter full of scares.
"Whether you're afraid of snakes, claustrophobia or clowns, we have something sure to make you sweat," organizers said. "The fear starts at dusk, but the terror lasts forever."
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The Haunted Ship is open Thursdays 6:30-10 p.m., Fridays 6:30-10:30 p.m. and Saturdays 4-10:30 p.m. through the end of October. It also will be open Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 30-31, 6:30-10 p.m.
Regular admission is $12, but you can get $2 off by bringing a nonperishable food item or a new or gently used coat, as part of the event's "Helping the Cause" fundraiser. There's also a buy-one-get-one-free deal for all college students with valid IDs.
Tickets are available at the Haunted Ship on Harbor Drive; cash or check only, no credit cards. Children younger than 12 will not be admitted without a parent.
Find more information at duluthhauntedship.com.
Haunted Shack
The Haunted Shack and hayride includes "a maze of horrors where only the most brave souls enter to be taken through a dizzying tour of ghoulish scenes haunted by real actors, pneumatic props, sensory platforms and state-of-the-art light and sound systems," organizers said.
The annual tradition at the Buffalo House, southwest of Duluth at 2590 Guss Road, also includes a hayride that takes riders "through a haunted forest and into a 'not-so-dead' cemetery."
Haunted Shack founder Pat Stojevich remains the "chief ghoul" behind the event, which raises money for Special Olympics as well as local coat and food drives.
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The Haunted Shack will be open 7-10 p.m. today and Sunday, as well as Oct. 26-28. The cost is $15 per person. A tamed-down Kids' Day will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28, at a cost of $8 per person.
Get $2 off the admission price by donating a nonperishable food item, or a buy-one-get-one with the donation of a coat.
Find more information at hauntedshack.com.
Superior library trick-or-treat
The 8th annual Superior Public Library trick-or-treat event will be today, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This year's theme is Scooby-Doo, and the event will feature costumed characters, crafts and candy. It's a free event for kids of all ages.
For more information, contact the Kelly Wiisanen at wiisanek@superiorlibrary.org or (715) 394-8867.
Boo at the Zoo
The annual Boo at the Zoo event is back at the Lake Superior Zoo today for its second and final Saturday, giving local kids and their families a chance to trick-or-treat in costume on zoo grounds.
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The event also includes a pumpkin patch, bounce houses, magic shows and a "creepy critters" animal exhibit, among other activities. Organizers say it's all intended to be fun for kids - not scary.
The event will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the zoo, 7210 Fremont St. in Duluth. Tickets are $10 at the gate.
Haunted Maze
Boy Scout Troop 212 from Poplar is hosting a haunted maze at Wentworth Gardens in Douglas County.
The maze, just off U.S. Highway 2 at 4474 S. Wentworth Road, is open from 6:30-10:30 p.m. today and again on Oct. 27-28. A not-so-scary guided maze tour for kids will be offered from 2-6 p.m. Oct. 28.
Admission is $10, with $2 off for bringing a nonperishable food item to donate. The money raised helps support the troop's activities and community service projects.
Find more information on Facebook; search for "The Haunt at Wentworth Gardens."
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Trunk or Treat
Eastridge Community Church in Duluth will be hosting a free "trunk or treat" event on Oct. 28 from 1-4 p.m. at the church, 3727 W. Arrowhead Road.
"A trunk or treat is a safe trick-or-treating event that features thematically decorated cars, candy, kids' games, bounce houses, food and refreshments," organizers said - nothing to scare young children.
An added bonus: an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will also be in attendance, passing out whistles and other gifts.
For more information, contact Thomas Asbury, senior pastor, at tom@eastridgechurchduluth.com or (218) 722-1545.
Howl-O-Ween at Hartley
Hartley Nature Center in Duluth will host its annual Howl-O-Ween event on Oct. 28.
There are two sessions - from 10 a.m. to noon or 1-3 p.m.; preregistration is required, and space is limited.
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"Howl-O-Ween is for kids ages birth to 8 years old and their parents, and will include games, face-painting, a critter trail, crafts and of course treats," organizers said. "Nothing here will be too scary for preschoolers."
Kids and parents are encouraged to wear costumes for the event. It's free for Hartley Nature Center members, $25 for non-member households.
Find more information at hartleynature.org or call (218) 724-6735.
Haunted Halls
The University of Minnesota Duluth will host its 22nd annual Haunted Halls event from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 30 for kids ages 3-12.
UMD residence halls along Niagara Court will be transformed into "haunted halls" with chances for kids to go trick-or-treating, play games and make crafts.
This year's theme is "Everyday Heroes," designed to recognize people such as teachers, doctors, firefighters, nurses and parents. Kids will be able to meet UMD and Duluth police officers and Duluth firefighters.
It's free and open to the public - but donations to CHUM or Direct Relief for Puerto Rico are encouraged.
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"Our students love this event because it offers them a chance to give back not only to the community, but also to nonprofits we believe in," said Katie Lindow of UMD Housing and Residence Life.
Parking is available in UMD's W and V lots.
Lincoln Park trick-or-treat
Northern Expressions Arts Collective will present is fifth annual interactive trick-or-treating stop at Harrison Community Center, 3002 W. Third St. in Duluth, from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
"Children and families will have the opportunity to play games at a turn of the century carnival with the help of friendly but slightly undead carnies," organizers said. "This year's emphasis is on safe spaces, and how families and neighbors can work together to keep their homes and communities safe for everyone."
The event is appropriate for all ages, and there will be treats available that are safe for toddlers - and non-food treats for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Find more information at facebook.com/northexp.
Trick-or-treat at UWS
University of Wisconsin-Superior students will again welcome trick-or-treaters to the school's residence halls from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31.
It will be the 24th year that residents of Ross-Hawkes, Crownhart, Curran-McNeill and Ostrander halls along Catlin Avenue will decorate their dorm hallways and hand out treats. Kids through sixth grade will be guided by residence hall staff members.
The Link at Ross-Hawkes Hall, 2231 Catlin Ave., will feature carnival activities for children. Crownhart Hall, 1524 Catlin Ave., will offer kid-friendly arts, crafts and storytelling. There will be a haunted house theme for kids 12 and older - or with parental consent - in the basement of Curran-McNeill-Ostrander Halls, 1714 Catlin Ave. Kids visiting any of the halls must be accompanied by an adult.
Free parking is available in university lots near the residence halls. Cash and candy donations are being accepted for the event.
A night of superstition at Fairlawn
The University of Wisconsin-Superior's Center for Continuing Education and Fairlawn Mansion will host an evening of history and Victorian superstition 7-9 p.m. on Friday and Oct. 28.
The Fairlawn Superstition Flashlight Tour will begin with a cheese-and-cracker reception; guests are invited to bring beverages - no red wine. Glassware, ice and corkscrews will be provided.
Paranormal investigator Scott Kenner will present his audio recordings collected in the mansion. He also will share findings of paranormal activity from the SS Meteor and the Old Firehouse/Police Museum.
The evening will conclude with a flashlight tour of the mansion, which will include areas of the home off limits on regular tours.
Cost is $20 per ticket, or two tickets for $35. Participants must be 21 years or older, and should bring their own flashlights. To register, call (715) 394-8191 or visit www.cvent.com/d/7tqjrr .
