Oct 7, 2021

With the beginning of fall comes the cooler weather, pumpkins, and haunted houses! If you’re one of those people who love to get the adrenaline pumping with a good scare or want to try something a little different, visiting a haunted house should be at the top of your list of things to do this autumn. Whether you live in Grand Forks or are just visiting, knowing the must-see haunted houses in the area will help you plan out a great evening of fun and scares. Read on for our list of must-see haunted houses in Grand Forks, North Dakota. 

Legends of Terror Haunted House

A black sign with "Haunted House" written in redgont
Image via Flickr by jbcurio via CC BY 2.0

This is one of the best-kept secrets of Grand Forks! A tradition for most, visiting the Legends of Terror Haunted House at 3405 Belmont Road makes the fall here in Grand Forks exciting. Located in Grand Forks Historical Society, The Legends of Terror Haunted House has become an iconic event and a representation of our history. 

Organized in 1970, The Grand Forks County Historical Society initiated a goal to provide services aimed at helping the community better understand Grand Forks’ history. In order to welcome the community into the museum for this annual event, museum staff must remove the breakables and prepare the seven buildings for the scare-fest. 

Each year, they base the haunted house on a different theme. Past themes include works by famed American author Edgar Allan Poe and famous horror movies. Legends of Terror is usually held for only two nights out of the year in mid-October. Entry is typically $10 per participant. Because of the nature and scare factor, kids under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Check the Grand Forks County Historical Society website for updated information to make your plans this fall. 

Acres of Terror 

In just under a two-hour drive from Grand Forks, you can visit Leonard for a scare that’ll delight. As one of the most popular haunted houses to visit in North Dakota, Acres of Terror welcomes people of all ages and has something for everyone. 

Challenge your problem-solving skills and nerves as you make your way through their scary corn maze with a surprise lurking around every bend. Visit the old schoolhouse, where you will hear the echoes of children laughing and see the walls bedecked with Halloween decorations to make your heart pound. Expect to see some of their typical character actors. They have Scremit da Clown, a masked, deranged sociopath with a sinister smirk. ZiggyD Wolf is the school bus driver in flannel, and Striker is your neighborhood mass murderer hauling some massive razor-sharp blades. 

You’ll find the Acres of Terror haunted house 16 miles south of Casselton on North Dakota Highway 18. Adult general admission passes are $25, youth under 10 years old are $13, and guests who are in the military receive a $2 discount with a valid ID. Their season typically runs from late September, ending with a scream on Halloween night. If you are planning on taking a large group of 30 or more, contact them at 701-491-2587 for group rates. Parking is free and doors open at dusk. 

The Crypt at Jacobs Manor

While you’re in Red River Valley, stop at another Leonard favorite scare spot: The Crypt at Jacobs Manor. These give you a fright for a good cause! They are a charity-based haunted house that takes place yearly on the last two Fridays and Saturdays in October. In lieu of a general admission fee, they run on donations. They accept your non-perishable foods donations as entrance to benefit the Fargo Women’s and Children’s Shelter. 

This is a wonderful destination for a fun family outing to kick off the trick-or-treating festivities. It’s also a great activity for a first date to bond and get to know each other. You get to have fun, help the community, and take in some of the unique and handmade decorations created by the artists and volunteers that host this spooktacular event to do good. You’ll find them at 307 1/2 Railroad Avenue North. To find out how you can help their good cause, or for more information regarding their hours of operation, check out their website.

Dark Acres

To make a weekend or day trip out of your haunted house adventures, visit Dark Acres in Williston. Be ready for a drive, as Dark Acres is in Williston, about five hours away from Grand Forks. But don’t let the distance discourage you. The drive is a scenic and enjoyable route that ends at a quaint store. 

During the day, you’ll find a vast assortment of Halloween decorations, novelties, and props at the store to help make your costume or party one of a kind. At night, visit their haunted house to get your adrenaline going. For younger visitors, there is a corn maze where they can wander and a pumpkin patch so they can choose the perfect squash to take home and carve. They are located at 5101 2nd Avenue West.

Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch

Nelson’s Pumpkin Patch is locally owned and operated by Carrie and Todd Nelson. This family-friendly destination is less than thirty minutes away from Grand Forks, at 2558 20th Avenue in Emerado. They boast a corn maze that is a delightful treat for kids of all ages. A little tamer than the other scare fests, they have created a welcoming environment that doesn’t overwhelm the little ones but still offers plenty to give others a little jump and startle. Visit their pumpkin patch early and begin your Halloween festivities by picking your perfect gourd. 

They’ll be open this year from September 11 to October 30. They’ll be open weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $8 and children under 3 get in free. 

Whether you’re in the market for a new car to get you to your next haunted house or just need an oil change to keep your vehicle running well, our friendly staff at Rydell Cadillac of Grand Forks is ready to help. What do you think of our list of must-see haunted houses in Grand Forks? Did we miss one of your favorite annual spots to visit? Leave a message and let us know! We’ll be happy to add your suggestions to our list.