The small town of Marshall leans into spooky fun this October. Here are some suggestions for a Halloween adventure:
American Museum of Magic
The museum has a number of events this month, but the spookiest tickets will be for the haunting history tours. Explore the museum by candlelight, while hearing stories of strange deaths and seances. If you’re looking for more kid-friendly magic, visitors can wear costumes and collect candy on Oct. 16.
Skeleton Fest
Did you hear about the skeleton that stopped by Sage Creek Winery? It needed a wine with a full body (cue sad trom-bone noise). You’ll find skeletons all over downtown Marshall, each one decorated by a local organization. There’s even a T-rex skeleton this year! Along the way, check out specialty stores that sell books, dog treats, clothes and everything you need to make your house cozy. Carry around a warm cocktail with you in the social district. Or if you’re downtown on Friday and Saturday night, you can take a free trolley ride to Dark Horse Brewing Co.
“The House with a Clock in its Walls”
The Victorian mansions of Marshall inspired a young John Bellairs to write some of the spookiest books for kids. You can stroll along the same streets that made up New Zebedee. Make sure to walk by 407 N. Madison St. to see the Cronin House, which Bellairs turned into the magical “House with a Clock in its Walls.” We promise, no need to look out for evil wizards. Oakridge Cemetery, Hemmingsen Rexall Drug Store, Brooks Memorial Fountain and the Honolulu House all have doppelgangers in the book.
Louie’s Bakery
The cookies at Louie’s Bakery might not be quite as magical as those made by Mrs. Zimmerman in “The House with a Clock in its Walls,” but they’re as close as you can get without witchcraft. The pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies sell out fast in October.
Cornwell’s Turkeyville
Haunted Adventures can be found at Cornwell’s every October weekend. A ticket to the family-friendly event gives you access to a hay ride, haunted barn, corn maze and spooky train ride. If you need a treat, doughnuts and cider will be for sale, along with pumpkins for carving.
Bosserd Family Farm
Pick a pumpkin from the patch at Bosserd Family Farm. The working farm has a gift shop and other family activities, such as a corn maze, haunted forest, petting zoo, hay bale straw climb and zip line for kids. If you have time for a drive, there are some nice country roads near the farm, especially when leaves turn color. Try Gorsline Road, N Drive North, L Drive North and Verona Road.
