Halloween In Louisiana: A MapQuest Guide

From zombie parades and costume contests to haunted houses and hayrides (to haunted anything!), the Halloween season casts its spell and awakens our inner ghouls and goblins. As part of FrightQuest -- a MapQuest series on spooky destinations and activities -- here are three options to celebrate Halloween in Louisiana that are sure to be a scream.
— Susan Powers

Witch Way To Main Street

For history buffs with youngsters who are looking for a Halloween getaway, Natchitoches, Louisiana -- the oldest town in Louisiana (dating back to 1714) -- is a perfect destination. The town’s Haunted History Tour is entertaining for adults, and Witch Way to Main Street offers a fun, safe alternative for kids. The child-centered event includes trick-or-treating along historic Front Street with local merchants. The town boasts a plethora of bed and breakfasts, and the Samuel Guy House bed-and-breakfast sits next door to what is likely the oldest cemetery -- and arguably the spookiest -- in the Louisiana Purchase.

Front Street, Natchitoches, LA 71457 | Get Directions

The Myrtles Halloween Extravaganza

Hard-core ghost hunters should head to Myrtles Plantation for a Louisiana Halloween experience like no other. According to Jason and Grant of Syfy's Ghost Hunters, the home is “one of the most haunted places in America.” The Myrtles Halloween Extravaganza takes place in the days leading up to and including Halloween and features special evening tours, with food and refreshments served on the grounds. According to staffer Hester Eby at The Myrtles, the tours are timed “when ghost are at their peak.” Overnight visits are encouraged for those who want the full experience of things that go bump in the night.

7747 U.S. Highway 61, St. Francisville, LA 70775 | Get Directions

The 13th Gate Haunted House

“Since I was 15 years old, I’ve wanted to create one of the best and greatest haunted houses,” says 13th Gate Haunted House creator and head of Midnight Productions Dwayne Sanburn. He has succeeded, according to HauntWorld.com, which declares: “13th Gate Haunted House is one of the best, most detailed haunted houses in the world.” The attraction, which runs from the last week of September through the beginning of November, is not recommended for the very young nor the faint of heart. Also on the site is Necropolis 13, a New Orleans-style cemetery haunt by the same production company that features a whole new cast of ghosts, ghouls and goblins.

832 Saint Philip St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802 | Get Directions

In this TV news segment, actors and creator Dwayne Sanburn provide a sneak peek behind the scenes of the 13th Gate Haunted House.

Did we miss a Halloween event in Louisiana? Tell us about it in the comments section below.

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama.