Halloween In Maine: 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 Maine that are sure to be a scream.
— Ann Frantz

Fright At The Fort

Considered one of the best haunted-house sites in Maine, Fort Knox combines history and horror during the Halloween season. Dozens of ghoulies bring to life, spook-style, an already creepy historic site on the Penobscot River in Prospect. Townspeople double as ghosts and zombies to haunt the old fort, built in the 1840s to safeguard the seacoast from British invaders. It's a safe, guided tour with just the right amount of hocus-pocus and boo factor to thrill the whole family. Sponsored by the Friends of Fort Knox, the tour is family-friendly at $5 per person, weekend evenings mid- to late-October.

711 Fort Knox Rd., Prospect, ME 04981 | Get Directions

A Ghostly Ghostport

Across the Penobscot River from Fort Knox, the friendly folk of Bucksport, Maine, are transformed into Ghostport residents, offering a spooktacularly good time with pumpkin carving and a pumpkin catapult that launches orange orbs into the Penobscot. One popular highlight of this all-day family festival is the coffin race, dubbed Jonathan Buck's Race to the Grave. There's a costume party for the young ones, a lunch with the Witches, a story time and a chili cook-off. The day ends with food, music and fireworks. In all, it's a wicked fun Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., in mid- to late-October. Admission is free.

Main Street, Bucksport, ME 04416 | Get Directions

Point Sebago Halloween

For a celebration that doubles as a family getaway, the whole gang can head to Point Sebago's ghoulish weekend in mid-October. There's a costume party for everyone, a haunted house and Dracula's Kitchen, a wonderfully choreographed Monster Rock Show, haunted hayrides, pumpkin carving and decorating, face painting and more. The package price includes two nights' lodging and five meals, with free miniature golf -- and regular golf for adults. Cost varies by type of housing, from campsite to cabin.

261 Point Sebago Rd., Casco, ME 04015 | Get Directions

A local TV station provides a scary overview of "Fright at the Fort."

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

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in New Hampshire, Vermont and Boston.