Halloween In Missouri: 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 Missouri that are sure to be a scream.
— Shellie Braeuner

Independence Halloween Parade

For more than 60 years, ghosts and goblins have taken to the streets in the Independence Halloween Parade. Sponsored by the Missouri Independence Chamber of Commerce, this event attracts families from all over the state. Starting around 1 p.m., downtown merchants open their doors for trick-or-treaters of all ages. The parade begins promptly at 3 p.m. Marching bands, floats and classic cars entertain the throngs of costumed children from the Independence area. The parade starts at Walnut Street, marches down Main Street and ends at McCoy Park.

Main Street, Independence, MO 64050 | Get Directions

Monster Maze

The Monster Corn Maze in Cabool, Missouri, gives visitors the choice between being charmed or chased. Those who want to be charmed may visit the Wizard of Oz corn maze. This maze features all the favorite characters from the classic book. After solving the maze, families can choose a pumpkin, play in a corn box or go for a hayride. More daring visitors who wish to be chased can go through the Haunted Maze where "victims" find their way through a maze populated with monsters. Just when they think they have escaped the maze, visitors are ushered through the haunted house. The Haunted Maze is for older visitors, and no children under 13 are admitted without an adult.

604 Main St., Cabool, MO 65689 | Get Directions

The Darkness

Voted one of the top 10 haunted houses in the United States by Hauntworld, the Darkness in St. Louis is sure to generate screams. The attraction encompasses three areas, including a live reptile section, a monster museum and a 3-D horror experience by Terror Visions. The haunted house has been celebrated for its elaborate sets and wild artwork. It is designed for teens and adults.

1525 South 8th St., St. Louis, MO 63104 | Get Directions

This local video is of the Independence Halloween Parade.

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

Want other great Halloween-season ideas? Check out FrightQuest and our coverage in St. Louis, Kansas City and Illinois.

Interested in more stories about Missouri? Go to Patch and scroll the list of states to get great local coverage of your neighborhood.