You’ll find Missouri’s ghost towns hosting thrilling annual events that’ll send shivers down your spine! Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town in Cape Girardeau has been scaring visitors every October since 1994, while Haunted Hannibal offers year-round ghost tours through historic streets. Weston’s annual Ghost Tales event blends theatrical performances with paranormal storytelling, and Missouri Town Living History Museum hosts special paranormal investigation workshops. Each location combines authentic history with supernatural encounters, offering experiences ranging from guided tours to immersive haunted attractions that reveal the Show-Me State’s most mysterious destinations.
Key Takeaways
- Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town operates seasonally every October weekend since 1994, offering immersive haunted experiences until closing in 2025.
- Weston hosts the annual Ghost Tales event each October, featuring theatrical performances and guided tours celebrating local ghost folklore.
- Haunted Hannibal conducts year-round ghost tours with special October events including Paranormal Weekend and Halloween Festival activities.
- Missouri Town Living History Museum schedules paranormal investigation workshops biannually, combining historical interpretation with spirit searches at historic buildings.
- Independence historic sites focus primarily on traditional history with minimal documented ghost lore or organized paranormal events.
Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town in Cape Girardeau
Deep in the woods of Cape Girardeau, Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town has been terrifying visitors since 1994, making it one of Missouri’s longest-running seasonal haunts. You’ll find this haunted attraction at 2728 Co Rd 638, where it operates every October weekend from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
What started with basic black plastic walls has evolved into an immersive 20-30 minute experience featuring elaborate indoor and outdoor scenes, challenging mazes, and live actors. The haunted ghost town theme evokes a sense of adventure and thrill throughout the entire attraction. General admission costs $20, or grab a $30 Fast Pass to skip the lines—just bring cash since there’s no ATM on-site.
While it’s too intense for kids under 10, Black Forest has become a family tradition for thousands of thrill-seekers who’ve experienced its spine-tingling entertainment over three decades. After an incredible 30-year run, the attraction will close after the 2025 season, making this final October your last chance to experience this beloved haunt.
Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours and Historic Walks
While Cape Girardeau offers seasonal scares, Hannibal invites you to explore authentic haunted history year-round with its enthralling ghost tours.
Experience authentic paranormal encounters in Hannibal’s historic streets, where Mark Twain-era spirits and real ghost stories await your discovery year-round.
You’ll discover Mark Twain-era murders, investigate Old Baptist Cemetery with dowsing rods for spirit communication, and cruise past mansions on Millionaires’ Row where restless spirits dwell.
These 90-minute guided tours run nightly at 7:00 PM from March through November, taking you through the old jailhouse, Mark Twain Cave, and notoriously haunted sites.
Your guide shares real ghost encounters and fascinating historical tales that’ll captivate believers and skeptics alike.
The cemetery investigation lets you walk among graves of slaves and Civil War soldiers while searching for paranormal activity.
Don’t miss October’s Paranormal Weekend or the Halloween Festival for spine-tingling adventures.
Tours sell out quickly, so book ahead at hauntedhannibal.com or call (573) 248-1819.
Throughout fall, downtown Hannibal hosts the Jaycees Halloween Parade and Living Dead windows displays that add festive excitement to your ghost tour experience.
Experience freedom to explore the supernatural on your terms.
Weston Ghost Tales in Missouri’s Most Haunted Town
Nestled in the heart of Missouri’s wine country, Weston earned its spine-chilling reputation as the state’s most haunted town through decades of documented paranormal activity and ghostly encounters. You’ll discover this eerie heritage firsthand at the annual Ghost Tales event each October, where local folklore comes alive through theatrical performances and guided walking tours.
Historian Verna Kowertz curates authentic stories like “Einstein’s Brain” and “The Ghost On Library Drive” that’ll send shivers down your spine. Your $59 ticket includes a catered dinner at the historic Masonic Lodge before you explore downtown’s haunted architecture with volunteer actors bringing spectral tales to life. The experience features performances by Weston Community Theatre members who portray characters from the town’s ghostly past. During the tours, storytellers share chilling accounts at venues like the St. George Hotel, where a woman once photographed a ghostly figure peering through a third-story window.
With proceeds supporting community organizations, you’re preserving history while experiencing genuine Missouri hauntings.
Independence Historic Sites and Supernatural Experiences
Although Independence proudly showcases its rich historical legacy through presidential landmarks and pioneer heritage sites, the city’s supernatural side remains largely undocumented in public records.
You’ll find the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, Bingham-Waggoner Mansion, and 1859 Jail among Independence’s celebrated attractions, yet supernatural legends connected to these locations aren’t officially recorded.
Unlike Missouri’s openly haunted destinations, Independence maintains focus on conventional historical tourism through the National Frontier Trails Museum and Vaile Mansion.
While many historic sites naturally accumulate haunted legends over time, you won’t discover verified paranormal accounts in mainstream sources about Independence’s landmarks. The Historic Independence Square features the jail that once housed outlaw Frank James, adding to the area’s storied past.
The Community of Christ Temple serves as the international headquarters for the church, reflecting the city’s significant Mormon heritage from the 1831 arrival of Joseph Smith.
If you’re seeking documented ghost stories and supernatural experiences, you’ll need to explore alternative resources beyond traditional tourism channels to uncover any hidden haunted legends surrounding this historic Missouri city.
Missouri Town Living History Museum Paranormal Investigations
Since 1977, Missouri Town Living History Museum has preserved 1800s-era buildings transported from across Missouri. Now, you can explore their darker mysteries during two-hour paranormal investigation workshops.
You’ll join trained ghost hunters for historic house investigations at 8010 East Park Road in Lee’s Summit, searching two buildings known for unexplained activity.
These paranormal research sessions combine authentic living history interpretation with genuine spirit investigations—perfect for questioning whether relocated structures brought their original inhabitants along.
You can reserve your spot for sessions scheduled October 25, 2025 (5:30-7:00 PM) or April 25, 2026. Advance reservations are required to participate in these popular evening investigations.
Admission costs $20-25 for participants ages 12-14 and up. Dress appropriately for outdoor conditions in this reconstructed village setting.
Jackson County Parks + Rec operates this unique fusion of historical preservation and supernatural exploration. For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 816-524-8770 or reach out via email at missouritown@jacksongov.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed to Attend Missouri Ghost Town Events and Tours?
Yes, you’ll find children welcome at Missouri’s ghost town events! These adventures perfectly blend historical preservation with family-friendly activities. You’re free to explore spooky tales together—from lantern tours to haunted houses—creating unforgettable memories for all ages!
What Should Visitors Wear or Bring to Paranormal Investigations?
You’ll want comfortable, layered paranormal investigation attire with sturdy boots for exploring haunted grounds. Bring essential ghost hunting equipment like flashlights, extra batteries, and recording devices. Don’t forget waterproof gear—you’re free to document every spine-tingling moment!
Can Guests Take Photographs During Ghost Tours and Haunted Attractions?
You’ll be *thrilled* to know that photography permissions vary wildly by venue! Most ghost tours welcome your camera, but always check tour photography policies beforehand. Some haunted attractions restrict photos to preserve scares and protect actors’ identities.
How Much Do Tickets Typically Cost for Missouri Ghost Town Events?
You’ll find ticket pricing ranges from completely free festivals to paid attractions around $12, with event discounts available like student nights at $8. Many ghost town tours don’t charge admission, giving you affordable thrills!
Are the Ghost Tours and Events Wheelchair Accessible?
While some Missouri ghost town events feature flat terrain, most aren’t wheelchair friendly tours. You’ll find accessibility accommodations vary considerably—Red Oak II offers vehicle access, but Kansas City’s walking tours explicitly lack wheelchair-accessible routes. Always contact organizers beforehand!
References
- https://www.blackforesthaunted.com
- https://www.missourihauntedhouses.com/calendar/
- https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/Events-Attractions/Historic-Sites/Historic-Sites-Event-Calendar
- https://www.elmshotelandspa.com/annual-events.htm
- https://www.visitmo.com/itineraries/spooky-spots-in-missouri
- https://woodstockinnmo.com/2019/09/ghostly-adventures-in-independence/
- https://www.sidneymt.com/event/fort-buford-annual-ghost-walk/
- https://explorestlouis.com/event/ghost-stories-and-guitars/
- https://www.westonmo.com/calendar-events
- https://morty.app/location/the-black-forest-haunted-ghost-town/cape-girardeau
