Halloween Activites in the Riverbend Area

You may have heard of Alton, IL. Its famous for being a major stop along the Lewis and Clark Expedition. But, its also known for something other than that, especially this time of year. Ask any local and they will tell you, Alton is also known for being one of the most haunted towns in the country. This being said, its no wonder the town if full of Halloween festivities starting as early as September. Whether you’re looking for something to frighten you beyond belief or something to take the kids to thats not so scary, you can find it in the Riverbend area. From haunted tours, pumpkin patches and corn mazes theres something for everyone, fearless or not so sure about it.

For those thrillseekers who aren’t afraid, you can take a haunted tour of Alton. Antionette’s Haunted History Tours offers a variety of these tours. They offer a haunted trolley tour of Civil War events in the area as well as a tour of the haunted Cheney Mansion in Jerseyville. Guests are encouraged to bring cameras as well as stories of their own experiences with visitors from the beyond.

One of the most haunted buildings in Alton is Mineral Springs Mall and this year guests have to opportunity to do more than just shop there. They are offering dinner tours as well as overnight tours for those brave enough to try.

For those who are not quite ready to tackle hanuted Alton, there are alternatives. Guests can start at the Great Godfrey Corn Maze. This event has been going on for years and is always a local favorite. It runs every weekend from September thru October and is known for being a great family event. There are two separate mazes on a 7 acre corn field for you to find your way thru- either during the day or if you’re really good, at night.

Another event that takes place in Godfrey, which is right next to Alton, is the Fall Corn Festival. Take part in a corn eating contest or just browse crafts and antique tractor display. This is also a great family oriented event in the Riverbend area.

Still needing more to do, head on over to Grafton and visit Eckerts Orchards. Whether you want to pick your own apples or go on a hayride, its all waiting for you here. Fresh, warm apple cider and a not so haunted house await young visitors. This is another event that goes the entire month on the weekends and always has a large turnout.

Maybe you’re all grown up now and not so much into the Halloween festivites. Theres still fall activites for you to enjoy. You wan take part in a house tour- not the haunted type, but of the beautiful historic homes that fill the community. Also, you may like the fall colors tours, which can be found all over town. Between the river and the hills, when the fall colors come in it is absolutely breath taking and these tours spotlight that scenery.

Still not had enough? Stop by the Alton visitor center on the last two Saturdays in October, and take part in haunted ‘Owl- ton’ where visitors can view owls from the area. Finish off your Halloween season by attending the annual Alton Halloween parade on October 31.

As you can see, no matter what your thrill seeking level is, you’re sure to find something to do in the Riverbend district. Young or old, fearless or not so much, its all waiting for you to discover in Alton, IL.