Ghost Stories & Halloween Magic: A Spooky Weekend Getaway in Minneapolis & Saint Paul

Afternoon

Arrive in Minneapolis and check into your hotel. If you’re staying at 300 Clifton, take a little time to explore the mansion before tonight’s adventure. The grand staircase, stained glass, and beautifully preserved woodwork make the property part of the experience.

Dinner: Travail Haunted Basement Bar

Kick off your Halloween weekend with one of the Twin Cities’ most immersive dining experiences. Each fall, Travail transforms its Basement Bar into a theatrical horror-inspired experience featuring elaborate sets, creative cocktails, and a multi-course tasting menu full of surprises. Reservations are essential, and costumes are encouraged.

Evening: Candlelight Ghost Trolley Tour

Board a vintage trolley for an evening exploring some of Minneapolis’ most haunted locations while guides share local legends, ghost stories, and fascinating pieces of Twin Cities history.

Mary Beth’s tip: Don’t skip the restroom at the end of the tour! The Carriage House restroom occupies the building’s original crematorium, making it quite possibly the most memorable bathroom you’ll ever visit.

Overnight in Minneapolis.

Morning

Spend the morning exploring Cathedral Hill, one of Saint Paul’s most beautiful historic neighborhoods.

Suggested self-guided walking tour:

• Cathedral of Saint Paul
  Begin at the Cathedral of Saint Paul and admire its magnificent dome, beautiful stained glass, and breathtaking interior.

• SubText Books
  Browse this charming independent bookstore before continuing your stroll through the neighborhood.

• Summit Avenue
  Walk beneath colorful autumn trees along one of the country’s longest stretches of preserved Victorian homes. Along the way, keep an eye out for:

  • James J. Hill House

  • F. Scott Fitzgerald House

  • Beautiful Queen Anne and Victorian architecture

Late morning: Hall of Hekate

Before lunch, stop by this locally owned metaphysical shop filled with crystals, tarot decks, candles, herbs, jewelry, and other mystical treasures. Whether you’re searching for a unique souvenir or simply embracing the Halloween spirit, it’s a fun stop that perfectly complements the day.

Lunch: Choose your spooky experience

• Option 1: Forepaugh’s
  Continue the historic theme with lunch inside one of Saint Paul’s most famous haunted mansions. Elegant dining rooms, Victorian architecture, and local ghost stories make this a memorable stop before continuing your adventure.

• Option 2: Hourglass Café at Lazarus Lodge
  Head directly to Lazarus Lodge and enjoy lunch inside the themed Hourglass Café before your escape room adventure.

Afternoon: Lazarus Lodge Escape Room

Step inside one of the Twin Cities’ most immersive escape room experiences. Rich storytelling, cinematic sets, and creative puzzles make this much more than a traditional escape room and a perfect fit for this itinerary.

Dinner

Before heading to the Minnesota Zoo, choose the Halloween dining experience that best matches your style.

• Option 1: Creepside Supper Club
  Each fall, Creepside transforms into a Halloween lover’s dream with elaborate decorations, festive cocktails, and a playful, spooky atmosphere.

• Option 2: Nico’s Halloween Pop-Up
  Enjoy themed décor, creative cocktails, and a lively atmosphere before continuing your Halloween adventure.

Evening: Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular

End the evening strolling through one of Minnesota’s signature fall traditions as thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminate the trails at the Minnesota Zoo.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out. Then, if time allows before heading home, make one final stop.

Optional add-on: Wabasha Street Caves

Choose between the historic Gangster Tour or the Lost Souls Tour to learn about the caves’ colorful—and sometimes haunted—past before beginning the drive home.

Additional recommendations

If you’re extending your stay or simply want to add another spooky stop, consider:

• Can Can Wonderland: Artist-designed mini golf, vintage arcade games, and creative cocktails.

• Parlour Bar:One of the Twin Cities’ best cocktail bars with a dark, intimate atmosphere.

• Volstead’s Emporium: A Prohibition-era speakeasy

• Mill City Museum: Explore Minneapolis’ fascinating flour milling history inside the ruins of what was once the world’s largest flour mill.

• Stone Arch Bridge & St. Anthony Main: A beautiful riverside walk, especially during peak fall color.