South Louisiana is rich in culture, history, and supernatural folklore, making it an ideal region to celebrate Halloween. Whether you’re looking for haunted attractions, spooky ghost tours, or family-friendly festivals, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to go in South Louisiana for Halloween.
1. The 13th Gate – Baton Rouge
Widely regarded as one of the scariest haunted houses in the U.S., The 13th Gate in Baton Rouge is not for the faint of heart. This intense, immersive haunted attraction features hyper-realistic sets and live actors designed to terrify even the bravest visitors. Each year, new themes and rooms are added, keeping the experience fresh and horrifying. From underground tunnels to eerie swamps, you’ll navigate through 40,000 square feet of horror.
Why go: Perfect for thrill-seekers looking for a truly spine-chilling experience.
What to expect: Extreme scares, movie-quality special effects, and a terrifying maze.
2. Myrtles Plantation – St. Francisville
Known as one of the most haunted houses in America, Myrtles Plantation is a must-visit for anyone interested in ghostly encounters. This historic plantation, dating back to 1796, is rumored to be home to several restless spirits, including the ghost of Chloe, a slave girl said to have poisoned the family that owned the house. The plantation offers ghost tours year-round, but the experience is especially eerie during Halloween.
Why go: Perfect for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts.
What to expect: Ghost tours, eerie atmospheres, and possibly paranormal sightings.
3. The Rougarou Fest – Houma
Celebrate South Louisiana’s Cajun folklore at the annual Rougarou Fest in Houma. The festival is named after the mythical Rougarou, a werewolf-like creature from Cajun legends said to roam the swamps. This family-friendly event includes a parade, live music, a costume contest, food vendors, and activities for kids. It’s a perfect way to experience local culture while getting into the Halloween spirit.
Why go: A unique celebration of Cajun culture with a spooky twist.
What to expect: Live entertainment, Cajun cuisine, and fun for all ages.
4. New Orleans Ghost and Vampire Tours
New Orleans is famous for its haunted history, and what better time to explore the city’s spooky side than Halloween? Numerous ghost and vampire tours take you through the historic French Quarter, where you’ll learn about haunted mansions, unsolved mysteries, and the city's legendary vampires. Some tours even offer stops at infamous haunted locations, such as LaLaurie Mansion and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau is buried.
Why go: Perfect for those who love history, mystery, and ghost stories.
What to expect: Chilling tales, haunted locations, and a deeper look into New Orleans’ supernatural past.
5. New Orleans Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade
If you’re looking for a more light-hearted celebration, the Krewe of Boo Halloween Parade in New Orleans is a festive and fun event. The parade features creatively decorated floats, costumed participants, and plenty of candy thrown to the crowd. Held in the French Quarter, this family-friendly parade offers a Halloween twist on the city’s famous Mardi Gras festivities.
Why go: Ideal for families and those who love the lively, festive atmosphere of New Orleans parades.
What to expect: Floats, costumes, live music, and candy.
6. Fright Trail – Lafayette
Located in Lafayette, the Fright Trail is an outdoor haunted attraction that takes you through the woods on a terrifying journey filled with monsters, zombies, and creepy creatures. Spanning over 20 acres, this haunted trail is one of the largest in South Louisiana, offering a mix of horror, suspense, and jump scares. It's a great destination for those who want to combine the thrill of a haunted house with the eerie atmosphere of the great outdoors.
Why go: A unique outdoor haunted experience that puts you right in the middle of the action.
What to expect: Creepy woods, live actors, and heart-pounding scares.
7. The Mortuary Haunted House – New Orleans
Situated in an old funeral home, The Mortuary is one of New Orleans’ premier haunted attractions. This multi-story haunted house is packed with special effects, professional actors, and terrifying rooms that play on all your worst nightmares. Each year, the haunted house has a new theme, keeping visitors coming back for more. Its historic setting as a former mortuary only adds to the creepiness.
Why go: One of the most intense haunted houses in New Orleans.
What to expect: Gory scenes, detailed set designs, and lots of jump scares.
8. Terror on the Teche – New Iberia
For a Halloween event with a historical twist, Terror on the Teche in New Iberia offers ghost stories on the grounds of the historic Shadows-on-the-Teche plantation. Local storytellers share chilling tales of ghosts, ghouls, and strange occurrences while you sit under the Spanish moss-draped oak trees. It’s a perfect event for those who enjoy ghost stories and want to experience South Louisiana’s rich storytelling tradition.
Why go: Ideal for a quieter, more atmospheric Halloween experience.
What to expect: Chilling ghost stories in a historic plantation setting.
9. NOLA Horror Film Fest – New Orleans
If you’re a fan of horror movies, the NOLA Horror Film Fest is the place to be during the Halloween season. Held annually in New Orleans, this film festival showcases independent horror films from around the world. It’s a great way to get your horror fix and experience some new and original films that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Why go: Perfect for horror film buffs and fans of indie cinema.
What to expect: Screenings of horror films, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and a lively festival atmosphere.
10. Halloween at the Old State Capitol – Baton Rouge
The Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge is a gothic-style building that already looks like something out of a Halloween movie. Each year, the Capitol hosts a Halloween event featuring spooky tours and activities for all ages. The historic building, which is rumored to be haunted, provides the perfect backdrop for a Halloween celebration with a touch of history.
Why go: A great mix of history, architecture, and Halloween fun.
What to expect: Ghost tours, historical exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
Conclusion
South Louisiana offers a wide variety of Halloween experiences, from haunted houses and ghost tours to festivals and parades. Whether you’re in search of extreme scares or family-friendly fun, the region’s rich history and love for celebration ensure that there’s something for everyone during the Halloween season. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to explore the best spooky spots that South Louisiana has to offer this October!
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