The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum in Bismarck has turned one of its galleries into a "Haunted Museum" through Sunday, Nov. 1, and the State Historical Society of North Dakota is also hosting a free Halloween open house at the Former Governors' Mansion on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The Details
- Haunted Museum: North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum, 612 E. Boulevard Ave. Open Wednesday, Oct. 21, through Sunday, Nov. 1, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. weekends, according to the museum's event page. Free.
- Evening hours: Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, 6–9 p.m., with story sessions at 7 and 8 p.m. in the Russell Reid Auditorium.
- Halloween Open House: Saturday, Oct. 31, Former Governors' Mansion State Historic Site, 320 E. Avenue B. Story time at 4 p.m., repeated at 4:30 p.m.; the decorated mansion is open 5–9 p.m. All activities are free.
What to Expect
The museum's event page describes the Haunted Museum as a "legendscary" experience: eerie scenes inspired by regional folklore, with witches, dwarves, trolls and fairies. North Dakota-themed spooky stories are read in the Great Plains Theater at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays. The Oct. 23 and 24 evening hours add a labyrinth with costumed characters, the page says. The Historical Society lists the event as part of its ND250 commemoration of the country's 250th birthday.
At the mansion on Oct. 31, the Historical Society's events calendar says story time includes a spooky story and a sweet treat. From 5 to 9 p.m., visitors can explore the house decorated for Halloween, including the toy room and basement. Refreshments will be available, and candy will be handed out at the front door while supplies last. All ages are welcome, but children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Before You Go
Evening hours at the Heritage Center fall on just two nights, Oct. 23 and 24. Outside its summer season, the Former Governors' Mansion is open for events, school tours, rentals and by appointment, according to its site page. Times can change, so check the Historical Society's calendar before heading out.
Sources: https://statemuseum.nd.gov/events/haunted-museum ; https://www.history.nd.gov/events/calendar.html ; https://www.history.nd.gov/historicsites/fgm/