Pumpkin Head Pumpkin Patch

This grab n’ go patch is a short distance from the Ohio State Reformatory. Visitors are encouraged to pick their own pumpkin from the vine, or select one of the many types of pumpkins that are pre-picked. If you’re looking for gourds, corn, decorative pumpkins or carving pumpkins, this is an affordable stop. Each pumpkin averages around 5-dollars, and is open and available from dawn to dusk. Make sure to bring cash, since this stop is self-serve only.

2056 Beal Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903, 419-843-7770

Apple Hill Orchards

Want to experience the best donut you will ever have? Apple Hill Orchard makes specialty apple donuts, which consist of cinnamon, nutmeg, apple, and other delicious ingredients that will make you come back year after year. Alongside the desserts, this shop offers over 30 different kinds of apple, plums, cherries and peaches. If you are looking for a fun date idea, you can pick-your-own fruits as well. Inside the store, there is fresh apple cider (made onsite), jams, jellies, candles, vegetables, meats and candy. You can also purchase pumpkins and gourds outside by the front doors of the shop. There are currently two locations in Fredericktown and in Mansfield. The Mansfield store is open Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1175 Lexington-Ontario Rd., Mansfield, OH 44903, 419-884-1500

Ohio State Reformatory

The Reformatory is one of the most well-known haunted places in America, appearing in many movies, music videos and as the subject of many books. OSR has classes on ghost hunting and offers ghost walks that can be booked all year round through their website, mrps.org. One of their scariest events is the “Escape from Blood Prison” which is offered every year. This experience is available now until Nov. 1 on Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. until Midnight, and Sunday 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.. Tickets are available for purchase online (bloodprison.fearticket.com) and cost 25-dollars per person. Warning: this is not a fun place for scaredy cats.

100 Reformatory Rd., Mansfield, OH 44905, 419-522-2644

Landoll’s Mohican Castle

Not far from the hiking trails of Mohican rests this spooky castle in Loudonville. The focus of the haunted tours is on Heyd cemetery, a 230-year old grave site where there is paranormal activity and ghosts have been spotted roaming outside the castle and in some of the rooms. Landoll’s Castle offers ghost tours every night in September and October, starting at 8 p.m.. The price starts at 25-dollars per person. Guests can also pay to stay and dine at the castle, experiencing the spookiness up-close and personal.
561 Twp. Rd. 3352, Loudonville, OH 44842, 419-994-3427

Otherworld

On a less spooky note, Otherworld, an immersive art exhibit, makes for a fun and interesting experience. Featuring work from over 40 artists, Otherworld’s scenery forces you to escape Earth and arrive on some foreign planet that holds something new behind every corner. One room is full of neon lights, another is full of creepy headless art and music, one room is all fur, another allows you to literally walk into a video game. While there are no Halloween events this year, last year Otherworld held trick-or-treat for children and an adult event full of gooey immersive art. This would be a fun place to visit in the spirit of all things unnatural and somewhat daunting. Tickets have to be purchased in advance online at otherworldohio.com.

5819 Chantry Dr., Columbus, OH 43232, 614-868-3631