Locations in region offer terror and fright for any soul

As Halloween draws near, it's likely that many people are starting to ready their favorite costumes for a night of spooky revelry or are stocking up on candy for children who knock on their door with the cry of "Trick or treat!"

For those more interested in a trick rather than a treat, there are several haunted attractions and events offered through Halloween and beyond that will feature different versions of spine-tingling chills and terror. Visit them . . . if you dare.

If you run a haunted house that's not on the list, email it to calendar@semissourian.com or submit it on SemoEvents.com.

Butcher's Hollow Retribution Haunted House

211 N. Spring St.

Hunter Urhahn holds the hand of his aunt, Susie Hallgren, while she holds the hand of his sister Kaelyn Urhahn as they move past a witch in the Haunted Hall of Horror on Saturday, October 20, 2007. (AARON EISENHAUER)

7 p.m. to midnight

Today, Saturday, Oct. 25-26, 30-31 and Nov. 1

The Retribution Haunted House presented by Butcher's Hollow encompasses 14,000 square feet of intense psychological thrills. The theme of Retribution Haunted House is that of Pandora's box, with the haunted house presented as a warehouse with crates that have been broken into. A section of the Retribution Haunted House will be presented in 3-D with viewing glasses provided. All ages are welcome but some images may not be suitable for children. Admission is $13 per person and $6 for children 10 and under. An all-night pass is $25. For more information, visit butchershollow.com.

Haunted Hall of Horror

A.C. Brase Arena Building

You never know what will be lurking at the Haunted Hall of Horror at the Arena Building in Cape Girardeau. (Laura Simon)

410 Kiwanis Drive

7 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 7 to 10 p.m. weeknights

Tonight, Saturday, Oct. 25-26 and Oct. 30-31

The Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department presents a haunted house that takes visitors on a long, dark journey through the nooks and crannies of the arena. Visitors should be prepared to see monsters, scary creatures and other chilling sights. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission is $7 for ages 6 and older; free for 5 and younger. A special Light Night Fright -- more light, less fright -- will be offered from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 26, with admission $2 for ages 2 and older. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 339-6340 or visit blog.cityofcapegirardeau.org.

Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town

2728 County Road 638

7 to 10:30 p.m.

Today, Saturday and Oct. 25-26

A family-friendly haunted venue awaits visitors of the Black Forest Haunted Ghost Town. Additional areas have been added for this year's Halloween season, and the ghost town consists of three different sections of themed rooms, dark hallways and an outdoor maze. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for ages 6 to 12 years old. For more information, contact the Black Forest Hunted Ghost Town at 335-0899 or visit the Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Black-Forest-Haunted-Ghost-Town/.

Haunted Train Car, St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad

252 E. Jackson Blvd., Jackson

7 to 11 p.m.

Today, Saturday, Oct. 25-26 and Oct. 31.

The St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad in Jackson is offering its annual Haunted Train Car at the junction of U.S. 61 and Highway 25 (Hope Street and East Jackson Boulevard.) The car is a 1930s Pullman car that sits stationary and is divided into a maze of rooms. Admission is $5. For more information, contact the St. Louis Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad at 243-1688 or visit slimrr.com.

Haunted Downtown Walking Tours

Downtown Cape Girardeau

7 to 8:30 p.m. and 9 to 10:30 p.m.

Oct. 25-30

Southeast Missouri State University runs these tours that focus on the history of downtown Cape Girardeau and its ghost stories, characters and landmark buildings. Tours are led by Tom Neumeyer and Christy Mershon. Preregistration is required, and the cost is $20 or $30 per couple. For more information, visit semo.edu/continuinged/halloweenhorrors.htm.

Historical Haunts

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 2

If you like a spooky tale, join Dr. Joel Rhodes, history professor at Southeast Missouri State University and author of "Haunted Cape Girardeau: Where the River Turns a Thousand Chilling Tales," for a trip to New Madrid, Mo., to learn of the folklore and frights that surround the Hunter-Dawson Home, the Hart-Steppe House and the Dixie Theater. Participants should dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The cost is $59 and includes lunch. Preregistration is required, and participants will depart from the parking lot behind Crisp Hall at 8 a.m. For more information, contact the Continuing Education Department at Southeast Missouri State University at 573-986-6879 or visit semo.edu/continuinged/halloweenhorrors.htm.

Ghost Hunting 101

Today, 5 to 7 p.m.; 8 p.m. to midnight on Saturday

The session is led by Katherine Webster, lead investigator with the Paranormal Investigators Alliance and Southeast Missourian copy editor. Today's class of Ghost Hunting 101 will meet at Glenn Auditorium in Dempster Hall on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University; topics will include the basics of ghost hunting, different types of hauntings, the equipment paranormal investigators use and how to safely conduct investigations. The second session, on Saturday, will meet at The Glenn House, 325 S. Spanish St. Participants should bring notebooks and flashlights, and they may also bring a camera or recording equipment. The cost is $50 and registration is required. For more information, contact the Continuing Education Department at Southeast Missouri State University at 573-986-6879 or visit semo.edu/continuinged/halloweenhorrors.htm.

Halloween Storytelling

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Today, 7 p.m.

Marilyn Kinsella returns to weave spooky tales around a bonfire at the historic mill. Bring a law chair or blankets for seating. Refreshments provided. This is an outdoor event, so dress for the fall weather. Appropriate for all ages.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent addresses:

211 N. Spring St., Cape Girardeau, MO

410 Kiwanis Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

2728 County Road 638, Cape Girardeau, MO

1 University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO

U.S. 61 and Highway 25, Jackson, MO

Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, Burfordville, MO