The Capital City/Lake Murray Country region has been bustling for centuries, and with old age comes much history. With Halloween right around the corner, creep it real with spine-chilling stories originating in the four-county region, like college campus ghosts and underwater graveyards. Make boo-tiful memories with family and friends at chilling museum tours and haunted attractions. Start planning your spook-tacular adventures in the region now!
Spooky Stories
Penelope | Newberry Opera House
In Newberry, SC, the arrival of spring brought a traveling vaudeville troupe, sparking excitement. Penelope, a young woman from a well-to-do family, was enchanted by a performer called “The Professor.” They fell in love and planned to elope, but he never showed up, leaving Penelope heartbroken. She fell ill and died, with rumors suggesting a broken heart or the flu. She now supposedly haunts the Newberry Opera House balcony, forever waiting for her lost love. “The Professor’s” fate remains a mystery.
Miss Madeline | Newberry College
Newberry College is home to the infamous ghost of “Miss Madeline.” Originating from the 1959 student newspaper story, she was a Newberry local dating a Newberry College student named John. They were deeply in love until he learned of her infidelity and tragically jumped to his death from the Keller Hall steeple on November 17. Unaware of his passing, Madeline headed to confess her unfaithfulness but discovered his body on the way. She is rumored to return to campus every anniversary, searching for John with her lantern.
Underwater Towns | Lake Murray
Did you know that there are towns underneath the waters of Lake Murray? The dam’s construction nearly one hundred years ago led to the relocation of descendants from German, Dutch, and Swiss settlers of the 1700s. Despite efforts for smooth relocation, significant parts of their lives, such as churches, schools, and homes, were abandoned. There are over 2,300 graves that lie beneath Lake Murray’s waters, as well as the Wyse Ferry Bridge (seen in the sonar image below).
Museum Events
South Carolina State Museum Dark History Tours
SC State Museum | 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC
The South Carolina State Museum offers self-guided tours throughout October. The walkthroughs are educator-led and dive deep into the spookier side of SC history. Visitors will hear tales of Columbia’s catacombs, Gullah Geechee folklore, and General Sherman’s path through Columbia. FYI: Tours are free with museum admission or membership!
Lexington County Museum’s 19th Annual Haunted History Halloween Program
Lexington County Museum | 231 Fox Street, Lexington, SC
The Lexington County Museum will host its 19th Annual Haunted History Halloween program on October 23 and 24, featuring spooky guided tours with ghostly stories, strange remedies, and memorable specters from Lexington County’s past. Tours last 45 minutes and begin at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 PM; tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for children under 12.
Run for Your Life
2026 Pumpkin Run
Northwest Family YMCA | 1501 Kennerly Road, Irmo, SC | October 17, 2026
It’s not too late to get in on the 2026 Pumpkin Run! Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite costumes and participate by running, jogging, or walking for a noble cause. This family-friendly event extends its welcome to pets as well, featuring water and trick-or-treat stations along the course.
2026 Nightmare In Elmwood 5k
Village Church on Park Street | 2204 Park Street, Columbia, SC | October 24, 2026
The Nightmare In Elmwood isn’t just a race; it’s an opportunity to create a positive impact. Event proceeds support the Historic Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association’s efforts to enhance and improve the neighborhood. Families, including young goblins and ghouls aged 12 and under, can join the fun with the Kids Fun Run.
Haunted Attractions
Deceased Farm
382 Olde Farm Road, Lexington, SC | Varying dates
Get a frightening dose of adrenaline at Deceased Farm Haunted Attraction, the spookier counterpart of Clinton Sease Farm. Embark on a chilling journey through eerie structures and unsettling corn fields. Note that this is a high-intensity haunted experience, so ensure you are emotionally prepared for this excursion.
Hall of Horrors
1153 Walter Price Road, Cayce, SC | Varying dates
The Hall of Horrors Haunted Attraction in Cayce takes place on the eerie Blackwell family farm, haunted by the vengeful spirit of Agnes Blackwell. This non-profit event, running for over 35 years, supports local charities and opens on October 1st!
Terror Falls Haunted Farm
370 Mack Street, Gaston, SC | Varying dates
Prepare yourself for the 5 haunted attractions that reside at Terror Falls, like MeeMaw’s Dead and Breakfast, Terror Trail, Terror Falls Hospital, and more. Begin your ghostly interactions by checking the calendar to plan your visit.
Frightening Festivals & Eerie Events
Boo at the Zoo
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden | 500 Wildlife Parkway, Columbia, SC | October 16-30, 2026
Boo at the Zoo is an annual favorite and features trick-or-treating and other family-friendly Halloween-themed activities throughout the park. Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance.
Halloween Trick-Or-Treat Trail at Saluda Shoals Park
6071 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC | October 30, 2026
Start Halloween early this year at Saluda Shoals Park with a Trick-Or-Treat Trail held at Leo’s Landing for the kids. Tickets are limited, so register now. (If available, tickets will be sold on the day of the event.)
Dracula: Ballet with a Bite at Koger Center for the Arts
1051 Greene Street, Columbia, SC | October 23-24, 2026
Get ready to be mesmerized by the allure of Count Dracula and his legion of vampire maidens as they take the Koger Center for the Arts stage in South Carolina Ballet’s Dracula: Ballet with A Bite! This wildly popular ballet promises an evening of haunting sensuality and thrilling entertainment.
Boo Bash at Dreher Island State Park
3677 State Park Road, Prosperity, SC | October 31, 2026
The family-friendly event offers various activities, including pumpkin painting, pet costume contests, hayrides with trick-or-treating, and a marshmallow roast. Don’t forget to join in the campsite decorating contest or show off your costume in the exciting contest.
Trunk or Treat at the Historic Robert Mills House
1616 Blanding Street, Columbia, SC | October 26, 2026
Grab your costume and join Historic Columbia for a safe, fun, and free Halloween celebration at the Trunk or Treat at the Historic Robert Mills House. There will be awards and prizes for the best costumes and best decorated trunk!
BOOGRASS in the Park
7473 Church Street, Irmo, SC | October 30, 2026
Celebrate Halloween with an evening of live bluegrass, food and family-friendly fun at BOOGRASS in the Park at Moore Park in Irmo. Hosted by the Town of Irmo, this special Halloween Eve event combines free live music with a Trunk-or-Treat for kids.
Know of a spooky event but don’t see it here? Let us know by messaging us here!
To find more Halloween hijinks and other events, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com/Events. Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia) to discover hidden gems and more trip ideas.
