There’s no better time to experience the Irish Hills than October. The leaves are changing, the nights are getting longer and some of the area's most unique attractions are taking on a spooky new personality. Follow U.S. 12 through the Irish Hills in Lenawee County, Michigan for an evening of strange attractions, haunted trails and glowing Halloween lights — all within an easy drive of one another!
Stop #1: Start Somewhere Strange at Mystery Hill
Mystery Hill | 7611 U.S. 12, Onsted
Your spooky road trip starts at one of the Irish Hills' most iconic roadside attractions: Mystery Hill.
For two special October nights, Mystery Hill is going beyond its usual guided experience with The Darkside of Circus Sideshow, an extended evening tour led by Mystery Hill owner and sideshow performer and historian Nathan McScary.
The Darkside of Circus Sideshow
- October 9 & 23
- Tours at 6, 7, 8 & 9 p.m.
During this special ticketed experience, you'll physically feel Mystery Hill's famous gravitational anomaly, witness sideshow stunts and hear stories from circus sideshow history — including tales of love, loss and murder.
This one is recommended for mature audiences, so it's a great choice for an adults' night out or a spooky date night.
Prefer something a little less intense?
Mystery Hill is also offering Haunted Tours on:
- October 10 & 24
- 6–10 p.m.
These special spooky evening editions of the Mystery Hill guided tour are designed to be fun for the whole family.
Stop #2: Haunting in the Hills
Haunting in the Hills | 7203 U.S. 12, Onsted
Once you've survived Mystery Hill, continue along U.S. 12 to Haunting in the Hills for a full evening of Halloween attractions. This is the stop for those who like their Halloween a little more intense.
Haunting in the Hills features four attractions in one location: Nyctopath Dark Maze, Train Car of Terror Walk-Through, Mutant Escape Massacre Hayride, After the Flesh Walk-Through.
- Open Fridays and Saturdays
- September 25 through October 30
- 7:30–11:30 p.m.
Bringing the Kids? Take the Family-Friendly Route.
If you've got little ones along for the adventure, plan your spooky road trip for Sunday, October 25 instead.
Haunting in the Hills Family Night
- Sunday, October 25
- 6–10 p.m.
For Family Night, you can stay (safe) inside your own vehicle and experience the Mutant Escape Massacre together. $30 per carload.
It's a way to get a taste of Halloween fun without committing to the full scare factor of the nighttime attractions.
Then turn up the Halloween playlist and head to the final stop of the night...
Stop #3: Finish Under the Lights at Nite Lites
Nite Lites Halloween Drive Thru Light Show at Michigan International Speedway | 12626 U.S. 12, Brooklyn
After you've had your fill of spooky stories and haunted attractions, settle into your car and head to Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway.
Instead of jump scares, you'll find a completely different kind of Halloween magic: a glowing drive-through light show filled with colorful displays, illuminated tunnels and plenty of Halloween atmosphere.
Nite Lites Halloween Light Show (Entrance off M-50)
- October 1–23
- Thursday–Sunday
- 8–10 p.m.
Then the show runs every day October 25–31, also from 8–10 p.m. October 24 is Walk Night — no cars that evening.
It's the perfect way to finish your Irish Hills Halloween adventure! Stay cozy in the car (or aboard their train), take in the lights and let the evening wind down as you make your way through the show.
Make It an Overnight Getaway
Here's our advice: don't make this a drive-through-and-go-home kind of trip.
With three unique Halloween experiences along the U.S. 12 corridor, October is the perfect excuse to turn your spooky night into an Irish Hills overnight getaway.
- Start with the strange at Mystery Hill.
- Turn up the scares at Haunting in the Hills.
- Finish with the lights at Nite Lites.
Then check into a nearby hotel, settle in for the night and wake up to the colorful fall scenery of the Irish Hills. Grab brunch and coffee from a cozy local cafe, then head to a nearby pumpkin patch/orchard for harvest fun!