Do you feel that sudden chill in the air? Perhaps a spectral whisper that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up? A ghoulish shriek from beyond the grave? No, dear reader, that’s just spooky season in the Chippewa Valley. Let this special feature be your guiding light through all of the Valley’s different haunts and frights this fall. Don’t worry about that shadowy figure in the corner ... that’s nothing ... or is it?
It’s that time of year, where the temperatures are low and the spookiness is high! This year, Volume One wanted to tell the tales of various… mysterious incidents that have happened all over town. So, take a seat, relax, enjoy your pumpkin
latte, and shriek
of your lungs
It was sometime in a late Chippewa Valley October that the disappearance of four college students both saddened and puzzled the community. The mystery remains for all these missing students, but the bigger question is what these seem ingly unrelated students have in common.
For that we do not know, but can only the orize that the malicious ghosts of children may have something to do with it.
In downtown Eau Claire, somewhere there is a mysterious rope swing which has an eerie existence. Surrounding the rope, there have evidently been reports of strange figures close in proximity to the dangling line. It is said that there are the cries of children, likely of supernatural origin, that echo off the Chippewa River.
Supernatural hellhounds abound in the mist of Meridean Island, which lies on the Chippewa River west of Eau Claire. Two eyewitnesses recounted the tale of devil dogs manifesting in a dense fog that surrounded them while they ventured onto the unsettling island. Perhaps that maybe the fog sym bolizes a traversal into some other dimension or plane of existence? Or maybe they are beasts who came to our world and remain in our world? Who knows, so you best be careful when traversing down the Chippewa River.
these
Be on the lookout for a beast emerg ing from the Chippewa River. Last spotted Oct. 4, 1906, this entity is question ably dangerous. It is said to be at least six feet long, with the head of an alligator and a body the size of a kangaroo. Don’t be fooled by its shape and size: The monster has been known to have caused trouble with local law enforcement during its last encounter more than 100 years ago.
After a spooky past October, voters agree the best place to scare your socks off is the annual Ski Sprites Haunted House (415 S. Dewey St., Eau Claire), courtesy of the Ski Sprites water ski team. In second place is Twisted Tales of Horror at Govin’s Farm (N6134 670th St., Menomonie) – a chilling trail through a desolate cornfield with clowns, dolls, zombies, and werewolves In third place is the annual Field of Screams Haunted Barn & Trail (8020 Curvue Road, Eau Claire), which takes you through a haunted corn maze, then a chilling trail, and finally a creepy old barn. That’s pretty spooky, right? –Rebecca Mennecke
The James Sheeley House Restaurant and Saloon (236 W. River St., Chip pewa Falls) tops this spooky list. The only thing colder than the delicious tap beers and ciders is the chill down your spine. Phantom cars and headlights haunt Caryville Road – a place where there is no record of any death, but rumors win the day. The 1.9 million square feet of Banbury Place (800 Wis consin St., Eau Claire) rounds out our readers’ list – they made have made tires there once, but now you’ll never “tire” of hearing the screams of ghouls in the night! –Cullen Ryan
photos by ma vue
Believe it or not, I was a wimp when I was a kid. I hated all things scary: haunted houses, horror movies, Willem Dafoe – you name it, I was terrified of it. As I’ve grown up, I’ve begun to change my way, which this fall included going into Govin’s Twisted Tales of Horror trail with my good pals McKenna and Ma. It was so much fun and I completely loved it, but on a very real note –it completely terrified me. I could quite literally feel myself reverting back into a child when I was scared to even round the corners of this maze. My tactic to calming myself down in these situations is to talk myself through it, which means I ba sically narrated the whole event out
loud to myself the entire way through (I apologize to not only McKenna and Ma, but to the countless actors in the maze who had to hear me ramble on as they waited to scare me). I had never been to Govin’s Farm before this night and let me tell you, I will be back. Before we had even entered the maze, one of the own ers was telling us that he believed this was their best year yet, and I agree (since this was the only year I’ve done it). As scary as the whole thing was, the worst and most embarrassing part for me was not how I looked being scared (see photos below) but how I mixed up the names of famous fictional serial killers Jason, Michael, and the other one. Not once, not twice, but three times. Overall, I give the whole thing a 10/10, including the caramel apple slushie I got afterwards.
I had never been through Govin’s Farm’s haunted trail before (embarrassing, I know), and I will let the bats out of the bag right away now that I have: it’s freakin’ awesome. Every weekend in October the farm’s Twist ed Tales of Horror trail will be open for those who have the guts to wander in. More than two acres of whispering corn fields await, and they twist and turn enough to live up to their name. The trail leads you through a winding path littered with people dressed up as staple Halloween horror charac ters, including Michael Myers, killer clowns, and more, plus themed
buildings offering zombie scares, Area 51-inspired frights, Saw props, and more. While we opted to go through the trail at sunset (totally not because we’d have been too scared during the dark), the trail was 100% worth the hype, and is sure to get screams out of you. By the end, Saw yer and I were sweating and our throats were a little raw from the jump-scare-induced shrieking – and I’d definitely go again. Tickets are $15 each, and the trail open from 6-10pm on Oct. 7-8, 21-22, and 28-29. You can try to shake the scares out of you afterwards with apple cider, soft pretzels, donuts, and other snacks inside the farm’s barn, and sit by the bonfire afterwards. Plus, the adorable farm dogs that wander around are so sweet and deserve all the head pats.
Having worked shoul der-to-shoulder since the Eau Claire Makers Market’s very first shindig in early 2022, it isn’t shocking Forage and the market continue to collaborate; it was a spooky delight, though, when the duo announced they will be throw ing a Halloween party at Forage in downtown Eau Claire at 9pm on Friday, Oct. 28.
Announcing the jamboree via social media on Sept. 1, the two local groups have offered a few hints at what will come, including Hallow een party staples like a costume contest and cocktails, plus some special additions like a photo booth and disposable cameras.
Though they’re keeping further deets on the down-low for now, Forage Events Manager Lydia Park said folks should keep up with their social medias at the beginning of October for some “special updates.” (We’re pickin’ up what she’s puttin’ down.)
“It’s been an absolute joy for Forage to collaborate with all of the fantastic folks at ECMM. Lexi and I connected immediately over our similar motives relating to communi ty supported arts and engagement,” Park explained. “We dream big and try to put those dreams to action. The upcoming Halloween party is a perfect example of just that.”
After Lexi Kane, co-founder of ECMM, reached out to Forage with the initial brewing of a Halloween party, the ball kept rolling from there. “This event is going to raise
the bar for both organizations,” Park said.
Kane explained they reached out to Forage about the possibility of a Halloween party because she and her friends don’t necessarily love the usual downtown bar and party scene. “As a twenty-something recent graduate here in Eau Claire, I find that there aren’t a lot of events geared towards my friends and I,” they explained. “Not only because my friends and I are mostly queer, but we’re also in a weird transitional time in our life. I feel a little too old
to be partying in college bro’s basements, but too young – and broke – to go to places like DIVE or even Reboot Social.”
A bit selfishly, she said, she wanted to be able to party somewhere she knew would guarantee a fun time, and be an accessible space for all. Though Kane wouldn’t divulge any further details about the party either, she did share Kim Petras’s Halloween album will certainly be in the music circulation that night.
Though no further holiday parties are yet planned for the year, it isn’t out of the question, Park and Kane agreed.
“I think we should have more parties in general,” Kane said. “I kind of want to throw a party when my car hits 100,000 miles. It’s important to find reasons to cele
brate. I think if we continue to host events together it own’t be limited to holidays, but by what needs to be celebrated.”
Advance tickets are already available online at just $8 a pop, and tickets at the door will be $10.
Follow Eau Claire Makers Market and Forage on Instagram (@ ecmakersmarket, @forage.ec) to keep up with them, and visit their Square site to purchase tickets.
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Schlegelmilch Escape Room Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday until Oct. 30 • Schlegelmilch House Museum, Eau Claire • $120 (2-4 players) +$30/person • 12+ • v1ec.com/ ev409173 Tactical Escape 101 and the Chippewa Valley Museum host this escape room event in the basement of the historic Schlegelmilch House. Part escape room, part haunted house. Reserva tions must be made in advance.
The Haunted Hillside Oct. 7, 6-9pm; Oct. 8, noon-9pm; Oct. 14, 6-9pm; Oct. 15, noon-9pm; Oct. 21, 6-9pm; Oct. 22, noon-9pm; Oct. 28, 6-9pm; Oct. 29, noon-9pm • Waterhouse Resi dence, N5041 610th street, Menomonie • Dona tions support DCHS • v1ec.com/ev407587 Spooky trail, kids games, food, and more. Trail entrance supports Dunn County Humane Society, conces sions support Strong Arms Helping Families.
Twisted Tales of Horror Haunted Trail Every Friday, Saturday until Oct. 29, 6-10pm • Govin’s Farm, Menomonie • $15 • All Ages (if you dare!) • v1ec.com/ev407980 Govin’s Farm hosts a haunted trail. Twisting corn field paths filled with witches, clowns, dolls, zombies, werewolves, and more.
Ski Sprites Haunted House: The Bloody Choc olate Factory Thu-Sat from Oct. 13-29, 7-11pm • Ski Sprites Haunted House (415 S. Dewey Street, Eau Claire • $13/person, or $11 at Kwik Trip • v1ec.com/ev409168 The Ski Sprites host their annual haunted house, this year with a Bloody Chocolate Factory theme.
Halloween Costume Party, Open House at Wisconsin Makers Market Oct. 15, 11am-2pm • Wisconsin Makers Market, Eau Claire • FREE (bring a non-perishable food item) • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev408049 Kid-friendly activities, crafts and snacks. This event is “open house” style. Donations made to a local charity.
Lake Holcombe Haunted Trail Oct. 21, 7-9pm; Oct. 22, 7-9pm • behind the Lake Holcombe School, Holcombe • $8 per person • v1ec.com/ ev408745 This is a scary trail meant for ages 12+.
Proceeds go to the Lake Holcombe Boosters Club.
Field of Screams Haunted Trial & Barn Thu-Sat from Oct. 21-29, 7-10pm • Rockin T-R Ranch, 8020 Curvue Road, Eau Claire • $12 or $10 with a nonperishable food item • Best for ages 8+ • v1ec.com/ev405229 Haunted Trail and Barn voted Best in West Central Wisconsin in 2021 by the Visitors Choice Awards by Haunted Wisconsin.
Pumpkin Parade Competition Part 1 Oct. 22, 10am-2pm • Artisan Forge Studios, 1106 Mondovi Road, Eau Claire • Donation-based • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev408599 Decorate pumpkins to be viewed and voted on by donations given to support those with disabilities. Award event on Oct. 29.
Halloween Cookie Class Oct. 22, 1-3pm • The Brewing Projekt, Eau Claire • $55 • v1ec.com/ ev409130 Join Van Dough’s bake shop for a Hal loween-themed cookie class. Materials provided. Makes 5 cookies.
Halloween Cookie Class Oct. 23, 1pm • Brewery Nonic, Menomonie • $55 • v1ec.com/ev409134 Join Van Dough’s bake shop for a Hallow een-themed cookie class. Materials provided. Makes 6 cookies.
Yoga & Beer Halloween Party at Leinie Lodge Oct. 26, 6pm • Leinenkugel’s, Chippewa Falls • $10 yoga room members, $20 non-members • v1ec.com/ev409155 Yoga, beer, and costumes, led by Wendy Oberg. Extra goodies if you dress up in costume. Yoga at 6:15pm, Lenies Beer at 7pm.
Trunk ‘or’ Treat by Coldwell Banker Brenizer Oct. 28, 4-7pm • Coldwell Banker Brenizer Realtors, 1021 Regis Court, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • (715) 835-4344 • cbbrenizer@gmail. com • v1ec.com/ev405033 A trunk or treat event presented by Coldwell Banker Brenizer, and other local businesses.
Halloween Party at Red Mixer with DJ Moses Oct. 28, 8pm • The Red Mixer, 2526 Golf Rd.,
Eau Claire • v1ec.com/ev409148 Get your best costumes ready. Prizes, drink specials, witches brew, and DJ Moses.
Forage & ECMM Halloween Bash Oct. 28, 9pm • Forage, 403 South Barstow, Eau Claire • $8 adv, $10 door • 18+ • events@forageeauclaire.com • v1ec.com/ev406829
Durand Trunk or Treat Oct. 29 • Downtown Durand, Main Street, Durand • FREE • v1ec.com/ ev389500 A safe place to trick or treat and meet community members and businesses.
The Witches Ball Oct. 29, 10am-11pm • The Lismore, Eau Claire • $5 vending fair admission, or $125 all day ticket, or $50 evening ball • v1ec. com/ev409162 An all-day event in three parts: metaphysical fair, buffet dinner, and evening ball. Full schedule online. DJ, dancing, a cash bar, spooky photo booth, witchy costumes encouraged, rituals, drag performances, and more.
Trunk or Treat at EXA Sports Oct. 29, noon-2pm • EXA Sports, Menomonie AND Eau Claire • v1ec. com/ev408754 A safe place for kids to trick or treat with vehicles decorated by area businesses.
Halloween Party at The Brewing Projekt Oct. 29, noon-11pm • The Brewing Projekt,, Eau Claire • FREE • All Ages • v1ec.com/ev407083 Celebrate the spooky day with live music, food, art, beer, and fun.
Pumpkin Parade Party! Fundraiser at Artisan Forge Oct. 29, 5-8pm • Artisan Forge Studios, Eau Claire • Donation • v1ec.com/ev408602 A conclu sion to a week-long fundraiser event. Decorated pumpkins lit up for final viewing. Kids activities, live music, food and drink. Costumes encouraged.
Brewery Nonic Halloween Costume Party Oct. 29, 6pm • Brewery Nonic, Menomonie • v1ec.com/ ev409073 Music from The Nunnery and Tonebox, food from Chef Stacy, fire pit in the haunted yard of doom, and special halloween beers.
Hobbsy’s Halloween Bash Oct. 29, 8-11:50pm • Hobbsy’s, 3620 Locust Ln, Eau Claire • 21+ • v1ec.com/ev409160 Drink specials, costume contest, music, and more.
Monster Mash Halloween Skate Party Oct. 30, 4:30pm • High Roller Skating Center, Eau Claire • $10 kids, $3 adults • v1ec.com/ev409171 Halloween kids skate party. Candy scramble, wear costumes for 50% off admission, and staff favorite costumes will win prizes.
Halloweenie Roast Oct. 31, 4-6pm • The Coffee Grounds, Eau Claire • $8 • v1ec.com/ev397029
Family dinner before trick-or-treating. Hot dog dinner with veggies, chips, dip, and juice. Candy filled cupcake for $5. Halloween latte for adults.
Downtown
Monday, Oct. 31 from 3-5pm downtowneauclaire.org chippewafallsmainst.org downtownmenomonie.com
Downtown Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie businesses participate in an annual, earlier trick-or-treat event. Look for posters in participating business windows.
Residential
Monday, Oct. 31 from 5-7pm Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Altoona, and Menomonie residential neighborhoods participate in trick or treating on Halloween day.