Ghosts on the Banke
From haunted historic neighborhoods to enchanted woodland walks, the New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail offers families multiple opportunities to celebrate Halloween safely across the state’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.
“October is one of our most exciting months on the Trail,” said Jeff Barraclough, Trail President. “Our member museums have created unique Halloween experiences that combine history, education, and family fun in ways that showcase New Hampshire’s rich heritage.”
At Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth, families can experience Ghosts on the Banke during two weekends: October 17–18 and 24–25. The event transforms the historic Puddle Dock neighborhood into a Halloween wonderland with hundreds of carved pumpkins, candle boxes, and string lights guiding visitors through safe trick-or-treating along candlelit lanes.
In the Lakes Region, Castle in the Clouds partners with the Moultonborough Recreation Department and Lakes Region Conservation Trust for their annual Pumpkin Walk on Friday, October 17. The family-friendly event features a Halloween-themed stroll through illuminated woods near Shannon Pond, complete with jack-o’-lanterns and not-so-scary surprises along the way.
Additional Trail museums are hosting special October programming—from historical ghost tours to harvest celebrations that provide families with educational and entertaining alternatives to traditional Halloween activities.
Portsmouth Historical Society: Cemetery Tours
Woodman Museum: Night at the Museum
Aviation Museum: Haunted Halloween Hangar
“These events demonstrate how our museums bring history to life while creating safe, memorable experiences for families,” added Barraclough. “Whether you’re exploring a 350-year-old neighborhood or walking through enchanted woods, the Trail offers something special for everyone this Halloween season.”
The Trail’s Passport Program provides access to all member museums for just $25—a $150 value. Passports are available at participating museums and include brief summaries organized by location and category.
The New Hampshire Heritage Museum Trail connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions across the state’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, Merrimack Valley, and Seacoast.