Becoming a Halloween staple for the Dubuque community, a Haunting on Lincoln Ave. returns to the Mathias Ham Historic Site this October, with spooky fun taking place on Oct. 18 and 19. This year’s event is supported by SuperHits 106.1.
The event has gained popularity over the years with 2023’s festivities drawing more than 200 people to the site. Back by popular demand, evening tours featuring dramatic readings of ghost stories and Halloween favorites will take place on Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19. While the tours have sold out, afternoon activities with fun for the whole family will take place from 11 AM – 4 PM on Saturday.
Saturday’s slate of activities include guided tours on the hour and half-hour from 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM. The theme of each tour will be how Halloween traditions and spooky tales developed through history, with a specific emphasis on Dubuque history.
Additional offerings include make your own masks to “scare away the spirits”, as well as harvest-themed games, such as bean bag tossing and a snap-apple game that requires guests to snatch an apple on a string. There will be fortune-telling and a witch’s cave, too. Activities and tours are suitable for all ages.
Apple Cider and snacks will be available for purchase. In case of rain, activities will be inside the house, so come out and enjoy the holiday, no matter the weather!
Saturday afternoon’s activities from 11 AM – 4 PM are free for members, $9 for non-member adults and $6 for non-member youth. Children 2 and under are free. Tickets for the daytime tours and activities are available at the door.
The Mathias Ham Historic Site is open Saturday from 11 AM – 4 PM until Oct. 31 before closing for the season. The Historic Site hosts holiday events during the winter and school tours and group events throughout the year. For more information about programming and the Historic Site, visit rivermuseum.org/ham/hamsite.