From apples to haunted houses, here's your guide to fall fun in Manitowoc and Sheboygan
The cooler weather is here and brings with it thoughts of apple and pumpkin picking, harvest festivals and, of course, haunted houses.
There’s lots to enjoy around Sheboygan and Manitowoc counties, from family events to scary experiences.
Here are a few things to check out this fall.
Windigo Fest
Get into the Halloween spirit with Windigo Fest. The party kicks off with “Opening Scaromonies” at 5 p.m. Oct. 6 and continues through 4 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Manitowoc County Expo Grounds, 4921 Expo Drive.
The weekend includes live music, costume contests, dark arts exhibits, vendors, a parade, and food and drink.
Three-day advance tickets are $30 per person with children younger than 10 admitted free. Two-day festival camping is $80.
For a complete list of events, visit WindigoFest.com.
Balde Farm Fall Festival
Celebrate the fall harvest at the Balde Farm, 5628 Brunner Road, Manitowoc, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 7.
Families can take hayrides, visit the petting zoo and bounce house, play games, take part in raffles and more.
Kids can have their face painted. There will be live entertainment and food trucks will be on site.
For more information, visit thebaldefarmllc.com.
'Spirited History'
Manitowoc County Historical Society will hold a “Spirited History” program at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the museum, 924 Pinecrest Road, Manitowoc.
The program will share the results of a paranormal investigation that was done at the Society's Pinecrest Historical Village and allow attendees to learn how the investigation equipment is used, how the evidence was collected and what makes it paranormal in nature.
The Society said many volunteers and guests have mentioned strange occurrences they have encountered while spending time at various historic structures on the Pinecrest grounds. Three buildings were investigated: the Meeme House, Sorenson home and Kunze cabin.
Advance registration is encouraged. Tickets are $45 and are available at ManitowocCountyHistory.org. Manitowoc County Historical Society members get a 15% discount. For more details, call 920-684-4445.
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Applefest
The 39th annual Applefest will be from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Oct. 14 in downtown Two Rivers.
The festival fills the town’s Central Park and surrounding area with apple growers, bakers, music, fun, games, a farmers’ market, and an arts and crafts fair.
The day kicks off with a Rotary pancake breakfast.
Find more information at tworiversapplefest.com.
Pumpkinfest
Mishicot in Manitowoc County plays host to the annual Pumpkinfest, which will be Oct. 21.
The day generally runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and includes music, food, games, pumpkin beer, arts and crafts, vendors, kids’ games, chainsaw artist, pumpkin bowling, milk bottle tournament and a parade at noon.
Also included are contests for baked goods, pumpkin carving and decorating, and giant pumpkin. Mishicot High School hosts pumpkin pancakes and craft vendors.
More information is at facebook.com/MishicotPumpkinfest/.
Pumpkin picking
Spieker’s Pumpkin Farm, N. 1181 Highway 57, Random Lake
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Oct. 31.
What you’ll find: Wagon rides, cornfield maze and concessions are open only on weekends. There’s also a petting zoo and pumpkin picking. Other items available to purchase include squash, gourds, decorative pumpkins, straw bales, broom and Indian corn, and scarecrows.
Admission: Free, except the corn maze is $6 per person, 3 and older.
Contact: 920-994-9740
Pleasure Valley Pumpkins, W7757 S. County A, Adell
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekends through Oct. 29
What you’ll find: A family and kids’ train, corn maze, hay wagon ride, haunted house and pumpkin picking (under 20 pounds).
Admission: $15 with cash and $16 with a credit card and free for kids 2 and younger.
Contact: 920-994-9294 or pvllamas.com
Bulitz Pumpkin Farm, N6327 Rangeline Road, Kohler
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends through Oct. 30, though the store will be open daily.
What you’ll find: Pumpkin picking, horse-drawn wagon rides, pony rides on weekends. Fall decorations including corn stalks and straw bales along with a variety of squash can be purchased in the store.
Contact: “Bulitz Pumpkin Farm” on Facebook or 920-467-2782
Wilfert Farms, 7528 Manitou Drive, Two Rivers
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
What you'll find: The pumpkin patch is now open. The field is prepped for the wagons to be pulled through it along with getting the cornstalk bundles and other items ready for fall. Mums have arrived. Pick your own pumpkin, jack-o-lantern or mix of pumpkins that have already been picked. Corn stalks, straw bales and gourds are also featured, along with seasonal produce.
Contact: 920-683-3264 or facebook.com/WilfertFarms.WI/.
Polly's Pumpkin Patch, N4367 State 57, Chilton
Hours: Open daily through Oct. 31. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
What you'll find: Pumpkins, farm store, corn maze, farm animals, a family fun center, 40-foot slide, wagon rides, food, corn canons and special events.
Contact: 920-849-4819 or pollyspumpkinpatch.com
Apple picking
Pigeon River Apple Orchard, 3532 N. 21st St., Sheboygan
Hours: 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays to Fridays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays
What you’ll find: Apple varities include McIntosh, Honey Crisp, Gala, Redfree and Paula Red — all available at different times over the season. They also sell caramel apples and honey.
Contact: pigeonriverorchard.com or 920-316-7989
Log Cabin Orchard, N4797 County E, Plymouth
Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through October for you-pick. Check the Facebook page for updates.
What you’ll find: Apples ready for picking. Fresh cider, pre-picked apples and other orchard products will also be available for purchase at its roadside stand.
Contact: “Log Cabin Orchard LLC” on Facebook.
M&T’s Gibbsville Orchard, N3322 State 32, Sheboygan Falls
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
What you’ll find: Large variety of apples, can purchase already picked, or do you-pick. Some of the types include Akane, McIntosh, Yellow Delicious, Cortland and Honey Crisp. The orchard store offers other seasonal produce, fall decor and sweet treats. Special events will be scheduled during the season, check the website for details.
Contact: gibbsvilleorchard.com or 920-564-2944
Ada Rainbow Orchard, W4048 Primrose Lane, Elkhart Lake
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
What you’ll find: In addition to a variety of apples, grapes and pears, you’ll find freshly pressed apple cider using a custom cider pressing mill. The orchard store also sells fresh fruit, homemade jams and homemade canned goods.
Contact: 920-565-2336, or “Ada Rainbow Orchard” on Facebook.
Whispering Orchards & Cafe, W1650 County MM, Cleveland
Hours: The apple store is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily and cafe is open 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays.
What you'll find: Many varieties of apples, including Honey Crisp, Zestar, Paula Red, Ginger Gold, Sweet Mia and Sonza. Fresh baked pies, honey, jam and pure maple syrup. Shop for country crafts and see peacocks wandering the yard. The cafe features homemade country cooking.
Contact: 920-693-8584 or whisperingorchards.com
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Haunted houses and ghost tours
Dominion of Terror, 2024 N. 15th St., Sheboygan
What: Non-profit haunted house run by the Sheboygan Jaycees. There is also an escape room to try.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 28. Children’s day is noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 21.
Admission: $20. Throwback special Oct. 13 and 14 is $15. Children’s day, Oct. 21, is $5. Escape room is $10.
Contact: dominionofterror.com or 920-449-8643
Wisconsin Fear Fest, Road America, N7390 State 67, Plymouth
What: A variety of haunted attractions to choose from as well as mini escape rooms. There’s also axe throwing, paintball shooting gallery and a rage experience.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 6 to 28; 7 to 10 p.m. Sundays and Thursdays, Oct. 15 to 29. Midway opens at 6 p.m.
Admission: Prices vary depending on what you choose to do. Purchase advance tickets online.
Contact: wisconsinfearfest.com
Scare USA Haunted Attraction (former Schwarz Marine Co.), 1206 25th St. (Wilson Street), Two Rivers
What: This haunted attraction includes claustrophobic pathways, loud music and sounds, uneven floors and visual effects. Attendees should be 14 and older, blackout is recommended for those 17 and older.
When: 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 28. The Blackout Experience will be 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 3 to 11.
Admission: Three ticket options include general admission $25, fast pass $50 and NOW pass $85.
Contact: scareusa.com
Old Glenbeulah School Ghost Tours, 120 E. Benson St., Glenbeulah
What: There are three floors to explore. The school has a history of strange events. Must be 14 and older, and minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 6 to Nov. 4
Admission: $48 for three hours
Contact: haunted-midwest-ghost-tours-llc.ticketleap.com, text 920-428-1108 or hauntedmwghosttours@yahoo.com
Sheboygan Asylum Ghost Investigations, N3773 Garden Parkway, Sheboygan Falls
What: Tour the abandoned asylum.
When: 7 to 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 29 to Nov. 11
Admission: $67 for three hours
Contact: fox-valley-ghost-hunters.ticketleap.com, fvghboo@yahoo.com or text 920-428-1108
Contact Mara Wegner at mwegner@gannett.com or 920-996-7241.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Looking for fall fun? Check out these Manitowoc and Sheboygan events
