Some of Sacramento’s most popular historic sites and museums are daring to get into the Halloween spirit with unique walking tours this October.  In the spirit of Halloween fun, the special activities feature spooky ghosts from the past, animated storytellers with lively tales of California’s early governors and even docents relating creepy details of unusual deaths of early pioneers.  Entertaining, but with a focus on interpreting California’s rich history,  all of the Halloween-related activities are family-friendly with age recommendations noted below.

Living History “Ghost Tours” offered by Historic Old Sacramento Foundation - October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 & 29
Visitors are invited to journey back in time through the streets of Old Sacramento on guided ghostly Living History tours. Entertaining and knowledgeable guides share California’s spooky history and provide intriguing tales that date back to the 19th century. Tours are offered every 30 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m. and cost $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under.  Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.HistoricOldSac.org or by calling 916-808-7059.  Not appropriate for very small children.

“The Mansion After Dark” at Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park - October 22 & 29
Dimly lit with darkened rooms and “coffin corners,” the Mansion will be a decked out in Halloween decor for guests to see the historic site in a whole new light as part of the special “Mansion After Dark” open house activities.  With costumed characters and scary music to set the mood, storytellers will captivate visitors with tales of the past lives of governors and fortune tellers will share predictions about interesting futures.  Self-guided walking tours are available from 6 - 9 p.m. and cost $6 for adults, $4 for youth ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under.  More information is available at www.parks.ca.gov/governorsmansion or by calling 916-323-5916.  Appropriate for all ages.

“The Haunted Fort” at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park - October 28 & 29
Daring guests can venture to Sacramento’s oldest establishment for a fascinating and popular Halloween-related event called “The Haunted Fort.”  Amid the glow of firelight, historical characters will take Fort visitors on 45-minute guided tours through the various darkened rooms, many of which are said to be haunted by past inhabitants.  Along the path shared by weary visitors from the 1800s, guests will learn about the creepy and melancholy ways in which some of our early pioneers perished throughout history.  Walking tours depart every 10 minutes between 6:30 - 9 p.m. and cost $6 for adults, $4 for youths ages 6-17 and are free for children five and under.  More information is available at www.suttersfort.org or by calling 916-323-7626.  Not appropriate for very small children.

All tours are available rain or shine.