Best Hayrides in Minnesota: Haunted Thrills and Family Rides for Fall 2025

Halloween season is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than going on a hayride. As someone who’s been on many, I can tell you nothing beats the smell of hay, the sound of wagon wheels, and the crisp autumn air.

In Minnesota, we have two great types of hayrides to fit your style. You can experience a spine-chilling adventure on one of Minnesota’s haunted hayrides.

These thrilling attractions combine the traditional allure of a hayride with the frightful elements of a haunted house. There are also tamer versions of a classic hayride through a farm that the whole family loves.

What Are Haunted Hayrides?

Haunted hayrides are a popular Halloween attraction that takes participants on a ride through a spooky trail.

These rides usually take place in the countryside, where participants get on a wagon or trailer loaded with hay and are pulled by a tractor.

As you make your way through the dark path, you encounter scary scenes and characters. The combination of the hayride setting and haunted elements creates a unique, thrilling experience.

I spent my teenage years checking out hayrides in the Cities. As I got older, I never gave up my passion for these fun attractions.

Minnesota is home to several remarkable haunted hayrides that offer unforgettable experiences for thrill-seekers.

Where To Find Haunted Hayrides In Minnesota?

If you’re looking for the best haunted hayrides in Minnesota, you’ve got plenty of options. Some have taken the traditional hayride and elevated it into a full evening of scares.

The Abandoned Haunted Hayride in Chaska

Location: 7410 US-212, Chaska, MN 55318
Open (typical season): Weekends late September through October
Tickets: Buy online or at the gate (online often cheaper)
Cost: Varies by night and pass type

Experience a fully immersive haunted hayride plus multiple haunted attractions. It’s one of the scariest haunted hayrides in Minnesota.

After the hayride drops you in the spooky woods, face your fears on foot through dark trails and haunted houses before returning.

The Abandoned Hayride operates with Scream Town in the Twin Cities area, creating a huge night of scares with optional fast passes.

The Dead End Hayride in Wyoming

Location: 28186 Kettle River Blvd N, Wyoming, MN 55092
Open (typical season): Weeknights and weekends late September through Halloween
Tickets: Buy online; gate options vary by night
Cost: Dynamic pricing; fast pass available

Start with an eerie hayride, then navigate the Sunnyvale Asylum, woods, and more. Expect close-up scares and high production value.

This one regularly ranks among Minnesota’s top haunted attractions. Plan for lines on peak weekends.

The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 in Cottage Grove

Location: 10900 Pt Douglas Rd, Cottage Grove, MN
Open (typical season): Weekends late September through October 31
Tickets: Buy online or at the gate
Cost: Varies; fast pass available

Home to Minnesota’s oldest haunted hayride, plus haunted house experiences like Cell Block 61. Great mix of hayride and walkthrough scares.

They add new scenes often. Check the site for current-year add-ons and age guidance.

Haunted Shack and Hayride in Carlton

Location: 1781 Co Rd 1, Carlton, MN 55718
Open (typical season): Select weekends in October
Tickets: Buy at the gate; watch their Facebook page for updates
Discounts: They often run food drive and ID discounts

Just south of Duluth, this long-time favorite combines a hayride, haunted trail, and the Haunted Shack. They also host a special kids day with toned-down scares.

Harvest of Horror in Saint Augusta

Location: 4108 200th St, Saint Augusta, MN 55382
Open (typical season): Weekends late September through late October
Tickets: Buy at the gate; cash helps avoid card fees
Note: Proceeds support local causes

Hayride through fields, then into the woods and haunted house. A great Central Minnesota option that gives back to the community.

Molitor’s Haunted Acres (Sauk Rapids)

Location: 3571 5th Ave NE, Sauk Rapids, MN
Open (typical season): Evenings in October
Tickets: Buy online or at the gate

For 20+ years, Molitor’s has delivered hayrides, multiple haunted scenes, and seasonal extras like zombie shoots. Popular in Central MN; arrive early.

Are There Kid-Friendly Hayrides in Minnesota?

If you’re planning a family outing, Minnesota offers plenty of kid-friendly hayrides in the Twin Cities and beyond.

These attractions tone down the scares and focus on fun. Think pumpkins, orchards, animals, and easygoing rides.

Where To Find Family-Friendly Minnesota Hayrides?

Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings

Location: 14421 S 90th St, Hastings, MN
Cost: Check website for current admission; hayrides typically included or small add-on

Enjoy hayrides through the orchard, a petting zoo, playgrounds, and Straw Mountain. Great donuts and cider, too.

Deardorff Orchards and Parley Lake Winery in Waconia

Location: 8282 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia, MN 55387
Cost: Hayrides often free during peak apple season

Short hayride out to the orchard with views of the vineyard and Parley Lake. Easy fall outing for families.

Cowhorn Crossing Farm in Grand Rapids

Location: 14529 Danson Rd, Grand Rapids, MN
Cost: Check website for current pricing

Tractor-drawn hayride over Cowhorn Creek and through fields and forest, plus a hay maze, petting zoo, and corn maze.

Country Corn Maze in Warroad

Location: 59404 County Rd 12, Warroad, MN 56763
Cost: Admission includes hayride

Big corn maze, mini maze, farm games, corn pit, and a family hayride of about 10 minutes included with entry.

Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch in Wyoming

Location: 6903 Wyoming Trl, Wyoming, MN 55092
Cost: Small fee for hayride

Hayrides run on weekends and by reservation on weekdays. Ride through the patch and pick your carving pumpkin.

Minnetonka Orchard in Minnetrista

Location: 6530 County Rd 26, Minnetrista, MN 55364
Cost: Admission typically includes hayrides

Unlimited hayrides, apple picking, donuts and cider, live music, animal barn, hay mountain, kids activities, and playgrounds.

Thea’s Pumpkin Patch in Pelican Rapids

Location: 19982 Appaloosa Rd, Pelican Rapids, MN 56572
Cost: Check Facebook for current pricing

Hayrides to the patch, plenty of pumpkins, and weekend extras like face painting and pumpkin painting.

Twin Cities Harvest Fest (Brooklyn Park)

Location: 8001 109th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
Cost: Admission required; hayride included

Hayride around the corn maze, yard games, weekend entertainment, pumpkin trebuchet demos, and more fall fun.

Waldoch Farm (Lino Lakes)

Location: 8174 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Cost: Admission required; check for included activities

Scenic hayrides through the farm and woods. Seasonal u-pick pumpkins or sunflowers, corn maze, low ropes, pedal trikes, and more.

What Will You Do First?

As someone who loves the changing seasons in Minnesota, I can say hayrides are one of the best ways to feel the magic of fall.

Minnesota’s haunted hayrides let you embrace the Halloween spirit and step into a world of fright and fun. Or start a family tradition at your favorite farm.

Whether you want terrifying thrills or a family-friendly ride, there’s a Minnesota hayride for everyone.

Check dates and tickets early, and get ready for a memorable Halloween season.