Halloween Comes Alive in Lake Murray Country
September 18, 2023
The Lake Murray Country region has been bustling for centuries, and with old age comes much history. With Halloween right around the corner, creep it real with spine-chilling stories originating in the four-county region, like college campus ghosts and underwater graveyards. Make boo-tiful memories with family and friends at chilling museum tours and haunted attractions. Start planning your spook-tacular adventures in the region now!
Spooky Stories
Penelope | Newberry Opera House
In Newberry, SC, the arrival of spring brought a traveling vaudeville troupe, sparking excitement. Penelope, a young woman from a well-to-do family, was enchanted by a performer called “The Professor.” They fell in love and planned to elope, but he never showed up, leaving Penelope heartbroken. She fell ill and died, with rumors suggesting a broken heart or the flu. She now supposedly haunts the Newberry Opera House balcony, forever waiting for her lost love. “The Professor’s” fate remains a mystery.
Miss Madeline | Newberry College
Newberry College is home to the infamous ghost of “Miss Madeline.” Originating from the 1959 student newspaper story, she was a Newberry local dating a Newberry College student named John. They were deeply in love until he learned of her infidelity and tragically jumped to his death from the Keller Hall steeple on November 17. Unaware of his passing, Madeline headed to confess her unfaithfulness but discovered his body on the way. She is rumored to return to campus every anniversary, searching for John with her lantern.
Underwater Towns | Lake Murray
Did you know that there are towns underneath the waters of Lake Murray? The dam’s construction nearly one hundred years ago led to the relocation of descendants from German, Dutch, and Swiss settlers of the 1700s. Despite efforts for smooth relocation, significant parts of their lives, such as churches, schools, and homes, were abandoned. There are over 2,300 graves that lie beneath Lake Murray’s waters, as well as the Wyse Ferry Bridge.
Museum Events
South Carolina State Museum Dark History Tour
SC State Museum | 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC | (803) 898-4921
Last year, the South Carolina State Museum offered Dark History Tours every Saturday in October, and they are expected to return this season. The walkthroughs are educator-led and dive deep into the spookier side of SC history. Visitors will hear tales of Columbia’s catacombs, Gullah Geechee folklore, and General Sherman’s path through Columbia.
Lexington County Museum Haunted History Halloween
Lexington County Museum | 231 Fox Street, Lexington, SC | (803) 359-8369
Gear up for a spirited celebration at the Lexington County Museum. The 16th Annual Haunted History Halloween Program features ghoulish tour guides, strange and unusual stories of Lexington County, and frights and surprises around every corner. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!
Haunted Attractions
Deceased Farm
382 Olde Farm Road, Lexington, SC | Varying dates
Get a frightening dose of adrenaline at Deceased Farm Haunted Attraction, the spookier counterpart of Clinton Sease Farm. Embark on a chilling journey through eerie structures and unsettling corn fields. Note that this is a high-intensity haunted experience, so ensure you are emotionally prepared for this excursion.
Terror Falls Haunted Farm
370 Mack Street, Gaston SC | Varying dates
Prepare yourself for the 5 haunted attractions that reside at Terror Falls, like MeeMaw’s Dead and Breakfast, Terror Trail, Terror Falls Hospital, and more. Begin your ghostly interactions by checking the calendar to plan your visit.
Stutman Hollow
215 Stutman Road, Leesville, SC | Varying dates
Welcome to Lexington County’s newest and only outdoor haunted trail. Warning: Stutman Hollow is not for the faint of heart. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through the unknown as you navigate the twists and turns of this eerie outdoor trail.
To find more Halloween hijinks and other events, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com/Events. Stop by the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center in the historic Lorick Plantation House (2184 North Lake Drive, Columbia) to discover hidden gems and more trip ideas.