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The Morris County Park Commission is turning two of its historic sites into after-dark Halloween stops this month. Historic Speedwell in Morristown hosts a History Ghost Tour and Spirit Circle on Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2026, and the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Township follows with its annual Trail Tales night walks on Saturday, October 24.
One is built for grown-ups who like their history with a chill, the other is a family tradition with costumed storytellers on haunted, decorated trails. Both fill up, so here is what to know before you book.
History Ghost Tour and Spirit Circle at Historic Speedwell
- When: Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Historic Speedwell, 333 Speedwell Avenue, Morristown
- Cost: $35 per person
- Ages: 12 and up only
- Info: 973-285-6537
This is not a standard ghost walk. Park Commission history staff lead guests through the historic homes on the Speedwell campus, sharing the stories of the Victorian Age families who lived there. The evening then moves into a historically accurate Victorian parlor for a spirit circle with guest medium Richard Moschella.
The setting does a lot of the work. Speedwell was the homestead of Judge Stephen Vail, whose Speedwell Iron Works supplied equipment to railroads and other industries, and it is where Alfred Vail and Samuel Morse gave the telegraph its debut demonstration in 1838. Old houses, a famous family and a dark October night make it one of the more unusual Halloween tickets in the county. Register through the Park Commission event page.
Trail Tales at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center
- When: Saturday, October 24, 2026, timed walks every 15 minutes from 5:30 p.m. (last start 7:45 p.m.)
- Where: Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center, 247 Southern Boulevard, Chatham Township
- Cost: $13 per person
- Ages: 6 and up with an adult
- Info: 973-635-6629
Now in its 24th year, Trail Tales sends small groups into the Great Swamp after dark on decorated, haunted trails. A guide leads each group on a roughly one-hour walk, stopping for family-friendly, nature-themed tales told by costumed storytellers. The stories change every year, so repeat visitors get something new.
Costumes are welcome and the event runs rain or shine, so dress for the weather and wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy. Time slots fill quickly. Book a slot online or call the center.
Teeny Tiny Trail Tales for little ones
Younger kids get their own daytime version the same afternoon. Teeny Tiny Trail Tales runs Saturday, October 24, with 45-minute guided walks starting at 1, 1:30 and 2 p.m. It is the not-so-spooky take, with costumed storytellers sharing nature-themed Halloween tales on the decorated trails. One adult per child, and that adult is included free with each child’s admission. Spots fill fast here too.
Which one is right for your crew?
Pick Speedwell if you have teens or adults who want history, old houses and a little mystery. Pick Trail Tales if you have school-age kids who want a spooky walk in the woods without real scares. Families with preschoolers should go straight to Teeny Tiny Trail Tales.
Planning more of the season? Our Morris County Halloween guide has trick-or-treat times town by town, and our list of haunted places in Morris County covers the local legends behind the spookiest spots. If you are making a day of it in the Great Swamp, see our guide to things to do in Chatham.
Featured image: official History Ghost Tour and Spirit Circle flyer, courtesy of the Morris County Park Commission via the Morris County Tourism Bureau.
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