The Brinton Museum’s Haunted Ranch

Spiders, a haunted leather shop, the headless horseman and creepy crawlies were all a part of the Brinton Haunted Ranch held on the grounds of the Brinton Museum on October 24.

Executive Director Kendra Heimbuck and her daughter, Harper, came in costume for the celebration, Heimbuck came as a trash bag, and Harper was a ‘trash panda.’

Anna Sensel, Learning & Engagement Coordinator, talked about this year’s event, which drew around 1000 people, almost double from the event in 2025.

The Haunted Barn this year was the domain of the Spider Queen, and attendees were encouraged to enter at their own risk. Sensel said she heard a lot of screams coming from the barn, but everyone made it through.

There were dead cowgirls in the haunted bunkhouse, and one said that she died in the hands of the spider queen in 1888, and they didn’t take kindly to strangers.

Science Kids join the fun each year at the Brinton as well, Sensel added.

The headless horseman also made an appearance, riding Duke, his seventeen hands tall, pure black Saddlebred horse, and he made an imposing character as he rode around the grounds.

There were many volunteers and members helping with the event, dressed in Halloween attire.

The day was warm and sunny and costumes ranged from monkeys, astronauts, Roman soldiers, giant bugs, caballeros, movie characters and many other costumes.

Sensel thanked the community for their support and turnout for the event.