3 Things You’ll Love About Eerie Nights at Sauder Village

Sauder Village in Archbold offers a walk through Ohio history, from frontier days in Northwest Ohio to a 1920s Main Street. Local craftsman Erie Sauder created the place in 1976 and over the years it has grown into a 235-acre attraction that serves as the state’s largest living-history experience. 

Cooler weather and crunching leaves mark the return of Eerie Nights, Sauder Village’s annual fall event. This year, Eerie nights runs Oct. 19, 25 and 26, and here are three things we think families looking for a not-too-scary Halloween experience will love about it. 

1.It’s Not Too Scary: With festivities catered to young families looking to get in the spirit of the season, Eerie Nights provides fun with a history bent. “Eerie Nights is the perfect Halloween event for families looking for a spooky, but not too scary, time,” Matthew Wall, Village Education Manager said in a press release announcing this year’s event. Visitors are invited to come in costume to explore a shadow-puppet show, phrenologist readings, s’more making and more.

2. There’s a Haunted Train Ride: Hop aboard and ride the rails with the ”ghosts” of Ohio historical figures such as Johnny Appleseed, Annie Oakley, and Thomas Edison. (Don’t worry, mom and dad, these are friendly “ghosts” visiting from the Archbold Community Theatre.) As you ride the rails, take in views of the transformed historic village and its Spooky Storyland theme.

3. You Can Experience Halloween, 1920s’ Style: Stroll the historic Main Street and fill a bag of treats at stops that include the local grocer, hardware store, barbershop, bank and fire station. Participate in a costume contest and take part in Halloween parlor games of days gone by as Sauder Village’s historical interpreters share traditions of yesteryear. Go easy on the candy though, because Main Street’s soda fountain has additional treats and food trucks will be on-site each of the three nights. Advance registration for this ghoulish good time is recommended, but not required. 

For more information about Sauder Village, visit saudervillage.org

For more Ohio travel inspiration, sign up for our Ohio Magazine newsletters. 

Ohio Magazine is available in a beautifully designed print issue that is published 7 times a year, along with Spring-Summer and Fall-Winter editions of LongWeekends magazine. Subscribe to Ohio Magazine and stay connected to beauty, adventure and fun across our state.