A person in a white hoodie is examining a tablet in a dimly lit room decorated for Halloween, featuring tombstones, pumpkins, and a large screen displaying a cartoon ghost.
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Haunted Burpee and Barnes Mansion Tours

Haunted museum with Barnes Mansion ghost tours

About

Dare to enter the Burpee Museum of Natural History for a spine-chilling Halloween party! Explore a haunted graveyard, witness creepy dissections, and marvel at glowing nature experiments. Don't miss the guided tours of the historic Barnes Mansion, where the ghost of Mrs. Julia Barnes shares captivating tales. Costumes are highly encouraged for this unforgettable spooky adventure.

Our Take

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 (3/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 (4/5)

Best For

Halloween enthusiasts, families, history buffs

Vibe

Spooky, educational, historical, fun

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Costumes encouraged!
  • Barnes Mansion tours are held every hour on the hour and sell out.
  • Members receive free general admission and free access to the Barnes Mansion Tour.

Tags

haunted attractionhaunted househalloween partyfamily friendlycommunity eventghost tourmuseumscience demonstrationcostume contest

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Location

737 North Main Street
Rockford, IL
61103

Event Details

Pricing

$$

Duration

Event runs over multiple days

Ages

All ages

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Burpee Museum of Natural History

Practical Information

Parking

Main parking lot available at 737 North Main Street with handicap accessibility. Additional parking at Riverfront Museum Park (711 North Main Street) connected by an underground tunnel.

Accessibility

The museum has four floors of handicap-accessible exhibits. Visitors using wheelchairs or strollers may be dropped off at the Main Entrance, with free handicapped parking nearby. Wheelchairs are available free of charge. Elevators are available. Free wheelchair rental is available. Hands-on buttons and touchable specimens are present. Some areas may have very light and very dark spaces, and loud noises.

Pet Policy

No pets allowed

Food & Drink

Food trucks and beverage vendors available on-site

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Purchase tickets in advance, especially for the Barnes Mansion tours, as they are known to sell out.
  • Consider visiting on Friday or Sunday for potentially smaller crowds compared to Saturday.
  • Dress in layers as museum temperatures can vary, and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the 'Haunted Graveyard'.
  • Arrive early to maximize your time exploring the museum's regular exhibits before or after your Haunted Burpee experience.
  • Check the museum's website for any specific costume guidelines or restrictions before your visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the specific dates and times for Haunted Burpee?

Haunted Burpee runs from October 24-26, 2025. Specific hours are Friday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am - 9:00 pm, and Sunday 10:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Are there separate tickets for the Barnes Mansion tours?

Yes, the Barnes Mansion Tour includes general admission but is a separate ticketed event and costs an additional $20 for adults and $18 for youth. Members are free for the mansion tour but will need to purchase general admission if not a member.

What is the age recommendation for Haunted Burpee?

The event is generally suitable for all ages, with 'family fun & jump scares' in the Haunted Graveyard. However, the Barnes Mansion tour delves into historical struggles and horrors, so parental discretion is advised for younger children.

Can I purchase tickets on-site?

While walk-ins are welcome for general museum admission, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance, especially for the Barnes Mansion tours, as they can sell out.

What is the policy on costumes?

Costumes are strongly encouraged for all attendees, adding to the festive and spooky atmosphere of the event.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 13, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team

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