CLINTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Haunted Red Mill is back for its 35th year, bringing its annual Halloween attraction and family-friendly events to the Red Mill Museum Village in Clinton.
The 2026 Haunted Red Mill, “Lurking in the Shadows,” opened Friday night. Mayor Janice Kovach, Councilman Ross Traphagen and Councilwoman Molly Padmos joined Red Mill Museum Village staff for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening.
The attraction includes a maze, vortex, terror trail, hayride and portions of the historic Red Mill. Organizers estimate it takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, although visitors should expect additional wait times.
Visitors make their way through mazes and trails before taking a slow hayride along the river and entering the Red Mill, which organizers describe as an allegedly haunted building with 200 years of history.
Gates open once it is fully dark, at approximately 7 p.m. Ticket sales close at 10 p.m., and the attraction remains open until the final patron completes the experience. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
College students and current members of the military can receive $5 off regular admission tickets purchased at the door with identification. The discount cannot be combined with other offers.
Organizers recommend arriving during the 6 p.m. hour or after 9 p.m. to potentially reduce wait times based on previous years, although shorter waits are not guaranteed.
The attraction operates rain or shine, but may close if conditions become unsafe. Tickets for a closure due to unsafe conditions will be honored on another night.
The Haunted Red Mill uses fog, flashing strobe lights, intense sounds, automated effects and live actors designed to startle, scare and disorient visitors. Organizers advise people who are pregnant, sensitive to flashing lights or have medical conditions that could be affected by the effects not to enter. Parents are also advised to use discretion when bringing children.
For younger children and those looking for a less frightening experience, the Red Mill is also offering Happy Haunts, a low- or no-scare family event.
Happy Haunts will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, and again Oct. 10, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24.
Admission includes a guided tour of a portion of the Haunted Red Mill, a hayride, cider, doughnuts, face painting and one pumpkin per family while supplies last.
Happy Haunts admission is $35 per family, covering up to two adults and children under 18 living at the same address. Admission is free for current members. Tickets are available at the door only.
The Haunted Red Mill is the Red Mill Museum Village’s largest annual fundraiser.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.theredmill.org/haunted-red-mill.
