8Anoka, Minnesota

Known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” Anoka, Minnesota has been celebrating Halloween since 1920. This small town claims to be the first to host a Halloween parade, and today, it puts on a series of parades, costume contests, and pumpkin carving events every October. The Anoka Halloween Festival has something for everyone, from spooky house tours to kid-friendly activities. The community comes together to decorate homes and streets with creative Halloween displays, making Anoka one of the most festive and family-friendly Halloween destinations in the country.