Creep it real with the haunts and history of Lake Murray Country.
The Lake Murray Country region has been bustling for centuries, and with old age comes much history. With Halloween right around the corner, get familiar with spine-chilling stories originating in the four-county region, like college campus ghosts and underwater graveyards. Make boo-tiful memories with family and friends at chilling museum tours and haunted attractions. Start planning your spook-tacular adventures in the region now!
Spooky Stories
Miss Madeline | Newberry College
Newberry College is home to the infamous ghost of “Miss Madeline.” Originating from the 1959 student newspaper story, she was a Newberry local dating a Newberry College student named John. They were deeply in love until he learned of her infidelity and tragically jumped to his death from the Keller Hall steeple on November 17. Unaware of his passing, Madeline headed to confess her unfaithfulness but discovered his body on the way. She is rumored to return to campus every November 17, searching for John with her lantern.
Underwater Towns | Lake Murray
Did you know that there are towns underneath the waters of Lake Murray? The dam's construction nearly one hundred years ago led to the relocation of descendants from German, Dutch, and Swiss settlers of the 1700s. Despite efforts for smooth relocation, significant parts of their lives, such as churches, schools, and homes, were abandoned. There are over 2,300 graves that lie beneath Lake Murray's waters, as well as the Wyse Ferry Bridge.
Museum Events
South Carolina State Museum Dark History Tour
SC State Museum | 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC | (803) 898-4921
Last year, the South Carolina State Museum offered Dark History Tours every Saturday in October, and they are expected to return this season. The walkthroughs are educator-led and dive deep into the spookier side of SC history. Visitors will hear tales of Columbia’s catacombs, Gullah Geechee folklore, and General Sherman's path through Columbia.
Lexington County Museum Haunted History Halloween
Lexington County Museum | 231 Fox Street, Lexington, SC | (803) 359-8369
Gear up for a spirited celebration at the Lexington County Museum. The 16th Annual Haunted History Halloween Program features ghoulish tour guides, strange and unusual stories of Lexington County, and frights and surprises around every corner. Be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time!
Haunted Attractions
Deceased Farm
382 Olde Farm Road, Lexington, SC | Varying dates
Get a frightening dose of adrenaline at Deceased Farm Haunted Attraction, the spookier counterpart of Clinton Sease Farm. Embark on a chilling journey through eerie structures and unsettling corn fields. Note that this is a high-intensity haunted experience, so ensure you are emotionally prepared for this excursion.
Stutman Hollow
215 Stutman Road, Leesville, SC | Varying dates
Welcome to Lexington County’s newest and only outdoor haunted trail. Warning: Stutman Hollow is not for the faint of heart. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey through the unknown as you navigate the twists and turns of this eerie outdoor trail.
For more information and to plan your next Lake Murray Country adventure, visit LakeMurrayCountry.com
Start planning your spook-tacular adventures in the region now!
There are over 2,300 graves that lie beneath Lake Murray's waters, as well as the Wyze Ferry Bridge.