Frightmares: Buck Hill is transformed into a big-budget haunt with four attractions and live music. (Oct. 8-30. 15400 Buck Hill Road, Burnsville. $20. www.frightmares.com.)

Trail of Terror: A lot of bang for your buck -- haunted houses, corn mazes, monster truck rides (hunh?), plus a dance club and beer. (Oct. 13-31. 3525 W. 145th St., Shakopee. $19 adults, $13 children. www.trailofterrorfest.com)

ValleyScare: The whole amusement park has been Halloween-ized, with various haunted houses, mazes and, of course, the rides. (Through Oct. 30. 1 Valleyfair Dr., Shakopee. $32-$42 adults, $10 children. 952-445-7600. www.valleyfair.com.)

Screamtown: Out in the middle of nowhere (Chaska), this one features attractions including my personal favorite, the Hillbilly Motel. (Through Oct. 30. 7410 Hwy. 212, Chaska. $20 adults, $15 children. www.screamtown.com.)

Nightmare Hallow-Scream Park: The haunt formerly known as Nightmare at Pinehaven has hayrides, houses, a cage maze and Capt. Jack Sparrow. (Oct. 7-31. 15201 NE. Zurich St., Columbus. $17 adults, $16 children. 651-462-7279. www.nightmarehalloween.com.)

TOM HORGEN