BOO!
Did we scare you? Oh, well, if you are looking for some things that will get your blood pumping, don’t leave this page just yet. We’re here to tell you about how you can plan a frightful yet fun day in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
With over 200 years of history that have connected the city to the Civil War, devastating fires, and other tragic occurrences, there can be a chill in the air when you stop by some of these sites. If you want to maximize it this spooky season with a full day of chills, here’s where you need to go.
Lunch at Last Stop Brewing Co.
Kick off the day with a meal and a pint in this popular microbrewery that’s been a hot spot for paranormal activity through the years. This dates back to 1915 when it was a store ran by the Hollenbach family. When the owner got devastatingly sick and was overcome with the emotion of not being able to be in the building he loved, he closed the store one day, then drank a glass of acid to kill himself. His spirit, and perhaps spirits of other family members, still linger and make their presence felt today, according to some. So while you’re enjoying their popular wings and one of their homemade concoctions like the “Dunkel Brewski,” keep your eyes and ears peeled for anything peculiar.
Local Community Spirit Walk (LCSW) Tour
That anecdote about Last Stop Brewing Co. came via Caitlin Zoeller, the founder and guide of LCSW Tours. Last Stop is a new addition to the lineup of about a dozen places that you’ll see during this experience along the Shelby Main Street. It’s a family occasion that people of all ages can enjoy, and it’s easy to walk making it accessible for elderly folks, plus people who need a wheelchair. Besides Last Stop, you can expect to visit notable places of haunted lore in Shelbyville like the Old Shelby County Jail and the Armstrong Hotel’s site. You can learn more about the tour and Caitlin’s background by listening to her interview on the Kentucky Hidden Wonders podcast below, and purchase tickets here.
The Scarecrow at Shelby County Community Theatre
For those interested in the performing arts, you can step into a world of magic, mystery, and unexpected romance during this enchanting tale. It follows a humble scarecrow who is brought to life by a witch, before being transformed into a gentleman to carry out a daring deception. As a bonus for those who like being in haunted places, the Theatre has its own share of organic ghostly activity. For an example, go to the 16:20 mark in the podcast above. It might convince you to check a show out any time of year for the chance to see something hair-raising. For tickets, click here.
Dinner at The Bell House
A nice, relaxing dinner at one of the most popular restaurants in Shelbyville is in order, especially with how conveniently located it is in relation to the spots you’ll have been above. On top of that, this building that was constructed nearly 200 years ago, can send some shivers down your spine. From the creaks in the floor to the dim lighting, it’s worth checking from time to time if someone in the flesh is behind the noises you hear or the shadows you see. As a bonus, keep tabs on their event calendar for their murder-mystery dinners. You’ll eat great, and have a fun show to take in during your meal.
Black Orchard Haunted House
The grand finale to the day is the infamous Black Orchard Haunted House, located within Red Orchard Park. In 2025, Scurry Face ranked this as the #2 haunted experience in all of the United States. The nationwide following is a testament to their outstanding casting, amazing special effects, and ultimately terrifying scares… all while met with great customer service, of course. It’s not for the faint of heart, so if you want a glimpse of what to expect, check out this YouTube video from The Scare Factor. Their shows take place every Friday and Saturday night through Halloween. You can secure your place here.
If you want to see more of Shelbyville and Shelby County as a whole, start planning your trip today with our visitor guide. It's free and contains wonderful information about the many things to do in ShelbyKY. Click here to request a visitor guide or download a digital copy. And if you don’t like scary things, don’t worry, there’s much more to see beyond haunting locations to see while you’re here.
