The Duluth Haunted Ship: 30 Years of Nightmares at Sea

 

It all began in 1992 as a partnership between the University of Minnesota Duluth's drama department and the retired William A. Irvin iron ore freighter. This Halloween attraction created opportunities for actors and set designers to take our stately flagship vessel and turn it into nearly 700ft of horror. It also provided a much-needed boost to the typically slow October visitor season.

 

The Haunted Ship was a success from the beginning as crowds looped around the length of the ship, waiting hours to get on board. The hatch doors remained closed for the popular fall activity between 2017 and 2019, when the ship was dry-docked at Fraser Shipyard for repairs, and again during the 2020 pandemic.

 

Late in the 2024 season, The Duluth Haunted Ship was named one of the "Seven World's Scariest Haunted Houses" by Forbes Media after being "secret shopped" by the organization.

Of course, many feel that the ship is truly haunted. There have been reported paranormal activities, including sightings of "Boiler Room Man," referring to sailor William Wuori, who died on ship in 1964 after a boiler explosion. It was considered a preventable accident.

 

Haunted Ship runs Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays (plus MEA Wednesday) through the month, starting Friday, Oct 3.

 

• VIP offering gives guests opportunities to spy on those walking through the haunted ship and remotely scare them
• Food, Drinks, Bonfire & Bistro lights: To make the most of the spooky ambiance, those attending the Haunted Ship will have more to enjoy on Harbor Drive.
• New offerings will include beverages and food trucks every weekend.
• MORE DISCOUNT DAYS: The first weekend of Haunted Ship: Friday, October 3 and Saturday, Oct 4th—and every Thursday in the Haunt's run is $20! These are great times for locals to attend.

• Last year, 111 people did not make it to the end of the tour
• We had 37 tour takers admit to pee'ing their pants - and we put it on a sign over the door, because that's how we are
• It takes 80 pints of (fake?) blood and 50 actors a night to create the production
• The tour takes approximately 30-45 minutes to walk through 
• Over 20,000+ people tour the Haunted Ship annually
• All cast are graduates of "Scare School" training, which is helpful for their interactive roles. Actors transform with a professional make-up session – a process that can include everything from scars to horns.  
• Set designers go to Haunt Conventions around the country
• Continues to be the ONE & ONLY Haunted Ship in Minnesota
• We have Discount Days for cheaper thrillz
• We're still looking for Actors! Please email hauntedship@decc.org 
   

• No child under the age of 12 admitted without a parent/guardian
• Parental guidance is suggested 
• Due to the historic nature of the ship, this tour is not handicapped accessible 
• Special effects will be in use, such as strobe lights, may aggravate existing health conditions. Please keep this in mind when deciding if it is appropriate for you and/or your children to participate in the tour