It’s that time of year again! The leaves are beginning to change and a crisp chill is in the air. That’s right, the Halloween season is already here, and with it comes the return of the Downtown Bellefontaine Pumpkin Barrel Scavenger Hunt!

This unique Halloween experience invites you to wander through the downtown area, tracking down a collection of jack-o-lantern-faced barrels, each with its own ghostly tale to tell. It’s one of the best Halloween events in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and it’s perfect for the whole family.

Get Ready for the Hunt

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find these haunted barrels scattered throughout downtown. Each one is a work of art, with a glowing, carved jack-o’-lantern face and a story about the spirit that lives inside it. You’ll be armed with a sheet of riddles, so channel your inner detective to match the spooky rhymes to the right pumpkin barrels.

As you explore, you’ll encounter a cast of characters you won’t soon forget. There’s Barley Bones, the spirit of a long-lost distiller, and Pumpkin Patch Pete, a farmer who became one with his crops after a shocking lightning storm. You’ll also learn about the mischievous Moonshine Mike, a moonshiner whose spirit lights up on Halloween night, and Cask-O-Lantern Carl, a barrel maker who now resides in one of his own creations.

But the stories don’t stop there. Be on the lookout for The Barrel Beast, a creature whose glowing eyes and toothy grin are only seen on Halloween night. And don’t forget the Whispering Barrel, a spectral guardian that shares tales of the town’s past.

Hauntingly Good for the Town

Bellefontaine’s spirited scavenger hunt is more than just a fun family activity; it’s another way the town is celebrating local businesses and community spirit. The event is made possible by generous sponsors like BUILD, The Clean Plate Club, and Michael Eller Diamonds, who help bring this festive tradition back to the land of the living. This is a great chance to enjoy a Halloween-themed event while supporting the community.

You can also check out this promo video to get a feel for the fun: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1610463803148026

Rewards and Giving Back

Completing the scavenger hunt isn’t just a fun adventure; it comes with some great rewards too. Once you’ve successfully matched all the riddles to their barrels, you can drop off your completed sheet at the drop box located at the Main Street Marketplace. Not only will you receive a $5 discount code for a booking at Decode Zone, but you’ll also be entered into a drawing for a grand prize—a fantastic gift basket full of goodies from local Downtown Bellefontaine businesses.

This year, there’s an extra reason to participate! When you drop off your completed sheet, you can also bring canned goods or other non-perishable food items to support the local food pantry. It’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit while also helping those in need.

More Halloween Happenings in Logan County

Get ready, trunk-or-treaters! Mark your calendars for a spectacular event you won’t want to miss. Join us on Saturday, October 25, 2025, for the Logan County Fright Night Fest: Car Show & Flea Market Cancer Benefit at the Logan County Fairgrounds. This is a day of fun for the entire family, with plenty of festive activities for everyone. If you’re interested in bringing your vehicle to pass out treats, please reach out—the more the merrier! Plus, all of our trunk-or-treat participants are welcome to join our special Car Decorating Contest for a chance to win prizes.

For more information on these and other upcoming events, visit the Logan County History Center Facebook page.

Final Thoughts on the Haunting Season

Looking for a family-friendly Halloween activity? Start in Bellefontaine with the Pumpkin Barrel Scavenger Hunt, and then explore more of what Logan County has to offer. There’s no shortage of hair-raising fun, and it’s all a chance to give back to the community and support local businesses. Happy hunting!