(Lincoln, NE) -- A number of Nebraska state parks are ushering Fall with special events in October to celebrate Halloween.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says nine parks will be hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Game and Parks says as a reminder, a park entry permit is required of each vehicle entering a state park area. You can get one here or at the park entry booth.
Jack O Lantern World at Mahoney through October
Mahoney State Park near Ashland introduces its newest fall attraction: Jack O’ Lantern World. From Sept. 30-Oct. 30, thousands of jack o’ lanterns carved by 50 artisans will be on display along a three-fourths mile walk. The walk, featuring intricately carved, lighted pumpkins, is designed to be an incredible experience to celebrate Halloween, art, nature and fall. Gather friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind whimsical experience. Tickets are required; get yours here. Ticket-holders should arrive 15 minutes before their selected start time. For more information, call the park at 402-944-2523 or Peter at Jack O’ Lantern World at 224-757-5425.
Indian Cave SP to host 27th Haunted Hollow
Bring the family to Indian Cave State Park for three weekends of Halloween-themed fun in October with the 27th Annual Haunted Hollow. Haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin rolling, craft market and campsite-decorating contest are all on tap to keep everyone entertained Oct. 7-8, Oct. 14-15 and Oct. 21-22. For more details, visit the calendar event listing.
Ponca SP will host Hallowfest Oct. 8, Oct. 15
Enjoy the season of Halloween at Ponca State Park by coming to the 24th annual Hallowfest on Oct. 8 and Oct. 15. Activities include crafts, pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin-carving contest, haunted drive and campground-decorating contest. Call the park at 402-755-2284 for more information.
Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt set for Oct. 8
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area will host pumpkin painting and a campsite-decorating contest Oct. 8 during the Johnson Lake Halloween Haunt. The pumpkin painting will take place from 1-3 p.m. at Area C. Campsite decoration judging will begin at 6 p.m. at the main campground, with prizes going to the top three finishers. Trunk or treating will take place from 3-5 p.m. in the boat parking area.
Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event set for Oct. 15
It is all about pumpkins at Calamus State Recreation Area on Oct. 15. The Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event, from 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m., will include pumpkin carving, games with prizes, downhill pumpkin rolling derby, food, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and lighted pumpkin displays. For more details, visit the event listing in the calendar.
Branched Oak SRA to host Spooktacular on Oct. 15
Spend a day with the family Oct. 15 enjoying Spooktacular at Branched Oak State Recreation Area. Middle Oak Creek Campground will host this event, which will include a pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating, haunted trail and haunted hayrack ride. For more details, visit the calendar event listing.
Enjoy Halloween campsite decorating, trick-or-treating at Fremont Lakes SRA
Get into the Halloween spirit at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on Oct. 15 with family-friendly activities. Campers may decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme. Then, from 5-7 p.m., children may trick-or-treat in the campground with the decoration judging takes place. For more information, call the park at 402-727-2922.
Halloween in the Hollow is Oct. 22
Come out to Ash Hollow State Historical Park and celebrate Halloween in the Hollow on Oct. 22 from 2-6 p.m. Mountain time. There will be kids’ games, s’mores, pumpkin picking and decorating, a scavenger hunt, hayrack rides and a costume contest, which begins at 4:30 p.m. At 5 p.m., Trunk or Treat will be sponsored by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission conservation officers, area emergency medical services and law enforcement, with their vehicles available to view. Direct event questions to tamara.cooper@nebraska.gov.
Wildcat Hills to host Howl in the Hills hike
Experience the Wildcat Hills like never before – at night! Discover all the creatures that make Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area their home during the Howl in the Hills hike Oct. 22. This .57-mile hike begins at 7 p.m. Mountain time. Hikers should bring a flashlight, hiking shoes and a sense of adventure. Register by Oct. 6 by calling 308-436-3777.
Celebrate Halloween at Red Willow Oct. 28-30
Stay at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area on Oct. 28-30 and celebrate Camp and Treat. This family Halloween event, which offers off-season camping rates of $5 off the rates for electrical and $10 tent sites, will include a campsite decorating contest, kids’ pumpkin carving contest and trick-or-treating. Campers who bring treats for kids will get reduced camping rates.