Explore the parks for Halloween fun in October

State park areas are wonderful places to celebrate Halloween in Nebraska, with many hosting family-friendly activities on weekends in October. Plan your opportunity for fun at several park locations.

Remember: A Nebraska Vehicle Park Entry Permit is required for each vehicle entering a state park area. Get yours at OutdoorNebraska.gov or at the park entry booth.

Additional state parks may schedule Halloween events in the coming days. They would be listed at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov.

Dusty’s Pumpkinfest at the Cody’s

Visit Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park every Saturday and Sunday in October for some spooky fall fun.

Beginning Oct. 3, come to Dusty’s Pumpkinfest at the Cody’s, hosted by Dusty Trails LLC, between noon and 6 p.m. Among the activities and games to enjoy are horseback riding, petting zoo, ax throwing, hay slide, zipline, pumpkin bounce pad, corn canon, inflatable maze, cornhole, corn crib, pumpkin bounce house and critter catch.

Admission is $16 per person on Saturdays and $14 on Sundays, with children under age 2 free.

Indian Cave SP to celebrate Haunted Hollow

Treat yourself to a smorgasbord of Halloween fun at Indian Cave State Park on Oct. 9, 10, 17 and 24.

The park’s 31st Annual Haunted Hollow event kicks off with trick-or-treating along decorated trails at the old town of St. Deroin on Oct. 9. The Pink Pumpkin Walk, a walk raising funds for local cancer organizations, is at 11 a.m. Oct. 17.

Other activities include a pumpkin roll, haunted hayrack rides, campsite decorating contest, junk and craft market, and Trick or Treat by the Buses. See the calendar entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for more details.

Halloween Haunt returns to Johnson Lake SRA

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area’s Halloween Haunt returns from 1-7 p.m. Oct. 10 with plenty to enjoy.

Start off by painting your Halloween vision on a pumpkin and playing kids’ games. Take in all the fun costumes as kids go trick-or-treating at the campsites. The day concludes with judging of the campsite decorating contest and marshmallow roasting.

Those decorating campsites and handing out candy must register at the main booth in the morning.

See the calendar entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for the schedule.

Fremont to host campsite decorating and trick-or-treating

Come join the fun at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area on Oct. 10 for a Halloween campsite decorating contest and trick-or-treating. Both will be from 5-7 p.m. at the Pathfinder and Victory Lake campgrounds.

Free camping stays will be awarded to the top three campsites in the contest. First place will get three nights, second place two nights and third place one night.

Ponca SP hosting 28th Annual Hallowfest

Come to Ponca State Park to enjoy a Halloween tradition during the 28th Annual Hallowfest Oct. 10 and Oct. 17.

There will be daytime activities both Saturdays, such as pumpkin archery and critter corner, cabin decorating contest, and trick-or-treating in the campgrounds.

Haunted Hayrack Rides will take place Oct. 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Reservations are required and may be made starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 5. See the calendar entry at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov for more details.

Activities from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 will include the pumpkin roll, s’mores, games, food, pumpkin carving, and pet parade.

Wildcat Hills hosting Howl in the Hills Night Hike

Experience the Wildcat Hills at night Oct. 17 during the Howl in the Hills Night Hike. This free, .57-mile guided hike along the Nature Trail through rugged terrain will begin at 7 p.m. Mountain time at Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area.

The Nature Trail is a short but rugged hike with uneven, rocky terrain, several rocky steps, and some elevation changes.

Bring a flashlight, hiking shoes and a sense of adventure.

Calamus hosting Pumpkin Carvers Event

Visit Calamus State Recreation Area for the annual Pumpkin Carvers Event on Oct. 17 for a day full of family-friendly activities.

The day includes pumpkin carving, games and a pumpkin rolling derby, all of which will take place on the west side of the shower house area at Homestead Knolls Campground.

Pumpkin carving will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kids games and downhill pumpkin rolling derby will be at 1 p.m.

Carved pumpkins will be gathered at 4 p.m. and displayed in the campground, which will be closed to traffic. Lights will be provided for pumpkins.

Mystery at the Mansion – Murder at the Halloween Costume Party

Join in the mischief, mayhem, and murder at Arbor Lodge Mansion’s Halloween Costume Murder Mystery Party at 7 p.m. Oct. 17.

Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite costume, with prizes awarded for the best-dressed characters. Costumes and props will be available. Each participant will receive a character packet and objectives to mingle, gather clues, and solve the murder.

Participants will receive a character to portray as they arrive at Arbor Lodge Mansion.

Tickets are $35. Space is limited. Plan to arrive by 6:45 p.m. See the calendar entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for more information and to purchase tickets.

Camp & Treat at Red Willow SRA

Enjoy discounted camping rates and Halloween family fun Oct. 23-25 at Red Willow State Recreation Area’s Camp & Treat.

On Oct. 24, kids ages 14 and younger are invited to bring their artistic skills and compete in a pumpkin painting contest at 4 p.m. There will be a camper/campsite decorating contest and judging at 5 p.m., followed by camper-to-camper trick-or-treating.

All weekend, the camping rates will be $5 off the posted rate for electrical sites and tent sites, with restrooms and water available, weather permitting.

Chadron SP to host Trunk-or-Treat Adventures

Bring the little ones to Chadron State Park for Trunk-or-Treat Adventures from 4-7 p.m. Mountain time Oct. 24.

There will be free activities and a bounce house at the Trading Post. Snacks and drinks will also be available for purchase. The Halloween-themed Shooting Complex will host spooky archery and pellet gun shooting.

Trunk-or-Treat and the Campsite Decorating Contest will take place at the campground. Participants should register their campsite ahead of the event at the park office by calling 308-432-6167. Participants get a free, one-night stay on Oct. 24.

See the calendar entry at Calendar.Outdoornebraska.gov for contest prizes.