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8 Halloween Events At Nebraska Parks (2021)

There are a lot of city and state parks with annual Halloween events! Most are appealing for all ages, though if you’re looking for some scares, you can find a park for you.

UPDATED: This post was first published in 2017. It has been updated with 2021 events.

Please note: Most of these parks will require a park permit to enter, and camping fees may apply.

Looking for more fall fun? Check out the 20+ Things You Must Do In Nebraska This Fall list!

Jack-o-lanterns in a park

Nebraska parks with Halloween events

1. Haunted Hollow

When: Oct. 8-9, Oct. 15-16 and Oct. 22-23

Where: Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720th Road, Shubert,  Neb.

What: This is the 26th year for the annual Haunted Hollow. Enjoy haunted hayrack rides, trick-or-treating, outdoor movies, scavenger hunt, pumpkin rolling, craft market and campground-decorating contest.

2. Hallowfest

When: Oct. 9 and 16

Where: Ponca State Park, 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca, Neb.

What: For the 23rd annual Hallowfest, the park will have crafts, pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin-carving contest, haunted drive and campground-decorating contest. To do the haunted drive, you’ll have to register $25 per vehicle and call the park at 402-755-2284.

3. Halloween Haunt

When: Oct. 9, 1 to 7 p.m.

Where: Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, 1 Drive 25A, Elwood, Neb.

What: The park will host pumpkin painting at Area C (from to 3 p.m.) and a campsite-decorating contest with judging starting at 5 p.m. at the main campground. Prizes will be awarded.

4. Halloween is Brewing with Fun

When: Oct. 16, 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Where: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.

What: Event activities take place at Owen Marina and include contests for campsite decorating, as well as pumpkin carving, bonfires and a scavenger hunt. The event kicks off with a children’s Halloween costume parade.

5. Spooktacular

Where: Branched Oak State Recreation Area, Raymond, Neb.

When: Oct. 16

What: The Middle Oak Creek Campground hosts the event, which includes a pumpkin-rolling contest, pumpkin carving, costume contest, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and haunted hayrack ride.

6. Halloween at Fremont Lakes

When: Oct. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m.

What: Campers can decorate their campsites in a Halloween theme and children may trick-or-treat in the campground with the decoration judging takes place.

7. Calamus Pumpkin Carvers Event

When: Oct. 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Calamus State Recreation Area, 42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Neb.

What: This whole day is about pumpkins: pumpkin carving, games with prizes, downhill pumpkin rolling derby, food, campsite decorating, haunted houses, trick-or-treating and lighted pumpkin displays.

8. Haunted Camping

When: Oct. 30 and 31

Where: Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, 73122 338th Ave., Enders, Neb.

What: Haunted Camping will take place in Area A, where there will be a haunted trail, games, pumpkin-carving contest, and costume contests for adults, children and pets. There also will be camper and campsite-decorating contests.

Fun Halloween events, pumpkin carving competitions planned at Nebraska state parks and recreation areas this fall!

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