Celebrating the Halloween season is a lot of fun when the activities are outdoors. Nebraska State Park offers several popular annual events. From eerie hayrack rides to campsite decorating contests, there’s something for every mood — and all with a scenic backgdrop of nature. Read on for the best activities happening at state parks this October!
UPDATED: This post was first published in 2017. It has been updated in September with 2024 events.
Looking for more fall fun? Check out the 20+ Things You Must Do In Nebraska This Fall!
A few things to know before you go:
- Nebraska State Parks require a park permit to enter; camping fees may apply.
- Unless noted, activities are free. I’ve noticed many of the activities this year have a fee.
Nebraska parks with Halloween events
Dusty’s Pumpkinfest
When: Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 5-27, 2024 from noon to 6 p.m.
Where: Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, 3179 W. Scouts Rest Ranch Road, North Platte, Neb.
This is a fun one with a lot of activities to choose from! Dusty’s Pumpkinfest is an annual event hosted by Dusty Trails LLC. Activities include horseback rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, ax throwing, a giant hay slide, zipline, pumpkin bounce pad, games, corn canon, Bigfoot race, gold panning, challenge inflatable, petting zoo, bumper ball, corn crib, and more. Concessions will be available.
Admission is $12 per person; kids under 2 are free and must be accompanied by an adult. Valid park permit required for entry.
1. Haunted Hollow
Where: Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720th Road, Shubert, Neb.
When: Oct. 11-27, 2024
Haunted Hollow is an extremely popular event at Indian Cave State Park and the park goes all out. We visited during the daytime on a non-event day, and still were able to enjoy all the goofy, not-so-creepy decorations throughout the park. In its 29th year, they have quite a bit scheduled:
- Oct. 11: Trick or Treat at the Town is for children up to age 12. Go trick-or-treating along the decorated trail through the town of St. Deroin. Cost is $3 per person for adults and kids, 3 and under free (includes hayrack ride).
- Oct. 12, 19 & 26: Several activities are planned. At 2 p.m., the Pumpkin Roll starts; it’s all ages and $3 per person. From 7 to 9 p.m., take a Haunted Hayrack Ride. Cost is $9 for adults, $7 for kids (ages 4-12), and free for kids 3 and younger. Tickets go on sale on October 1 and may be purchased by phone or in person. Limited tickets and no refunds. At 9 p.m., judging takes place for the Campsite Decorating Contest.
- Oct. 19: Jack-O-Lantern Junk & Craft Market is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Ninth Annual Pink Pumpkin Walk is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and raises money for a local cancer organization. Register from the walk by Oct. 5. Trick or Treat by the Buses is from 3:30 to 5 p.m. during which Buskatiers (VW buses) will hand out candy to kids.
- Visit any time Oct. 11-27 to take part in the Halloween Scavenger Hunt. Search the park for Halloween props to find the clues. Kids get a prize upon completion; adults get bragging rights.
Halloween Haunt
Where: Johnson Lake State Recreation Area, 1 Drive 25A, Elwood, Neb.
When: Oct. 12, 2024 from 1 to 7 p.m.
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area’s annual Halloween Haunt takes place around the Main Campground. The activities includes:
- 1-4 p.m.: Kids games and pumpkin painting in the C area
- 4-5 p.m.: Campground Trick-or-Treating
- 5 p.m.: Campsite decorating contest judging
- 6 p.m.: Marshmallow roasting at the Peterson Scout Bin
Halloween Is Brewing With Fun
Where: Mahoney State Park, 28500 W. Park Highway, Ashland, Neb.
When: Oct. 12, 2024 from 2 to 4 p.m.
Halloween activities will be held at the Owen Marina at Mahoney State Park. Activities include a costume parade, pumpkin carving contest, games, and trolley rides. Those staying overnight are invited to decorate their camping sites for chances to win prizes.
Halloween Campsite Decorating & Trick or Treating
Where: Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, 4349 W. State Lakes Road, Fremont, Neb.
When: Oct. 12, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m.
What: This one’s more fun when you have a campsite booked for the night! Everyone decorates their campsites and then kids trick-or-treat around the Fremont Lake SRA campground. Campsite judging and trick-or-treating take places from 5 to 7 p.m.
Halloween At The Hollow
Where: Ash Hollow State Historical Park, 4055 US-26, Lewellen, Neb.
When: Oct. 19, 2024 from 1 to 6 p.m. (note, this is Mountain Time)
Ash Hollow State Historical Park celebrates Halloween during the day with games and trick-or-treating. The schedule for 2024 activities includes:
- 1-4 p.m.: Enjoy kid’s games, concessions, pumpkin picking & decorating, Nerf wars, a s’more pit, scavenger hunt, shooting range
- 4-6 p.m.: Costume Contest & Trunk or Treat, sponsored by NGPC conservation officers, area EMS and law enforcement. Once kids are done trick-or-treating, the can look at the vehicles, ambulances, cruisers and fire rigs.
Cost is $2 per person with some games/booths for an additional fee.
Spooktacular
Where: Branched Oak State Recreation Area, 12000 W. Branched Oak Road Raymond, Neb.
When: Oct. 19, 2024 from 3:30 to 9 p.m.; all vehicle traffic in the campground will be closed for the safety of the trick-or-treaters between 6 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. No exceptions.
The Branched Oak Spooktacular is a fun day of Halloween fun. The 2024 activities planned include:
- 3:30-5:30 p.m.: Fun activities on the east side of the water tower, including an apple sling, Plinko, the fish pond, hula hoop, ring toss, bag toss, zipline, photo booth, a dragon/dinosaur bouncy ride, and pumpkin carving. Pumpkins are $2 for a small, $3 for a large.
- 4:15 p.m.: Pumpkin Roll Contest
- 5 p.m.: Costume Contest with prizes in each age group (5 & under, 6-10, 11-16, and 17 & older).
- 6:30-9 p.m.: Campground trick-or-treating. Visit the campsites/campers that display a trick-or-treat ghost on their campsite post.
- 7-8:45 p.m.: Haunted Trail Rides, with rides going out every 5 minutes. Purchase tickets in advance starting Sept. 16 by calling (402) 783-3400. You’ll sign up for a time slot when you purchase your tickets. Tickets are $9 for adults (ages 13+), $7 for kids (ages 4-12), and free for children 3 and under.
Haunted Camping
Where: Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area, 73122 338th Ave., Enders, Neb.
When: Oct. 25, 2024 from 2 to 6 p.m. (Mountain Time)
There are several activities taking place at Enders’ Area A Campground during Haunted Camping, including a haunted tent, hayrack rides, games, and pumpkin carving. There will also be a costume contest for kids, adults, and pets at 5:30 p.m. Also, there will be a campfire with s’mores and hot apple cider served during the event.
Living History Weekend – Vintage Halloween
Where: Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, 2600 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, Neb.
When: Oct. 26 & 27, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Arbor Lodge is decorated for Vintage Halloween on its Living History Weekend, so see a little Halloween macabre while also observing historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside and outside Arbor Lodge Mansion during the Living History Weekend. “Vintage Halloween” celebrate Halloween history, customs, and games throughout the 52-room mansion. Mansion admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children (age 3-12).
