There are a lot of city and state parks Halloween events in 2017. Most are appealing for all ages, though if you’re looking for some scares, you can find a park for you. I mostly gathered details for fun events near Halloween in Nebraska parks, but included some nearby Iowa park events as well as notable state parks with themed plans.
Please note: Most of these parks will require a park permit to enter.
Looking for more fall fun? Check out the 20+ Things You Must Do In Nebraska This Fall list!
Viking Lake State Park Spooktacular
When: Oct. 7
Where: Viking Lake State Park, 2780 Viking Lake Road, Stanton, Iowa
What: Details to come on this event, other than things start at 5 p.m.
Scare factor: TBD
Halloween Campsite Decorating Contest & Trick-or-Treating
When: Oct. 14
Where: Fremont State Recreation Area, 4349 W State Lakes Road, Fremont, Neb.
What: Decorate your campsite for a chance to win free nights of camping. Judging and trick or treating runs from 5 to 7 p.m. Don’t forget to bring candy for the kids.
Scare factor: Low
Trunk or Treat at Homestead Knolls Campground
When: Oct. 14
Where: Calamus State Recreation Area, 42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Neb.
What: Kids in costumes are invited to trick or treat around the campsites from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Decorate your campsite and hand out candy. Registration is required for those wanting to decorate their vehicle or campsite for the event by calling the park office at 308-346-566 or email the park at ngpc.calamus@nebraska.gov.
Scare factor: Low
Lewis & Clark State Park Halloween Celebration
When: Oct. 14
Where: Lewis & Clark State Park, 21914 Park Loop, Onawa, Iowa
What: No details available, yet, except activities start at 5 p.m.
Scare factor: TBD
Ledges State Park Trick or Treat
When: Oct. 14
Where: Ledges State Park, 1515 P Ave., Madrid, Iowa
What: Hike through the campground and trick-or-treating at campsites decorated for the occasion. Activities run from 5 to 7 p.m.
Scare factor: Low
Bellevue State Park Trick or Treat
When: Oct. 14
Where: Bellevue State Park, 21466 429th Ave., Bellevue, Iowa
What: Trick or treating through the campground from 5 to 7 p.m.
Scare factor: Low
Harvest Fun Days
When: Oct. 14, 21 and 28
Where: Hummel Nature Center, 11808 John J Pershing Drive, Omaha
What: Free activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., including fall crafts, exploring trails and games, as well as rides to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins are $2 each. Reservations requested.
Scare factor: None
22nd Annual Haunted Hollow Hayrack Rides
When: Oct. 14, 20-21, and 27-28
Where: Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720 Road, Shubert, Neb.
What: From 7 to 9 p.m., enjoy several activities throughout the park, including a Halloween scavenger hunt, campground decorating contest, pumpkin roll contest, horseback rides, costume contest, face painting, Halloween crafts to make and take, living history demonstrations. Rides depart from the museum parking lot. Must purchase tickets in advance starting Oct. 1 at 402-883-2575. Adults are $8, kids (4-12) are $6 and children 3 and younger are FREE.
Scare factor: Most events are low on scares. If they do a hayrack ride–I believe they once they did–I’ve heard the is scary for littles.
All Hallow’s Eve at Botna Bend Park
When: Oct. 20 and 21
Where: Botna Bend Park, 42926 Mahogany Road, Hancock, Iowa
What: Campfire stories for all ages will be presented by Council Bluffs Library on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Activities planned all day Oct. 21 include Halloween crafts at 10 a.m.; a two-person team corn hole tournament starting at noon (register in advance at the park office the morning before); Raptor Recover demos at 3 p.m.; campground trick-or-treating at 6:25 p.m.; Movie in the Park screening of “Hotel Transylvania” at 7:15 p.m. Meet at Olson Lodge for all activities.
Scare factor: Low to none
Nature’s Harvest
When: Oct. 21
Where: Hitchcock Nature Center, 27792 Ski Hill Loop, Honey Creek, Iowa
What: Costumes are encouraged for this event that runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Activities planned for participants of all ages including guided hikes, games, scavenger hunts, refreshments, campground trick or treating & hayrack ride. Free-will donation accepted. Everything is FREE with park entry fee. RSVP here.
Scare factor: None
30th Annual Pumpkin Carvers Event
When: Oct. 21
Where: Calamus State Recreation Area, 42285 York Point Road, Burwell, Neb.
What: Spend the day carving pumpkins. Carving utensils and patterns will be provided but visitors are encourage to bring their own. Pumpkins will be limited; recommended that visitors bring their own to carve. Pumpkins will be displayed around the campground starting at 5 p.m. Access to the campground will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 to 10 p.m. to allow viewers to enjoy their time looking at the displays. All parking will be located at the Homestead Knolls boat ramp area and also day use area.
Scare factor: None
Pink Pumpkin Walk
When: Oct. 21
Where: Indian Cave State Park, 65296 720 Road, Shubert, Neb.
What: This is a 10 a.m. breast cancer walk for survivors and in memory of loved ones. Registration is $25 and includes a T-shirt. You can call to order a personalized pink pumpkin in memory of a loved one, for those who have beat cancer and those currently with their fight. $10 due by Oct. 14. Proceeds going to Richardson County Cancer Society and Nemaha County Giving Hope Cancer Fund.
Pre-register online by Oct. 14 here.
Scare factor: None
Vintage Halloween
When: Oct. 21-22 and Oct. 28-29
Where: Arbor Lodge State Historical Park, 22 Street & 2 Avenue, Nebraska City, Neb.
What: Step back in time to see historic trades, talents, and other demonstrations come alive inside the mansion and out. The weekend is full of Vintage Halloween fun frivolity as we celebrate vintage Halloween customs, games, crafts, and décor from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mansion admission is $8 adults, $6 youth (age 3-12). Entrance to the park is free.
Scare factor: None
Camp ‘n Treat!
When: Oct. 27-31
Where: Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area, 72718 Trail 2, McCook, Neb.
What: A Halloween camping event with half-price camping rates of $10/night for a pad site, $4/night for a tent site. There is a camper/campsite decorating contest with a price of three nights free camping on dates of your choice. Kids pumpkin carving contest is at 4 p.m. on Oct. 28. Camper to Camper Trick or Treating on Halloween night. Bring treats for the kids in exchange for the half-price camping.
Scare factor: 1
Trunk & Treat
When: Oct. 28
Where: Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Fort Calhoun, Neb.
What: Fort Atkinson State Historical Park will have a truck or treat event from from 1 to 3 p.m. There will be Halloween activities, a parade of costumes and pumpkin painting.
Scare factor: None
Haunted Hike Night
When: Oct. 28
Where: Windmill State Recreation Area, Gibbon, Neb.
What: Get in some exercise as you walk, or RUN, the trail filled with swamp monsters, zombies, and more. Trail is recommended for individuals 13 years or older, or with parental consent. Hot cocoa is offered at the end of the trail. Event is $1 a person or a donation of a canned food item to be donated to the Gibbon Food Pantry.
Scare factor: Scary
Do you know of some other events at parks in Nebraska or Iowa that can be added to this list? Leave a comment or email ohmyomaha (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!
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I'm a mom, wife, writer & coffee addict. I love my hometown, Omaha, but cannot resist the thrill of travel. Life is best spent discovering the extraordinary at home and on the road. With any luck, I'll inspire you to think the same. 
