The park's Jeep pulls a load of park visitors across
Soldier Creek.
S
ome say ghosts haunt the historical grounds of Fort
Robinson State Park. Whether it is true, on one
night in late October, the spooky s ide of the park will
take center stage — and, judging from the previous year's
success, visitors are anything but scared away.
The staff at Fort Robinson is gearing up for the park's
second "Haunted Halloween," an event that features wagon
rides, a chili feed and trick-or-treating, all accentuated by a
cast of spooky characters and decor throughout the Soldier
Creek Campground.
Though 2021 marked the first year for the "Haunted
Halloween," it was not the park's first event for the fall
holiday. Students of Chadron State College and nearby
Crawford public schools used to create a haunted house
at the Fort each Halloween. That event eventually moved
into Crawford, but was discontinued after a short time.
Deb Kennedy, a park superintendent, has wanted to
bring a Halloween event back to the park ever since it left.
"I love, I mean love fall and Halloween, and I really
wanted to bring it back to the Fort," she said.
After the Fort's annual historical Christmas dinner was
canceled for two straight years for coronavirus precautions,
Kennedy pitched the idea of a Halloween event in the safer
outdoor environment. Despite short time to prepare, the
park employees pulled it off.
"All of the permanent and temporary staff pitched in.
They had great ideas and had a great time working on it,"
she said. "We raided my pumpkin patch, dragged out my
many, many Halloween decorations, a few of us pitched
in some money, and I put some pressure on my family to
participate and bring their campers, and we got it going."
The event exceeded expectations as hundreds of visitors
from northwestern Nebraska and neighboring states
converged upon the campground.
Although somewhat surprised by the turnout, Kennedy
said a Halloween event is a natural fit for Nebraska's
largest state park.
"What better place, with the vast history, old
cemetery, large area, lots of parking, beautiful and scenic
campgrounds and protection from the elements? We
couldn't ask for more," she said.
This year's event is set for Oct. 29, and, if Kennedy has
her way, it will top last year's.
"I have some big ideas and would like to change it up a
bit."
The public is encouraged to set up camp with candy, or
just bring the family that evening for the chili, a festive
atmosphere and natural autumn splendor. Find more
information at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov
.
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October 2022 • Nebraskaland 21
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