October 2024 • Nebraskaland 43
up for the costume contest; kids, adults and pets can join in
the fun. As you enjoy the afternoon, munch on s'mores and
sip hot apple cider.
Indian Cave State Park
Oct. 11-12, 19, 26; times vary
Treat yourself to a smorgasbord of Halloween fun. The
park's 29th annual Haunted Hollow event kicks off with
trick-or-treating along decorated trails at the old town of St.
Deroin. The following dates include a pumpkin roll, haunted
hayrack rides and campsite decorating contest. Oct. 19
features a junk and craft market, a walk raising funds for
local cancer organizations and Trick-or-Treat by the Buses,
starring Volkswagen buses.
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Oct. 12, 1-7 p.m.
Johnson Lake's Halloween Haunt returns 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.
Red Willow State Recreation Area
Oct. 25-27
Know someone good with a paintbrush? Kids ages 14 and
younger are invited to bring their artistic skills and compete
in a pumpkin-painting contest. Those with an eye for festive
décor can compete in a camper/campsite decorating contest.
Make sure to bring some candy, as the event also features
camper-to-camper trick-or-treating.
Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area
Oct. 19, 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.
Curious about the wild things that go bump in the night?
Experience the Wildcat Hills at night during the Howl in the
Hills Night Hike. This guided hike will be a little over half a
mile long on uneven terrain. Please bring a flashlight, hiking
shoes and a sense of adventure. Two hikes are available, with
a limit of 25 participants per hike. Pre-register before Oct. 9 at
Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.gov.
Children compete in a costume contest at Ash Hollow State
Historical Park in Garden County. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
Visitors trick-or-treat in the Middle Oak Creek Campground
during the annual Spooktacular event at Branched Oak
State Recreation Area. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
Visitors inspect pumpkins on display at the annual Pumpkin
Carving Festival at Calamus Reservoir SRA in Loup and
Garfi eld counties. ERIC FOWLER, NEBRASKALAND
Craft market at Indian Cave during the Pink Pumpkin Walk
event. RENAE BLUM, NEBRASKALAND