Halloween Haunted Trails

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes |  Oct. 31, 2021

https://www.weekendnotes.com/haunted-trail-northland-arboretum/

A thrilling outdoor adventure awaits October means it’s time for the Scare Trails at the Northland Arboretum in Brainerd, Minnesota. Last year, we met with the Arb’s Executive Director, Candice Zimmerman, for an update on the Scare Trails, available with COVID-19 precautions implemented. The trails are sponsored by local groups and organizations and supported heavily by volunteers.

She tells me Autumn has always been her favorite season, not just because of the pumpkin spice flavors and flannel shirts, but the dramatic entry nature makes into this region. “Overnight the trees come alive with new colors. It is the season of cozy blankets and sweaters, warm drinks and mouth-watering soups and stews.“

Go during the day, though, since the facility is open dusk to dawn 7 days a week to offer respite to residents and visitors. You’ll be impressed with how very inexpensive it is to become a member.

Candice points out some ways you can take advantage of your annual membership. Sit in the gazebo, perfect for homework. Linger on the bridge or stroll along a path. In winter, the trails are groomed so you can wind through the winter woods on ski paths.

Whether you have an hour or a day, the Arb’s tranquility will surely enhance your visit. But not at Halloween.

Candice tells me that the Scare Trail is one of the Arb’s favorite events. “The event committee has great plans in place for a safe outdoor event that will still scare you silly.”

The general admission fees $15/person for both high and low scare trails, and $10/ person for the low scare trail available during earlier hours. $5/person for Trunk or Treat.

Fairytale Dreams:

The Low Scare Trail, perfect for the young and low fear threshold individuals, include friendly sites and games. You may even spot some singing pumpkins along the way. Keep an eye out for The Great Pumpkin, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Underwater World or Jurassic Park.

Underwater World includes skeletal mermaids, jellyfish, scuba divers and sea creatures all in a lovely bluish-purple cast. If The Little Mermaid is your child’s favorite movie, you won’t be disappointed with this artistic underwater re-creation. And if you have any scuba divers in the group, you’ll be pleased by the variety of fish and sea life. Much more than you can see in the Mine Pits.

Jurassic Park has all the dinosaurs you could ever want to see, from the babies and eggs in the nest to the T Rex, with Venus flytraps scattered throughout the lush vegetation along a haunting orange path. Look for the butterflies that still agitate the T Rex long after he’s gone.