Haunted Hike 2026
FRIGHT NIGHT
No refunds or new slots are given to parties who MISS their hike times.
What to Expect:
- Purchase tickets at the door (Unless you are a DHF member, you may purchase pre-sale tickets)
- Receive a hike time at admissions. Groups are maxed out at around 15 people for better experiences and leave every 5 minutes! (If you have a large group, please be prepared to be split into multiple groups!)
- While you wait, enjoy snacks like popcorn and cider, OR chill by the campfire (favorable weather conditions only), take photos with our photo booth props or characters, play a few yard games, and more, all in the outdoor classroom.
- The hikes are all outdoors; please dress accordingly.
- Hikes line up on benches in the outdoor classroom approximately 5-10 minutes before your scheduled time. The "ringmaster" will call out hike times to get groups gathered on benches.
- Group hikes are to remain on benches until your Haunted Hike guide calls your hike time to leave. Please stay with your group at all times, no exceptions. The guide will walk you through all the trails and get you safely to the hayride.
- During the hike you can expect jump scares, screams, flashing lights, strobes, decorated trails, decorated stations, costume characters, sound effects, loud noises, and more. The hike lasts approximately 20 minutes and traverse .5 miles, followed by a 10-minute hayride back to the visitor center and parking lot.
- 5:00-6:00pm is Reverse Scares. Children attending are encouraged to dress up and scare the characters on the trails! Groups departing after 5:45 may complete some of the hike during the scare times starting at 6pm. At this time, our volunteers begin to scare patrons.
- While this is a family-friendly event, nighttime hikes can be quite scary for children. Plan accordingly - you know your child best.
- If you miss your check-in time/hike, you MUST purchase new tickets for a new time. No Refunds!!!
Pre-Sale Tickets
- For 2026, only DHF members may purchase presale tickets
- Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your selected departure time to check in, use the restrooms, etc.
- If you miss your check-in time/hike, you MUST purchase new tickets for a new time. No Refunds!!!
- In the event of inclement weather, guests will be contacted via email or phone to reschedule or receive a full refund if the event is canceled.
This event is our largest fundraiser of the year, and it would not be possible without the gracious people that volunteer their time to help create scenes, set-up the trails, dress-up as spooky characters, and other behind the scenes tasks! A HUGE thank you to our Haunted Hike volunteers and supporters!
Are you AMAZING at jump scares? Contact our Community Engagement Coordinator about volunteering! Email [email protected]
Are you AMAZING at jump scares? Contact our Community Engagement Coordinator about volunteering! Email [email protected]
Highlights from 2023 Haunted Hike: Nightmare Before Christmas!
Photo Credits: Greg A Cooper, EIU Journalism