Haunted Walk Through the Woods

A special night for the little ones! Kids' Night is Thursday, October 22 from 5 PM - 8 PM. Our family-friendly trail will be decorated with fun props that kids (and adults) are sure to enjoy! 

Food vendors and music will also be available!

Check out art, holiday decorations, treats, and toys by local vendors! 

If you have some spooky wares to sell, we would love to have you at the event! Reach out to staff at 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org. 

Grab some delicious grub! Enjoy a meal or some holiday snacks after your walk through the woods.

If you have some delicious treats to sell, we would love to have you at the event! Reach out to EEC staff at 574-293-5070 or email EECmail@coei.org.

Rock out to Halloween songs with That Homegrown Halloween Show!

Where is the Elkhart Environmental Center (EEC) located?

The EEC is located at 1717 E. Lusher Avenue in Elkhart. Visitors should take Lusher Avenue all the way east to where it dead-ends at our main entrance (and the only entrance to the event).

Where can I park?

Parking will be available in our main lot and our grass lot located off of Lusher Avenue. Please park only in designated areas and as directed by parking attendants.

Do I need to register or buy tickets?

Advance registration is not required, but we do recommend signing up ahead of time so we can get an idea of how many guests to expect each night. There is no cost to register or attend the event, but a donations are greatly appreciated and help us offset the costs of the event and add new decorations each year!

Do I need to bring anything?

• Please plan to bring a flashlight! Our trails can get quite dark in the evening and we want all visitors to be able to enjoy them safely.
• If you are planning to make a donation for entry or visit our vendors, you may want to bring cash.

Are costumes allowed?

Yes! Kids and adults attending the event are more than welcome to dress up. Please keep in mind that this is a family-friendly event and extra scary or gory garb may be best left at home.

Weapons (real and prop) are not allowed. 

Are dogs allowed?

While we do LOVE dogs at the EEC, this event isn’t the best fit for them due to the noises, décor, and trail actors. For the safety of all pets and visitors, dogs are not allowed. Outside of this event, leashed dogs are welcome on our trails daily from dawn to dusk, so feel free to bring your four-legged family member back another time!

How “scary” is the scary trail?

The decorations along our scary wooded trail are a bit creepier than those along the Kids’ Trail and may be frightening to younger kiddos. There will also be actors stationed along the trail who may jump out at or follow guests. 

The path features creepy decor, flashing lights, spooky sound effects, and jump scares by trail actors. All are welcome to walk the path, but parents/guardians should use discretion as to what kiddos may be comfortable with. 

Please note: Touching of trail actors is NOT PERMITTED.

How can my kids participate in the costume parade?

Kids of all ages are welcome to participate in the parade, which will take place at 6:30 PM on Thursday. To join in, kids simply need to be at the stage area by 6:30 PM and be ready to walk in a mini parade across the stage. We’ll make an announcement to remind everyone to get there in time!

Is the event stroller-friendly?

Yes and no. The kids’ trail is mainly on grassy paths; it may be a little bumpy, but strollers can make it through. The scary trail does contain stairs and therefore is not stroller-friendly.

How long are the trails?

The amount of time spent on the trails depends on your speed and how much you stop to enjoy decorations. On average, most people can complete both the Kid-Friendly and Scary Woods trails in 30-40 minutes. 

What should I do if I have questions or need assistance at the event?

Staff can be contacted at the EEC/Event Information booth located near the Kid's Trail Entrance. Police and medics will also be onsite at all times. 

Can I volunteer for the event?

Absolutely! Volunteers are a major part of this event and we appreciate all the help we can get. We have a variety of shifts available – you can learn more about them and sign up for your favorite here.

I have a different question…how can I get in touch?

You can get in touch with EEC staff by calling our office at (574) 293-5070, sending us a Facebook message, or emailing us at EECmail@coei.org. We look forward to hearing from you!