Wander Wild : Lancaster County Nature Passport
Expiration: 365 days after purchase
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Join us for a Spooktacular Halloween event at Branched Oak State Recreation Area!
October 18 @ 3:30 pm - 9 pm
3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Head to the east side of the water tower to enjoy the apple sling, Plinko, the fish pond, hula hoop, ring toss, bag toss, zipline, photo booth, a pumpkin train, basketball shoot, photo booth and pumpkin carving.
Pumpkins will be for sale – $2 for a small, $3 for a large.
5 p.m. COSTUME CONTEST – prizes will be given to the top 2 in each age group (5 & under, 6-10, 11-16, 17 & older).
6:30 p.m. CAMPER DECORATING CONTEST – Decorate your campsite in preparation for the trick-or-treaters! Prizes will be given out to the top 6 places.
6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. CAMPGROUND TRICK-OR-TREATING – campsites/campers participating will display a trick-or-treat ghost on their campsite post.
7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. HAUNTED TRAIL RIDES – Take a hayrack ride through our haunted trail. You will have to sign up for a time slot when you purchase your tickets. Hayrack rides will go out every five minutes starting at 7 p.m. We will only sell 650 tickets. Purchase tickets in advance beginning Sept. 15 by calling the park office at 402-783-3400.
Cost: $7 for ages 12 & under; $9 for ages 13+; children 3 & under are free. Pick up pre-purchased tickets at the park office during business hours, M-F from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or at the booth in Middle Oak Creek Campground on Oct. 18.
Helpful Information:
A valid 2025 state park vehicle permit is required for entry. A daily pass or annual pass can be purchased at the gate, or in advance online to avoid long lines.
Visitor parking will be north of Middle Oak Creek Campground. All vehicle traffic in the campground will be closed for the safety of the trick-or-treaters between 6 p.m. and will not reopen until 9:15 p.m. No exceptions.
Mission: Find the Stag
The White-tailed deer are fascinating creatures They have excellent hearing and vision, can run up to 35 mph and jump up to 8 feet high. They also have a strong sense of smell and can even swim. The Nature Center is a great place to observe the animals on exhibit and walk the trails.
Fall nature walk or scavenger hunt
From prairie wildflowers to exotic birds, spring-fed ponds to Oregon Trail Cutoff wagon ruts, there's lots to learn about this 850-acre tallgrass prairie preserve southwest of Lincoln.