Pioneer Ridge Nature Area will host a special Halloween-themed outdoor adventure October 23 and 24, featuring Iowa animals that have earned a bad reputation.
Visitors can take a guided hike along the Nature Center’s half-mile paved trail while learning the truth about some of Iowa’s most misunderstood creatures. Hikes will leave the Nature Center every 10 minutes between 5 and 7 p.m. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early for their scheduled time slot.
The fun continues after the hike with a hot chocolate bar inside the Nature Center. Visitors can then board a tractor ride to the campground for Camper Trick-or-Treat.
The cost is free for children ages 3 and under. Pre-registration is $4, while admission at the door is $5. Same-day spots are not guaranteed, so advance registration is encouraged to secure a spot on the hike.
Registration is available through MyCountyParks.com. On the Events page, select Wapello County from the drop-down menu and choose your preferred hike time.
The event will be held at Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, located at 1339 U.S. Highway 63 near Bloomfield.
Event Details:
Dates: October 23–24, 2026
Time: Hikes depart every 10 minutes from 5–7 p.m.
Location: Pioneer Ridge Nature Area, 1339 U.S. Highway 63, Bloomfield, Iowa
Cost: Free for ages 3 and under; $4 pre-registration; $5 at the door
Source: Wapello County Conservation / MyCountyParks.com
