HELENA – October brings shorter days, colder nights, and haunting events. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting seasonal events this month, from nighttime walks to campfire stories. Check each listing below for times, costs and registration details so you can make the most out of the spookiest time of year.
Friday, Oct. 9 – Trick-or-treat walk, Giant Springs State Park
Giant Springs State Park is hosting a Trick-or-Treat Walk starting at 4:30 p.m. Kids, dogs and anyone with Halloween spirit are invited to trick-or-treat on the trail. The 0.66-mile walking route has plenty of fun and educational candy stops along the way. Don’t forget your costumes.
Saturday, Oct. 10 – National Fossil Day, Makoshika State Park
Makoshika State Park is hosting its annual National Fossil Day event. Be a paleontologist for the day and learn how fossils form, what types exist and what kind can be found in Makoshika. Fossil and dinosaur activities are suitable for all ages. Drop in any time between 1 and 3 p.m.
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Sunday, Oct. 18 – Apple cider pressing, Travelers’ Rest State Park
Travelers’ Rest State Park’s free Trekker Kids program is giving fall visitors an extra treat. From 11 a.m. to noon, guests from the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula will demonstrate how to press apple cider.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 – Skull Detective, Montana WILD
Put your detective skills to the test starting at noon. Get up close with real animal skulls and investigate clues on how animals find food, avoid danger and navigate the world. This program is geared toward students in the fourth grade and up. Register and get your tickets here.
Thursday, Oct. 22 – Bat-Stravaganza, Montana Audubon Center in Billings
FWP and the Montana Audubon Center will host Bat-Stravaganza, a family-friendly event focused on learning about and celebrating bats. The event is free, and all ages are welcome. Stop by between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Halloween costumes are encouraged.
Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24 – Bannack Ghost Walks, Bannack State Park
Bannack State Park is offering four chances to take its unforgettable ghost walks, with shows at 7 and 9 p.m. Each show is about 90 minutes and features scenes based on real, chilling events from Bannack’s past. Tickets are limited and sell out most years. Get your tickets now!
Saturday, Oct. 24 – Spooky tour, Pictograph Cave State Park
Ranger Ben will lead a guided nighttime tour to Pictograph Cave and share stories about Native American history of the area. After the walk, gather around a cozy campfire for his favorite spooky stories. The walk begins at 7 p.m. Spots are limited, so call the park at 406-254-7342 to reserve yours. Bring your coat, flashlight, snacks and a camp chair.
Sunday, Oct. 25 – “Corpse” of Discovery, Travelers’ Rest State Park
Stop by Travelers’ Rest State Park between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for spooky games and sweet treats while you learn about the real Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. All ages are welcome, and costumes are encouraged. Entry is $5 or a nonperishable food donation.
Tuesday, Oct. 27 – Meet Montana’s “spooky” species, Montana WILD
From 4 to 5 p.m., slither on in for a one-of-a-kind meet-and-greet with owls, snakes and more. You’ll discover that these misunderstood critters aren’t so spooky after all. To register call 406-444-9941; be sure to sign up.
Wednesday, Oct. 28 – Bat Blitz, FWP Region 7 Headquarters, Miles City
Drop in anytime between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. for games like Bat Fact or Fiction, Bobbing for Bats and Migration Madness. Visit the Bat Cave, make a bat mask and don’t forget to grab a treat bag on your way out. All ages are welcome, and costumes are encouraged.
Friday, Oct. 30 – Spooky Montana folklore, Makoshika State Park
From 4 to 6 p.m., Makoshika State Park will share some of Montana’s most mysterious folklore. Tales range from spooky indigenous legends to haunted hotels. Montana is full of creepy stories perfect for the Halloween season.
Friday, Oct. 30 – Owl-O-Ween, Montana WILD
Montana WILD is brewing up fun for all ages from 3 to 6 p.m. There are live raptor programs at 4 and 5 p.m., reptile meet-and-greets, owl pellet dissections, bat caves and more. Costumes are highly encouraged, and no registration is required.
