Deep within the gnarled boundary of Hogeland Family Ranch, the trees don’t just stand—they lean and listen, waiting for the crisp October air to wake them. Visitors speak of a peculiar weight in the atmosphere and shadows that dance between the ancient trunks. On the winding forest trail, you are never truly alone; a soft shuffling follows just out of sight, and the faint snap of a twig heralds a hidden presence. As the moon rises, the woods become a living part of the night. If you hear your name whispered from the thicket, do not stop to wonder. Some things are meant to be felt, not understood—and the forest is always watching, patient and hungry for its next guest.
GENERAL INFO
HOURS
Every Friday & Saturday in October
6:30PM-9:30PM
AGE LIMITS
Available for all ages. Parental discretion is advised. MInors must be accompanied by an adult.
Rules
- No Touching the Dwellers or the props
- Stay within the guide ropes
- Not for those with heart conditions
- Strobe lighting in use
- No foul or vulgar language - this is a family friendly event
- Show respect for others
THE AWAKENING OF THE HAUNTED FOREST
The Hogeland family’s love for the eerie didn’t start in some distant past—it crept in during the strange, silent autumn of 2020. With the world locked down and Halloween on the brink of vanishing, the ranch sat under an unusual stillness. Instead of crowded streets and noisy neighborhoods, there was only wind, distance, and a restless feeling that the night was owed its shadows.
Searching for a way to keep the spirit of Halloween alive for their kids, the Hogelands invited a small circle of family and friends to the ranch for a trunk-or-treat—outside, under the open sky, where the cold air and careful spacing kept everyone safely apart. But as jack-o’-lanterns flickered and the dark fields closed in around them, something about that night felt different. The forest at the edge of the property watched. The laughter echoed a little too long. And the Hogelands realized that the ranch wasn’t just a place to visit on Halloween… it was a place that wanted Halloween.
They brought the celebration back the very next year—but this time, they listened to the trees. The family decided it would be fun to carve a path into the woods and build a haunted forest. All through October 2021, the Hogelands worked, day and night, filling the trail with props, lights, and lurking shapes that seemed to grow more real with every passing dusk. By the end of the month, the forest felt charged—like it had been waiting for this.
When the big night finally came, nearly 160 guests arrived at the ranch. The party was a blur of screams and laughter, as friends and family braved the twisting trail beneath the black branches. The Haunted Forest was a massive hit—but the next day, as the Hogelands moved through the quiet woods, tearing down creatures and coffins, they felt it again: that watching presence. The forest didn’t like going back to normal. And after all that work, neither did they.
That was the moment the decision was made. The Haunted Forest shouldn’t live for just one night. It needed more.
In 2022, the Hogelands opened their Haunted Forest to the public every weekend in October. The response from the community was overwhelming—in the best possible way. Crowds kept coming, stories kept spreading, and every year since, the forest has only grown darker, stranger, and more alive.
As long as the community keeps returning, and the Hogelands still feel the thrill of those haunted nights, the forest will open its gates again and again. Every weekend in October, the ranch calls out to those who dare to enter… and the forest waits, patient and hungry, for whoever answers.
THE EXPERIENCE
The Hogeland trail is far more than a simple stroll; it is a visceral, atmospheric gauntlet designed for those who seek a spirited autumn thrill. Your journey begins with a tractor-pulled wagon ride through a desolate riverbed, leading you to the threshold of the haunted forest. Once you disembark, the woods truly claim you. Shadows shift between gnarled trunks, and the air grows heavy with the mystery of the night. Creatures and goblins watch from the corners of the thicket, waiting to greet you as you navigate the winding path. Expect an immersive encounter where visibility is a luxury and silence is your only warning. This family-friendly experience is crafted to challenge your instincts while providing a haunt you won't soon forget. Enter with caution—the forest is always listening.
FAQ
Q: WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?
Q: CAN I GET A REFUND?
A: The forest will be closed if it is raining.
A: All sales are final. Once you buy your way in, the blood pact is binding. Tickets are non-refundable.
Q: HOW LONG IS THE WAIT?
A: Expect 10-15 minute waits on peak nights. The shadows are patient—you should be, too.
Q: IS THE TRAIL ACCESSIBLE?
A: The terrain is uneven dirt and natural rot. It is not suggested for wheelchairs or those with weak hearts.
Q: WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
A: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Bring your courage; you'll need it.
Q: CAN I TAKE PHOTOS?
Yes absolutley, as long as you don't use a flash. Send them to us or tag us on your posts and we may include them on our website.
Q: IS THIS TOO INTENSE FOR MY SOUL?
Q: WHAT LURKS IN THE TREES?
Recommended for all ages. High-intensity jump scares, psychological horror, and strobe effects are used throughout the forest. Prepare for total sensory overload. We do however offer a lights on tour that starts at 6:30pm as well as a red light tour that excludes the jump scares. Nothing we can do about animatronics.
Professional scare actors and practical effects inhabit the shadows. For everyone's safety, do not touch our inhabitants—and they will not touch you.
Q: WHAT IS THE PRICE OF ADMISSION?
Once you cross the gate, the only way out is through. Safe zones are positioned along the trail for medical emergencies, but the horror doesn't stop for anyone else.
Q: IS THERE ANY ESCAPE?
You are welcome to come to the ranch and enjoy an outdoor movie, whirly-gig (country style merry-go-round), cornhole, and other games at no cost. We have concessions and other items for sale. The Haunted Forest + wagon ride is $15 per person.