Events

Ghosts, goblins, and skeletons will cover the North Country National Scenic Trail on Sunday, October 29 at 1:00 p.m. Join the NCTA Dakota Prairie Chapter for a hike with them! The frightening old witch will again appear to lead eager participants down the crooked lane, over the hill, and into the forest. Who will be lurking under that rickety, old bridge that we must cross? You’ll have to come and find out for yourself! Bring your children and grandchildren (in costume if they wish), to an easy, 2.5-mile hike as we enjoy the season and learn about the surrounding nature.

The children will be looking for “tree cookies” as they try to identify trees along the trail, collecting as many “cookies” as possible strewn across the trail. The trees have something interesting connected to them which will aid the children, as well as adults, identify them. A few examples of this are the helicopter seeds of the box elders, the skis of the basswoods, the rough bark of the bur oak, and the heavy limbs of the ironwoods (thus the name). As we head back to the trailhead, a campfire will be awaiting participants. After a few riveting Halloween games with “Old Mother Witch,” children and adults alike will be ready to enjoy s’mores and some spooky conversation.

Directions to the Halloween Hike: Travel south on I-29 to the Kindred exit, turn west, travel past Kindred on SR 46 until you reach the SR 18 turn. Turn south and travel 5 miles, after passing over the Sheyenne River Bridge, look to your left, this is the Albert Ekre Grasslands Preserve. Contact the Chapter with questions at dpc@northcountrytrail.org.