Join the enjoyable at SIU’s 2025 Touch of Nature Haunted Hollow on Oct. 19

All ages take pleasure in Touch of Nature’s annual Haunted Hollow. (SIU Carbondale picture)

October 07, 2025

Join the enjoyable at SIU’s 2025 Touch of Nature Haunted Hollow on Oct. 19

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Haunted Hollow, the all the time fashionable fall household enjoyable fest at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center, returns Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

There’s enjoyable in retailer for all ages on the middle, positioned about 8 miles south of Carbondale on Giant City Road. Much like a carnival, the occasion options all kinds of free actions in addition to some occasions requiring a nominally priced ticket. Costumes are inspired however not crucial.

Action galore

Thrills, family-friendly frights and thrilling academic experiences await members at Haunted Hollow. For free, households can take pleasure in fall-themed crafts and video games and a haunted cabin – to not fear, it’s not too scary. There’s additionally a creepy crawlers exhibit the place youngsters can find out about and even maintain snakes and bugs.

Ticketed points of interest, with a various variety of tickets required, embody a climbing rock wall, the large swing and pumpkin portray.

The annual hayride is essentially the most beloved of all actions, and annually it sells out. The hayride goes by means of Camp II and into Camp 1, offering a enjoyable approach to soak up the middle’s outside magnificence whereas having a good time. Tickets are $3 every and accessible on a first-come, first-served foundation, so organizers encourage members to return early and join a timeslot. 

Rain or shine

The occasion takes place rain or shine, so costume appropriately for outside actions. All ages can take part, and the grounds are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.

Some of the actions require a waiver signed by a mum or dad or guardian with the intention to take part. Save time by downloading the waiver from the website and bringing signed varieties for every member of the family.

Visitors should buy grilled hotdogs, hamburgers and frightfully scrumptious desserts.

For extra data, go to the website, name 618-453-1121 or electronic mail [email protected].

Volunteers from SIU and the community are additionally welcome to help with the occasion.