Spirits in the Gardens

Featuring more than 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns hand-carved by volunteers, Spirits in the Gardens has become a central Iowa tradition for Halloween family fun. It’s also great for date nights and fun with friends, so come in costume and have a spooky good time!

Experience hand-carved Jack-O-Lanterns located throughout the beautiful gardens, as well as glowing orbs, Hollusion dancing video projections, and the colorful lighted tower at Sycamore Falls. All three nights will feature our Candy Factory at the end of the route, as well as activities and chemistry shows from ISU SCUM (Society of Chemistry Undergraduate Majors). A local BSA troupe will be selling pre-packaged snacks and hot chocolate as a fundraiser near the halfway point of the route (cash and credit cards accepted).

Enjoy creepy crawly critters? New this year, visit our auditorium before you leave for the chance to adopt your very own hissing cockroach (fee required).

This event is supported by a Discover Ames Community Grant