Normal’s Haunted Trail returns with family fun, frights and a cause
Written by Jacie Hinton on October 15, 2025
Image courtesy of the Town of Normal
NORMAL, Ill. – In the height of spooky season, Normal Parks and Recreation will host two weekends of Haunted Trails.
The Haunted Trail has been around for 30 years and has evolved into what it is now.
The Haunted Trail consists of two different haunts: a Not-So-Scary trail on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and a Scary Trail next Friday and Saturday.
The Not-So-Scary Trail is mainly targeted for younger kids and families, while the Scary Trail is targeted for older kids, teens, and adults.
The planning process starts around mid-August, and they start sorting through supplies around the end of September.
The trails each consist of around 20 different scenes with multiple characters and sights.
Aquatics and Special Events Supervisor Hanna Razo, shared information about the upcoming events.
Razo explained that they try to make the scenes a little different every year with the help of park maintenance.
“Our park maintenance guys are awesome, and they help build the props that we need,” said Razo.
With new set pieces built by park maintenance, new characters can be introduced and fan favorites can return. Razo said characters that have been especially popular in past years are often brought back, and she knows kids will be excited to see them.
Each night of the trail, about 100 volunteers and staff members help run the event.
“We could not do the Haunted Trail without volunteers,” Razo explained.
Parking for the trail will be available behind the Normal Parks and Recreation office or at Chiddix Junior High School. Visitors can walk to the trail entrance located behind the office. A shuttle will be provided at the end of the trail to return visitors to their parking areas.
This weekend’s Not-So-Scary Trail will also host a canned food drive. Admission is $5 cash or one canned food item per person for free entry. All donations will go to Midwest Food Bank. Razo said that thousands of pounds of food are donated every year.
In addition to the Not-So-Scary Trail, other activities are provided after the trail: face painting, games, crafts, prizes, and more with no extra cost.
For more information about the Haunted Trail, visit the Normal Parks and Recreation website.
