Looking for a local, family-friendly destination that’s equal parts adventure, laughter, and pure country charm? Whether you’re planning a day out with the kids, an adrenaline-packed afternoon with friends, or a fall weekend full of spooky surprises, Hidden Hills has something for everyone.
In the rolling Driftless countryside, this lively farm is home to animals, games, and year-round outdoor fun—but come October, it transforms into one of the region’s most spirited fall destinations.
Spooky Season at Hidden Hills
This October, celebrate fall the Driftless way—surrounded by hay bales, laughter, and maybe even a friendly scare or two. The Hidden Hills Halloween Celebration runs October 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26, and November 1–2, featuring a full lineup of family-friendly (and delightfully spooky) activities.
Kick things off at the Costume Contest, where guests of all ages can show off their best child-friendly costumes. Winners take home $150 worth of farm-fresh meats, along with other fun prizes.
For little adventurers, the Grass Maze is a perfect alternative to the traditional corn maze—easy to navigate, safe for smaller kids, and full of surprises. Search for the hidden rocks, reveal the secret message, and earn your sweet reward!
Hop aboard a Spooky Train Ride to tour the property and catch glimpses of eerie scenes set up for the Haunted Barn. Along the way, you’ll meet all kinds of Halloween characters and creatures hiding in the shadows.
If riddles and stories are more your style, follow the smoke to the Chest of Mysteries. There, you’ll find an enchanted hut—and the voice of a child trapped by a spell. Solve the riddles, break the curse, and earn your candy (and bragging rights).
Games and Challenges
Hidden Hills also brings a playful twist to Halloween fun with interactive games for every age.
In Frogging with Crocodiles, the fishing pond becomes a stage for courage and quick hands. Rescue the toy frogs from the lurking crocodile by catching them in your nets before they’re “snapped up.”
Try your luck at Hanging with Frank, a life-sized version of Hangman where each correct answer to Halloween trivia helps save Frankenstein from the gallows.
And of course, no fall visit would be complete without the Pumpkin Patch and Carving Station. Pick your pumpkin, carve it on-site (no mess at home!), and then toss the pumpkin guts to the pigs—they’ll squeal with delight at their seasonal snack.
The Haunted Barn: A Story You Won’t Forget
As the sun sets, Hidden Hills takes on a darker edge. The Haunted Barn opens at 5 p.m., with ticket sales beginning at 4 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. Admission is $14 per person after 6 p.m., and a “lesser scare” version is available for families with younger kids.
The haunted experience begins outside with the tragic story of Erlend Norgaard and his family. Learn about the mysterious fire that claimed their lives, Erlend’s encounter with the forest witch Agit, and the chilling aftermath that lingers to this day.
The guided walk takes you through the Norgaard family cemetery—where spirits have been awakened from their slumber—and finally into the barn itself. Inside, you’ll find remnants from the fire, eerie works of art, and perhaps even the ghostly presence of Erlend or Agit. It’s a haunting you won’t forget.
All-Season Fun
Even when Halloween fades, Hidden Hills keeps the fun going with activities for every age and season.
At The Petting Farm, visitors can meet a lively mix of friendly animals—chickens, turkeys, ducks, cows, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, a miniature horse, kittens, and bunnies—all eager for attention and snacks.
Kids can burn off energy on the Towers and Chains while playing the farm’s famous Sponge Water Wars, take a scenic Barrel Train Ride, or try their luck catching Magnetic Fish in the Fishing Pond. The Little Critter Corner is home to turtles and other small creatures, while the Down Hill Trikes offer gravity-powered thrills for adventurous riders.
Bring your Nerf Guns and imagination for all-out fun on the Battle Course, or test your problem-solving skills with one of the farm’s creative Scavenger Hunts.
Paintball Adventures
For those who crave a little competition, Hidden Hills boasts an 8-acre wooded Paintball Course packed with hills, ravines, and obstacles. Choose from three dynamic game modes—all included with admission:
- The 8-Acre Woods – Use cover and teamwork to capture all four forts or eliminate your opponents.
- Speedball Course – A fast-paced, head-to-head match where quick aim and smart moves decide who captures the flag.
- Hill-to-Die-On – A unique challenge where defenders hold the hilltop bunker while attackers race from obstacle to obstacle, aiming to ring the bells or land a grenade in the foxhole.
No extra fee. No shortage of fun.
The Murder Mystery
For a different kind of thrill, gather your friends for The Murder Mystery. A crime has been committed down on the farm, and everyone’s a suspect—including you. Examine the evidence, read witness statements, and piece together the puzzle. Who had motive? Who has an alibi? Only the sharpest minds will solve the case in time.
Plan Your Visit
From frolicking farm animals to eerie haunted tales, Hidden Hills captures the spirit of the Driftless Area—where community, creativity, and the beauty of the land come together in every season.
So whether you’re carving pumpkins, rescuing frogs, playing paintball in the woods, or uncovering a mystery under the stars, Hidden Hills is ready to welcome you for a day (and night) you’ll never forget.
