Your complete guide to Halloween and fall events in Clear Lake 2025.

October is one of the best times to experience Clear Lake, Iowa. From eerie trails and pumpkin patches to trick-or-treat fun and cultural celebrations, the season is packed with ways to make memories with family and friends. Whether you love a good scare or prefer cozy fall fun, you’ll find it all here.

The Nightmare Haunted Hike

Fridays & Saturdays in October | Legacy Ranch, 2532 S. Shore Dr.

Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure like no other at The Nightmare Haunted Hike in Clear Lake, Iowa. This outdoor haunted experience has become one of North Iowa’s favorite fall traditions—scarier (and more popular) than ever.

Come on out and explore the all-new sets and longer hike for 2025. As you make your way through the eerie, dimly lit trail, you’ll encounter terrifying scenes, unexpected scares, and monsters lurking in the shadows. Enter if you dare—but don’t say we didn’t warn you!

And when you’ve survived the chills? Warm up with delicious eats from the Food Truck on site this year.

If you dare, we will scare.

Plain Ol’ Pumpkins

Weekends through October 27 | 1603 S. Shore Drive

Looking for wholesome family fun this fall? Head to Plain Ol’ Pumpkins, where old-fashioned farm charm meets endless entertainment. Open weekends through October 27, this pumpkin patch features everything from a sprawling corn maze and hayrack rides to a grain truck slide, wagon basketball, pedal kart track, and the fan-favorite Moo-nure Ball—a skeeball game built into an old manure spreader!

Kids can play in the corn pool, climb the hay pyramid, or try their hand at pumpkin tic-tac-toe. Don’t miss your chance to pick the perfect pumpkin, snap some adorable fall photos, and enjoy a snack by the campfire. Each weekend features a rotating lineup of food trucks, and don’t miss the fire pit and s’mores.

Table or Treat at the Wellness Center

Saturday, October 25 | Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center | 115 N. 20th St.

Little ghouls and goblins will love this family-friendly Halloween tradition! Dress up and head to the Table or Treat event at the Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center. Kids can trick-or-treat from table to table indoors, collecting candy and goodies from local businesses and organizations.

The fun continues in the fieldhouse with games and activities perfect for all ages including the Monster Dash. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween safely and enjoy some indoor excitement no matter the weather.

Citywide Trick-or-Treat Night

Friday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 PM | City of Clear Lake

Grab your candy bags, put on your best costumes, and get ready for a boo-tiful night of trick-or-treating in Clear Lake! Stroll through friendly neighborhoods filled with porch lights and pumpkins, and don’t forget to shout “trick or treat!”

We can’t wait to see all the ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses roaming the streets. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy a spooktacular Halloween night at the lake.

Rotary’s Hot Cocoa Hustle 5K

Saturday, November 1 | Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center | 115 N. 20th St.

After a night of sweets, keep the fun rolling with a little movement! The Clear Lake Rotary Scholarship 5K “Hot Cocoa Hustle” is a fun run/walk event for all ages and abilities. The race begins and ends at the Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center (115 N. 20th Street) and supports local Rotary scholarship programs.

Finish strong and celebrate with a warm cup of cocoa, the perfect way to kick off November in Clear Lake.

Día de los Muertos at the Clear Lake Arts Center

Saturday, November 1 from 10 AM–4 PM | Sukup Lakeside Performing Arts Wing
Exhibit on View November 1–20, 2025

Celebrate Día de los Muertos in vibrant style at the Clear Lake Arts Center. This special event honors the Mexican tradition of remembering and celebrating loved ones who have passed.

Explore authentic Mexican artifacts and altars, create hands-on heritage crafts, and enjoy the colorful displays that make this day so meaningful. The exhibit will remain on view through November 20, so you can return to experience its beauty and symbolism throughout the month.

Plan Your Fall Getaway to Clear Lake, Iowa

Whether you’re chasing thrills at the Haunted Hike, exploring Plain Ol’ Pumpkins with your family, or sipping cocoa after a 5K, Clear Lake is the perfect place to embrace fall. Stay for the weekend, shop downtown, and enjoy local dining as the leaves change along the shoreline.

Start planning your fall getaway today at clearlakeiowa.com.