Mid-October is the unofficial start of the holiday season. In 15 days, pumpkins will have been transformed to jack-o-lanterns and children will be out trick-or-treating. This is the time when the preparation for Halloween begins: Costumes are being made or bought, pumpkins are being carved and horror movie nights are scheduled.
But, no Halloween festivities are complete without a haunted house, a pumpkin patch, a corn maze or a hay ride. And sometimes finding one is the biggest struggle. Here are some fun Halloween activities that are fairly close.
In Eugene, Johnson Farms is offering hay rides, a “u-pick” pumpkin patch and an indoor maze. A chance to fire at a scarecrow is available for $5. Johnson Farms is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. It is located at 89733 Armitage Road, Eugene.
A haunted hayride in Springfield will be giving rides Oct. 20-22. The Dorris Ranch will be hosting ghosts, zombies, mummies and historical figures for this hayride, but act fast because there is already a waiting list. Prices range from $6 to $7.50, but call ahead (541-736-4544) to make sure you get a spot. The Haunted Hayride is located at 205 Dorris St., Springfield.
If you have means of transportation, head up to Junction City, where Lone Pine Farms will be hosting their popular corn maze. Lone Pine Farms has the option of a daytime non-haunted corn maze and a haunted “Xscream” maze, which starts at 7:30 p.m. The difference lies in the level of scariness and the price. Admission for the daytime maze is $7 and the haunted nights maze jumps up to $15 on Sundays and $18 on Fridays and Saturdays. Lone Pine Farms is located at 91909 River Road, Junction City.
Junction City also has Thistledown Farm, one of the more well known pumpkin patches. Thistledown Farm gives tractor drawn rides to the pumpkin patch Monday through Friday, and on weekends rides are horse drawn. Cost for the ride is $3. Thistledown Farm is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 455 River Road, Junction City.
Another haunted house awaits in Cottage Grove Armory, a historical building south of Eugene infamous for its alleged paranormal activity. The haunted house is now open through Nov. 8 with price of admission going for $7 and a “scare again” admission for $3. A portion of proceeds from the haunted house will be going toward Cottage Grove High School and the Cottage Grove Historic Restoration Project. The haunted house is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, and will be open until midnight on Halloween night. Cottage Grove’s Severed Armory Haunted House is located at 628 E Washington Ave., Cottage Grove.
