Throughout the years, families have made memories at the Fon du Lac Farm Park’s annual Halloween tradition, the Witches Walk. What started as a small community gathering many years ago, has grown into one of the area’s favorite fall events, now welcoming more than 5,000 visitors each year. With its mix of old-fashioned farm life, Halloween fun, and activities for all ages, the 37th Annual Witches Walk is an experience you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve been to the Farm Park during the summer, you know how special it is. The park is a recreation of a 1920s farm, where you can peek inside a one-room schoolhouse, step into a recreated farmhouse kitchen, and explore antique farm equipment from a century ago. You’ll also meet the animals who call the park home—Taco the donkey, Harry and Louie the cows, along with pigs, horses, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, geese, and even giant goldfish in the pond. It’s a place that feels like stepping back in time while giving kids the chance to experience farm life up close.

When the regular season ends after Labor Day, the real transformation begins. Did you know that we start decorating as soon as we close for the season? Staff and volunteers roll up their sleeves and get to work decorating every corner of the park. It takes a lot of time, well over a month, to create the lighted tunnel and place all of those Witches along the path — hence the name, Witches Walk. By the time Witches Walk opens, the park has been transformed into a glowing, whimsical wonderland.

As you stroll through the paths, you’ll find twinkling lights, creative decorations, and just the right amount of Halloween spirit. Witches Walk has been described as something straight out of Stars Hollow or a Hallmark Movie, with just the right amount of sugar and spice and designed to be not-so-spooky. The little ones can laugh and explore without any scares, and everyone, young and old, can soak up the joy that is Witches Walk. It’s all about the fun side of Halloween.

And yes—there’s treats! Trick-or-treat stations are scattered throughout the park, with volunteers passing out goodies like candy and little trinkets to eager superheroes, princesses, and little ghouls. With the barns and farm buildings as the backdrop, every stop feels picture-perfect.

But there’s more to Witches Walk than candy. The two playgrounds and the iconic Silo Slide inside the barn stay open, giving kids a chance to climb, slide, and play just like they do during the regular season. After burning off some energy, families can cozy up under the stars to watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on the big projector screen. Free popcorn makes it even sweeter—a tradition many families come back for year after year.

This year also marks the start of local sponsorships. “We’re really excited to begin building partnerships with community businesses and organizations,” said Kylie Emert, Farm Park Manager. “Their support helps us continue to enhance the event for families, allowing us to make it bigger and better.” These partnerships show just how much the community values the Farm Park and its traditions.

Witches Walk is important to all of us, even our animals. Every ticket you purchase goes right back into caring for the animals at the park. Your visit helps feed Harry and Louie the cows, Taco the donkey, the pigs, and all of the other animals. It helps us create warm and comfortable spaces for the goats and sheep throughout the winter. It allows us to make the necessary repairs and upgrades to the park to keep it safe for animals and visitors. By enjoying a night of Halloween fun, you’re also helping the animals stay happy and healthy all year long.

That’s part of why the Witches Walk means so much to the community. Parents who came as children are now bringing their own kids, dressing in coordinating family costumes, creating those memories together. They are passing down a tradition that has and will continue to stand the test of time. 

Witches Walk is more than just a Halloween event. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy simple moments, and spend time with the people who matter most. It’s an opportunity to coordinate those costumes, grandparents, aunts, and friends included, and take a photo all together to look back on in 10 years. It’s a celebration of community, tradition, and family fun. It’s a truly magical event, and we hope to make those memories with you this year and for many more years to come.

Event Details
Witches Walk will be held on October 17, 18, 24, and 25 from 6:00–8:00 PM each evening at the Fon du Lac Farm Park, 305 Neumann Drive in East Peoria. 

For more details, visit fondulacpark.com or call the Fon du Lac Park District at (309) 699-3923.